First Class marathon: RTW on Lufthansa, Garuda Indonesia, Korean & Cathay Pacific
Nov 23, 2016, 3:38 pm
#61
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: AF Plat, DL Gold
Posts: 366
Thanks for taking the time to take the pics and write such a great report SFO777. I haven't flown as many int'l F flights as you (who has?) but I can also say that this flight was absolutely phenomenal. The seat, food, wine, and company were all spectacular. On a trip that included LH F, KE F, and CX F, who knew that GA F would stand at the top? That dinner was the most fun I've had on a flight in a long time! You bet I'll be on the inaugural flight.
Nov 23, 2016, 7:11 pm
#63
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,602
And I as well! Who knows, I may have to talk my ol' buddy Seat 2A into taking a ride on Garuda in F out of LAX as well so he can then construct a trip report while I concentrate on the food and wine! 
Speaking of wine, I actually found the Chateau Durfort-Vivens Margaux at one of our local wine shops here in the LFT area this afternoon, although it is the 2011 vintage and thus not the 2009. We'll enjoy a bottle with our Thanksgiving feast tomorrow with several additional bottles now set aside in the wine storage unit and aging properly.
Speaking of wine, I actually found the Chateau Durfort-Vivens Margaux at one of our local wine shops here in the LFT area this afternoon, although it is the 2011 vintage and thus not the 2009. We'll enjoy a bottle with our Thanksgiving feast tomorrow with several additional bottles now set aside in the wine storage unit and aging properly.
Thanks for taking the time to take the pics and write such a great report SFO777. I haven't flown as many int'l F flights as you (who has?) but I can also say that this flight was absolutely phenomenal. The seat, food, wine, and company were all spectacular. On a trip that included LH F, KE F, and CX F, who knew that GA F would stand at the top? That dinner was the most fun I've had on a flight in a long time! You bet I'll be on the inaugural flight.
Looking forward to that inaugural with you.
Nov 24, 2016, 11:52 pm
#66
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: China
Posts: 1,552
The sad thing is that the product has been a commercial disaster for Garuda, and the CEO/ marketing team who designed & greenlighted it have now 'left the building' to be replaced by the CEO of Garuda's LCC (Citilink) It is only that the cost to reconfigure the aircraft to a more commericially viable number/ class of seats is so high that means that it is still flying. So, a glorious failure, and make the most of it while it lasts (their newer B777-300ER have 26 Business/ 367 Economy seats with no First Class)
Nov 25, 2016, 10:02 am
#68
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,602
The sad thing is that the product has been a commercial disaster for Garuda, and the CEO/ marketing team who designed & greenlighted it have now 'left the building' to be replaced by the CEO of Garuda's LCC (Citilink) It is only that the cost to reconfigure the aircraft to a more commericially viable number/ class of seats is so high that means that it is still flying. So, a glorious failure, and make the most of it while it lasts (their newer B777-300ER have 26 Business/ 367 Economy seats with no First Class)
My current overall ranking of international First Class products (with comparison from 2 years ago) would be:
1. Air France (--)
2. Garuda Indonesia (--)
3. Etihad (6)
4. Qatar (5)
5. Emirates (3)
6. Lufthansa (1)
7. Cathay Pacific (4)
8. Singapore (2)
9. Swiss (7)
10. ANA (8)
11. Qantas (10)
12. Korean (9)
13. Malaysia (11)
14. JAL (12)
15. Thai (14)
16. British (13)
17. Air China (15)
...
98. Air Koryo (98)
99. United (99)
100. American (100)
Last edited by SFO777; Nov 25, 2016 at 11:21 am
Nov 25, 2016, 11:55 am
#69
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 68
SFO777, I was looking forward to your opinion on Garuda's First Class product so this is much appreciated. Thank you so much for the thorough review! I have been toying with the idea of a last minute December trip to Amanjiwo, and the one-way price on GA from London is really tempting...
Nov 25, 2016, 12:19 pm
#70
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: AF Plat, DL Gold
Posts: 366
SFO777, I was looking forward to your opinion on Garuda's First Class product so this is much appreciated. Thank you so much for the thorough review! I have been toying with the idea of a last minute December trip to Amanjiwo, and the one-way price on GA from London is really tempting...
Do it. Just do it. You won't regret it!
Nov 26, 2016, 8:39 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
And very much looking forward to your review of business class on board Air Koryo's Tu-204-300 when you get around to it!
Nov 26, 2016, 3:04 pm
#72
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: LAX and LHR. UA lifetime Gold 1.9MM 1K , DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 3,592
Great TR, SFO777!
I've always been shy of trying Garuda because of the problems they apparently have with maintenance, plus a poor safety record. Have things improved?
I had avoided LAX TBIT for a long time because of the lack of TSA Pre-Check, but recently went through there and discovered that it doesn't matter. If you've got a biz or F ticket (as you did), there's a dedicated Business and First security lane which operates in exactly the same way as Pre-Check. No need to get out computer or liquids or take jacket or shoes off. Save yourself time and hassle on your next trip!
