God bless her and all her subjects in the British Commonwealth

mmgm: I'm presuming that was a rhetorical question.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]

If its not rhetorical, I'd love to know which one{s} you or others believe are really trying to improve their domestic product.
Thanks.

Hey, I'm just getting in my 2 cents worth! I used to hate Cathay till one day I was rerouted by, of all airlines, Singapore Airlines and surprisingly found CX quite good. I've been quasi faithful since.

But CX has a very bad habit of upgrading. Well, you'd complain too if you were in Business Class, and the ground staff (handled by Air Canada in London), starts upgrading the hoo-ha folks from Economy but refuses to upgrade elite card members to First Class!

Speaking of which, they seem to be the only airline left that hasn't upgraded their First Class seats. HKFlyer - maybe you and I should start a chain-letter campaign in asking CX to beat the competition and install, something unique and different from the rest. So much for flat beds...we want curtains, partitions, mosquito nets whwatever. So that we don't have people looking over our shoulders when we beddy-bye.

But anyway, I find them quite good - as long as the plane does not park at Gate 41 at Chep Lap Kok upon arrival.



[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 03-28-99).]

I suppose I shouldn't be so critical, but I think Cathay has the potential to be so much better than it is. In my experience the food is horrid and the service indifferent, and, to make matters worse, the stewardess uniforms are laughable.

As to unique first class innovations, perhaps a mah jong parlour for the natives would be appropriate.

My upgrading experience on Cathay has been quite different from yours. I have been upgraded from economy to business a few times, but only when economy was oversold. On my last holiday (to Bali), economy was nearly full, but there were only two people in business class. They did not upgrade anyone. This seems to be similar to the BA philosophy.

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Cheers,
HKF

[This message has been edited by Hong Kong Flyer (edited 03-28-99).]

With the recent loss Cathay suffered, I wonder if they will be putting any money in upgrading their services.

I heard that the new flight attendant's uniforms are in the works but the F/A union is fighting against it. Designed by David Tang, they're black and have high mandarin collars and (apparently) very high slit choeongsams for the girls. Guys' uniforms have a sort of "Armani" look to them.

I agree that the service is not constant, but I do enjoy the various nationalities on their flights. I was a bit worried post 97.

I heard from one Cathay crew that they might revamp their services this year. In all classes. Maybe it's their wait and see approach.

[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 03-29-99).]

I had heard that Cathay exaggerated the size of the loss to strengthen its bargaining position with the pilots' union. The Cathay pilots are the highest paid in the world (US$300,000+) and Cathay has asked them to take a 10% pay cut in return for share options. The pilots are expected to strike.

I like the sound of the new uniforms.

[This message has been edited by Hong Kong Flyer (edited 03-29-99).]

Merry,

Does that mean we are no longer blessed?

Why did you hand us over, anyway? Australia appears to be next, although that isn't such a great loss.



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Cheers,
HKF

HKF: Sorry I forgot to add "and all her former colonies and dominions".

I think we handed you over as you were such a successful and great colony that we knew you would manage just fine without us.

I have to challange you when you say Oz "would not be such a great loss", it would be a hurrendous loss:

- Where would all the cheaper waitresses in London come from if it weren't for our colonial powers over Oz?
- Where would we send our washed-up Breakfast TV presenters if we couldn't send them to Oz?
- Where would we send Paula Yates; Billy Connoly and Parkinson for a rest?
- Would BA be able to maintain it's 25% stake in Qantas?
- With which other country could the UK compare itself too in terms of gastranomic contribution?
- Would we still be able to get really cheap Chardonnay? Jackob's Creek; Waters Creek; Banrock Creek etc etc.
- Would RTW trecks be as attractive?

Just think of all the many great contributions Australia has made to the world, and all in just over 200 years - it's amazing! (Have you thought of any yet? Neighbours, Rolf Harris and Edna Everage do not count).
Nick

I'm still thinking. Dame Edna is the only one that occurs to me.

[This message has been edited by Hong Kong Flyer (edited 03-29-99).]

Vegemite?

HKF: Vegemite is basterdised Marmite - try again.

Koalas, roos, salties, goannas and frillies would be my pick!

Developing vegemite does not vault Oz in front of Britain in the culinary ranks in any event, does it?

I suppose the territory has lost all its value as a penal colony now that the inmates are running it.

Underarm bowling perhaps? Good looking sheilas? The ability to abuse the Queen's English even more than the Americans have?

I'm still thinking.



[This message has been edited by Hong Kong Flyer (edited 03-29-99).]

BB: I don't think even Oz can lay claim to God's creations.

This is a bit like naming 3 famous Beligan's.
Nick

[This message has been edited by Merry (edited 03-29-99).]