Gerard86

Problem... I am torn between two airlines. Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways. I am planning to travel alone from DXB to MNL in June for 2 weeks. They are both cheap for J travel although I need your advise on which one to take.

DXB-DOH-MNL on QR is around USD2000
DXB-HKG-MNL on CX is around USD1650

I have tried QR in J for traveling to Singapore before and I have no complaints about it.

I have traveled CX in J before but only for a 3 hour flight, also no complaints.

QR for me seems better with the soft product than CX with the PJs being given on J. Also, QR would have moved to the new airport. I will be able to reach QR silver if I make this trip with them.

However, the seats on CX seems to be better on the long haul flight from DXB-HKG-DXB with aisle access for everyone with your personal space.

I need help on which one to choose...

EK and EY are out of the list as they are USD 1000 more...

CrazyJ82

If flying in J, can't you earn status qualification points for QR while flying on CX?

What are your connection times on the two itineraries? Is one more convenient than the other time-wise?

kaka

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I would say qr if at the old airport based on less walking involved but if you need to walk a kilometer eitherway, do cx since its cheaper. U get better catering in qr tho - unless you're the few herevwho thinks qr's menu has nothing inside

IanFromHKG

USD350 - a saving that you could spend on better PJs than QR will give you, and a slap-up meal with someone else to make up for any perceived catering deficiencies. And you might still have some loose change... And if the seats on those flights are better on CX then it should be a no-brainer.

As to the status question - unless you need to fly on QR metal to meet some minimum requirement under membership rules, as they are oneworld partners your CX flights should count towards your QR status

Gerard86

QR will be transferring to the new airport by 27th May.

I could earn Qpoints on CX flights but less than what I'll get if flying with QR. Really confused with which one to choose as soft and hard products seems to become neutral

Is there any way that I can book QR for outbound and CX on return, other than buying one way tix on each airline? Which site could I go for? Trying some different websites but they are giving me errors (even with CX and QR websites)

Gerard86

Thanks Ian. I think im gonna get CX then...

kaka

can you get the codeshares for the same price?

Guy Betsy

There's MH too.. and chances are that they're going to be cheapest of the lot.

Gerard86

Tried to look for MH fares but it is more expensive than EK.

For some reasons, I cannot book codeshare tickets on their websites.

beckoa

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Agree on saving $350

Gerard86

Ok... So I ended up taking the Cathay Pacific Flight...
Flight was ok. Just same as Qatar air CX=QR
Seat is good due to direct aisle access. CX>QR
I dont know but I preferred QR's meals CX<QR
I was feeling really hot on my seat for both legs DXB-HKG when I tried to sleep even though I didnt use the blanket. So I ended up awake for the rest of the flights. CX<QR
About price, Cathay Pacific is cheaper than Qatar Air so, CX>QR
At the end of the day, I am ok to use either carriers.