FLIGHT #15: CX748 JNB-HKG Biz Class with photos
Nov 11, 2010, 2:11 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Digital Nomad
Programs: AA2MM LIFETIME PLT, Turkish Miles&Smiles Elite, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,024
FLIGHT #15: CX748 JNB-HKG Biz Class with photos
This flight is part of a year long journey being journaled in more detail on a separate thread here on Flyertalk:
My son’s fifth grade year: 97,737 miles, 40 flights, 6 continents and 16 countries
Larger versions of the pictures can be found here.
FLIGHT#15
Cathay Pacific #748
Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) – Hong Kong, China (HKG)
Date: Nov. 1, 2010
Departure: 12:35
Arrival: 06:40
Length: 12:05
Miles flown since start of trip: 35,281 mi.
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400
Seats: BUSINESS 86A, 87AK
After four months of our fifthgradearoundtheworld.com journey, it was time to leave Africa and move on to Asia where we will stay until February 8. During that time will stay in Thailand, Vietnam and India with small visits to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. This flight was the second segment of our DONE06 round the world ticket.
CHECK-IN:
We arrived around 10:00am at OR Tambo airport and found a quiet premium check-in area for CX. We started our year of travel with six checked bags. With our ticket we are allowed three pieces each which would mean NINE bags. Shoot me if I lug nine bags around the world for twelve months.
The good news was that after four months we had a much better idea of exactly what was needed and what was dead weight. So I managed to fill our biggest bag and send it back home to California. That meant that we were down to five checked bags and three small backpacks.
Our CX uniformed check-in agent was pleasant and efficient. She printed our boarding passes and lounge invitations. I haven’t flown CX out of JNB for a couple of years and was interested to see which lounge they would use. It turns out that we were invited to the “s(h)ongololo lounge” located way out near the start of the new international pier. I knew that we could also use the BA Galleries but found out that they are closed during the day and only open for their evening flights.
LOUNGE:
The s(h)ongololo lounge is a stylish, modern lounge used by many carriers. As an Eithad flight was also leaving soon, many people in Muslim dress were waiting with us. There were several seating areas with comfortable chairs and sofa throughout.
(s(h)ongololo lounge)
I was very impressed with the food offerings. A large refrigerator case contained a huge variety of freshly made food including salads, pies, stuffed crepes, lasagna… Two microwaves nearby could be used to heat things up. It was a very efficient way to serve quality food.
(Refrigerator case of food)
I first chose some nice tuna sushi and then had a mushroom crepe. Both items were delicious and fresh tasting.
(Flyertalk and sushi)
The drinks area offered the usual beverages and a nice assortment of spirits, wines and sparkling wine. Since it was still morning, croissants and other pastries were also provided.
(Buffet in front of drinks wall)
(Alcoholic offerings)
Free wifi was available using a password given as we entered the lounge. It was surprisingly fast and we made a couple of Skype video calls. Grandma and Grandpa always like a quick call from the lounge before boarding. In 2002, we took them on CX in First Class to Africa. I will never forget after 28 hours of traveling from LAX to JNB, Grandpa announced that he could spent the WHOLE vacation just getting served on CX. We had to drag him kicking and screaming from the plane.
BOARDING:
Boarding was called and we were surprised that our gate was very nearby. We enjoyed a special treat when we saw the Lufthansa A380 parked next to the Air France A380 adjacent to our gate.
(Two A380s next to our gate)
While they are the biggest and the most modern, nothing will ever replace the sleek styling and majesty of a Boeing 747. It will be a sad day when these birds are replaced. Somehow the A380 looks awkward with its low cockpit and high “forehead”. Maybe once we’ve flown it, it will seem nicer. We look forward to our Qantas flight SIN-SYD in C and Emirates SYD-AKL in F to sample the “super jumbo”.
(Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-400)
The Business/First line was empty when we arrive with the economy line snaking around the corner. We were greeting at the front door and proceeded upstairs to our home for the next 12 hours.
