Thanks for all the good advice here. I'm cautiously looking forward to the trip.

I bought my ticket through American Airlines, and they're the ones who told me that only transpacific seats could be booked. But the posts above encouraged me to call Cathay directly, and a very pleasant agent was only too pleased to reserve seats for all my segments.

She also mentioned that the plane next week is configured 1-2-1 in First, with just two rows. All 8 window seats are taken, but the agent today sent a message to the airport requesting one if someone changes their mind.

I also just noticed that CX and AA are running some bonus mile promotions, so I registered today.

As for the language issue, my partner speaks passable Thai but unfortunately is at a work conference in Auckland. I'm going to buy one of those "pointing" dictionaries at Rand McNally to help get by. I have heard that English usage has declined noticeably in HK in just 4 years, but is rapidly taking hold in Shanghai (maybe next trip!). My parents have friends in Singapore who have invited me to dinner, so I'm less nervous about going there.

Just curious: does Cathay have a strong relationship to Canada? Their recorded message directs people to visit cathay.ca, a Canadian site, and the agent who helped me had a charming Canadian accent.

Horizons




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~ Friends don't let friends fly coach ~