How bad is new J from HKG to JFK?
 

Allow me to provide quick context for this question: I am flying NRT to JFK soon, but my company is strongly encouraging cost-cutting, and I have a choice of going via HKG which would save $4,500 over the nonstop J fare on JL. (JL is $9,000, CX is $4,500 via a consolidator.)

But when I think of spending 15-17 hours on a CX flight, I shudder. I know the seats are flat, but I've seen so many criticisms of the new seats here on FT, and the photos do make them look quite claustrophobic.

I might be able to get approval for the JL flight, but in the current climate I would feel guilty spending that much money...

Many thanks for your thoughts!

Take CX. I flew JFKNRT F (skysleeper solo) on JL and returned HKGJFK J on CX last month. Other than having fewer midflight snack options and slightly diminished service (F vs J), CX was the better of the two. Unless you are horizontally challenged, you'll be fine in the seat. I found it very comfortable, the IFE is top-notch, and there was no difficulty sleeping on one's side. I've also flown JL J and found that seat to be truly narrow with no privacy, at an uncomfortable angle, with IFE nowhere as good.

Only thing re CX is that I wasn't all THAT impressed with the lounge, though I'll admit I'm a sucker for the curry in the F lounge at NRT (JL).

As oneworld emerald you'll still be able to use the jal lounge which is great at nrt.

CX seat is not good mostly if you're large or travelling with someone. Otherwise since you are comparing a flat seat to jal slant seat, the cx seat is better.

I'd take CX J over JL J in an instant. I don't know what the big fuss is about, really.

+1 ...

When I travel on business, I find that CX J is the ideal seat. I love the privacy (for work and for shut eyes) and the AVOD in-flight entertainment system rocks. Do give CX new J a try and see if you like it. Personally, with the price being so much cheaper than JL, a no brainer for me ...

Wow, so far the feedback has been immediate and unanimous: CX > JL. Since I am neither large nor traveling with a companion, I guess I don't need to worry about the CX seat.

The only issue that remains is the length of the CX trip... NRT to JFK via HKG is 22-23 hours, compared to 13 hours on the nonstop JL flight. I've done many trans-Pacs but have never taken a trip that long. I'm slightly concerned about going insane somewhere between HKG and JFK...

I take both JL and CX for JFK-PEK-JFK. CX wins hands down. As you note, for a NRT departure (rather than PEK) the problem is the length of the CX flight. It depends on the value of your time, but if you do go with CX I suggest the later departures from HKG (17:00) and JFK (14:55) to get some sleep.

I would go to HK and spend a couple of days there chilling out. NRT-HKG-JFK in one shot is a bit loony, even if the CX seat is a better deal. You're adding at least 8 hours to your travel time.

Which CX lounge? The one at JFK or HKG? The C or F lounge? The best lounge in ASIA, yes I mean ASIA, is the CX F lounge in HKG. I have yet to see anything better other than SQ's lounge in Singapore.

You could always fly on AA via ORD, and save even more money for your company!

Remember ex-Japan will always be more on JL than other airlines. In HKG, it will be the reverse. JL tix will be cheaper than CX tickets.

CX F. Didn't think it was all that, but in fairness I spend a lot of time at T5 in LHR so the comparison may not be fair.

We should all be so lucky. My one experience in the CX HKG F lounge was outstanding, and I'm going to have my second in May.

Mike

I totally agree with you.

That curry rocks!

As far as I can tell, AA via ORD is also very expensive... much more than CX via HKG. Do you know about some biz class special on AA that I'm not aware of?

If AA had a good J fare from NRT-JFK (even via ORD) I would probably choose them over CX just for the convenience (much as I dislike AA and other US airlines).

Personally, I am not a huge fan of the NRT JL F lounge. I think it's fine, but nothing special. As for the food, it is not really to my liking, but I prefer more snack type food items than full hot meals. Honestly, I prefer the Admirals Club.

As for The Wing/Pier, maybe I'm getting jaded in my old age, or maybe I've just been through it too many times, but it doesn't excite me as much as it used to. I think it's time for CX to come up with a new lounge concept.

For my money, the QF F lounge in SYD (and I would expcet MEL, but I haven't been there yet) is the best Oneworld Lounge.