Boarding is always my favorite time of any flight. Everyone is excited. Lots of activity fills the cabin. I proceeded with my ritual of unpacking those items I would use for the flight. I also always change into comfortable cotton clothes before take off if the flight is over five hours. Even if pajamas are offered, I still wear my own comfy clothes because I don’t like wearing new clothing. I always have to wash it before wearing.
The cockpit door was wide open and the pilots were standing up and seemed in good spirits. I asked our flight attendant if my son and I could get a photo with the captain. She returned saying Corbin could visit but CX no longer allows photos in the cockpit. I escorted him to the front where Don our captain introduced himself. He immediately put Corbin in his seat and let him wear his hat. I was really wishing I could take a photo. I have so many fond memories of doing exactly the same thing when I was a kid. Sitting there in this huge space filled with thousands of controls used to amaze me.
Don was very chatty with Corbin asking him many questions. My favorite part was when he asked Corbin where he is from. Corbin responded “Well, we’re not really from anywhere right now.” Spoken like a good third-culture kid. For over five minutes they talked and I tried to get Corbin’s attention to say “let’s go” but Don would always start talking about something else. In the end he offered that Corbin could stand at the cockpit doorway and I could snap a quick pick there.
(Captain Corby)
Both Terry and I opted for a nice glass of champagne before takeoff as we settled in. Soon enough the door was closed and we were ready for departure. Upstairs was almost full with only two seats free. I never got a good look at the downstairs section.
(My boys ready for takeoff)
Once in the air, menus, amenity kits and hot towels were offered. The purser came by to welcome me on the flight but it was short and to the point. When she got over to my husband, she and he talked for 10 minutes! It probably started when she asked him if we were brothers since we have the same last name. Terry immediately explained that I was his husband and Corbin was our son and then she asked all about our big trip. I’m usually the talkative one so I was surprised they were so chatty.
When I was living in Germany, I never managed to see “Sex in the City 2”. With its tepid reviews and crazy storylines, I decided that I would wait until I was locked on a plane and had a glass of champagne in hand. Today’s flight was that opportunity so I spent my first two hours reconnecting with my old friends from NYC, Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda and Carrie. At some point I told myself they would all end up in burkas and wouldn’t you know it? They all appeared running away from the bad guys in black burkas. Ugh. Even with the champagne, it still wasn’t a very good movie.
LUNCH MEAL SERVICE:
After the champers, I switch to one of the CX Signature Drinks, a Cloud Nine, a refreshing combination of vodka, Cointreau and Sprite and lemon. It was a little sweet for my adult tastes but enjoyable.
(Cloud Nine cocktail)
Here is the menu for the lunch that was served:
Starters
***Smoked salmon on vegetable fritter
***Mesclun salad with sesame soy dressing
Main Courses
***Roasted duck with plum sauce, egg fried rice, pak choy and carrot
Beef Rendang with basmati rice and spicy vegetables
Pork fillet with green peppercorn sauce, parsley potatoes and roasted vegetables
Ricotta and spinach cannelloini with basil tomato concasse and Parmesan
Cheese and Dessert
***Forest Hill Brie, Indezi Kwaito, Red Pepper Zevenwacht Cheddar
Fresh seasonal fruit
***Baked berry cheese cake with mixed berry compote
Tea and Coffee
Praline
Champagne
***Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne
White Wines
***P. Ferraud & Fils Vire-Clesse 2008
Waimea Estates Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Red Wines
Kleine Zalze Stellenbosch Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2007
Vieux Chateau Landon Cru Bourgeois 2006
Port
***Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005
(My selections are notated by ***)
The salmon starter was delicious. Ever Corbin ate it all. The salad was fresh but typical. For my main, I chose the duck and it was very good. I ate it all. I enjoyed the cheese course before finishing my meal with the berry cheesecake. Overall it was an excellent meal.
(Starter tray)
(Salmon close up)
(Roasted duck)
(Cheese course)
(Dessert)
My favorite part of the meal service on this flight is the scenery out the window. We flew right over Madagascar for much of the service. I remembered this from previous flights and requested a window on the right hand side. This time it was much more meaningful since we had just spent a month there.
