Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Advice for enjoying the CX F experience

I am very thankful to be able to fly Cathay from LAX to HKG in F on an upcoming business trip, and was wondering if people have any advice on the best way to make the most of this 7,000 mile trip. This is for the 1:20 pm departure so it looks like the entire trip will be during the day. From what I understand we'll be getting lunch and breakfast (?). Are there any things I should ask for in particular, like the chocolates on BA or stationery? Also, are there any arrival lounges to use if I'm terminating in HKG or will I be able to stop by the Wing? Thanks so much for your kind advice. I'll write a trip report and take lots of pictures!

When travelling in F you can have whatever combination of food you like at whatever time. CX does, bizarrely, default to breakfast just before evening arrivals on some of its flights, but in F you just tell them you don't want to do that and they will provide whatever you want, subject only to them having sufficient stock on board. Feel free to mix and match. Personally if I was taking that flight I would try to sleep as little as possible the night before, sleep immediately after takeoff, ask the crew to wake me in, say, 5 hours, and serve breakfast (at about 10am HK time, with eggs cooked to order), then to serve late lunch / early dinner before arrival into HK at, say 5pm HK time. There are, of course, snacks (or anything else from the menu) available in between if you get peckish.

As with the first time for other things in life, the bast advice is to relax, not get yourself over-hyped (so that it would be almost impossible to meet your expectations), and don't try too hard to enjoy it.

How do they keep the food fresh for a 14 hour flight? On AA they use dry ice packs, but I imagine they'd evaporate. Also, to what degree does CX overstock F catering? Would they let me sample everything on the menu ;)?

Just don't say "no". When they ask: "Mr. Charles, would you like....." Just start shaking your head "yes" and smile. Sit back and just take it all in. Don't worry, they have it covered.

It depends on the load. If you are the only person in F, then, yes, they will have one of everything. If there are only two then I believe they will have 2 of everything. Above that it it's going to depend a little on what others take.

Above all, don't appear demanding - if you ping the call buton five times before they have even shut the door then you aren't going to make any friends. But if you smile, ask politely, and avoid asking for things that could wait when the crew is at times of "peak load" then you can have (almost) anything you desire.

Well this is Cathay and they can do amazing things.On my flights last month . I ate when I feltl like it and find no problem getting anything that is on the aircraft.
A flight attendent named Angel made me ham and cheese sandwiches when I asked for it. I really just want light food when I fly so they are pretty happy to please you.

The day flight is new, not sure if anyone has reported taking it LAX-HKG. You can search for lots of past threads covering your precise question (maximizing the CX F experience) and they are generally still valid. CX does stock catering more generously than any other airline that I have seen (more than SQ F, for example). There is going to be more food than you can eat no matter how hard you try. Some of the food highlights: caviar and balik salmon (from caviar house). Both are exceptional (this is not smoked salmon as you know it, but an order of magnitude better and quite expensive; you can buy it at many airports if you get addicted). The caviar isn't quite as good as it used to be, but that is understandable given the world supply situation. The "chinese chicken soup" kept as a snack and only served on request (generally not on the menu); simple peasant food, but amazingly good as a snack. The chinese teas, served chinese style (you have to ask or they will serve it English style). Excellent (and selling for USD 100 per pound in San Francisco). Good wines and cognac (Hennessy XO). And the list goes on. I like the CX playing cards but I don't like the ST pyjamas compared to what they had before (less stylish but more comfortable). Really too many good things in the CX service to enumerate, you'll just have to relax and enjoy.
Absolutely agree with Christep's advice on sleeping at the start of the flight; doing this is essential to adjusting to HKG time. I usually eat the caviar, go to sleep for 6 hours, wake up and then eat dinner and stay awake the rest of the flight (but my flights leave at midnight not noon).

I also think that the meal service will be like the afternoon flights from YVR...that is L and D and NOT lunch and breakfast....for the afternoon departure to HKG from LAX

I believe that the day time flights from LAX begin on July 1. In July, they will be flying 3x/week, going to a once daily schedule in August. Thus, none of us have experience with the day time departures. I will be flying the route in July.

