TRIP REPORT - CATHAY PACIFIC (CX) BUSINESS CLASS HKG->SIN

BACKGROUND

This is the second leg of the trip from Taiwan. Including a 3 hour stopover at HKG in order to sample a few of CX's legendary lounges.

LOUNGES

CX has some of the best lounges in the industry and they are ALL present in Hong Kong. Unlike other carriers, CX entitles each lounge by a different name such as "The Pier" or "The Wing." Additionally, each lounge has a unique design and food offerings.

 The inside of the lounge was simply awesome.. There is no other way to describe it. The food offerings ranged from Dim Sum to western choices. Additionally, the noodle bar was a really great spot to get some home made Hong Kong Style Noodles

The full Italian Style Esspresso Bar was filled with amazing treats as well!!!

DEPARTURE

CX has recently been refitting their planes with the new regional business class seat. I had read some reviews on it and must say that they did a great job with the seat. While it is not a full flat seat the recline was great and the seat was very comfortable! There was plenty of personal space to work and eat. The touchscreen was very clear and lightyears better than that on their 747.

INFLIGHT SERVICE

Even though the flight was only a little over 3 hours to Singapore, a full and extensive meal service was offered. The service literally took almost the entire flight beginning with a delicious pre departure beverage served in glassware and ending with some tasty ice cream. Each time the attendants passed by with another food offering we were addressed by name and with a smile. Refills of drinks were made constantly and a Hong Kong Style Milk Tea was of course presented.

IMPRESSIONS

CX again lived up to my expectations in every way. The service was stellar and the meals were solid. Although the seat was not a lie flat, I thought the overall presentation and experience in CXs regional business was a great bargain and made the flying experience that much more enjoyable!

TRIP REPORT - CATHAY PACIFIC (CX) BUSINESS CLASS TPE->HKG

BACKGROUND

As part of a recent trip to Asia, I decided to take advantage of some of CXs great business fares from Taipei to Singapore with a connection in Hong Kong. I've always wanted to sample CXs legendary service and have a chance to visit their renowned lounges at HKG.

                                                            Our 747 on arrival at HKG


DEPARTURE/LOUNGE

Taipei (TPE) is generally a terrible airport in my opinion. And for a major city in Asia, I would put it as one of the worst.  Check in for our flight was quick and painless, and security was similar.  I was directed to CXs lounge which is airside, but close to the departure gate. While the lounge had some decent offerings, it looked tired and dark and in much need of an update. A TOTAL contrast to CXs lounges at HKG which, are some of the best I have ever visited.

After enjoying some Beef Noodle soup, I continued to walk over to the departure gate which was pretty close by. The 747 was already there, fueled, catered and ready to take us to HKG!

Boarding was quickly and efficiently done by generally pleasant found staff. Luckily our flight to HKG today would be on one of CXs soon to be retired 747. CX has been generally using 777s for their long hauls with a much newer and nicer business and first class product. They are usin g these older 747s for regional intraasia flights nowadays.

J class (Business) load was very light on this early am departure. Upon boarding, my friend and I presented our boarding passes and were brightfully told that we were the ONLY two passengers to be seated in the upper deck that day. The purser introduced herself as "Susan" and cheekily told us to be "nice to the girls up there." I couldn't be more excited.

As we took our seats, we were addressed by last name and offered pre-departure champagne and newspapers. Service was extremely attentive and friendly as I sat back and relaxed for our 1 hour 20 min flight over the water to HKG.

IN FLIGHT

Service on CX is legendary as compared to US carriers and this flight did not disappoint. With the insane lack of load on this flight we literally had a ratio of 1:1 and the service was stellar. Despite the short flight time we were still presented with menus and served a full breakfast.

I chose the fried rice and chicken and its accompaniments which were all very tasty. The meal was presented about 20 min after takeoff and refills or anything were quickly and happily provided. I finished everything off with an amazingly delicious and signature CX Hong Kong Style Milk Tea.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

Obviously this was an extremely sort segment and in order to get a full taste of the CX experience one would have to fly on a long haul route. However, for the great price, it was an awesome way to experience the way Business class should be done. Great job CX!