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Richard Aspinall - 13 May 2007
 PEK-HKG and then HKG-NRT in Economy. No complaints here. Both flights
were A330 with better legroom than expected. Good choice of movies, TV,
etc on journeys that were only 3-4 hours long. Food and service also
excellent for Economy. The generic Business lounge at Beijing is fairly
basic but "The Pier" lounge at Hong Kong is a different story - good
choice of hot food and only an early start prevented taking full
advantage of The Long Bar. Priority-tagged luggage was first off on both
flights too. A great service all round.
Alan Wan - 13 May 2007
 LHR-HKG return in economy. Outbound on an A340-300 returning on a
A340-600 overall a very good experience checked in on-line and got a
window and aisle seat for the wife and I. The food was good on both
legs - also snacks available throughout the flights and frequent water
and juice runs. FA were very good - when we went up to the galley they
insisted in bringing the drinks or snacks to our seats. Studio CX had a
great choice but lack of AVOD a disappointment. Compared to a recent
Air Canada flight a much superior experience and all for £328 each.
Jordan Smith - 10 May 2007
 SYD-HKG-YVR, return JFK-LAX-HKG-CNS-BNE-SYD. This was a FFlyer Reward
through Qantas so we expected good service. We got that but seat pitch
isn't so good. Food was good. Told that as Qantas ONEWORLD emerald
members we could not enter the Wing lounge. I found out when back in
Sydney that we are entitled to entry into any OneWorld lounge in their
network.
Derek McLeod - 8 May 2007
 HKG-BKK-HKG. Travelled with Cathay Pacific in Economy Class, CX 713 and
CX708. Extremely disappointed given the 5 star status. Service poor.
Food and drink selection very basic. Certainly no frills.
R Yap - 8 May 2007
KUL-HKG return. The seats in A330 were very narrow and legroom not
adequate. The seats on the 777 on the return were more comfortable but I
think the airconditioning was not working properly. The cabin was really
hot. The food served and IFE need to be improved. I have taken CX a few
years ago and I think the overall standard has dropped. But service was
good. Flight Attendants helpful and friendly. For the price I pay, I'll
fly CX again for short-haul and regional. For long haul, I will choose
Malaysian Airlines.
T Wesenbeeck - 8 May 2007
FRA-HKG-NGO-HKG-FRA Business Class. First leg of my outbound 11h30
flight FRA-HKG on full A340-300 was excellent: good meals & drinks
services, excellent FAs, IFE working properly, cabin interior in good
shape, comfy seat, true business class quality! Subsequent HKG-NGO
flight on 777-300: interior worn and old style business class seat, but
good FAs, nice meals, and IFE okay. Both flights left and arrived on
time. Return flight on A340-300 both legs. NGO-FRA really excellent,
business class cabin only 20% full, excellent FAs, superb meal, IFE
okay. However, the 12h30 HKG-FRA flight was a poor quality: average FAs
and meals, IFE not working (compensated for through 100USD voucher for
tax free on-board shopping), plane left late and arrived late with
parking at remote stand. Overall a good experience, but old 777-300 and
faltering IFE do not justify 5-stars label.
Chris Carmody - 3 May 2007
First of all I am thankful that Cathay picked up the passengers possibly
stranded by Emirates cancelling flights after the recent troubles in
Colombo. 24 hours later Cathay cancelled their flights as well. Being a
midnight flight I couldn't face up to the full meal service offered.
First flight on a 777, but still prefer the Airbus seating arrangement,
where you only have to get over one person for a toilet break. The only
thing I didn't like was the fact that the seat in front has a white bar
low down, which makes it almost impossible to slide you feat under the
seat in front, it does make your flight less comfortable.
