I went to bali last month flying CX in business (upstairs), and did not need VOA service. Not sure how long the line grew to economy, but i didn't not encounter anyone in line when i got there.

I'm glad the gamble paid off for you. But as noted in previous threads, it is a considerable chance that one takes when arriving on this flight. Others need the warning. I'm not willing to gamble like that on vacation.

I do the same (in J) twice a year and never felt the need for special service. My wife goes to the VOA line and I go to the passport line. Never took more than 15 min and I get to luggage at the same time as my bag.

I did this flight last June in J and arranged for the VIP Immigration service through my Hotel. Our plane arrived on time and when I saw horrendous queues for Immigration, I was glad I paid the extra few dollars.

Not sure if they opened up the new Terminal yet but the old one is quite outdated.

^^

I suppose it is useful for the occasional outlier to mention they transited DPS in a timely fashion, without arranging for VIP. In fact, for those of that know better than to ever land sans VIP, we should be encouraging people to play the lottery. It makes our lives easier, and our vacations more relaxing.

VIP is dead. Skip it. Not worth it. Hey, I know a guy that robbed a bank once and didn't get caught. So I guess it is wise policy to rob banks.

I took this "gamble" in August 2012; flew J upstairs as well. Walked right up to the VOA window and then the immigration counters. ^

I spent a solid 8 to 10 minutes driving 110 mph in New York State yesterday. It was glorious. Doesn't mean I won't get a ticket next time. As noted, it is entirely dependent on CX785 being on time and none of the other widebodies landing early (TG431, MH851, CI771, BR255, etc). To each their own, but its remarkable how willing people are to jeopardize the first several hours of vacation, in order to save a few bucks. Though I'll admit $25 buys a lot of Bintang

Exactly, to each their own. It's just like any insurance. But you sure do make it seem like one side is the absolute truth.

FYI the shared lounge at DPS isn't very good. A few computers, OK food, no booze, limited range of newspapers.

Right. Thanks all for your advice.

No availability in J Showed until <24 hours (yesterday). Despite losing miles i opted to go for it anyway and had a lovely flight in the regional business class today. Even managed to get an hours sleep.

BA is miles behind on food and service it must be said.

Now a question. Upon booking seats were automatically allocated. On the return journey we we were allocated seats 91A and k. Didn't really know what these were so went to manage my booking and changed them to upper deck seats as this appears to be a 747 (flying in 9 days time.).

Only later did I discover that the plane would likely be a three class plane and I could have sat in a suite.

What are seats 91? I can't see them on seat guru?

How can I get into the f cabin! Is it worth ringing CX? As I said before my wife is GO if that helps in any way.

Thanks.

Row 91 is the upper deck.

If operating with a 744, F seats (not service, seats) will be allocated to those without status but continuing on from HKG in F, or to those with status flying just on this segment. Search my posts, I've written on this topic several times but I'm in Peru with precious little Internet access so I can't pull it up. I'm OneWorld Emerald and have been able to upgrade a companion on this segment on a few occasions. Good luck.

Jamie

Not really true. For non status pax they will not be allocated first even if they hold a long haul F ticket

My status-less wife, in her own PNR, has consistently been allocated the F cabin when the PNR also contains HKGJFK in F. On the one occasion that she had separate PNRs for each leg, she had to request the F seat at check-in at DPS and she was given it. This makes me believe that the initial upgrades were not a function of the awards having been allocated from a status-rich account, rather they were determined by the continuing award. I have no idea if revenue tickets are treated differently. But for awards, we've had good success.

We saw evidence before f tickets did not get allocate the front section. Of course if there r seats available still they will give it to u but status pax I assume will get it first

I would not assume that. In 4 cases, my status-less wife with onward F flight in her PNR has been allocated F when checking in on-line. Meanwhile, I have status and have been flying with her in each instance. However, my onward F flights have been in separate PNRs. Despite status, I have NOT been pre-allocated F seats when checking in, I've had to request it at the airport. This suggests that the system sweeps for onward-connecting F pax, whereas it does not sweep for status (but leaves that to airport control). Mind you, maybe the "system" is merely somebody at DPS who looks over PNRs, hence the process can be hit or miss. Clearly, the best strategy is to have both status AND an onward connection in F.