MNL

The terminal building was old, hot and sticky. Somehow just how I pictured it, out of a 70’s movie. I made my way to the transfer desk, but was unable to secure my BP yet. I asked if I could go to the lounge, had my printed itinerary stamped and went to transfer security. I had the impression Manila security was very strict, but I did not have to remove my laptop, belt, shoes or anything really. I also forgot to remove my liquids bag, but no one noticed and I was on my way.

The lounge was unoccupied, there was no-one in there, staff or customers. A big closed sign hung on the door, but the door was open so I though what the heck and sat myself down. Shortly after a couple of guys hauling drink supplies arrived, so I asked them if it was ok and I was more than welcome and they ushered me into the F-section upon seeing my itinerary. Remember, no BP yet.

The lounge was unimpressive, ugly and worn was my first thought. No premium food or drink, just some spaghetti bolognese and one brand of beer, the local San Miguel (not the Spanish one), which was rather good. No wines on offer and only standard spirits. 2 computers with internet, the saver for me was the mentioned free wifi. Decent selection of papers, but no bathroom, you have to use the public toilet by gate 7, very shabby stuff.

Cathay Pacific lounge, First class section
Drinks, First class section


The Silver Kris lounge looked very inviting, so I thought I might go and ask if they would let in an SQ F flyer without a ticket, who was flying SQ out of another airport albeit today. The proposition was not inviting, so I went back to the CX lounge.

I logged on the Wifi to check my mails and was horrified to see an e-mail requesting that I contact the online TA I used because CX has changed the class of service. Shock, horror. I instantly knew what was coming, CX had done an aircraft switch on me to a 2-class plane. I had read about this lately on FT, as some CX customers are not too happy that this occurs frequently. I checked FT and learned that some people were seeing compensation in the region of 1500 HKD, but those were flights originating out of HKG. MNL tickets are much cheaper so I wasn't expecting much.
After an hour the first lounge warden appeared, and I gave her my passport and itinerary and she would see to that my BP was fetched. I did not mention what would happen, as she might be unaware herself.
It was a man who had the task of informing me in grave voice that “Mr. view, I know that you are booked in First Class with us today, but..”. He already had my new BP ready, along with 3000 pesos compensation. That is of course almost nothing, so I asked how much that was worth in USD and he had to go and check. Meanwhile I checked myself online, and decided I would try for the HKD1500 mark.
He came back, trying to sell me his very generous compensation deal, but as we argued a little between us he went back to check on my HKD demand. Coming sulky looking back, he apologised and said this was all they could do in MNL, and it was after all very generous. He then went on to say that this was only a goodwill gesture, and that he would fax the HK office to have my fare difference refunded. Well, I wasn’t going to get CX to send another aircraft with a FC section after all, so I accepted the offer, signing to an agreement that I would not file a lawsuit or something to that effect.

The F section slowly filled as the late afternoon haze settled over Nino Aquino, I don’t know if anyone else was downgraded but I think most were status members in Marco Polo Club or another OW programme.

MNL-HKG
CX918 Business class (invol downgrade)
Dep. 17.50
A330-300
Seat 12A

I boarded late, as I was now not really looking forward to this flight anymore, all hopes of Krug had long since left my mind. This Airbus A333 has a regional 2-2-2 business class configuration, with reclining type seats. There is a personal IFE, but for this 1 hour 50 minute flight I did not see the point. I settled in, had a pre-take off juice and read the South China Morning Post.
For my meal I had a halibut with steamed vegetables and some dry chardonnay. This flight was not really bad in any way, and naturally miles ahead of any two hour business class offering in Europe, I just knew that I had much finer things in store later the same evening. So I hit the old manual recliner and got some shuteye, dreaming of my next flight.

CX regional business seat