(Views of Madagascar)
Soon after dinner I put my seat in the flat position and slept for about four hours. It was a bit early for an entire night’s sleep but it felt good.
SNACK:
Well past dinner time in South Africa, my body was hungry so I ordered some BBQ pork in a noodle soup. It was yummy and made me tired again.
(Noodle soup snack)
Here were the options from the menu:
Snacks
Chicken, sage and sweet corn pie
Assorted sandwich
Barbecued pork in noodle soup
Ice cream
BREAKFAST:
Ninety minutes before landing the lights came up the breakfast service began.
Here is the menu for the arrival meal:
Starters
***Orange or apple juice
Passion fruit, banana & honey energizer
***Fresh seasonal fruit
Fruit yoghurt
***Bircher muesli with strawberry
Main Courses
Omelette with creamed spinach, grilled back bacon, pork sausage, tomato, bubble and squeak
Chicken frittata with potato cheese cake, grilled tomato spinach
***Braised udon noodles with beef and mixed vegetables
Bread Basket
***Assorted breakfast bread served with preservatives, honey and butter
Tea and Coffee
(Breakfast first course)
(Udon with beef)
The service throughout the flight was excellent. Many people have complained recently that they had noticed a dip in the level of service on CX. None of this was apparent with this outstanding flight crew.
Overall, I give top marks to this Cathay Pacific flight. We found all the crew members from the captain to the flight attendants to be warm and friendly.
This flight was the 15th out of a total of 40 that we will be taking as part of our twelve month tour. For more information about our travels, visit http://fifthgradearoundtheworld.com
My son’s fifth grade year: 97,737 miles, 40 flights, 6 continents and 16 countries
Larger versions of the pictures can be found here.
FLIGHT#15
Cathay Pacific #748
Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) – Hong Kong, China (HKG)
Date: Nov. 1, 2010
Departure: 12:35
Arrival: 06:40
Length: 12:05
Miles flown since start of trip: 35,281 mi.
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400
Seats: BUSINESS 86A, 87AK
After four months of our fifthgradearoundtheworld.com journey, it was time to leave Africa and move on to Asia where we will stay until February 8. During that time will stay in Thailand, Vietnam and India with small visits to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. This flight was the second segment of our DONE06 round the world ticket.
CHECK-IN:
We arrived around 10:00am at OR Tambo airport and found a quiet premium check-in area for CX. We started our year of travel with six checked bags. With our ticket we are allowed three pieces each which would mean NINE bags. Shoot me if I lug nine bags around the world for twelve months.
The good news was that after four months we had a much better idea of exactly what was needed and what was dead weight. So I managed to fill our biggest bag and send it back home to California. That meant that we were down to five checked bags and three small backpacks.
Our CX uniformed check-in agent was pleasant and efficient. She printed our boarding passes and lounge invitations. I haven’t flown CX out of JNB for a couple of years and was interested to see which lounge they would use. It turns out that we were invited to the “s(h)ongololo lounge” located way out near the start of the new international pier. I knew that we could also use the BA Galleries but found out that they are closed during the day and only open for their evening flights.
LOUNGE:
The s(h)ongololo lounge is a stylish, modern lounge used by many carriers. As an Eithad flight was also leaving soon, many people in Muslim dress were waiting with us. There were several seating areas with comfortable chairs and sofa throughout.
(s(h)ongololo lounge)
I was very impressed with the food offerings. A large refrigerator case contained a huge variety of freshly made food including salads, pies, stuffed crepes, lasagna… Two microwaves nearby could be used to heat things up. It was a very efficient way to serve quality food.
(Refrigerator case of food)
I first chose some nice tuna sushi and then had a mushroom crepe. Both items were delicious and fresh tasting.
(Flyertalk and sushi)
The drinks area offered the usual beverages and a nice assortment of spirits, wines and sparkling wine. Since it was still morning, croissants and other pastries were also provided.
(Buffet in front of drinks wall)
(Alcoholic offerings)
Free wifi was available using a password given as we entered the lounge. It was surprisingly fast and we made a couple of Skype video calls. Grandma and Grandpa always like a quick call from the lounge before boarding. In 2002, we took them on CX in First Class to Africa. I will never forget after 28 hours of traveling from LAX to JNB, Grandpa announced that he could spent the WHOLE vacation just getting served on CX. We had to drag him kicking and screaming from the plane.
