glenny84

A little info

This is my first trip report so I hope you all enjoy. My grammar is not the best, but I figured I would take a stab at it!

Here’s a little prelude about this trip. Rewind back to February 2010. It was a nice sunny day here in PDX (a rarity in PDX during the winter time), I go into my bosses office and get the news that “You do a great job..but we don’t need you anymore”! Yes, I’m in an initial state of shock, but then I realize that I really never enjoyed my job at the law firm that I was at. Thus, it became a blessing in disguise, though I didn’t realize this until March! I had traveled extensively for work, but in the past 3 years I had not taken a vacation purely for my own enjoyment and non worked-related. As marriage will hopefully be in my future, along with a family, I decided now was the time to do it.

I decided to cash in 320k AS miles that I had earned through blood, sweat, and tears over the last year for 2 Cathay Pacific F awards. My other traveling companion had never been to Asia before so I naturally chose Hong Kong as one destination. But how about the other? Immediately Beijing came to mind…however his passport expired in June, so unfortunately Beijing was not an option and neither was Bali. So out of the middle of nowhere, I decided that our final destination would be Seoul for 4 days with a 5 day stopover in Hong Kong, with little side trips to the DMZ and Macau. I called up Alaska and low and behold there were 2 FC seats available for a trip departing on April 29th and return on May 9th. We sure did luck out! We settled on the following itinerary: PDX-SFO-HKG-ICN-HKG-SFO, all booked in F. Note: The HKG-ICN flight was scheduled to have a short stop in TPE, as all the other HKG-ICN flights were business class.

April 29th
PDX-SFO
AS 2507, operated by Horizon Air
Dep: 730AM, Arr: 9:15AM
Aircraft: CRJ
Seats 1A, 1B
Meal: 2 little cute cookies and a cup of orange juice

The day began with a short jaunt over to PDX from our house in NE Portland. Check-in was easy and smooth except for the agent who behaved like it was an act of god (rolled her eyes so high into her head that I couldn’t even see them) to check our bags only through SFO. We had a 4.5 hour layover in SFO and wanted to ensure that our bags got priority CX tags for HKG and that of course our bags made it on the 777 that would be transporting us across the pond. I usually find the check-in AS staff at PDX to be great so I’m going to make the assumption that she was just having a bad day.

The flight was pretty uneventful. Being 6’2”ish, I usually have problems with all Horizon planes. However with it being a pretty short flight it was bearable as I dreamed about the luxury that was quickly approaching us. The FA was great, as I find most of them to be on Horizon. She was chatty and friendly and was a great start to our trip. We quickly landed without incident.

SFO/British Airways Terraces Lounge

We quickly retrieved our bags from the baggage carousel and strut on over to the train to the international terminal. When we arrived at the international terminal I didn’t think that Cathay Pacific’s desk would be open 4 hours before departure. Low and behold, it was! When we checked in we found out that we were the only 2 booked in F on our 77A. We were handed our boarding passes and invitations to the British Airways lounge. Flying quickly (no pun intended) through the security line, both of us got to through the new popular machine of the century, naked tube security system as I call it.

After secuirty we went into the lounge where we promptly greeted by a dragonish maiden (oh RCC how I miss you, NOT!) and informed that we would be boarding from in the lounge. We were then directed to the first class section or more like room of the lounge where we would be the only passengers in there for the next 3.5 hours. With only 2 of us in there, it was actually quite pleasant. There was plenty of liquor for our consumption and while my companion took advantage of it, I stayed away from it for a multitude of reasons. First off, when it comes to International F, I become quite the lush and drink everything near me and around me. I instead chose to chow on some mediocre dim sum and sausage rolls and watched reruns of the well known trashy talk show Jerry Spring. The maiden could not locate the TV controls, so I muted the TV. A lounge attendant came through every 30 minutes, putting out more pathetic dim sum, but was also quite chatty, which I appreciated, as I felt like the dragon at the front of the lounge wanted to burn me to a crisp.

After TV and alcoholic playtime, I decided to test out the showers. I went back to the front of the lounge and was surprised by the sudden friendliness of the former dragon, who had obviously lost her fangs somewhere. She was actually quite pleasant and became chatty too. I think she may have joined my traveling companion at the bar while I was not paying attention. I gave her my boarding pass and headed on over to the showers. The showers were decent and did their job. I’m a sucker for showers so I instantly doused myself under the rain showerhead and prepared for the bliss that was awaiting me on the 777. I then retrieved my boarding pass and headed back to the lounge to prepare for boarding. Ten minutes later we began the boarding process.

