Upgraded to First (...kinda)
Jul 19, 2019 | 3:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: New York, NY - USA
Programs: CX Diamond (DM)
Posts: 354
Upgraded to First (...kinda)
On Wednesday I flew CX654 BKK-HKG. About two hours before the flight I got an email saying my seat had been renumbered. I assumed there was an equipment swap and I was going to be stuck on a 2-2-2 or the dreaded 2-3-2 seating configuration aircraft type instead of the preferred 1-2-1. As I had gone out of my way to book a 1-2-1 config flight, I was a little disappointed.
I called CX reservations to ask if they had any info, and all they could see was my old seat... strange, I thought.
It was a short flight, so I didn't really care that much...
When I got to the aircraft, however, I had a nice surprise in store! As has been recently announced, CX no longer operates First Class on some routes but they still use the aircraft with First class seating configuration. A lucky few passengers will be upgraded, probably only us Diamond members. Sure enough, I was in luck:
I called CX reservations to ask if they had any info, and all they could see was my old seat... strange, I thought.
It was a short flight, so I didn't really care that much...
When I got to the aircraft, however, I had a nice surprise in store! As has been recently announced, CX no longer operates First Class on some routes but they still use the aircraft with First class seating configuration. A lucky few passengers will be upgraded, probably only us Diamond members. Sure enough, I was in luck:
Jul 19, 2019 | 8:43 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Taiwan
Programs: CX DM (OWE)
Posts: 436
Early this afternoon, I also got an email to inform me that my seat was changed to 2K on flight tomorrow evening from HKG to KHH by KA. Nothing excited because KA F seat is just CX J seat. But, still appreciate this kind offer.
It is quite common that CX/KA upgrade DM in J to the first class seat when first class is not sold and only provide J services
It is quite common that CX/KA upgrade DM in J to the first class seat when first class is not sold and only provide J services
Jul 19, 2019 | 12:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TPE / HSZ
Programs: CX GO (=SPH), IHG Diamond Amb, Hertz 5*, Accor, Hilton, National
Posts: 7,226
After T-48, seat changes may only happen in the check-in system and will not be reflected in the PNR. You can view accurate seat assignment in the online check-in page.
Jul 20, 2019 | 12:56 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 319
I was on the reverse flight on Thursday. Seat map didnt show F seats in J, but Expert Flyer showed a 4 class 77W operating. A quick call to CX and was assigned a F seat about 5 days before departure. I am a one world emerald but dont know if that made a difference.
Interesting to point out that while the menu and amenities were J, service was F. Curtains closed during the flight, individual notes handed out to passengers and J cabin held back on arrival.
All in all a great flight!
Interesting to point out that while the menu and amenities were J, service was F. Curtains closed during the flight, individual notes handed out to passengers and J cabin held back on arrival.
All in all a great flight!
Jul 20, 2019 | 2:05 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Taiwan
Programs: CX DM (OWE)
Posts: 436
I was on the reverse flight on Thursday. Seat map didnt show F seats in J, but Expert Flyer showed a 4 class 77W operating. A quick call to CX and was assigned a F seat about 5 days before departure. I am a one world emerald but dont know if that made a difference.
Interesting to point out that while the menu and amenities were J, service was F. Curtains closed during the flight, individual notes handed out to passengers and J cabin held back on arrival.
All in all a great flight!
Interesting to point out that while the menu and amenities were J, service was F. Curtains closed during the flight, individual notes handed out to passengers and J cabin held back on arrival.
All in all a great flight!
2. Is there any amenity for such a short flight?
Jul 20, 2019 | 5:56 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QRPC PLT/OW EMD; Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 14,582
On Wednesday I flew CX654 BKK-HKG. About two hours before the flight I got an email saying my seat had been renumbered. I assumed there was an equipment swap and I was going to be stuck on a 2-2-2 or the dreaded 2-3-2 seating configuration aircraft type instead of the preferred 1-2-1. As I had gone out of my way to book a 1-2-1 config flight, I was a little disappointed.
I called CX reservations to ask if they had any info, and all they could see was my old seat... strange, I thought.
It was a short flight, so I didn't really care that much...
When I got to the aircraft, however, I had a nice surprise in store! As has been recently announced, CX no longer operates First Class on some routes but they still use the aircraft with First class seating configuration. A lucky few passengers will be upgraded, probably only us Diamond members. Sure enough, I was in luck:
I called CX reservations to ask if they had any info, and all they could see was my old seat... strange, I thought.
It was a short flight, so I didn't really care that much...
When I got to the aircraft, however, I had a nice surprise in store! As has been recently announced, CX no longer operates First Class on some routes but they still use the aircraft with First class seating configuration. A lucky few passengers will be upgraded, probably only us Diamond members. Sure enough, I was in luck:
It's actually been like this for years, usually the result of last minute aircraft substitution. You sit in F but get J food. It's happened to me a number of times between BKK and HKG over the years, but only ex-HKG.
Jul 20, 2019 | 6:21 am
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
Aren't those F flowers in the wall vase in the OP's photos?
Jul 20, 2019 | 6:56 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 8,245
IME even when F is served as J, the flowers are often there. Also IME, the amenities are often F class (Aesop).
i think this will change with the upcoming elimination of regional F. As well as the closed curtains / extra staff, mentioned above (also a nice perk). Based on what has been mentioned elsewhere in this forum, it sounds like it will become more like the KA "F served as J" or "j served as Y" situation.
CX had kinda done this hybrid, where staffing levels were for F and it was served as F just with J food. The best flight I've had in a long time was SYD-HKG earlier this year as such. Me and Mrs QRC, plus two others (one DM one GO IIRC) had F to ourselves and superb service. Curtains closed, dine on demand (with J food), ate together with the extender, pax even sent back to "J' trying to use the "F" bathroom! Aesop in the bathroom. 2 crew just for "F".
My guess is that situation goes away when the rostering levels change.
i think this will change with the upcoming elimination of regional F. As well as the closed curtains / extra staff, mentioned above (also a nice perk). Based on what has been mentioned elsewhere in this forum, it sounds like it will become more like the KA "F served as J" or "j served as Y" situation.
CX had kinda done this hybrid, where staffing levels were for F and it was served as F just with J food. The best flight I've had in a long time was SYD-HKG earlier this year as such. Me and Mrs QRC, plus two others (one DM one GO IIRC) had F to ourselves and superb service. Curtains closed, dine on demand (with J food), ate together with the extender, pax even sent back to "J' trying to use the "F" bathroom! Aesop in the bathroom. 2 crew just for "F".
My guess is that situation goes away when the rostering levels change.