BOARDING:
Boarding was called and we were surprised that our gate was very nearby. We enjoyed a special treat when we saw the Lufthansa A380 parked next to the Air France A380 adjacent to our gate.
(Two A380s next to our gate)
While they are the biggest and the most modern, nothing will ever replace the sleek styling and majesty of a Boeing 747. It will be a sad day when these birds are replaced. Somehow the A380 looks awkward with its low cockpit and high “forehead”. Maybe once we’ve flown it, it will seem nicer. We look forward to our Qantas flight SIN-SYD in C and Emirates SYD-AKL in F to sample the “super jumbo”.
(Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-400)
The Business/First line was empty when we arrive with the economy line snaking around the corner. We were greeting at the front door and proceeded upstairs to our home for the next 12 hours.
Boarding is always my favorite time of any flight. Everyone is excited. Lots of activity fills the cabin. I proceeded with my ritual of unpacking those items I would use for the flight. I also always change into comfortable cotton clothes before take off if the flight is over five hours. Even if pajamas are offered, I still wear my own comfy clothes because I don’t like wearing new clothing. I always have to wash it before wearing.
The cockpit door was wide open and the pilots were standing up and seemed in good spirits. I asked our flight attendant if my son and I could get a photo with the captain. She returned saying Corbin could visit but CX no longer allows photos in the cockpit. I escorted him to the front where Don our captain introduced himself. He immediately put Corbin in his seat and let him wear his hat. I was really wishing I could take a photo. I have so many fond memories of doing exactly the same thing when I was a kid. Sitting there in this huge space filled with thousands of controls used to amaze me.
Don was very chatty with Corbin asking him many questions. My favorite part was when he asked Corbin where he is from. Corbin responded “Well, we’re not really from anywhere right now.” Spoken like a good third-culture kid. For over five minutes they talked and I tried to get Corbin’s attention to say “let’s go” but Don would always start talking about something else. In the end he offered that Corbin could stand at the cockpit doorway and I could snap a quick pick there.
(Captain Corby)
Both Terry and I opted for a nice glass of champagne before takeoff as we settled in. Soon enough the door was closed and we were ready for departure. Upstairs was almost full with only two seats free. I never got a good look at the downstairs section.
(My boys ready for takeoff)
Once in the air, menus, amenity kits and hot towels were offered. The purser came by to welcome me on the flight but it was short and to the point. When she got over to my husband, she and he talked for 10 minutes! It probably started when she asked him if we were brothers since we have the same last name. Terry immediately explained that I was his husband and Corbin was our son and then she asked all about our big trip. I’m usually the talkative one so I was surprised they were so chatty.
When I was living in Germany, I never managed to see “Sex in the City 2”. With its tepid reviews and crazy storylines, I decided that I would wait until I was locked on a plane and had a glass of champagne in hand. Today’s flight was that opportunity so I spent my first two hours reconnecting with my old friends from NYC, Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda and Carrie. At some point I told myself they would all end up in burkas and wouldn’t you know it? They all appeared running away from the bad guys in black burkas. Ugh. Even with the champagne, it still wasn’t a very good movie.
LUNCH MEAL SERVICE:
After the champers, I switch to one of the CX Signature Drinks, a Cloud Nine, a refreshing combination of vodka, Cointreau and Sprite and lemon. It was a little sweet for my adult tastes but enjoyable.