I've always been shy of trying Garuda because of the problems they apparently have with maintenance, plus a poor safety record. Have things improved?
I had avoided LAX TBIT for a long time because of the lack of TSA Pre-Check, but recently went through there and discovered that it doesn't matter. If you've got a biz or F ticket (as you did), there's a dedicated Business and First security lane which operates in exactly the same way as Pre-Check. No need to get out computer or liquids or take jacket or shoes off. Save yourself time and hassle on your next trip!
Nov 27, 2016, 3:28 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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The Garuda Indonesia First Class Lounge at CGK
We bid adieu to our wonderful Garuda cabin crew, walked into the jet bridge and were immediately met by our Garuda First Class Personal Assistant Herlina, who escorted us from the gate to the Garuda lounges.
Our first stop was the Business Class Lounge as there was some confusion as to whether should be permitted access to the First Class Lounge. Herlina advised that only departing Garuda First Class passengers are supposed to be able to use the First Class Lounge, not passengers on other airlines. Except that I had an email from [email protected] which confirmed the would can use the FCL.
I gave Herlina one of my two copies and we waited and explored the Business Class Lounge and its +25 C temp as she went to investigate.
20 minutes later there was no sign of Herlina, with batmandds and I joking that they were having trouble reaching the CEO. I had walked up to the lounge entrance to get the Wifi code and saw 5 agents with multiple copies of my email and the "you can use the First Class Lounge" now highlighted in yellow marker. LOL. Hoping that no one got into trouble for that email. Another 10 minutes and apparently the CEO granted permission as Herlina returned with the news that we can indeed use the First Class Lounge...
... which is located in the lower level underneath the Business Class Lounge and nicely air conditioned! We were the only passengers here tonight.
OK, now these are cool. Individual mini-suites with your own TV.
Not sure if the AC just cooled us down or someone lower the temperature to get us to leave, but it was really starting to get cold, almost Arctic-like. I checked the thermostat and found it set at +18C. 64F? Yikes, no wonder we were getting cold. Fortunately, I always carry a scarf, took it out, put on my jacket and was quite comfy. Who'd have thought I would use it in +40C temp. Jakarta? We relaxed for a couple of hours, has a few beers and a snack.
We bid adieu to our wonderful Garuda cabin crew, walked into the jet bridge and were immediately met by our Garuda First Class Personal Assistant Herlina, who escorted us from the gate to the Garuda lounges.
Our first stop was the Business Class Lounge as there was some confusion as to whether should be permitted access to the First Class Lounge. Herlina advised that only departing Garuda First Class passengers are supposed to be able to use the First Class Lounge, not passengers on other airlines. Except that I had an email from [email protected] which confirmed the would can use the FCL.
I gave Herlina one of my two copies and we waited and explored the Business Class Lounge and its +25 C temp as she went to investigate.
20 minutes later there was no sign of Herlina, with batmandds and I joking that they were having trouble reaching the CEO. I had walked up to the lounge entrance to get the Wifi code and saw 5 agents with multiple copies of my email and the "you can use the First Class Lounge" now highlighted in yellow marker. LOL. Hoping that no one got into trouble for that email. Another 10 minutes and apparently the CEO granted permission as Herlina returned with the news that we can indeed use the First Class Lounge...
... which is located in the lower level underneath the Business Class Lounge and nicely air conditioned! We were the only passengers here tonight.
OK, now these are cool. Individual mini-suites with your own TV.
Not sure if the AC just cooled us down or someone lower the temperature to get us to leave, but it was really starting to get cold, almost Arctic-like. I checked the thermostat and found it set at +18C. 64F? Yikes, no wonder we were getting cold. Fortunately, I always carry a scarf, took it out, put on my jacket and was quite comfy. Who'd have thought I would use it in +40C temp. Jakarta? We relaxed for a couple of hours, has a few beers and a snack.
Nov 27, 2016, 3:29 pm
#74
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Posts: 21,602
At around T-45, we packed up and headed upstairs where Herlina has just arrived to escort us to our Korean flight. We had anticipated a 10 minute walk but, lo and behold, a buggy was waiting to drive us.
And after a security check, walked us to our gate D2, even insisting on rolling batmandds' carry on. Just like Mrs. SFO777 does. LOL.
We said our terima kasih and good-bye at the gate podium, where a Korean representative took it from there and personally escorted us on board.
Jakarta-Seoul
Korean 628
777-300ER (77W)
10:00p-7:00a +1
November 16, 2016
Departed 3/8
Suite 2A
Another warm welcome on board as we settled into our seats. Not quite a charter tonight as there was one other passenger on the other side of the cabin. He slept the entire way to Seoul so we pretty much had the cabin to ourselves. A little disappointed not to get the Kosmo 2.0 seats but the old 1.0 version is still pretty nice.
Not sure if it is CGK or Korean, but only juice or water was offered as a pre-departure beverage.
