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Celebrating Birthday onboard Cathay First by Cleaning out the Entire Plane (CX F)
Introduction
Finally another Short hair Francis TR, its been a very hectic year due to a group thesis as part of my senior year in University but without further adieu… Planning for birthdays tends to be absolutely tough for me, now its gotten even tougher since half of my friends have already graduated and live elsewhere. So way back in Nov, my friend and FTer jfkeze was enticing me to do a F trip on CX F to YVR since he’s never been to YVR. Lucky for us, we had some flexibility in choosing the weekend we wanted to go. Finally CX opened up 2 F rewards seat Thursday night before Easter weekend which was perfect since it was right near my birthday and also because I had to go to YVR for some personal stuff that weekend. I ended up booking it as JFK-YVR-HKG and using YVR as my stopover as allowed by AA rewards while Jfkeze ended up AMS-LHR-JFK-YVR so he used JFK as his stopover As for my other friends, they were either Toronto or Calgary based so a car trip or a US airways mileage ticket got everyone to Vancouver I would like to thank jfkeze and SFO777 for their contributions towards the writing of this report! :) Route Map http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/1...fb22ae7d_b.jpg Flights (2 Flights, 2742 Miles) All Flights flown Jetblue Airways 7 – Buffalo to New York Kennedy (Economy Class) Cathay Pacific Airways 889 – New York Kennedy to Vancouver (First Class) Trip Parts Part 1 – You Cleaned out the Entire CX First Class Catering?!? Links to Other Written Trip Reports Click Here for Other Trip Reports |
Part 1 – You Cleaned out the Entire CX First Class Catering?!?
Since I had that CX F JFK-YVR booked way ahead of time, all I needed a simple BUF-JFK on Jetblue to complete the flights. Since it was my b-day weekend, I didn’t save the 15 bucks for the extra leg room seat. Apr 5, 2012 – Thursday B6 7 BUF – JFK 4:28pm- 6:00pm (320/Y) CX 889 JFK – YVR 10:40pm – 1:30am (+1)[Apr 6] (77W/F) Last class of my college undergrad, the professor easily found out I wasn’t really in the mood to be there, it was last lecture and all people had to do was hand in their term papers and for some to finish their presentations. Its not like my Intercultural studies professor didn’t found that earlier in the year either, I did fly 100K BIS in January & February 2012. Sorry, Professor Cummings :p 10:30am, bye bye University, off to grab the car at home and straight to the border. Thankfully CX First Class is a very good excuse for crossing the border for an afternoon. Off to Walden Galleria to pick up some new clothes and keep on staying Classy Buffalo, almost parked to a 90’s corolla with bullet holes on the side metal body Really should’ve took a photo of that bad boy. Waited at the Starbucks until 1 hr 20 mins ahead since Buffalo airport doesn’t have internet, then drove to the airport parking 5 mins away. Just like other long weekend, plenty of Ontario plated cars at BUF. And just like other long weekends, plenty of kettles at security. Thankfully I can still use my AA EXP card to bypass a lot of the crowd. Boarding started about 35 mins out since it was a sold out flight, but I wasn’t going to risk a bump on my B-day CX First, nah. Lots of suits and gate lice hanging around the gate, and those weren’t happy suits, who can blame them for being sent to Buffalo. :D Jetblue Airways Airbus 320-200 http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7...bc17aa61_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7...0b8ab5dc_z.jpg Jetblue Airways 7 Buffalo to New York Kennedy 4:28pm – 6:00pm, 1 hr 32 min flight Economy Class, Seat 11C Food – Beverage Service Equipment – Airbus 320-200 Pretty uneventful flight, a drink and some munchies courtesy of Jetblue, couldn’t expect more on a 1 hr 5 min flight down to JFK. I was very early getting to JFK, around 6:20pm to be exact, the CX counters on the F/J side weren’t open. After asking the BA supervisor, I got led through the back office and he grabbed a CX “BA” person to check me in. With the EXP card, got my seat changed to 2K which is my favorite seat. Unfortunately I had to wait for Jfkeze who was in the office so he didn’t get to JFK until around 7pm, no worries, the BA F check-in area had some comfy sofas to sit on. Cathay Pacific First Class Check-In, not staffed at 7pm http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7...58092e74_z.jpg Premium security was sneaked behind F/J check-in counters so thankfully didn’t had to mingle with the huge crowd waiting for their TATL flights. The Government wants to see you naked ;) http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7...d63c2195_z.jpg New York Kennedy BA First Class and Terraces Lounges http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7...a31b3c4f_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7...c0bb6efd_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7...11ed898d_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7...2c363b22_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7...8dec7b42_z.jpg