Asiana Club - CX v. OZ in economy ICN-JFK

Traveling from the Philippines, I am comparing booking an economy seat either in CX or OZ. Having read all the rather positive reviews about OZ, could someone give me a comparison. I regularly fly the HKG-JFK route on CX (upgraded Y class on 773 and 747), and love the AVOD (which keeps me plenty occupied). However, I am skeptical whether OZ can compare. Have to say I don't sleep well in CX's new slide down seats - that's really the only downside.

Thanks!

Welcome to FT and the friendly OZ forum, PapsInManila!

I am not a Y flyer so my experience is limited. But OZs strength IMHO is the service, not the hardware. I don't think OZs IFE is anywhere near to what you have on CX. You might not even have AVOD.

So if this is really that important to you, then I would stay with CX.

I am not a Y flyer so my experience is limited. But OZs strength IMHO is the service, not the hardware. I don't think OZs IFE is anywhere near to what you have on CX. You might not even have AVOD.

So if this is really that important to you, then I would stay with CX.

Actually, OP is flying HKG-JFK, HKG-ICN 80% chance has no AVOD when the days are using the old 74M, but ICN-JFK for sure it has AVOD in Y, as it is using the 744 pax.

Doesn't OZ has better pitch in Y than CX?

LAX

Doesn't OZ has better pitch in Y than CX?

LAX

Yeah, but 34" pitch only on the 777 and 747. But the A330s/A320s/767s/737s don't go anywhere near North America.

Actually, OP is flying HKG-JFK, HKG-ICN 80% chance has no AVOD when the days are using the old 74M, but ICN-JFK for sure it has AVOD in Y, as it is using the 744 pax.

I think the OP is contemplating to either fly MNL-HKG-JFK on CX or MNL-ICN-JFK on OZ. What I wanted to say is that even if there is AVOD on OZ it is not as good as the AVOD on CX. And if he gets a plane without AVOD then CX wins by an even wider margin.

thanks, DownUnder - you've nailed it on the head. But OZ is about $200 cheaper than CX right now, so price is also in play. If price was same, I wouldn't be straying from tried and tested CX route. Their AVOD is one of the best (a little better than SQ IMO). In this economy, I remain a bit surprised I can't get from MNL to JFK for less than about $1,200 (well, unless I fly NWA, and I swore them off years ago.)

thanks, DownUnder - you've nailed it on the head. But OZ is about $200 cheaper than CX right now, so price is also in play. If price was same, I wouldn't be straying from tried and tested CX route. Their AVOD is one of the best (a little better than SQ IMO). In this economy, I remain a bit surprised I can't get from MNL to JFK for less than about $1,200 (well, unless I fly NWA, and I swore them off years ago.)

While the AVOD might not be as good, there will still be a decent collection of movies. So this together with a good book, an IPod and a bit of sleep should make the flight comfortable.
You should also think about which Frequent Flyer Program to join.

when it comes to differences in Y travel between major asian carriers, in terms of comfort and services, one would be splitting hair in most cases. i'd go with ff benefits, price and time convenience to suit your needs.

thanks, DownUnder - you've nailed it on the head. But OZ is about $200 cheaper than CX right now, so price is also in play. If price was same, I wouldn't be straying from tried and tested CX route. Their AVOD is one of the best (a little better than SQ IMO). In this economy, I remain a bit surprised I can't get from MNL to JFK for less than about $1,200 (well, unless I fly NWA, and I swore them off years ago.)

Kamusta po! hehe

Yea it really is hard to find cheap tickets nowadays especially for this coming summer season. CX was like $1,600+ for JFK to MNL. I usually take CX to the Philippines from JFK also. Now my family and I are taking KE (Korean Air) to the Philippines this summer because our travel agent was able to get us a promo. She got us a round-trip ticket for just under $1,000 which is really cheap.

I wanted to try OZ since all I hear about them is positive things. But I'm also excited to try Korean Air because they will have new seats. KE, OZ...both korean airliners and I always hear good things about them from fellow filipinos who take them to the Philippines :)