Nicholas Derek - 20 April 2007
HKG-BKK-HKG Business Class. This was my first experience for some time
of their business class regional service. The new seats comfortable, IFE
good, FA’s attentive. But the meal service was a huge disappointment. I
like to sit at the front and CX serves meals from the rear first. I have
no problem with that, but I dislike the use of trolley service as there
is always the chance you end up with a dish which has been sitting there
for several minutes in the cold, dry cabin air. That’s exactly what
happened with lunch on the return sector. My steak was barely tepid with
a mushroom sauce that had developed a thin skin over it. It was
tasteless, vastly overcooked, tough and virtually inedible. On the
outward sector, I opted for fish. This was tasty, but offered by the FA
from a tray (the trolley being at the back) less than 10 seconds after I
had received my starter. So I opted to forego the starter. However, wine
service continued to be from the trolley, resulting in my being offered
wine only as I finished the last mouthful of fish! Worse, the bread
service started a full five minutes after all that! Surely someone has
to train the FA’s in when everything should be served! Last point: why
on a full two hour flight do the CX FA’s always seem so rushed?
Andrew Wright - 15 April 2007
SYD-HKG-NRT return. The seats were comfortable. I enjoyed the
entertainment with both new release movies, some quirky older movies and
an excellent TV show comedy channel. None of the IFE was AVOD and the
units differed between planes. IFE failed during the A330 flight to NRT.
The food was not good flying northwards, but superb on the flights back
(NRT-HKG-SYD).
T Gibelin - 12 April 2007
CDG-HKG-SIN return Economy. Terminal 2A in CDG needs reorganization. It
was like a zoo with too many different queues and very little space. I
used online checkin and invited by a CX staff to check in at the First
class counter done by an AA staff. Once onboard, flight attendants
cheerful and offered to hang my coat. Rare in economy class. Food was ok
from Paris, not particularly inspiring. IFE has a lot of channels and
programing is good. Seats were not big but the same as other airlines
economy class. There were staff greeting the flight on arrival in HKG
and connecting information and direction was given by the CX staff in
addition to those shown on the tv screens inflight. HKG-SIN was on a
777-300 the seat is actually much more comfortable than the 747 from
Paris and cabin colour pleasing. Cabin staff cheerful, warm, and they
respond to call buttons very promptly. On the flight, there was a large
Chinese tour group that were rather noisy and demanding, but the cabin
crew were very patient and never rude with them. Curry chicken was one
of the best inflight meal I had. Return flight pretty much the same.
Excellent SIN ground staff who remembered my request for an exit row for
HKG-CDG (those were not available using online check in) and there was
actually a new boarding card waiting on arrival in HKG for me. Bravo to
the personalized service of CX, I have no hesitation to travel with them
again.
Roger Stone - 10 April 2007
SYD-HKG-LHR-HKG-SYD mostly using business class on Cathay Pacific
Airlines. Found the same problem as some previous comments that the
overnight flight from Sydney may have the embarrassing problem of
arriving ahead of schedule (at 0425 in my case) and passengers are then
seen wandering around tired and grumpy looking for a business lounge to
sit or sleep in before their onward connecting flight. Maybe the answer
is for the overnight flight from Sydney to leave just a little later so
that onward connections are more seamless. However, after my arrival the
ground staff at Hong Kong could not have been more courteous. For SYD-
HKG I has been put into economy as no business seats were available and
I had to put up with rugby fans on their way to the Hong Kong Sevens so
it was not a pleasant experience. To my surpise, however, I was upgraded
to First Class for the subsequent HKG-LHR sector and had a good 8 hours
sleep on the way to London, after a superb meal. (I am a One-World
Emerald, so maybe that helped). The only other passenger in First was a
Cathay Captain returning back to London after having flown into HKG.
Return LHR-HKG, Cathay Business Class on the midday flight on 1st April
was superb with outstanding service, excellent food, superb wines,
plenty of hot towels, and on-time service. The HKG-SYD sector on the 3rd
(daylight flight) was not quite as good, perhaps reflecting the fact
that the HKG-SYD sector is regarded as a regional route for Cathay. On
a final note, I am becoming increasingly aware that many passengers on
international flights do not appreciate the need to be aware of the
cultural differences that can exist between themselves and the staff of
foreign airlines and they should attempt to be less rude.