April 29th
SFO-HKG
CX879
SCHEDULED (Dep: 130PM, Arr: 7:00PM)
In reality (Dept: 2:20PM, Arr: 8:00PM)
Aircraft: 777-300ER (77A)
Seats 1D, 1K

The menu was as follows:
CX879
San Francisco to Hong Kong
April 2010
First Class
Menu


Ready for a 14 hour and 10 minute flight we eagerly boarded the plane where our attendants, Doris and Casey, escorted us to our seats, 1D and 1K. They showed us all the cool features of the CX F seat and helped us stow our luggage into the individual seat compartments where the bedding was located. Naturally the Krug began to flow as Doris offered both of us glasses of it. The lush in me began to take over and I consumed 4 glasses of Krug before we were in the air. However it is important to note that I do have a high tolerance (thanks to being raised in Texas) and was nowhere near being intoxicated or even getting a buzz.

We were supposed to push back from the gate at 1:30, which we did. We proceeded to bounce around SFO and finally ended up at 28L on the taxiway between probably 10 other aircraft. When we were holding up on the runway a massive BA 747 rolled on in for landing above us. It was quite an impressive sight and I could hear the gasps of ooos and ahhs coming from behind me in J. Finally around 220PM we took off into the sky. One more thing—at the last minute a 3rd passenger joined F.

One thing I did notice about CX compared to typical US airlines is that they really enforce the seat belt rule. In my many experiences I’ve got up (at my own risk of course) and used the restroom during our ascent. Doris and Casey were not having any of that and send me packing right back to my seat 1D. Ashamed, I started to mess around with CX’s AVOD, which I thoroughly enjoyed throughout my flight. As many others have reviewed CX’s AVOD system, I see no need to talk about it here .

Once the captain turned off the fasten seatbelt sign the Krug started rolling again. Me and my traveling companion made Doris and Casey aware that we wanted to dine together. It seemed to me that they actually enjoyed doing this simple task, which brought a smile to my face. More Krug, and I was starting to feel really happy. I wiggled my way into my companion’s ottoman to prepare for dinner. I have to say, being an average build type of guy and 6’2”, that it was EXTREMELY cramped. Being left handed didn’t really help much as I consistently hit my lanky elbow on the poor window.

After the table was set up, Doris went ahead and took our orders. I ordered the Lobster and Crab Ravioli, while my companion ordered the Chinese options. The caviar was pretty good, the fennel and apple soup was quite lovely, and my lobster ravioli was pretty darn amazing. My companion thoroughly enjoyed the Chinese option and Doris complimented him on being adventurous. We followed with the cheese plate and the bread and butter pudding which was amazing as well. The attention to detail was amazing as they meticulously placed our forks, knives, and spoons in the correct ways. It was quite impressive that they were able to do this with such focus and pride. Compared to BA F and LH F, I found Doris’ and Casey’s attention to detail to be a step above of what I received on international F on other airlines. The massive individual bread baskets were greatly appreciated.

Now my one question about CX is what about the pralines? We only received pralines on 1 out of 3 F flights???

By the time dinner was over we cruising somewhere alongside the British Columbia coast. I watched a few shows on the AVOD and went ahead and changed into my pajamas (maroon colored), while Doris and Casey quickly made my bed. I got into my bed and noticed how comfortable it was. One problem that I did have throughout the flight was with the temperature. My pajamas, combined with the thick duvet, caused me to sweat, as it was so stuffy and hot in the cabin. They had to keep lowering the temperature. It finally reached a bearable temperature about 8 hours into the flight. I was thankful for this and decided to have some snacks before getting a few hours of shuteye.

I decided to gorge myself with more food and more alcoholic beverages. I chose one of the signature drinks and found it downright vile. I decided to stray away from that and went straight back to Krug. For my snack I selected the Crab Cakes and the Wonton Soup. Doris informed me that it would be about 15 minutes for the cakes to be heated up and I anxiously awaited their arrival onto my tray table and into my belly. 15 minutes later the cakes arrived and they were quite scrumptious. The soup then arrived and it was pretty good as well…though it was all noodle and one lonely wonton.