SFO777 has more of the Lounge’s photo in his report YUL-PSP via JFK and YVR?? Another amazing Cathay Pacific First Class experience And yes, I did try to get SFO777 to go for another CX F flight, but Mrs. SFO777 knee didn’t cooperate, so no dice. 3 FTers on a CX F flight might be a bit overboard :D The CX liaison lady in the lounge was not welcoming if you ask me, seeing both of us young’un in the F lounge. We did get the pre-flight dining but this time again the BA dragon didn’t believe we were seated in First either, ugh… Seriously what’s wrong with young people in the first class cabin? And the first class side is literally like a dungeon so more or less we hang around on the Business Class Side. Apparently jfkeze commented I ate a lot at pre-flight dining but I didn’t think so, a couple of drinks, 1 airport hotel to booked for YVR that night and we’re all set. BA, fix your bloody internet in the lounge, so effing slow! I also got another copy of the CX F boarding pass as I do like to collect them, especially my 3 class First ones. That I had to lie to the liaison lady :D Both of us went out to the gate area around T-50, I wanted my pics and really, we’re just bored to death sitting in the lounge. Gate 5 was the gate and unfortunately just like all my previous experiences at JFK T7, boarding is a custer.... Cathay Pacific Airways 889 New York Kennedy to Vancouver 10:40pm – 1:30am (+1) , 5 hr 50 min flight First Class, Seat 2K (Short hair Francis), 1K (Jfkeze) Food – Dinner Equipment – Boeing 777-300ER (6F/53J/34Y+/182Y) http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7...79381160_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7...05921e37_z.jpg As usual, I am a premium gate lice! First to board after the chairs anyway or did I pass a chair on the jetway? Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER First Class Cabin http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7...45741e82_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7...45741e82_z.jpg Seat 2K for me http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7...a0d6f9bc_z.jpg And yes, that garbage thing on top of the TV was actually this http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17941217-post17.html I miss you CX F, got settled in rather quickly as we wanted to finish a bottle of Krug on the ground which we did. Originally it was just booked 2/6 in F, but later it was 3/6 and finally 4/6, me and jfkeze in 1K/2K, an Asian lady was first in 2D, but I’m not going to be the quietest passenger on my birthday flight so she moved to 2A and a dead-head pilot in 1A. Half a cabin isn’t shabby, and trust me, we were praying it our flight was going to be like SFO777, please have a ground delay or severe headwind en-route please, diversions are also welcomed :) Part 1 Continues Below |
We were about 5 mins late pushing off waiting for last minute but sadly, no headwind, 5 hrs exact flying time to Vancouver tonight
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7...44782dcd_z.jpg About 10 mins taxiing out to 31L, we took off just around 11:25pm Turning around New York City and making our way towards the Northwest http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7...027b80eb_z.jpg This flight has the newest interface of StudioCX which I find was kinda lagging and slower compared to the one being used for the last 3 to 4 years CX 889 New York Kennedy – Vancouver Dinner *Thanks SFO777 for typing them up Starters Smoked Salmon carpaccio with avocado creme fraiche timbale and capers Truffle potato soup Caesar salad with marinated prawns Main Courses Grilled USDA prime beef tenderloin with creme de cassis onion marmalade, mashed potatoes, baby carrots, asparagus and artichoke Rigatoni with gorgonzola cheese sauce and mixed vegetables Chinese Favourites Double boiled duck with winter melon soup Cold plate - vegetarian duck Stir-fried lobster with scallion and ginger, steamed jasmine rice, kailan with black mushroom and carrot flower Cheese and Dessert Cambozola, St. Paulin, Goat Cheese, Yellow Cheddar Raspberry yoghurt cake with raspberry coulis Tea and Coffee Pralines As everyone else know, catching me on a good day or a bad day for CX in this case and I eat like a boar… Norli and Audrey were the 2 CX FAs in First today and they were just awesome Starter Drink – Johnny Walker Blue Label with some Coke Zero chase http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7...2198526d_z.jpg Dining Presentation http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7...97d46ef8_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7...c5df860f_z.jpg Bread Basket, special catered to all Garlic Bread http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7...2a2fc150_z.jpg Appetizer - Smoked Salmon carpaccio with avocado creme fraiche timbale and capers http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7...5c6d6ffa_z.jpg I agree with SFO777, mine was equally just as good Flying over Niagara, hi home! