I took CX 479 from Taipei to Hong Kong on 26 Dec. Very sub-par service levels, and definitely not the usual "norm" with Cathay. Upon boarding, the usual at-the-door greeting was almost non-existent. I boarded via Door 1, and only one flight attendant there with no smiles to "check" the boarding pass; all the while, she was talking with her colleagues in the galley, while occasionally looking at the passengers' boarding passes.

The ISM Eileen was not friendly at all. No smiles on her face. She did greet some passengers after the flight took off, but not sure what the protocol is now regarding greetings. In my past experience, ISMs usually approach at least the Diamond MPC members on each flight with a personal greeting. However, the ISM this time greeted some passengers by checking off a list on her iPad. I am Diamond, but did not get this greeting (I would not have cared anyway); I was more interested how passengers are being "ranked" now to get this ISM greeting or not.

Upon disembarking the plane, there were no "good byes" or friendly send-offs. Again, only ONE flight attendant at the door, and she stood there stoically.

Not sure if this experience is related to work to rule or not, but if not, then this service decline sets a dangerous precedent going forward for an airline which claims/claimed it has great service.