Before I got some sleep, I asked Doris for any restaurant recommendations that were off the beaten path as well as a few attractions for my companion to see, as he had never been to Hong Kong. She told me a few of them before I went to sleep. Two hours later I awoke surprisingly awake. Doris and Casey went ahead and remade my bed into the regular seated position. What came next even surprised me more. Doris had written out a list of things to do and restaurant recommendations for us. What was even better was that she also wrote the names out in Cantonese! I was so impressed and gave Doris my gratitude for her efforts. ^

Me and my companion decided to dine together again for dinner. For dinner, I chose the Rainbow Beef and he selected the Pan-seared Chicken Dish. As usual the starter was fine, even though it was just fruit. The beef was excellent; however the chicken was quite bland and tasteless. The cherry crumble dessert was awesome; however we didn’t receive pralines yet again?

Because of headwinds, and the departure delay, our flight was a little longer than usual. I have to say that I didn’t mind, especially because of the stellar service. Before we knew it, we quickly began our descent into HKG and arrived at our gate. In true CX fashion, Doris and Casey locked the curtains in business to ensure that we would be the first into immigration and customs. As we got off the plane Doris and Casey wished us goodbye and we thanked them for the service that they provided us. I left with a feeling of great satisfaction and appreciation for CX.

Concerning the arrivals lounge, Doris or Casey or even the chief purser of the flight were aware of the arrivals lounge or of its location. Thankfully from reading the CX Flyertalk forum I WAS aware of it but not its exact location.

Next up: immigration, customs, our endless search quest for the CX arrivals lounge, the 45 minute wait time for a bento box in the arrivals lounge, and our stay at the Intercontinental Hong Kong.

glenny84

Intercontinental Hong Kong/Hong Kong

About 40 minutes later we pulled up the driveway to the Intercontinental Hong Kong. The bellmen in their white uniforms and gloves quickly took our bags and guided us to the check-in desk. The view in the lobby and bar area was breathtaking, as we looked at all the skyscrapers across the bay on Hong Kong Island. We received a room upgrade and the front-desk agent took us up to our room and finished checking us in there. She then bid us farewell and our bags arrived a few minutes later.

We unfortunately did not have a harbor view room, as we were on an award stay and did not score an upgrade. Our room however did have a nice view of the pool and the Avenue of the Stars. Over the next few days we mainly did a lot of sightseeing, as well as eating, but also tried out the gym and the pool/hot tubs. The gym was actually quite impressive, especially for a hotel. The infinity hot tub was equally impressive as it looked over the water.

During our stay, none of the facilities really seemed crowded, even though there were quite a few vacationers in town due to holidays in Hong Kong, China, and Japan. However the crowds were very noticeable, especially in Macau and of course Victoria Peak. We did all of the typical Hong Kong attractions, ate some great Cantonese food, My traveling companion had his first exposure to hard sale tactics at the Jade and Night Markets for his first time ever, and we also had lots of Dim Sum.

Our stay ended so much earlier then later and 5 days later we headed back towards Hong Kong Airport on the lovely and quick Airport Express.

May 5th
HKG-ICN (Originally HKG-TPE-ICN)
CX410
SCHEDULED (Dep: 9:30AM, Arr:: 2:00PM)
Aircraft: A340-300 (Previously A330, 74A)
Seats I don’t quite remember honestly…the flight really was that bad

Rewind two days earlier and I checked in for our original late afternoon flight to Seoul via Taipei on what was supposed to be a 74A. Even at 40 hours it was still scheduled as a 74A. However when 30ish hours rolled around, low and behold, the plane had changed to a regional 777 with the old style seats. Then it was subbed to an A330, and then when we got to the gate and it was subbed to an A340 with the new seats. Irritated of course, I called the Marco Polo Club line, who of coursed referred me to Alaska (as they had issued the tickets). I called the MVP Partner Desk and spoke with a wonderful agent, as always, who went ahead and put us on the morning direct flight to Seoul, to give us more time in Seoul, without change fees for my traveling companion (I’m an MVP Gold). The major issue that I had now was whether we were going to get FC lounge access at The Pier or The Wing. On principle, my belief was that I was traveling on a first class ticket, that was downgraded, and should get at least FC lounge access.

We arrived at HKG around 7AM and went to the Business Class check-in area where I promptly asked to speak to a supervisor. A minute later a nice and somewhat understanding supervisor came over to speak to us. I explained to her our situation and my request for FC lounge access. Here’s where it’s important for everyone to always remember to carry copies of your itinerary or boarding passes. The supervisor attempted to tell me that we were originally booked on the 930AM flight and that they do not run flights to Seoul on 3-class plane and that we were never booked on an afternoon flight in FC on a 74A. Not really being in the mood to deal with this, I immediately pulled out a copy of my itinerary with confirmation numbers and all, including our flight that was booked in FC on a 74A from HKG to ICN via Taipei. That got her attention and she went to her computer (again) and saw that the plane had been downgraded. I didn’t ask for any compensation, but did ask for FC lounge access. She then had to go to her supervisor and what after seemed like an eternity, she came back and told us that they were going to give us lounge access. Satisfied, we quickly proceeded through passport control and off to the Pier.

