Having spent the last 2 weeks bouncing around SE Asia, I thought it would be interesting to do a little compare and contrast on the regions 2 premier carriers. This part one, live from the BA F lounge in SIN. Part 2 will follow from the Pier in HKG!

CX901 HKG - MNL
22/01/03
777-300
Seat 17A

Check in: My BA Gold tags were spotted as I was wheeling my way to the CX f check in at HKG by an eagle eyed agent, and was whisked over to a counter. The F check in is very classy - the monitor that displays all your details is particuarly nice. One oddity was the my final destination was shown as SIN, not MNL! After a very warm greeting, the equipment changed was explained to me, and I was assured that the seat next to me had been blocked out. The appropriate lounge invitation was issued. Grade - A-

Lounge: The Wing was busy - a busy as i have ever seen it. Inspite of the aural interruptions from the terminal PA system, it's still a fine place to wait. The staff seem to have bucked their ideas up, and it is no longer necessary to hunt down someone if you want a drink. A quick surf later, and it's time to board. Grade - A-

Boarding:
I arrived at the gate just as boarding was announced. After fighting my way through a crows of homeward bound (and very happy) Filippino amahs, I was greeted by name at the gate, and ushered through. I rather surprised the crew when I arrived on the plane, but the ISM recoverd gallantly and showed me to my seat.

Having sat down, I was then swamped with blankets, papers, drinks, menus, headsets, immigration forms etc. Particuarly nice was the purser introducing herself personally when distributing menus. At this point I realised I was in for a cracking flight, as this crew seemed really focussed. Service from the heart one might say! Grade - A. Could not fault at all

In flight:
Pushback was on time, and after a swift taxi we soon blasted off 25L. Into the climb and the crew got busy. The ISM passed through the cabin saying hellos to the elites - the first time I have been called a Oneworld VIP. It's a nice touch, especially if you have an ego that needs massaging!

I won't transribe the menu, but the omlette and trimmings I had were pretty good. A nice touch was the provision of ketchup! One point to note is that the food is preplated in casserole dishes - trolley service is reserved for long haul flights. Service was great through out, with the ISM really doing a good job of making things work. Grade - A (again)

Arrival

We hit a minor ATC on approach, and spent a few minutes making pretty patterns in the sky over Manila. After landing and a reasonably short taxi to the gate, it was a short stroll through to queue-less immigration counter. The bags took an age in coming, and inspite of the F class tags, mine arrived halfway through with those from Y class, thus depriving me of the satisfaction of strolling away while everyone else waits!
Grade - C

All in all, one of the finest CX flight I have been one. The crew were truly excellent, very charming and responsive throughout the flight. SQ will have to try hard to beat this!