As for lounges, expect little. There are extensive threads on the weakness of any lounge in Tom Bradley International Terminal, Cathay included. If your flight ends in Hong Kong, you will not have access to the Wing or the Pier. If you are connecting onward, you will.

There have been a number of stellar trip reports written on Cathay first class. Head over to the trip report forum and do a search. I am expecting the afternoon departure service to be much like the evening service, simply at a time when I will enjoy it far more.

Several times I have had the pleasure of being the only one in First Class. It's an amazing experience. One time a flight attendant suggested a wine tasting! 38000ft is the WORST place to enjoy a glass of wine. Your taste buds are all messed up.

In any case, the wine tasting proceeded and it was lots of fun! Lynch Bages 83 won that time! She even brought little crackers!

If the flight is not full, ask to taste another wine if you don't like the one served. I've done this on my airlines. The FAs are also very good at making suggestions. They see what goes back to the galley untouched!

I'd also suggest that when you board and get settled, mention to the FA or the Purser when they come around that this is your first CX FC flight and and don't want to miss out on ANYTHING. Tell them that you've heard such lovely things about the service and food and you look forward to experiencing it all.

I guarantee that CX will treat you right!

I wouldn't get your hopes up too high. My GF and I were looking forward to CX FC exactly this time last year (YVR-HKG-JNB & back) and we were both disappointed with the food (caviar and salmon aside - and she doesn't like caviar). The best meal was actually the fried rice served as supper departing YVR in the wee hours. CX spends a lot of money (reportedly somewhere in the region of USD 50 / FC pax) but it doesn't necessarily come off well as food that reheats well andtastes good in the air. I found BA FC food (back in 2001 at any rate) more exciting and tasty. BA also served Rosemount Balmoral shiraz/syrah which I prefer over Chateau Lynch Bages. Service varied between good and merely acceptable - the latter even though we were the only pax in FC for JNB-HKG.

How security conscious is CX? Will the FAs mind me taking pictures of the seat, my food, etc...

Taking pictures of the food, seats and cabin crew has nothing to do with 'security issues'.

CX is not as paranoid as US carriers. In fact, I heard the Captain sort of sigh once when he made his announcement when welcoming us aboard the flight that CX 'would appreciate' if no one congregates at the galley or cockpit area as 'we are entering US airspace'.... you don't hear this sort of announcement anywhere else they fly. None of this 'our flight attendants are here primarily for your safety issues... etc etc'.

It's more like :"Our Inflight Service Manager, Catherine, is here with her team to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable flight"

Be sure to register for the Cathay Pacific "Sunshine Offer" of double AA miles at www.aa.com/offers. Use Promo code CXDMT.

(You must be flying between June 1 and Aug 31 for fares booked in F, A, J, C and D. Flights need to be booked under the CX flight number. Registration prior to travel is required.)

CX likes to term their FA's as being there to "take care" of the passengers.

As for the CX F experience, I find the transpac flights to be staffed with the FA's I least enjoy flying with. A lot of them are based in the US or Canada and thus have a different attitude. Still better than coach, but for really great service the 3-class intra-Asia flights are my favorite.

CX likes to term their FA's as being there to "take care" of the passengers.

As for the CX F experience, I find the transpac flights to be staffed with the FA's I least enjoy flying with. A lot of them are based in the US or Canada and thus have a different attitude. Still better than coach, but for really great service the 3-class intra-Asia flights are my favorite.

Actually no... CX only has one North American cabin crew base and it's in YVR. And they ONLY fly between YVR and JFK and on one flight between YVR and HKG. No where else.

LAX and JFK are the least favourite destinations preferred by the cabin crew. I don't know why. Maybe it's the passengers who expect to be 'taken care of'?

If your flight ends in Hong Kong, you will not have access to the Wing or the Pier.

