Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - CX F vs. J vs. BKK and HKG lounges

Hopefully that's not an overly confusing title.

Here's the situation: I have an opportunity in May (due to winning a goal I set with my boss) to fly CX F class BKK-HKG-SFO.

Now, HKG-SFO, it's a no-brainer. That's the easy part.

BKK-HKG is where it's a judgement call, and I don't have any data so far (I've been flying on JL BKK-NRT so far, but the schedule changes basically make that connection to AA128 impossible).

Now, understand that we normally work at night to minimize disruption to users (and to work when load is lightest). So, on my trips so far, I've normally checked out the day "before," gone into the data center at around 5pm, and we normally don't get done until the wee hours -- at which point I just go to BKK or shoot the breeze for a little bit before heading over to the airport.

So the question is, do I take the 8:20am flight out of BKK which doesn't have First, and get more time in the F lounge in HKG, or should I take the 9:40am flight (which only gives me like 2 hours in HKG)? Not having any CX experience, I figured it was worth asking.

My inclination is to take the 8:20am flight and get more time in HKG. I mean, I've been flying JL Business so far, and it's not THAT bad -- so if CX's "Regional" product isn't any worse, I could live with that. With the onwards HKG-SFO in F, would I have access to the CX F lounge in BKK, or will they only care about the first segment? (I will not be OW Emerald until after that trip posts, so I won't have the access based on OW status)

Steve

This question might be answered better over in the CX forum...

..So the question is, do I take the 8:20am flight out of BKK which doesn't have First, and get more time in the F lounge in HKG, or should I take the 9:40am flight (which only gives me like 2 hours in HKG)? Not having any CX experience, I figured it was worth asking.

My inclination is to take the 8:20am flight and get more time in HKG. I mean, I've been flying JL Business so far, and it's not THAT bad -- so if CX's "Regional" product isn't any worse, I could live with that. With the onwards HKG-SFO in F, would I have access to the CX F lounge in BKK, or will they only care about the first segment? (I will not be OW Emerald until after that trip posts, so I won't have the access based on OW status)

Steve
If you were actually getting "more time in HKG"-- the City of HKG-- that would be one thing, but since you're talking about "getting more time in HKG"-- the airport-- there's no doubt in my mind you should take the F-flight. I've done it many times and it's very nice, the lounges are nice too, but not worth building in extra time to be there-- 2 hours is plenty. CX F-class is one of the flying world's great pleasures and too much is never enough.

The BKK CX lounge is pretty much a dump (at least by comparison.)

Oh definately take the F flight. CX regional F is quite good.

Oh definately take the F flight. CX regional F is quite good.
cx F is cx F
it does not matter if it is regional or long hal.
you might not get caviar on a short flight but the F seat is the same
cx j does differ between regional and long hal.

Agreed - take the F flight. A 2 hour transit in HKG is plenty to enjoy the lounges - you'll be in the lounge within 10 minutes of leaving the inbound aircraft (no US-style delays here).

we normally don't get done until the wee hours -- at which point I just go to BKK or shoot the breeze for a little bit before heading over to the airport.

I know the general sentiment so far is to take the F flight. However, as you will be going right from work to the airport, I think spending 3-4 hours in a cabana at the Wing will be just as heavenly. I would start with a leisurely hot bath in a large/deep tub, followed by a shower with the luxurious rain shower, a 2-hour nap on the chaise lounge while being lulled by the sounds of 'babbling brooks'. Once rested, you can venture out to the Haven to sample the culinary offerings. Do not be too tempted though as you have to save room for the in-flight 5-course+ meal including cavier, salmon, Krug. There is a free wi-fi access in the lounge as well as many PC terminals. The lounge staff will constantly be offering you their services. There are also Sony gaming consoles downstairs to wile away your time.

After the lounge, you may also want to get a headstart on the shopping. The difference will be night and day from NRT or BKK. Among the usual brand names, do check out the funky chinese-inspired stuffs at Shanghai Tang, the designer of your comfy onboard PJ.

You will already be getting an in-flight CX F experience anyway on HKG-SFO. IMO, the long-haul is still better than the already excellent regional F. Getting a hot luxurious soak, a comfortable nap in a beautiful soothing environ while in transit--now that's an experience not many other airlines can provide. ^ ^ If only CX would start providing massages and facials... :D

..so if CX's "Regional" product isn't any worse (than JL), I could live with that.
I happen to think that the JL J product (the daytime flight) BKK-NRT is very good and comparable to CX regional J.

would I have access to the CX F lounge in BKK, or will they only care about the first segment?
No idea on the F lounge access for you. However, the F and J sides are pretty much identical with regards to foods, drinks, internet. There are no in-lounge shower or toilet facilities. In short, nothing to write home about. The truly distinctive CX experience, IMO, is the in-flight services and the HK premium lounges. ^ Enjoy!

I'd also take the BKK-HKG flight in F. Whilst the lounges in HKG are really nice as lounges go, I wouldn't try to create extra time just to spend in them. You'll have plenty of time as it is.

