Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - LHR-HKG CX F class - which flight?

CX has 3 LHR-HKG flights per day - which one is the best?

1. CX 252 - not interested because very very early arrival in HKG

2. CX 250 (depart LHR 18:05 arrive HKG 14:00+1)

3. CX 254 (depart LHR 21:45 arrive HKG 18:00+1)

So, between CX 250 and 254, which one is better?

I want a full dinner service (on F class) - is the catering the same for these two flights? I don't want to end up with a "downgraded" meal service if I fly on CX 254.

As for the aircraft type, I think CX 254 uses A340-300 - with only two rows of F class - will it be too crowded?

Never been on F class before - always on C (paid by my dad) - redeeming points this time.

Thanks! You guys are really helpful. Free therapy sessions anyone?

[This message has been edited by Psychiatrist (edited Dec 14, 2003).]

I would go for 250 if you can. The problem with 254 is that if you have slept for a lot of the flight you will have difficulty getting to sleep again within 6 hours of your arrival. With the earlier flights you just have to force yourself to stay up until a sensible bedtime on HK time and you are more or less OK the next day. I actually find 252 good for this, particularly if I have to do a days work in the office when I arrive.

Food-wise I think that 250 and 254 are the more or less the same. Equipment varies a bit, but I would always prefer the 747 over the A340 in F. (Well in any class actually)

And thanks for the offer, but I fear my problems are beyond what is fixable by a few sessions on a couch http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by christep (edited Dec 14, 2003).]

Another point to consider may be that should 254 be cancelled, you have no other options to get to Asia from LHR. With the 250 departure, if the aircraft is grounded, you will be rebooked on BA 27, Virgin 200 etc.
Otherwise I know of no consistent difference between 250 and 254, jet-lag wise I prefer 250 also.

[This message has been edited by mhtaipei (edited Dec 14, 2003).]

Thanks for all the information!

Catering wise... very similar...

the 6pm departure will have the traditional dinner service with caviar and salmon, soup, salad, four chocies of main, cheese plate, three choices of desserts and pralines...

There is an extensive midflight snack menu, and then a brunch prior to arrival.

For the 11pm flight, F class get the full a la carte menu... start off with caviar and salmon, and the rest is up to you... there are tons of threads on the midnight menus... soup, salad, light bites, Chinese favorites, Western entrees, Chinese desserts... the only different is less dessert choices, but still have the ice-cream. You get whatever you want at whatever time...

I think for first class, the different between the 6pm and 11pm flight was minimal. You get pretty much the same thing... CX First is pretty much all a la carte... some F/As still do the traditonal trolley thing, but most go with a la carte.

Only when you fly J, you will notice the big differences between dinner and supper. In F and Y, they are pretty much the same.

Have a good flight!

Carfield

[QUOTE]Originally posted by christep:
"Equipment varies a bit, but I would always prefer the 747 over the A340 in F. "


Do you really prefer the 747 over A340? I think if travelling as a couple, the 340 is preferable - smaller, more intimate cabin...

[This message has been edited by BA Loyal (edited Dec 19, 2003).]

Well I do very nearly all of my long haul on my own unfortunately. Having done short-haul F (HKG-KIX) on the 340 as a couple I can see your point, but there's still something about the 747 F cabin that is better for me than the 340 - but I can't actually define what it is. Maybe it's the lack of distraction in front since on the 747 people come from behind and only when they are doing something whereas on the 340 there are people hanging around at the front of the cabin and wandering through throughout the flight,