If I fly CX SFO-HKG in F and then transit onto somewhere else in J or Y, will I have access to the Wing or Pier? I assume the connecting flight has to be on CX or Oneworld - is that right?

How security conscious is CX? Will the FAs mind me taking pictures of the seat, my food, etc...

Finally CharlesMD you decided to take the plunch and experience what is "FIRST" class and not some sub standard. I am sure you will be surprised at the service, food, seat comfort and the overall experience.

In terms of photo taking, as long as you don't use your flash and annoy other pax it should be fine. in F Class I find it is easier to take pictures as there are more room for your to anchor in your camera (to avoid shaking).

Please change your signature banner after this CX trip as AA is just NO WHERE near the standard of CX.

Also not that CX has a Rice Cooker, Steamer, Skillets on board, hence that is how they keep the food fresh (unlike AA who just recook the omelete).
I recall you said AA has the best breakfast in F, You will be so surprised in what CX can offer. Freshly TOASTED bread (3-4 different selection) in your own Bakery Basket and the eggs are FRESH. Also the choice of food is just so much broader and higher in quality.

However can't 100% guarantee ex LAX dept as I heard many bad things in that outport.

Also when u r in HKG try out the Lounge, I think you will NEVER want to go back to an AC or even a FL again!

Several times I have had the pleasure of being the only one in First Class. It's an amazing experience.
I just had that experience this afternoon BKK-SIN. I'm in the midst of an HKG-BKK-SIN-HKG mileage run (my first trip ever on CX; I'm posting this from the lounge at SIN). Four of twelve first class seats were occupied on the HKG-BKK leg, and the other three departed at BKK. Nobody joined us, so it was just me and the most delightful and charming crew I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a flight with. Words can't express how much I enjoyed this flight.

If I fly CX SFO-HKG in F and then transit onto somewhere else in J or Y, will I have access to the Wing or Pier? I assume the connecting flight has to be on CX or Oneworld - is that right?Yes. You can even use the F lounges by showing your inbound F boarding pass.

Still better than coach, but for really great service the 3-class intra-Asia flights are my favorite.

All three of them....

In my experience, the YVR-JFK or the YVR-HKG legs are the best, which I think are YVR crew (NA based)...

T
CX is not as paranoid as US carriers. In fact, I heard the Captain sort of sigh once when he made his announcement when welcoming us aboard the flight that CX 'would appreciate' if no one congregates at the galley or cockpit area as 'we are entering US airspace'....

Once had a captain say something along those lines before take-off from the west coast "(long sigh) the US authorites mandates no congragating in aisles, but despite all this silliness, I wish you all a pleasant flight"..

A refreshing gust of common sense.

Once had a captain say something along those lines before take-off from the west coast "(long sigh) the US authorites mandates no congragating in aisles, but despite all this silliness, I wish you all a pleasant flight"..

A refreshing gust of common sense.

Why is this "silliness"? Is this not EXACTLY what the 911 hijackers did? Are we too cool for safety now? I am all for individual liberties but common sense and precautions should make an appearance every once in a while. What do you think would happen if a 100 hijackers all boarded the same flight? And then they all congregated next to the cockpit area. Reinforced door or no reinforced door. A 100 people together would get in.

Why is this "silliness"? Is this not EXACTLY what the 911 hijackers did? Are we too cool for safety now? I am all for individual liberties but common sense and precautions should make an appearance every once in a while. What do you think would happen if a 100 hijackers all boarded the same flight? And then they all congregated next to the cockpit area. Reinforced door or no reinforced door. A 100 people together would get in.

Then what can 100 hijackers do but die together when the US Airforce shoot down the plane. Paranoid people like you force frequent travelers like my self to put up with all of TSA bullcraps. TSA should learn from the Isreali on how to handle hijackers instead of crying wolf so they can get more money from the fed.

