A review of BA vs CX
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: somewhere north of London, UK
Programs: HH Gold, BA Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 15,252
A review of BA vs CX
I posted http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...-hkg-back.html in the trip reports forum but despite 500+ views, not one comment.
There are no photos, but there is a conclusion.....
Anyway, if those questions like "in a bare knuckle fight, who would win - batman or spiderman" are your bag, you might like to read it.
There are no photos, but there is a conclusion.....
Anyway, if those questions like "in a bare knuckle fight, who would win - batman or spiderman" are your bag, you might like to read it.
#2



Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bloomsbury and Maida Vale, 17th when I can.
Programs: BA Gold. No idea how really. AF a bit, probably more soon...
Posts: 2,410
Thanks for the nudge, enjoyed the report. I flew my first CX J sector a couple of months ago (330) and found myself underwhelmed given all of the good press they get.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 12,079
A very interesting comparison thanks Swiss Tony.
I have often wondered whether or not I should try new airlines, but have decided to stick with what I know and love (BA and QR).
Based on how reports here on FT either agree or are at variance with my own experiences of these airlines I seriously doubt that the grass is greener on the other side. So I am quite happy with BA and QR and doubt that I will try CX, SQ or some others until such time as I fly so much that a bit of variety might be pleasant.
I have often wondered whether or not I should try new airlines, but have decided to stick with what I know and love (BA and QR).
Based on how reports here on FT either agree or are at variance with my own experiences of these airlines I seriously doubt that the grass is greener on the other side. So I am quite happy with BA and QR and doubt that I will try CX, SQ or some others until such time as I fly so much that a bit of variety might be pleasant.
#8
Moderator: The British Airways Club


Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,181
Thanks for your report, Swiss Tony. My conclusion is about the same as yours, having flown CX J a fair bit, although not so much in BA CW recently.
I thought BA's CW food was the weakest point until I encountered CX's J food, especially the main (appetisers are generally OK). It's often an uninspiring small-plateful of semi-tasteless slop that I eat just because it's there and I'm bored.
I find this rather interesting because CX's F food is far better than BA's F food.
Then there are the 'old' CX J seats. I recently had the displeasure of flying upper deck in the old CX J seats. I do not wish to repeat the experience. The ceiling felt very low and I almost felt as if everything was closing in on me (I do not have that problem on BA CW window seat or CX F in the 'nose' section downstairs). The old CX J seat downstairs felt better due to the feeling of more space (not in the seat but the environment).
The new CX J seats are much better than the old CX J seats, though.
(Talking about long haul only here.)
I thought BA's CW food was the weakest point until I encountered CX's J food, especially the main (appetisers are generally OK). It's often an uninspiring small-plateful of semi-tasteless slop that I eat just because it's there and I'm bored.
I find this rather interesting because CX's F food is far better than BA's F food.
Then there are the 'old' CX J seats. I recently had the displeasure of flying upper deck in the old CX J seats. I do not wish to repeat the experience. The ceiling felt very low and I almost felt as if everything was closing in on me (I do not have that problem on BA CW window seat or CX F in the 'nose' section downstairs). The old CX J seat downstairs felt better due to the feeling of more space (not in the seat but the environment).
The new CX J seats are much better than the old CX J seats, though.
(Talking about long haul only here.)
#9

Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
BA at its best runs them close, but the best is a rarity, compared to CX who get it right almost every time. That's the major difference for me; never having to wonder if I'm going to end up on a 20 year old 747 that's falling to pieces inside.
LHR also badly, badly lets BA down, when HKG is one of the very best in the world.
LHR also badly, badly lets BA down, when HKG is one of the very best in the world.
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Moscow / Aylesbury / Leeds
Programs: BA-GGL, SU-G Agean, G,, Hhonours D, Starwood G, IHG G,
Posts: 1,531
I only get to fly "Coffin Class" DME-HKG and short regional, which is either awful or gobsmackingly good. So from what I have seem, particularly in view of my flight time preferences, I prefer BA as i do not damage my elbows
#11
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,866
Understand the dislike of the coffin beds. Suppose it depends on the value you place on length of bed and privacy. They are my 2 most important criteria but obviously others find the CW bed adequate.
A little example of the difference in service was a couple of weeks ago I had a steak on CX (yes it was bloody and tender) and was offered mustard. I received 2 small bowls, one of English and one of Dijon.
Got me thinking of the sachet you are handed in CW. Even in BA F the bacon roll is served with ketchup in a sachet. Surely the small pots of ketchup and mustard are not beyond BA if they do not want to serve each individuallyin small serving bowls?
A little example of the difference in service was a couple of weeks ago I had a steak on CX (yes it was bloody and tender) and was offered mustard. I received 2 small bowls, one of English and one of Dijon.
Got me thinking of the sachet you are handed in CW. Even in BA F the bacon roll is served with ketchup in a sachet. Surely the small pots of ketchup and mustard are not beyond BA if they do not want to serve each individuallyin small serving bowls?

