Why stay with Cathay Pacific....
Oct 20, 2018, 8:17 am
#91
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 291
Why stay? Because for all their faults, they are still better than the vast majority of airlines. Cost cutting and service reduction is a theme across the entire industry, at least across anyone who wants to turn a profit. I've been gone from HK for a year nearly and the grass is not often greener. Unless you're (un)fortunate enough to move to Singapore or the UAE/Qatar, CX is still up there.
For example, qatar airways, Doha to LHR round trip in mid November, it costs for 4525.00QAR, at minimum which is about HKD 9800.
For CX, it costs about 6100 HKD for HKG-LHR round trip in mid November.
Last edited by Aus106080; Oct 20, 2018 at 11:45 pm Reason: little amendment
Oct 21, 2018, 1:59 am
#92
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,800
If you are (un)fortunate enough to move to Singapore or the UAE/Qatar, you may also find out the fares for these airlines charged from their base are ridiculously high.
For example, qatar airways, Doha to LHR round trip in mid November, it costs for 4525.00QAR, at minimum which is about HKD 9800.
For CX, it costs about 6100 HKD for HKG-LHR round trip in mid November.
For example, qatar airways, Doha to LHR round trip in mid November, it costs for 4525.00QAR, at minimum which is about HKD 9800.
For CX, it costs about 6100 HKD for HKG-LHR round trip in mid November.
SIN: EK al la @eightblack ?
Oct 21, 2018, 3:07 am
#93
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 291
flight time is already over 24 hours
Oct 21, 2018, 3:43 am
#94
Suspended
Join Date: May 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: A3, TK *G; JL JGC; SPG,Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,952
一
Apr 22, 2019, 8:38 pm
#95
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: MNL
Programs: CX DM, SQ KFG, Marriott Plat, AccorG
Posts: 144
I've been thinking hard about this question ever since I hit 25 years w CX last October. Did NOT get anniversary upgrade from J class (to F) on HKG-LHR-HKG. Ah well. (FYI in general my expectations are low, as I'm "only" GO. 23 years GO; 2 years SL) Still, I'm shocked that I lasted this long w CX.
The PLUSes: The first ten years were great. To think I was a fresh grad, working in exports and flying Y class only to trade shows in Europe. I joined MPO as I needed the extra kgs for our product samples. This was granted, always, and I was treated very well -- the local office kept close contact with me. I was invited to all sorts of CX events -- route launches, anniversaries and got to know the folks at the local office. Me, an Economy class flier! Also: I still have the watch that I got for my 5th anniversary -- an inexpensive Guy Laroche, but I was so pleased with it. The PASSAGES program (does anyone remember that?) was great, as well. Was able to use miles/kilometres to try out SQ Biz Class to Australia. (A bargain at that time.)
And what did CX get from me in return? Well, I ensured that everyone within my sphere of influence, be it family, friends, and colleagues were persuaded to try and fly CX at every opportunity. Sometimes they would complain about the higher price, but I managed to convince them about CX's (then!) superior service.
TODAY: Well, I won't repeat all the complaints we all have about deteriorating service/food. It's still OK, I guess -- IMHO the seats and in-flight entertainment are arguably better than 20 years ago. But the hushed, reverent reactions I got from folks whenever I said I was flying CX and was an MPO member -- well, that's long gone. I know no one in the local office anymore since they "retired" everyone I used to know. And I never recommend CX anymore -- "get the cheapest you can find" I always reply. The biggest irony is I can now afford to fly "J" class all the time -- I should be more valuable now to them than before, but I was treated better when I was in Y class all those years ago. Go figure!
CONCLUSION: I've been enjoying trying out other airlines. Just returned from LHR on MH, on J and F. Enjoyed the satay service, yum! Liked BR as well, and will soon try out the new PR long-haul non-stops. I still fly CX when there are bargains or when I fly to HKG. I enjoy the extensive entertainment selections. But I can only sigh when I see the menu... and dream of years past when a simple thing like a yakitori Y meal from NRT-HKG could bring so much delight!