The Pier was great as usual and time went by quite fast. We had some ok Dim Sum, juice, and various other breakfast foods in The Haven and then proceeded to our gate where our A340 with the newer seats was sitting there. With some expectations, I mean come one we’re flying in something of higher caliber then United Domestic, we boarded our quite lovely looking home for the next 3 hours. The next event really was a great indicator of how the flight was going to go.

The guy in front of me decided that without even asking me that he was going to reach back into my area and close my window shades so he could look at his 14” laptop screen and talk loudly on his Blackberry to make sure everyone knew that he was taking his family to Maui for Memorial Day weekend. 3 minutes later he then turned around and asked “Do you mind?” I really wanted to let him know what I thought about him but instead ignored him and listened to some music.

Alright, moving forward from the incident, the FAs offer us pre-flight beverages, so I’m happy. My initial impressions of the seat in J are mixed. It’s great that they’re flat but they are extremely claustrophobic and it’s a chore to try and talk to someone. However, if I was traveling solo I would prefer having the privacy that the seat offers. Before I know we take off.

Lunch was quickly served. I mean QUICKLY served. Our request for drinks were taken, the appetizer was out, followed quickly by the main entrée, other stuff, and finally dessert , however where were the lemon macaroons as promised on the menu? Here’s where it got frustrating--- besides the pre-flight beverage service, and one drink service prior to lunch, we were never offered any more beverages again. No wine, no water, nothing. I know that its somewhat to the norm that CX FAs disappear for a bit…but for the rest of the entire flight? I receive better service in United Domestic FC. For a supposed superior soft product, this flight overall was dismal. The food was mediocre as well, so overall this flight was a huge disappointment. The service (or lack of) from the FAs really left a bad taste in my mouth. Fortunately my next two flights would leave a great impression on me.

Below is the lunch menu:

glenny84

Reserved for the Grand Intercontinental Seoul, the Seoul metro system, the DMZ, and ICN-HKG

glenny84

Reserved for ICN-HKG, The Wing, HKG-SFO, the Hyatt Regency SFO, and SFO-PDX on Horizon.

twyatt

This trip so far sounds fascinating! I am anxious to read about your experiences in HKG, as well as the DMZ. Did you take any photos?

Short hair Francis

I think I saw you posted the menu on the CX forum a few weeks back, Nice start to the TR!

Did you received the mini handout card about where the arrivals were, your supposed to get it at check in SFO?
And yes, CX always seems to set the temperature way too hot in F or J to sleep it seems like

glenny84

Thanks! I sure did post it on the CX forum . We unfortunately did not receive any handout cards about the arrival facilities. Thankfully I had read FT or we would've never went to the lounge.

On all 4 of our flights the temperature was unbearable at first. The first SFO-HKG flight was by far the worst though!

Moomba

Nice report. I am looking forward to the updates. ^

freeupgrade

Great report - someday I'll make it into CX F....

Sounds like the FAs were amazing.


Glenny, my Mom lives in Depo Bay (Oregon coast)..(I saw you are from Portland).

mymflyer

Thank you for sharing

glenny84

Thanks! I'll get the rest of my trip report up by later this week. Unfortunately the FAs weren't amazing from HKG-ICN. You'll see that in my next update.

I unfortunately haven't been towards the Oregon coast at all. I'm a recent addition to Oregon, as I relocated from Austin, TX last year. I'm loving it so far!

hoyateach

Looking forward to the rest of this report.^

CMK10

Thanks for your report. I was told last week by my superiors "we really like you but it's just not working out". I'm jealous you had the miles to cash in for such a great trip after losing your job!

glenny84

It definitely was rewarding and well worth it. I'm sorry to hear that you lost your job as well...it's not a good feeling. Thankfully I will be continuing my world travels, as I hopped on the $399 LAX-AKL Air New Zealand fare a couple of days ago. I hope everything gets better for you sooner then later! ^

glenny84

I just posted the Intercontinental Hong Kong and HKG-ICN parts of my trip report. Enjoy!