G Wallace - 10 April 2007
LAX-HKG-SYD, MEL-HKG-LAX New Business Class. B747s and A333s. These four
flights were the most enjoyed flying experiences I have ever had. My
partner and I were on the upper deck of the B747 on the cross-Pacific
legs and service was impeccable. The food and beverages, although served
rapid fire, were well presented and delicious. We both found the seat
to be very comfortable and I did not experience the sliding feel from it
not being a true lie flat seat. The entertainment system is state of the
art with a wide variety of films, etc. I would not hesitate for a
moment to fly with Cathay Pacific again. It truly was a 5-star
experience.
Tyler Thia - 4 April 2007
SIN-HKG and return. B773 and A330 respectively. Unlike Ms Oda, my
outbound B773 wasn't a brand new ER and had scotch tape plastered on the
seat handles, but it was more comfortable than the A330. So folks,
choose your flights carefully. IFE boring non-AVOD system, but still
managed to catch excellent movies. Both meals quite good given economy
standards, loved the chocolate croissants on the outbound breakfast.
Online check-in priority (48hrs) with Asiamiles membership and scored
bulkhead seat on the B773, which had plenty of legroom. Used early in-
town check-in for return flight, got an exit row seat which was the only
row with decent legroom on the A330.
Masaki Oda - 1 April 2007
SIN-CGK-SIN-HKG Economy. SIN-CGK-SIN flights, B777-300 on both legs, we
had full hot meals and other usual items we normally expect. Because
flight attendants were busy serving and cleaning up meals and selling
duty free items in 1.5 hour leg, they forget something essential. My
return flight to SIN I requested a landing card to Singapore to several
flight attendants, and it was only after the seat belt sign was turned
on for landing that I finally received it. Needless to say, I was not
able to fill it out before landing. However, I also witnessed that a few
flight attendants were chattering near the exit despite the fact that
some passeggers were calling them. SIN-HKG flight with a brand new
B777-300ER was a fantastic experience, not only because of the new
aircraft but also because of the service I received was what we expect
for a five star airline. I believe it is still one of the best economy
class.
M Stamm - 26 March 2007
JFK–HKG Economy. Airbus 340-600. In preparation for a business trip to
Shanghai, I did weeks of research on airlines, flights, aircraft, hotels
and other cities. The result was my decision to begin the trip with a
direct flight from JFK to HKG on Cathay Pacific, a three-day leisure
stay at the Peninsula in Hong Kong and then a flight on Dragonair to
Shanghai. The only negative part of the entire trip was the Cathay
Pacific flight. Check in was efficient, and we left JFK on time. The
A340-600 had not been upgraded yet (see the Cathay Pacific website for
what their long haul economy seats will eventually look like!). The
seats were very cramped with little legroom, even for me, a 5’-9’’
adult. My wife, not taller, but with longer legs, had an even more
difficult time getting comfortable. The food was terrible. The flight
attendant service was above average, but not spectacular. No individual
air vents so I was too warm the entire trip. Instead of an AVOD system
as I had hoped, was stuck with the system where all of the movies start
at once (and where you really have no way of knowing when they will
begin). I compare this experience to a recent flight from ATL to ICN on
Korean Air in economy on a 747-400 in Economy. For those that can only
afford economy, Korean Air beats Cathay Pacific by a wide margin. My
return flight to the US on AA from PVG to ORD on a 777-200 in economy
was better than Cathay Pacific.
S Lai - 26 March 2007
Just got back in AMS from the midnight flight out of HKG in business.
The check in counters at HKG airport are quick and no hassle (and no
extra service). Security in HKG has been changed like the European
airports, but did not cause any delays extra. Gate was 33 so just in
between the two lounges. Chose for the Pier as the Wing is too noisy for
me. An extra surprise was that near the lounge the new Airbus A380 was
parked! What a huge plane. The lounge of CX is perfect, good drinks and
foods selection. Boarding was quick and was offered champagne. I was
seated first row at the right side of the plane 11K. Minor point of that
side is that they always serve you last. food gets cold on the way and
you need to wait a long time. Especially as this is a midnite flight so
you want to have your meal quick and than go to sleep. Seats are not
that great, so can't wait for the new seats to be installed. IFE always
ok and the service of the inflight manager was perfect, she remembered
all the names of the full business class cabin (full load 30
passangers). Food however was blend.
