Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - LHR - HKG trip CX or BA in First Class?

I am planning on a RTW in Feb, Any thoughts regarding BA vs CX First Class for LHR-HKG segment???

Timing. Comfort. Food. Terminal 3 vs Terminal 4.

It all depends on YOUR needs.

To expand a little on GB's response:

Timing: CX has an earlier flight if that works better for you.

Comfort: Not much to choose between the seats. I like the drop-down armrest on CX that lets you easily get out when the table is set. BA has the advantage that two can dine facing each other (provided that one is not too wide!). BA too often runs its cabins at too high a temperature for me to sleep comfortably.

Service: CX is much more consistent. BA on a good day is about as good as CX on a better than average day. CX's worst days are about the same as BA's average days. BA's worst days are truly awful.

AV: CX by a mile. 50 video presentations and 100 "CDs" all on demand (plus the regular channel stuff that they get down the back). BA is 25 movies on tape, plus the regular channelised stuff. CX has a bigger screen and better headphones (though not as good as AA's).

Food: CX is generally better - particularly if you prefer Chinese food. And CX has caviar.

Drinks: Close, but the Lynch Bages on CX is great if you are into that style of wine. Great Chinese teas on CX. (But BA is better than most at English-style tea).

Lounges at LHR: the AA lounge in T3 which CX uses is fine if you just want to grab a quick drink and a light snack before boarding. If you need to spend longer in the lounge then BA T4 is much better with access to the Molton Brown Spa facilties, and generally better wine and foods.

Personally I would go for CX every time unless I really, really needed a massage/steam room/whatever. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the detailed info. It seems like the main thing going in favor of BA is T4 Lounge and Molton Brown Spa. I have about 4 hrs to kill...

don't bet on the spa! depending on the time of day, it may be too crowded. evening departures being worse than other times. if you just want the a shower the Admirals Club has one, it's is always available http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by prudentbear:
Thanks for the detailed info. It seems like the main thing going in favor of BA is T4 Lounge and Molton Brown Spa. I have about 4 hrs to kill... </font>

The spa really isn't that exciting - normally a 10/15 minute treatment. I really wouldn't let it be the deciding factor.

I think Christep summed it up perfectly - I personally would choose CX as it has the edge - and the caviar!

I am going with Cathay. Thanks for all the feedback.

Good choice! Please post a review on both the flight and the lounges! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by christep:
To expand a little on GB's response:

Timing: CX has an earlier flight if that works better for you.

Comfort: Not much to choose between the seats. I like the drop-down armrest on CX that lets you easily get out when the table is set. BA has the advantage that two can dine facing each other (provided that one is not too wide!). BA too often runs its cabins at too high a temperature for me to sleep comfortably.

Service: CX is much more consistent. BA on a good day is about as good as CX on a better than average day. CX's worst days are about the same as BA's average days. BA's worst days are truly awful.

AV: CX by a mile. 50 video presentations and 100 "CDs" all on demand (plus the regular channel stuff that they get down the back). BA is 25 movies on tape, plus the regular channelised stuff. CX has a bigger screen and better headphones (though not as good as AA's).

Food: CX is generally better - particularly if you prefer Chinese food. And CX has caviar.

Drinks: Close, but the Lynch Bages on CX is great if you are into that style of wine. Great Chinese teas on CX. (But BA is better than most at English-style tea).

Lounges at LHR: the AA lounge in T3 which CX uses is fine if you just want to grab a quick drink and a light snack before boarding. If you need to spend longer in the lounge then BA T4 is much better with access to the Molton Brown Spa facilties, and generally better wine and foods.

Personally I would go for CX every time unless I really, really needed a massage/steam room/whatever. Hope that helps.</font>

I need to add that I think this is a flawless analysis - on the money on every point

Knowing that B Watson has far more experience on which to base his judgement than I, I am greatly flattered.