Maximizing the First Class Experience!
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PLAT,PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Gld,Hyatt Disc,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 11,021
1. I'm sure the FA will offer it, but don't be shy about asking for champagne before take-off. And then more and more champagne whenever you want it.
2. As others have suggested, perhaps get to HKG a bit earlier than you otherwise would to enjoy the F lounge. I think the Wing is the best one.
3. Tastes may vary, but I usually like the Chinese meal choices better than the Western ones on CX. But be aware that you can mix and match choices from both menus. It's not either/or.
4. If you really like caviar, don't be afraid to ask for more. If the cabin is full and they can't spare seconds, the worst the FA will do is very politely decline.
5. Arrive at the airport well rested so that the drinks or time of the flight won't quickly knock you out.
6. Seat choice can make this nice experience even nicer. Reserve your seat as far in advance as possible. If the plane is a 777, I'd suggest 1A as first choice and 2A as second choice. If a 747, I'd suggest either seat in row 2 as first choice and in row 3 as second choice. Reasons are explained in other threads.
7. The CX F seat is wonderfully wide. I believe that it that it has a fold-down mini-arm in its back that can serve as a more close-in arm rest if you so desire.
8. CX F FAs can make a pretty decent cappuccino for you.
Have a great trip!
2. As others have suggested, perhaps get to HKG a bit earlier than you otherwise would to enjoy the F lounge. I think the Wing is the best one.
3. Tastes may vary, but I usually like the Chinese meal choices better than the Western ones on CX. But be aware that you can mix and match choices from both menus. It's not either/or.
4. If you really like caviar, don't be afraid to ask for more. If the cabin is full and they can't spare seconds, the worst the FA will do is very politely decline.
5. Arrive at the airport well rested so that the drinks or time of the flight won't quickly knock you out.
6. Seat choice can make this nice experience even nicer. Reserve your seat as far in advance as possible. If the plane is a 777, I'd suggest 1A as first choice and 2A as second choice. If a 747, I'd suggest either seat in row 2 as first choice and in row 3 as second choice. Reasons are explained in other threads.
7. The CX F seat is wonderfully wide. I believe that it that it has a fold-down mini-arm in its back that can serve as a more close-in arm rest if you so desire.
8. CX F FAs can make a pretty decent cappuccino for you.
Have a great trip!
Last edited by Thunderroad; Sep 24, 2013 at 10:35 pm
#34

Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
Flying into HKG on J out on F - Help me to maximise my CX experience!
Hi everybody.
I'm very excited for a couple of CX flights that I have coming up.
I've only ever flown CX once before, in Y and it was by far the best Y experience I've ever had!
This time I'm flying SYD-HKG in J, arriving at 21:35 on CX100.
The next flight is CX542 HKG-HND in F, departing at 16:15, the following day.
So an 18.5 hour layover.
I think my best option is to check my bag all the way through and get both my boarding passes at SYD.
When I arrive into HKG will I be able to use any lounges? I suspect Arrivals will be off limits as I will have come off a flight in J.
What about the Airside F lounges? I was thinking of checking out the Pier and getting some food and drinks before heading into Town. The following day I would then check out a cabana at the Wing.
I don't often find myself in HKG so really looking to maximise the CX experience!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I'm very excited for a couple of CX flights that I have coming up.
I've only ever flown CX once before, in Y and it was by far the best Y experience I've ever had!
This time I'm flying SYD-HKG in J, arriving at 21:35 on CX100.
The next flight is CX542 HKG-HND in F, departing at 16:15, the following day.
So an 18.5 hour layover.
I think my best option is to check my bag all the way through and get both my boarding passes at SYD.
When I arrive into HKG will I be able to use any lounges? I suspect Arrivals will be off limits as I will have come off a flight in J.
What about the Airside F lounges? I was thinking of checking out the Pier and getting some food and drinks before heading into Town. The following day I would then check out a cabana at the Wing.
I don't often find myself in HKG so really looking to maximise the CX experience!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
#35

Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: USA
Posts: 224
As an arriving business class passenger, you can access the Arrivals lounge
(See: http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_U...dmittance.html)
(See: http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_U...dmittance.html)
Last edited by cxfan1960; Sep 25, 2013 at 8:41 pm Reason: Threads merged. Mod removed reference to the destination thread.
#36




Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 668
#37

Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
Thanks TrAAveller.
It's not the plane I'm worried about, I have a pretty good idea of what I'm doing there
I was more concerned about the logistics of using the lounge quickly in the evening and then again pre-flight, the following day.
Also, I'm guessing that if that is possible; I'd be better off visiting one of the Airside F lounges, as opposed to Arrivals (in terms of food/beverage selection etc.).
Is that right?
It's not the plane I'm worried about, I have a pretty good idea of what I'm doing there

I was more concerned about the logistics of using the lounge quickly in the evening and then again pre-flight, the following day.
Also, I'm guessing that if that is possible; I'd be better off visiting one of the Airside F lounges, as opposed to Arrivals (in terms of food/beverage selection etc.).
Is that right?
#38
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,513
1. I'm sure the FA will offer it, but don't be shy about asking for champagne before take-off. And then more and more champagne whenever you want it.
2. As others have suggested, perhaps get to HKG a bit earlier than you otherwise would to enjoy the F lounge. I think the Wing is the best one.
3. Tastes may vary, but I usually like the Chinese meal choices better than the Western ones on CX. But be aware that you can mix and match choices from both menus. It's not either/or.
4. If you really like caviar, don't be afraid to ask for more. If the cabin is full and they can't spare seconds, the worst the FA will do is very politely decline.
5. Arrive at the airport well rested so that the drinks or time of the flight won't quickly knock you out.
6. Seat choice can make this nice experience even nicer. Reserve your seat as far in advance as possible. If the plane is a 777, I'd suggest 1A as first choice and 2A as second choice. If a 747, I'd suggest either seat in row 2 as first choice and in row 3 as second choice. Reasons are explained in other threads.
7. The CX F seat is wonderfully wide. I believe that it that it has a fold-down mini-arm in its back that can serve as a more close-in arm rest if you so desire.
8. CX F FAs can make a pretty decent cappuccino for you.
Have a great trip!
2. As others have suggested, perhaps get to HKG a bit earlier than you otherwise would to enjoy the F lounge. I think the Wing is the best one.
3. Tastes may vary, but I usually like the Chinese meal choices better than the Western ones on CX. But be aware that you can mix and match choices from both menus. It's not either/or.
4. If you really like caviar, don't be afraid to ask for more. If the cabin is full and they can't spare seconds, the worst the FA will do is very politely decline.
5. Arrive at the airport well rested so that the drinks or time of the flight won't quickly knock you out.
6. Seat choice can make this nice experience even nicer. Reserve your seat as far in advance as possible. If the plane is a 777, I'd suggest 1A as first choice and 2A as second choice. If a 747, I'd suggest either seat in row 2 as first choice and in row 3 as second choice. Reasons are explained in other threads.
7. The CX F seat is wonderfully wide. I believe that it that it has a fold-down mini-arm in its back that can serve as a more close-in arm rest if you so desire.
8. CX F FAs can make a pretty decent cappuccino for you.
Have a great trip!
#39




Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,887
You will be able to use both the arrival lounge and all the airside F lounges, however going airside and returning to clear immigration (assuming that's what you wanted to do) can be a hustle)
#40
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,377
You arrive at 9:35pm and from the looks of it, you will/already have a hotel booked in the city.
If I were you, I would just get off the plane and head straight to the hotel and grab some food in the surrounding area. It's just not worth the time + hassle to check out the Pier and get to your hotel....past midnight.
#41
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,377
#42



Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: LH SEN/AS Gold/BA Silver/SAS Gold/Hyatt Globalist/HH Diamond/Marriott Plat
Posts: 481
That will also be the only lounge you can access upon arrival-
What about the Airside F lounges? I was thinking of checking out the Pier and getting some food and drinks before heading into Town. The following day I would then check out a cabana at the Wing.
#43
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,558
A lot of people on this forum seem overly obsessed with the champagne aspect--Dom and Krug are amazing, but make sure to try the actual wines they have on board. You will often get to try some outstanding 1er cru or cru bourgeois wines which are a lot harder to find than a bottle of 1999 or 2000 Dom.