Why is this "silliness"? Is this not EXACTLY what the 911 hijackers did? Are we too cool for safety now? I am all for individual liberties but common sense and precautions should make an appearance every once in a while. What do you think would happen if a 100 hijackers all boarded the same flight? And then they all congregated next to the cockpit area. Reinforced door or no reinforced door. A 100 people together would get in.

How do you suppose terrorists would hijack a plane by congregating far away from the cockpit? With a thought-out plan and tight execution, they could maybe spit in the coffee-pot unnoticed.
Do you really think any terrorists would abort a take-over attempt because congregating was prohibited?

This is probably better discussed in the security forum, but as far as CX is concerned, I'm not 100% sure whether the word silliness was used. On second thought, probably not, some dumbass like yourself would probably throw a fit - but I do remember the "despite this, have a good flight"-part and the chuckles in the cabin..

ps! they also used metal knives on my last flight to the US. I tried to remain alert as I realized this was an open invitation to opportunistic hi-jackers, but unfortunately due to a light buzz from the four glasses of Krug, I dozed off under my duvet before I had written more than than "Dear FAA, I write this letter in shock and great concern..."

ps2! If there's ever a terrorist attack on any of my flights, rest assured I'll promptly put a stop to it with the mighty butan lighter I usually manage to sneak onboard.

[QUOTE=feitefrank]
This is probably better discussed in the security forum, but as far as CX is concerned, I'm not 100% sure whether the word silliness was used. On second thought, probably not, some dumbass like yourself would probably throw a fit - but I do remember the "despite this, have a good flight"-part and the chuckles in the cabin..

QUOTE]

Ah....what wonderful debating skills. "Dumbass".. eh?... :)

When logic fails, use fourth grade names. This is a civilised board where professionals post. Let us try to debate politely without name calling.

And love the post above this one. It implies if a flight is hijacked it will be shot by the US Airforce. Hence that is the deterent. So let us sacrifice 435 pax because we cannot and will not do anything about safety. And, oh by the way, if you think El Al is the model, try flying them with their 2 hour pre boarding interviews. And on top of that, you cant congregate in El Al either.

I think there is a line between safety and over cautiousness. And I think that is a healthy debating point. However, I think that being extremely selfish and wanting no security at all is ridiculous. All of us in life sacrifice something at all points for our common good. We may not like it, but that is what assures our well being. A case in point is taxes. I hate taxes. I wish they did not exist. However, I know that without a certain amount of taxation the goverment could not provide for schools, police, roads, legal system etc. Now, you and I can discuss whether the goverment needs to provide welfare, but we all will agree on the basic services needed above.

Security is the same. There have been enough incidents of terrorism that safety and precaution is mandated. It may inconvinience us a little, but it assures our common good and survival. Yes, it leads to snafus like a forced landing at Bangor, but it also leads to prevention of future Shoe Bombers. Given a few years we will find the right balance and with more technology, security will become more and more invisible to our boarding and flying experience.

Cheers!

[QUOTE=feitefrank]
This is probably better discussed in the security forum, but as far as CX is concerned, I'm not 100% sure whether the word silliness was used. On second thought, probably not, some dumbass like yourself would probably throw a fit - but I do remember the "despite this, have a good flight"-part and the chuckles in the cabin..

QUOTE]

Ah....what wonderful debating skills. "Dumbass".. eh?... :)

When logic fails, use fourth grade names. This is a civilised board where professionals post. Let us try to debate politely without name calling.

And love the post above this one. It implies if a flight is hijacked it will be shot by the US Airforce. Hence that is the deterent. So let us sacrifice 435 pax because we cannot and will not do anything about safety. And, oh by the way, if you think El Al is the model, try flying them with their 2 hour pre boarding interviews. And on top of that, you cant congregate in El Al either.

I think there is a line between safety and over cautiousness. And I think that is a healthy debating point. However, I think that being extremely selfish and wanting no security at all is ridiculous. All of us in life sacrifice something at all points for our common good. We may not like it, but that is what assures our well being. A case in point is taxes. I hate taxes. I wish they did not exist. However, I know that without a certain amount of taxation the goverment could not provide for schools, police, roads, legal system etc. Now, you and I can discuss whether the goverment needs to provide welfare, but we all will agree on the basic services needed above.

