Originally Posted by
G-CIVC
CX524/CX504/CX450 almost always have the inferior regional J product. Not worth it.
CX548 is the 'prime' flight, perhaps the most important regional flight for Cathay, and the happiest FAs (longest layover, best config to work in). But the main meal is breakfast.
CX520 seems to have reverse herringbone all the time, but not as guaranteed as 548. Lunch service but the FAs are quite stressed since it's one of the longest same-day turns they do (aka no allowance).
CX500/CX542 is primarily comprised of Japanese pax so it's a lot more quiet and orderly. But reverse herringbone is a mixed bag and definitely don't count on it too.
tldr; 548 or 520.
PS you can do mixed class for revenue or Avios award booking.
PPS somehow, CX is very popular among the Japanese. Don't count on upgrades happening. The exception may be the red eye 524 but the J product is inferior anyway.
Thanks for this, it's very useful!! If i were to take out a reward, I was going to avoid the regional CX business class, as I saw it and doesn't look special at all. On another hand, I booked my J flights to HKG but on BA A380 as I was swayed by the triple points offer, but was so tempted to try CX for the seats.
That's why I thought to try it on my flight to Tokyo (or back to HKG). is there any way to be as sure as possible, by selecting seats while booking it? if I were to book it via BAEC using avios, do I get the booking on my BA app, or CX app??