The PLUSes: The first ten years were great. To think I was a fresh grad, working in exports and flying Y class only to trade shows in Europe. I joined MPO as I needed the extra kgs for our product samples. This was granted, always, and I was treated very well -- the local office kept close contact with me. I was invited to all sorts of CX events -- route launches, anniversaries and got to know the folks at the local office. Me, an Economy class flier! Also: I still have the watch that I got for my 5th anniversary -- an inexpensive Guy Laroche, but I was so pleased with it. The PASSAGES program (does anyone remember that?) was great, as well. Was able to use miles/kilometres to try out SQ Biz Class to Australia. (A bargain at that time.)
And what did CX get from me in return? Well, I ensured that everyone within my sphere of influence, be it family, friends, and colleagues were persuaded to try and fly CX at every opportunity. Sometimes they would complain about the higher price, but I managed to convince them about CX's (then!) superior service.
TODAY: Well, I won't repeat all the complaints we all have about deteriorating service/food. It's still OK, I guess -- IMHO the seats and in-flight entertainment are arguably better than 20 years ago. But the hushed, reverent reactions I got from folks whenever I said I was flying CX and was an MPO member -- well, that's long gone. I know no one in the local office anymore since they "retired" everyone I used to know. And I never recommend CX anymore -- "get the cheapest you can find" I always reply. The biggest irony is I can now afford to fly "J" class all the time -- I should be more valuable now to them than before, but I was treated better when I was in Y class all those years ago. Go figure!
CONCLUSION: I've been enjoying trying out other airlines. Just returned from LHR on MH, on J and F. Enjoyed the satay service, yum! Liked BR as well, and will soon try out the new PR long-haul non-stops. I still fly CX when there are bargains or when I fly to HKG. I enjoy the extensive entertainment selections. But I can only sigh when I see the menu... and dream of years past when a simple thing like a yakitori Y meal from NRT-HKG could bring so much delight!
Apr 23, 2019, 4:53 am
#97
Formerly known as jsfrSuperElite
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Montreal
Programs: Air Canada SE100K-1MM, Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 590
And what did CX get from me in return? Well, I ensured that everyone within my sphere of influence, be it family, friends, and colleagues were persuaded to try and fly CX at every opportunity. Sometimes they would complain about the higher price, but I managed to convince them about CX's (then!) superior service.
!
!
I discovered CX in 2012 and I was amazed by their service then. In light of this, I made a point of flying with them as much as a possible to achieve DM status. I reached DM a few years later and used to encourage my friends, family and clients to fly with CX, as I was thrilled by the experience.
But in the last few years, I witnessed first hand the cost cutting the company implemented and I started being disappointed, not to say disillusioned by what CX had become...
I then asked myself the same questions as a lot of you are asking, is it worth continuing flying CX to achieve DM?
I've encountered some disappointing experiences on CX in the last 2 years, both in terms of service and recognition and witnessed at the same time how other airlines had improved.
Having flown the competition, with much lower fares, I can say that the contrast is staggering.
One simple example: flying to Singapore with Singapore Airlines in business class with full flat beds, or in economy class, where you are given hot towels and a menu. And this with lower fares...
Not mentioning my flights to North America with other airlines.
Since January, I haven’t flown one single flight with CX and sadly, I don’t intend to, as the airline has lost me.
Apr 23, 2019, 6:06 am
#98
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SYD | HGH
Programs: CX DM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 2,121
TODAY: Well, I won't repeat all the complaints we all have about deteriorating service/food. It's still OK, I guess -- IMHO the seats and in-flight entertainment are arguably better than 20 years ago. But the hushed, reverent reactions I got from folks whenever I said I was flying CX and was an MPO member -- well, that's long gone. I know no one in the local office anymore since they "retired" everyone I used to know. And I never recommend CX anymore -- "get the cheapest you can find" I always reply. The biggest irony is I can now afford to fly "J" class all the time -- I should be more valuable now to them than before, but I was treated better when I was in Y class all those years ago. Go figure!
It was an early morning 8am flight, too early for breakfast at hotel and also did not have time for food at lounge and I was starving.
ISM however did give me 2 x main from Economy though.