I am based LHR and do most of my travel in J with BA/AA to the US. I have been looking forward to doing more Cathay because it seems to have a good reputation and I am jaded with BA.

Recently I got my chance because I’ve been visiting HKG 2x a month for the last few months and will have that same pattern most of H126.

Cathay when it’s good seems superb. My first flight out was in a phenomenal new seat on a 777, great service, love the LHR lounge. 10/10.

Then my return was on the world’s oldest plane with a dirty old seat which it turned out was broken and wouldn’t go flat. Staff pleasant but couldn’t help. An uncomfortable way to spend thousands of pounds.

Next flight is superb.

Flight after that is delayed 2.5 hours due to late arriving aircraft (happens, ok) but no effort at proactive rebooking and then when I get to the lounge I’m told it’s full but maybe come back later. 🙄

For the broken seat I got a template email a week later offering me 18,000 Asia Miles. I explained I don’t use Asia Miles so this is no use to me but how about an upgrade on one of my upcoming sectors? Given I am doing 4 long haul CX sectors a month I’m J this is a pretty easy ask but I get a flat “no” because it is “above matrix”.

At times it seems like the world’s best airline and other times it’s one I would avoid. Have I had a bad run of luck or is this standard and I should I move my future travel to BA?