(Cloud Nine cocktail)
Here is the menu for the lunch that was served:
Starters
***Smoked salmon on vegetable fritter
***Mesclun salad with sesame soy dressing
Main Courses
***Roasted duck with plum sauce, egg fried rice, pak choy and carrot
Beef Rendang with basmati rice and spicy vegetables
Pork fillet with green peppercorn sauce, parsley potatoes and roasted vegetables
Ricotta and spinach cannelloini with basil tomato concasse and Parmesan
Cheese and Dessert
***Forest Hill Brie, Indezi Kwaito, Red Pepper Zevenwacht Cheddar
Fresh seasonal fruit
***Baked berry cheese cake with mixed berry compote
Tea and Coffee
Praline
Champagne
***Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne
White Wines
***P. Ferraud & Fils Vire-Clesse 2008
Waimea Estates Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Red Wines
Kleine Zalze Stellenbosch Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2007
Vieux Chateau Landon Cru Bourgeois 2006
Port
***Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005
(My selections are notated by ***)
The salmon starter was delicious. Ever Corbin ate it all. The salad was fresh but typical. For my main, I chose the duck and it was very good. I ate it all. I enjoyed the cheese course before finishing my meal with the berry cheesecake. Overall it was an excellent meal.
(Starter tray)
(Salmon close up)
(Roasted duck)
(Cheese course)
(Dessert)
My favorite part of the meal service on this flight is the scenery out the window. We flew right over Madagascar for much of the service. I remembered this from previous flights and requested a window on the right hand side. This time it was much more meaningful since we had just spent a month there.
(Views of Madagascar)
Soon after dinner I put my seat in the flat position and slept for about four hours. It was a bit early for an entire night’s sleep but it felt good.
SNACK:
Well past dinner time in South Africa, my body was hungry so I ordered some BBQ pork in a noodle soup. It was yummy and made me tired again.
(Noodle soup snack)
Here were the options from the menu:
Snacks
Chicken, sage and sweet corn pie
Assorted sandwich
Barbecued pork in noodle soup
Ice cream
BREAKFAST:
Ninety minutes before landing the lights came up the breakfast service began.
Here is the menu for the arrival meal:
Starters
***Orange or apple juice
Passion fruit, banana & honey energizer
***Fresh seasonal fruit
Fruit yoghurt
***Bircher muesli with strawberry
Main Courses
Omelette with creamed spinach, grilled back bacon, pork sausage, tomato, bubble and squeak
Chicken frittata with potato cheese cake, grilled tomato spinach
***Braised udon noodles with beef and mixed vegetables
Bread Basket
***Assorted breakfast bread served with preservatives, honey and butter
Tea and Coffee
(Breakfast first course)
(Udon with beef)
The service throughout the flight was excellent. Many people have complained recently that they had noticed a dip in the level of service on CX. None of this was apparent with this outstanding flight crew.
Overall, I give top marks to this Cathay Pacific flight. We found all the crew members from the captain to the flight attendants to be warm and friendly.
This flight was the 15th out of a total of 40 that we will be taking as part of our twelve month tour. For more information about our travels, visit http://fifthgradearoundtheworld.com
Last edited by olafman; Nov 11, 2010 at 5:14 am
Nov 11, 2010, 3:18 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 3
Great to hear from you guys again! Weather in Sydney has been very wet at the start of spring, with lots of thunderstorms and humidity. Hopefully by the time you get here we will have long, hot days! Travel safe.
Nov 11, 2010, 6:54 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,329
Wow!! What a fabulous TR!!! I'm glad that you are so enjoyable flying on CX out JNB-HKG nonstop. So you didn't take a nice cabin shots. How much longer since you were spent in South African for? You were on their way back home? So how did you got 9 checked bags and it will get charges for more excess the luggage. How many bags that you checked?
Luckily, I was gone for overseas flight by last month. I was too extremely tiredness that I came back home from Switzerland. So I will try to write the TR shortly. Good to being backs home from Europe by last month of Oct. 31, 2010.
Luckily, I was gone for overseas flight by last month. I was too extremely tiredness that I came back home from Switzerland. So I will try to write the TR shortly. Good to being backs home from Europe by last month of Oct. 31, 2010.
Nov 11, 2010, 7:51 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Digital Nomad
Programs: AA2MM LIFETIME PLT, Turkish Miles&Smiles Elite, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,024
Nov 11, 2010, 10:22 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,329
AH, okay. Gotcha ya! Thanks for your efforts. I didn't even know that. I'm sure you have a great trip for around the world. When you returns back home in USA? How much longer that you were gone on the trip?