Just to expand a bit, the HKG-BKK flight in F has always been a "fun" flight for me. Not many paid F pax at all so it's often relatively sparsely populated. It's not long enough to sleep, so you just stay up and enjoy service that is unmatched by most (and unheard of on the US carriers) watch a short movie or just take a nice relax. The whole affair is quite luxurious-- and there's something incomparable about being in the front on a 3-class plane on on of the world's best airlines. Think of what a flight of that duration would offer on AA domestic F or BA CE.

CX's HKG lounges, nice as they are, are just really nice compared to most other airport lounges in the world-- they certainly aren't as nice as a super-nice hotel, etc. Who even knows if F-class service will be around on routes like this forever. I say, take it while you can.

cx F is cx F
it does not matter if it is regional or long hal.
you might not get caviar on a short flight but the F seat is the same
cx j does differ between regional and long hal.

Same seats -- fair enough.

Meal service is slightly downgraded (but not by much in my experience). You alsodon't get PJs or duvets, but it's only a 2.5 hour flight. In all respects, the service is identical.

I know the general sentiment so far is to take the F flight. However, as you will be going right from work to the airport, I think spending 3-4 hours in a cabana at the Wing will be just as heavenly. ... If only CX would start providing massages and facials... :D CX started by providing massages and facials at the Wing when it first opened (Elemis spa downstairs). Including attended baths in the Cabanas. Closed for various reasons after a year, but mostly due to a lack of business (it was for a fee). As for staying 4 hours in a cabana, that really is the "Ugly American" syndrome and unfairly monopolizes a shared facility, and one of the reasons that CX was forced to remove the refrigerators from the cabanas. CX does provide day rooms (at the Pier) for long-term use; the cabanas are not intended to be used for hours at a time. Please go to the day rooms at the Pier if you want to do this.

Wow! Sorry, I guess I just never thought that 'hogging' would be a problem since I never had to wait to use a cabana room. I also had never been informed that the Pier dayrooms are for long-term use and the cabanas are not. Plus, there are separate shower rooms as well. I figure those who just want to shower would just go to the shower rooms. Perhaps, a discrete sign suggesting the time limit placed in the room may help solve the problem.

Live and learn, I guess. My apology if my inconsideration had inconvenienced anyone in the past.

OT: I however do find your use of the term 'Ugly American Syndrome' objectionable. If there is another thing I learned from this forum, it is that inconsiderate people come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

OT: I however do find your use of the term 'Ugly American Syndrome' objectionable. If there is another thing I learned from this forum, it is that inconsiderate people come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Indeed. I wonder how well received a "Ugly Chinese Syndrome" post-- with the "symptoms and manifestations" of same-- would be received? Not well, I would think (and hope.)

Pigs come in all shapes, sizes and nationalities.

Just to expand a bit, the HKG-BKK flight in F has always been a "fun" flight for me. Not many paid F pax at all so it's often relatively sparsely populated. It's not long enough to sleep, so you just stay up and enjoy service that is unmatched by most (and unheard of on the US carriers) watch a short movie or just take a nice relax. The whole affair is quite luxurious-- and there's something incomparable about being in the front on a 3-class plane on on of the world's best airlines. Think of what a flight of that duration would offer on AA domestic F or BA CE.

CX's HKG lounges, nice as they are, are just really nice compared to most other airport lounges in the world-- they certainly aren't as nice as a super-nice hotel, etc. Who even knows if F-class service will be around on routes like this forever. I say, take it while you can.

Sums it up very nicely. Even the 1h30 hop from HKG to TPE is a fab experience in CX F

Sums it up very nicely.
Thanks!

Indeed.
Pigs come in all shapes, sizes and nationalities. But some here can never resist the temptation to make themselves feel superior by claiming to be better as a group.
Thanks!

Agreed - take the F flight. A 2 hour transit in HKG is plenty to enjoy the lounges - you'll be in the lounge within 10 minutes of leaving the inbound aircraft (no US-style delays here).


Just to be clear there is not F class on any CX non stop flights between BKK and HKG. Just the one flight from HKG to BKK that goes on to SIN.

Just to be clear there is not F class on any CX non stop flights between BKK and HKG. Just the one flight from HKG to BKK that goes on to SIN.Well there is no flight that is scheduled with a 3-class aircraft every day, but on plenty of days CX708 at 09:50 does have one and the F seats are sold as F. To pick a date at random, on April 1 it will be served by an A34C, for example.

The problem is that if you have to change days then there's a good chance you will lose the F, and also I guess a higher than normal chance of equipment substitution on the day to something that is only 2-class.

The problem is that if you have to change days then there's a good chance you will lose the F, and also I guess a higher than normal chance of equipment substitution on the day to something that is only 2-class.

That's happened to me several times - I've turned up at the airport to find that my F seat is now a J seat.

That's happened to me several times - I've turned up at the airport to find that my F seat is now a J seat.Plus several dollars, presumably...

Plus several dollars, presumably...

