Will new two-class planes lower the CX experience?
 

I've just returned from a HKG-CNS-HKG flight in Y class using on a 330 set up as a 'regional' aircraft. I was quite shocked at how different the level of service was on this 7 hour flight from say, a similar flight of 9 hours to SYD.

Both ways, the FA's were a bit off task. Water was rarely served, wine and drinks were served 20 minutes after the food was served, main meals were handed out despite a menu being in operation, in fact, Y class felt like being on a bus.

This is not a quick run to MNL or TPE, though I did expect better from CX. I really hope that the move to a two class plane on routes such as SYD are not the beginning of the end for CX's decent service. If so, It will be time to choose another carrier unfortunately.

I think your problem is because of the regional configuration...7 hours is by no means comfortable in this set-up. However, crew attitude is also a factor - if you get a set of grumpy and tired crew you get bad service. OTOH if you get a set of bubbly and well-rested crew they will obviously go for better service.

And what do you mean by "the beginning of the end"?

Crews on both legs were not great, taking into account on most routes there are some variations.

Beginning of the end means I hope CX does not start to slide further to become like 'other' airlines. See also the thread about cost cutting in F class.

I doubt your service is due to the configuration. On the HKG-SIN leg, I've had great crew, and once a very slow crew (trays were still being collected when the captain asked that the crew be seated for landing).

Service is more about the crew and their training, rather than whether there is F class on the plane.

The best crew experience I've had in the last 12 months was on HKG-SIN in J on a two class plane. Crew was awesome. Felt like I was getting F service.

2 class regional planes aren't as good as the 3 class ones (mainly due to the seats) but I don't think the crew are any different. The HKG-CNS-BNE route has been 2 class regional for a while, so nothing new there.

But OP sits in Y class, seat config is therefore not the main problem, since all Y are similar no matter 3 class or 2 class. The level of service worries OP instead I guess.

But crews go everywhere. So, changing to 2 class service does not necessarily mean worst service.

The regional set up on these flights is poor - Brisbane and Dubai are also "regional" when they shoudl be long haul.

I ahve complained previously but in the cost cutting climate that is CX there is nothign they will change.

It is an insult though to have the New Reg Bus seats on an 8 hr flight. Probably be better off on QF new premium economy next year!!

I am looking at using miles from another program to fly HKG-ADL and then BNE-HKG in J on CX. I see that the BNE flight is listed as a 330. I've never been on CX before and would like this experience to be a good one, from what I can tell this aircraft is a regional biz setup... is that true? thanks

Yes. Definitely not recommended. But unfortunately, although all Australian ports are allegedly going to get long-haul J within the next year or so, it's going to be the new J, which is a complete disaster for anyone who actually sees air travel as something to enjoy in itself rather than just a means of sleeping in a bed from A to B.

Yes.. don't fly from BNE. Instead, fly out from SYD.

I agree. Take the afternoon ex-Sydney and try the new Y or J class. There is a huge difference between this product and the regional one ex-BRS.

Er, ex-BNE I think you mean. CX doesn't fly to Bristol.

The new A330 B-LAE was arrive HKIA yesterday.There will two flights flying to Sydney by A33B.On Oct CX additional flight to Mel.So still have one A333 can flying to BNE.Flying regional business to BNE is not worth the fare...

:p Just as well!