Let me start by saying I rarely check bags because I usually try to pack light. I have had some bad experiences with US airlines when I check bags and they either arrive late or not at all. I am taking CX JFK-MNL in 10 days and I have a very important business meeting the morning after I arrive and I need my suit. Is it reasonable to expect that my bag will show up in MNL on time if I check it? I have about a 3 hours layover in HKG so I would think that is enough time to make it to the next flight assuming everything is on time. I know it's a dumb question, but I want to see whether I can feel safe checking my bag or whether I should pare down and carry on my bag. Thanks for any insight.

Yes. I have never had a problem with lost baggage with CX.

Yes its quite a dumb question.. cos its almost like you want us to guarantee that CX will deliver your bag for you if you check it. But that's almost like asking someone if you mail something, will it get there, otherwise you won't mail it.

Well, there is no guarantee in anything.

Generally CX is very good with connecting luggage even with 50 mins connecting time in HKG. But anything really can happen...

If you are so unsure and worried about the check in luggage, then don't check in any luggage on your departure and just check in for your return.

What will happen is that you might be hand luggage restricted especially departing from asian cities. Hand luggage might have a weight restriction and if you exceed that, you must check it in irrespective if you were allowed to carry it on on your way here.

If you are really worried, bring the suit on board. They have a closet to hang clothes. Inform the FA about it when you enter the plane.

With many flights on CX (and KA) I only lost my luggage once; transferring LH to CX it didn't make the connection. Reason was that the hand-over between the two handling companies didn't go as planned. Transferring CX to CX should not be an issue!
And if it's all about the suit, follow Zoneless' advice and take it with you on board. The FA will be happy to hang it in the closet for you!

Thanks for the advice and I will do that with my suit. To others, I should have posed my question differently because I was certainly not looking for a guarantee that my bag would arrive on time, because I know there is no such thing. I should have asked for general perceptions about CX bag handling because my experiences with US based carriers have not been good.

When flying and transitting from CX to CX flights, I have never had any lost lugagge. When transferring from other oneworld airlines to CX , even with at least 3 hours connection times, I've lost the bag once. It was from AA to CX at CDG.

CX is good that way.