Unfortunately, no dollars. I have tried to pursue it with my TA (not very vigorously, though), and apparently there is nothing due to me for reasons that I cannot understand. It has also happened with SQ when I had to travel between SIN and NRT in J on an F ticket because the flight was full - I was told something would be due to me, but when my TA took it up with SQ they insisted that they didn't owe me anything. It's very odd, but I have not followed up properly - it has been on my pending list for far too long.

How often is the aircraft swapped out? I was looking at CX708, btw, but I am definitely leaning at not staying in BKK the extra 90 minutes, mainly because I know I'll be getting VERY bleary-eyed.

If anyone's going to be in HKG on May 13th, maybe we can touch base...

Steve

I made the mistake of choosing the regional J on the 744 from NRT to HKG. I noticed tons of premium pax getting on the other NRT - HKG via TPE flight that offers F and enhanced J. At first I thought they were crazy since the flight is 7 hours vs. 5.5 hours. Than I got on my regional J with no F class and was relatively disappointed. Not even as good as the flights that have enhanced J. No AVOD and ordinary seats. My lesson this weekend? Do F when you can even if you have to stop in SIN or TPE.
2 hours is plenty in HKG airport. However, the walk from the Wing to the Pier can take 20 minutes so I usually stop at the one with the cabanas to use for only a short time to freshen up.
It may not seem like it a first glance but Shanghai Tang should be the highlight of shopping at the airport. This is like the Prada of Hong Kong and while it may seem relatively expensive for "Chinese clothing" it is much less than designer labels in Europe. Prices at the HKG store are comparable to the main store downtown.

I made the mistake of choosing the regional J on the 744 from NRT to HKG.I'm confused - all CX 744's are 3-class with long-haul J, AVOD etc. I think you must have meant choosing regional J on a direct flight (normally A330) rather than the 744 flight via TPE.

Wow! Sorry, I guess I just never thought that 'hogging' would be a problem since I never had to wait to use a cabana room.

I have the pleasure to be posting this from Cabana #4's chaise lounge. While it's possible that Cathay doesn't want people sleeping here, that seems highly unlikely. If it was just meant as a shower, it wouldn't have the chaise and bed. If they want time limits, they should (as you suggested) provide a hint.

Sounds like the OP is scheduling to take the BKK-HKG flight in F (for example, 13 May is one of the few days in that month that CX708 is scheduled as three class), so I hope that it stays that way.
In terms of the original question, I would add my vote to going for F if it is possible, even on this short flight (I flew this route last year and other F segments more recently). One advantage not mentioned is that it enables you to "get your bearings" about what CX F is like. You can play with the seat, get an idea of the food offered, see what movies/music are on CX Studio and then - while supping champagne in the lounge, with the information you have garnered - plan exactly how to spend the 12 hours you have from HKG-SFO...(it won't be difficult!) Plus the later flight should be on a 747 so you can also compare the differences in cabin if (as looks likely) the BKK flight is on an Airbus.

I would take the F. You can sleep on you flight to SFO after your meal. 2 hours is enough time to visit the lounges and Shanghai Tang. The booze is much better on the planes than in the lounges. The food is pretty good in the lounges, but so is it on the planes, and between the flight BKK-HKG and HGK-SFO, you'll be well fed.

My recommendation to best enjoy the HK lounge experience is to go buy a good Cohiba from Duty Free and then grab yoursoulf a nice glass on cognac in the lounge (I think they have an XO), and go on down to the smoking room for a 20-30 minute self-indulgent interlude.

The funny thing is it's only "we" FT nuts who would even consider taking an earlier flight -- EVEN IN THE SAME CLASS -- just to spend mpre time in the lounge(s).

Now, in LHR I might consider doing what you are talking about on BA because that extra time is the difference between a nice free massage and no massage...but we're still talking about a 20-22 treatment vs. hours on a plane, so I'm still not sure I'd take the earlier flight.

Unfortunately, no dollars. I have tried to pursue it with my TA (not very vigorously, though), and apparently there is nothing due to me for reasons that I cannot understand....Maybe "don't ask, don't tell" is the most prudent approach. The normal reason that there is no refund for an F-J downgrade is that your ticket was not F but a negotiated J with an F upgrade (but books into F). A form of ticket that is illegal by IATA rules (those are endorsed "valid xx only"). Looks like your TA is well connected.

Maybe "don't ask, don't tell" is the most prudent approach. The normal reason that there is no refund for an F-J downgrade is that your ticket was not F but a negotiated J with an F upgrade (but books into F). A form of ticket that is illegal by IATA rules (those are endorsed "valid xx only"). Looks like your TA is well connected.

Thanks, but I don't buy illegal tickets. The tickets were all full fare F tickets.

Well, on the considered advice and comments of everyone, I've booked F on CX708. When I check in, if for some reason they sub in a 2-class airplane, then I figure I'll ask to be put on the earlier flight.

With regards to fares, etc., at least in my case, there was no cost difference between flying J or F (actually booked as A class) BKK-HKG, so perhaps that's the reason that being downgraded on that leg doesn't actually yield a fare refund?

Steve