Odd service timing on CX198
Hello CX forum,
Just had my first CX flight AKL-HKG in Y and wanted to check with you whether the service we received is common in this route or on CX in general.
We departed on time at 15h and landed at 20.45, so essentially a day flight roughly 10 hours long. One hour after departure we were served lunch and then the FAs quickly asked all passengers to close the shades and dimmed the lights. We settled in our seats (a refurb 777 10 abreast, so the settling in was minimal) and after a couple of hours ordered some snacks. So far so good.
We were very surprised when at the 5h mark the lights in the cabin were turned on, and the "refreshment" was served to a half asleep cabin, where many passengers didn't bother with the meal. Lights went dark shortly after, and then the flight proceeded uneventfully until about 45 minutes before landing when the lights came on again.
Is it normal to have the second meal in the middle of the flight as opposed to a couple of hours before landing? We've travelled to NZ on a number of airlines over the years and never encountered such a concept.
Thank you!