David Baxby - 24 March 2007
The Oneworld Alliance is breaking down. I am Emerald / Platnium FF with
Oneworld and recent flew Sydney to Hong Kong in Business Class on
Cathay. I had a connecting business class ticket on the Cathay /
Dragonair code share flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai. The flight from
Sydney landed at 4.45am and the Shanghai flight not till 8.00am and I
went to the Cathay lounge to wait for the flight. I was told that as I
was a Qantas Emerald member and was connecting on Dragon Air I couldnt
get into the lounge. This is despite the fact that I had just flown
business class on Cathay, it was connecting on a Cathay codeshare and
Cathay owns Dragon Air in its entireity and all I was asking for was
access to the lounge until the Dragonair lounge opened. Apalling
customer service. It seems Cathay has decided to go its own way and not
be a part of the Oneworld Alliance and something I will never
forget the next time I fly.
G Cassinelli - 20 March 2007
Round trip LAX-HKG in Economy. The seats are an absolute horror, they
are so narrow that when flying with Cathay is impossible to sleep or
relax. When the person in front of you recline you have absolutely no
space! Service was average. Planes need a new cabin as they look old.
Its was not really a very nice experience flying CX.
M Schaar - 8 March 2007
YVR-HKG Business Class. A340 wasn't yet upgraded with the new seats,
but I was impressed nonetheless. Flight attendants were top-notch as
were amenities (StudioCX the best in the business). A designer amenity
kit with everything to satisfy. Food and wine selections were vast.
I'm flying back across this week on Korean Air, but I'm already jealous
that I won't be able to experience another CX long-haul in the near
future.
Jan Ayres - 8 March 2007
Business Class Christchurch to Sydney, Sydney to Hong Kong & and Hong
Kong to London. Arriving in Sydney in the early hours there was no
Cathay Pacific staff anywhere, eventually Qantas staff called them &
were told we should check in at the departure gate, ie wait there for 4
hours for it to open! Thankfully Quantas allowed us into their lounge.
We got into Hong Kong at 4am for our onward 9.20 flight and once again
no staff anywhere just notices to tell us that all lounges were closed
until 5.45am for First & 6am for Business. After hanging around for 2
hours we complained when the lounges opened & were told that there was
always a lounge open if a flight came in! We asked where it was & were
told it was the First Class lounge that all the signs said was not open
till 5.45am. Pointed this out & just received a wan smile & a suggestion
form. Not a service I would recommend.
G Marcel - 27 February 2007
YVR-HKG-MNL. Outstanding Business Class ground service in YVR. Business
Class Service aboard upper section of retrofitted 747-400s outstanding.
New, upgraded seats are almost flat and vast improvement over older
setup. Ditto personal entertainment devices that were identical to
First class. Meal selection offered enough choices and of high quality.
Staff had my surname memorized on both legs and did their jobs with
efficiency. Only mild disappointment was the The Wing. CX HKG lounge
where several telephones were not working and furniture looking worn
despite only being several years old. Food served was pedestrian (dim
sum fare) and the wait for the shower stall took 20-25 minutes. Be sure
upon arrival you sign-in and request a shower stall so you can have a
quick drink/bite while you're waiting for your shower stall to be
assigned. HKG-MNL top-notch as YVR-HKG leg. Staff on MNL leg were
clearly experienced and their polish and attentiveness showed.
Barry Webb - 26 February 2007
Adelaide - Hong Kong - London Heathrow economy. My wife and I chose
Cathay because of friends and forum comments and were not disappointed.
Flight was comfortable, inflight entertainment excellent, food/drinks
A1, cabin crew attentive, cheerful and friendly. Those who complain
about lack of seating space should compare other airlines and accept the
fact that if you want more then pay the extra and fly business or first
class.
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