Security is the same. There have been enough incidents of terrorism that safety and precaution is mandated. It may inconvinience us a little, but it assures our common good and survival. Yes, it leads to snafus like a forced landing at Bangor, but it also leads to prevention of future Shoe Bombers. Given a few years we will find the right balance and with more technology, security will become more and more invisible to our boarding and flying experience.

Cheers!


Please get back On Topic. Leave your US bull**** at home

I apologize for the insult, Panjabi. It was pointless and rude. I obviously believe that the congregating rule is silly and that it serves no real security purpose, and I really appricate the more relaxed/focused (but necessarily less secure) approach by Asian and European carriers. But all that belongs in another forum, or another thread at the very least, as does the broader security aspects you bring up.

Let's put this thread on hold until the bathroom pictures and play-by-play from our favorite MD pops up.. :)

I apologize for the insult, Panjabi. It was pointless and rude. I obviously believe that the congregating rule is silly and that it serves no real security purpose, and I really appricate the more relaxed/focused (but necessarily less secure) approach by Asian and European carriers. But all that belongs in another forum, or another thread at the very least, as does the broader security aspects you bring up.

Let's put this thread on hold until the bathroom pictures and play-by-play from our favorite MD pops up.. :)

Many thanks FeiteFrank for your nice note.

I have followed CharlesMD in the AA board and I too look forward to the pictures. $10 says that one of them will have a Harvard book or logo or something in one of the pictures... :)

Just teasing Charles. You know we love ya!

And love the post above this one. It implies if a flight is hijacked it will be shot by the US Airforce. Hence that is the deterent. So let us sacrifice 435 pax because we cannot and will not do anything about safety. And, oh by the way, if you think El Al is the model, try flying them with their 2 hour pre boarding interviews. And on top of that, you cant congregate in El Al either.

I think there is a line between safety and over cautiousness. And I think that is a healthy debating point. However, I think that being extremely selfish and wanting no security at all is ridiculous. All of us in life sacrifice something at all points for our common good. We may not like it, but that is what assures our well being. A case in point is taxes. I hate taxes. I wish they did not exist. However, I know that without a certain amount of taxation the goverment could not provide for schools, police, roads, legal system etc. Now, you and I can discuss whether the goverment needs to provide welfare, but we all will agree on the basic services needed above.

Security is the same. There have been enough incidents of terrorism that safety and precaution is mandated. It may inconvinience us a little, but it assures our common good and survival. Yes, it leads to snafus like a forced landing at Bangor, but it also leads to prevention of future Shoe Bombers. Given a few years we will find the right balance and with more technology, security will become more and more invisible to our boarding and flying experience.

Cheers!

Yeah, you seem to go off topic quite a bit and you are terrible at math. One, it is 100 terrorists and 325 pax, not 435 pax, and yes the USAF will shoot down any air vehicle that will not comply. Two, who said any thing about no security at the airport? Three, if you think that landing at Bangor or no Zippo onboard will prevent future Shoe Bomber then I have to agree that you are indeed a dumbass. May I ask what is your authority on aviation security or EOD? Fourth, your reasons for taxation is also flawed. The Indian Reservation provides their tribe members with every thing that they need including free education at any level with casino monies, not taxes. Brunei Darussalam does not have VAT on goods and services, capital gains tax, sales tax or travel tax as imposed by other countries nor do they have a direct personal income tax. In 2002, Brunei ranked 32nd out of 173 in terms of human development index and they ranked 28th in term of GDP per capita yet they ranked 168th out of 180 interms of population. I could go on but I think you are smart enough to get the point.

AH-64D,

Peace. Goodwill.

Panjabi

AH-64D,

Peace. Goodwill.

Panjabi

Like wise and congrat on your 100th post.

AH-64D,

Thank you.

Panjabi