CX888 or CX838 to YVR
 

Does anyone know which is the better flight to take from HKG to YVR with CX888 or CX838? Both flights depart in the afternoon and are only 1 hr apart from one another. Is there a difference in the meal service?

don't really notice any different
888 is operated by 744
838 is usually operated by 343 but in aug when i flew it was a 346

As the previous said, 888 is operated by a B744 variant, and 838 is operated by the A343.

If you are in F, definitely take 888, as the cabin is more spacious.

If in J and seated downstairs, definitely take the 838, as the seats are 2-2-2 across on A343 rather than 2-3-2 on the B744 variants. Otherwise, take 888 if you want to be seated upstairs (quieter and more privacy).

If in Y, you should be indifferent. If you are that specific, I would recommend the A343 as it is generally quieter than the B744's.

Keep in mind that 747s fly faster. 30 minutes shorter on the HKG-YVR schedule, 40 minutes on the return. So, if you hate sitting in planes, 888/9; if you love the CX service so much you want every possible minute of it, 838/9.

If you travel Y, and hold any Emerald status and aim for op upgrades, CX 888 offer "better" chance. Most elite members flying to JFK are on J/F anyways, so if you are seated far back and the flight is going to be oversold, the CX888 with 74J config has larger J cabin, getting you a good chance.

If you are no-stauts flyer and fly Y, then CX838. The 2-4-2 config is better for single/pair traveller, and I find Airbus fleet IFE to be better.

Bear in mind that in times of extreme weather conditions that affect the Northeast (as in this weekend of the 6th Dec), the departing times ex-YVR will be affected.

CX889 have been running up to 6 hours later this weekend. 6th Dec departure from YVR, usually at 0215 departed at 0455, and 7th Dec is scheduled to depart at 0715 now. Not much fun when you've already gone to the airport and have to kill time there.

I was on CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK on Sat Dec 6th, and after hearing reports while in the transit area at YVR, of the weather in New York, was pleasantly surprised that we left on time and landed early at JFK at 20.05
However, the jetbridge at JFK wasn't working so it was 45 minutes before anybody could get off the plane.
Then the baggage handling equipment wasn't working so it was another 35 mins before any bags appeared on the belt. Mine were among the first 30 or so, and I exited at 21.55 almost 2 hours after landing and only 20 mins before 889 was due to leave, so I'm sure that explains some of the delay that you refer to.
Happy Travels