Reasonable IFE quality but the movie selection was limited, with pretty much the same weak offerings as LH and GA. And still no Wifi on KE, which is surprising considering how connected and advanced South Korea is.
Tonight's menu...
... and the wine list which is apparently used on all flights. You have to read the fine print to figure out which wines are served on your flight.
But Johnny Blue is there, and as batmandds can attest, was free flowing. LOL.
The chicken satay amuse-bouche was good, although not quite as fabulous as on GA, SQ or MH.
Showtime, KE style.
The KE garlic bread was really good!
Yeah, Angry Birds was the best I could find that I haven't seen or wanted to see again. May as well see what the grandkids are watching. Ha.
The Seared King Prawn with salsa starter was nice although a little bland and not very seared.
The Potato Leek soup was delicious.
Mixed green salad with vinaigrette was very refreshing.
For my main, I went with the Korean Bibimbap.
The key is Gochujang, the hot pepper paste which really makes this a tasty dish.
The Burgundy was a perfect pairing with the Bibimbap.
Our FA made my bed in 2D and I moved over, passed on the Ambien tonight and slept for a couple of hours. It looked much nicer before I moved over.
We arrived some 20 minutes early. No personal meet & greet escort today as we headed for security and the Korean First Class Lounge... and our first high speed Wifi in a couple of days.
And after a security check, walked us to our gate D2, even insisting on rolling batmandds' carry on. Just like Mrs. SFO777 does. LOL.
We said our terima kasih and good-bye at the gate podium, where a Korean representative took it from there and personally escorted us on board.
Jakarta-Seoul
Korean 628
777-300ER (77W)
10:00p-7:00a +1
November 16, 2016
Departed 3/8
Suite 2A
Another warm welcome on board as we settled into our seats. Not quite a charter tonight as there was one other passenger on the other side of the cabin. He slept the entire way to Seoul so we pretty much had the cabin to ourselves. A little disappointed not to get the Kosmo 2.0 seats but the old 1.0 version is still pretty nice.
Not sure if it is CGK or Korean, but only juice or water was offered as a pre-departure beverage.
Reasonable IFE quality but the movie selection was limited, with pretty much the same weak offerings as LH and GA. And still no Wifi on KE, which is surprising considering how connected and advanced South Korea is.
Tonight's menu...
... and the wine list which is apparently used on all flights. You have to read the fine print to figure out which wines are served on your flight.
But Johnny Blue is there, and as batmandds can attest, was free flowing. LOL.
The chicken satay amuse-bouche was good, although not quite as fabulous as on GA, SQ or MH.
Showtime, KE style.
The KE garlic bread was really good!
Yeah, Angry Birds was the best I could find that I haven't seen or wanted to see again. May as well see what the grandkids are watching. Ha.
The Seared King Prawn with salsa starter was nice although a little bland and not very seared.
The Potato Leek soup was delicious.
Mixed green salad with vinaigrette was very refreshing.
For my main, I went with the Korean Bibimbap.
The key is Gochujang, the hot pepper paste which really makes this a tasty dish.
The Burgundy was a perfect pairing with the Bibimbap.
Our FA made my bed in 2D and I moved over, passed on the Ambien tonight and slept for a couple of hours. It looked much nicer before I moved over.
We arrived some 20 minutes early. No personal meet & greet escort today as we headed for security and the Korean First Class Lounge... and our first high speed Wifi in a couple of days.
Last edited by SFO777; Nov 30, 2016 at 8:29 am
Nov 27, 2016, 3:39 pm
#75
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
SFO777, I was looking forward to your opinion on Garuda's First Class product so this is much appreciated. Thank you so much for the thorough review! I have been toying with the idea of a last minute December trip to Amanjiwo, and the one-way price on GA from London is really tempting...
Indeed. ^
Great TR, SFO777!
I've always been shy of trying Garuda because of the problems they apparently have with maintenance, plus a poor safety record. Have things improved?
I had avoided LAX TBIT for a long time because of the lack of TSA Pre-Check, but recently went through there and discovered that it doesn't matter. If you've got a biz or F ticket (as you did), there's a dedicated Business and First security lane which operates in exactly the same way as Pre-Check. No need to get out computer or liquids or take jacket or shoes off. Save yourself time and hassle on your next trip!
I've always been shy of trying Garuda because of the problems they apparently have with maintenance, plus a poor safety record. Have things improved?
I had avoided LAX TBIT for a long time because of the lack of TSA Pre-Check, but recently went through there and discovered that it doesn't matter. If you've got a biz or F ticket (as you did), there's a dedicated Business and First security lane which operates in exactly the same way as Pre-Check. No need to get out computer or liquids or take jacket or shoes off. Save yourself time and hassle on your next trip!
Thank you for the tip on LAX. I used PreCheck because our previous TBIT security experience in September (Air France First) wasn't much better than regular TSA. Certainly not PreCheck-lite like your experience. Hopefully your experience is a now the norm. Mrs. SFO777 and I are flying the same LAX-MUC flight in a month and we'll check it out, as I'm not going do the AA PreCheck thing with her.