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7...303e3d74_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7135/7...6a39f946_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7...ca468b73_z.jpg Sadly halfway through our meal, apparently CX only catered half a bottle of JW Blue so it’s already completely finished by the two of us http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7...78c784f0_z.jpg Back to eating Salad - Caesar salad with marinated prawns http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7...cd973a1b_z.jpg Was way too much cheese and prawns, could use more than 3 pieces of lettuce Chinese Appetizer - Vegetarian duck http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7...2dd96be5_z.jpg Essentially it’s Bean Curd wrapped in Shiitake Mushroom, sadly it was missing malt vinegar, don’t know why CX doesn’t cater vinegar for it Main Course - Stir-fried lobster with scallion and ginger, steamed jasmine rice, kailan with black mushroom and carrot flower http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7...df7ff180_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7...2a89e6fd_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7...3d723491_z.jpg Lobster was wonderful, tasted flavorful and rice and kalian was cooked correctly, couldn’t say the same about the lobster in June sadly Cheeseboard http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7...ba16d7d6_z.jpg Never been a big fan personally so I’m reserving this for Jfkeze Dessert http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7...fcc623be_z.jpg Pralines http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7...a88c978c_z.jpg After the meal, decided to get the bed made, was around 1:15am eastern when the service finish, off for some sleep. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7...1b0daa0a_z.jpg Part 1 Continues Below |
Caught about 1 hr 45 mins of sleep, flying above Montana then
Well I’m up, lets keep eatin’! In the meanwhile, Jfkeze is still fast asleep CX 889 New York Kennedy to Vancouver Mid-Flight Snacks Wontons in noodle soup Ice Cream First the FA gave me the soup I originally order during dinner, I had told them to skip it earlier since the flight was going through turbulence but they did somehow held it for me which was nice Chinese Soup - Double boiled duck with winter melon soup http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7...bb0d43e4_z.jpg Weirdly its things like these that makes you miss Mommy cooking Wonton Noodle in Soup http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7...22d30410_z.jpg Norli kinda sensed I wasn’t quite full so I ask if there was any Beef Tenderloin or the Pasta. Sadly there weren’t since this plane was only catered for 3 passenger in First since the 3rd passenger was a last minute mileage upgrade and the 4th was a non-rev. Essentially we cleaned out all the ENTIRE First Class catering!!! Luckily there were 1 more Salmon Appetizer left and more wonton noodles, so I went back at it. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...e6fd89a8_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7...1c60d8fc_z.jpg I finally finished up with a fruit plate about 25 mins out of Vancouver http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7...d8ecef2e_z.jpg There were pretty much nothing left in First to eating since it was all gone after the 5 hr flight. Ate 2 Salmon Appetizer, 1 Salad, 1 Soup, 1 Main, 1 Dessert, 2 Noodles, 1 Fruit Plate, and Krug and JW Blue for 5 hrs plus BA pre-flight dining, not too shabby :D The light up ski hills http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7...3ae9e825_z.jpg And on the ground and at the gate at 1:28am http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7...5480d8df_z.jpg No questioning from the customs from me, although Jfkeze had a way funnier process. Jfkeze is used to getting questioned on his travel patterns by the US CBP. Although that did change after he got Global Entry. But upon entering Canada, a Canadian border agent was keen to ask him about his travel patterns and job. When asked if he had ever worked in Canada or ever intended to work there. He simply stated, nah not interested. LOL Mom was there to pick us up at YVR at 1:45am and off to the hotel Back in Vanny once again, it’s been almost a year, now where are the rest of my friend? As to the rest of the Birthday weekend, how did that went? My friends overnighted in Kamloops if anyone outside Canada can locate that without using google maps or mapquest due to a snowstorm Got a 2 bedroom Suite at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver Went out to Roxys one night Had a wonderful Japanese all you can eat dinner “24 oysters in 15 mins for yours truly” :D Hyatt Regency Vancouver http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7...1a2e2957_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7...e3f4b44e_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7...c10357eb_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7...6f97c851_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7...9f024323_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7...bc8363d8_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7...5671ab99_z.jpg Our group even got HOSPITAL ELITE STATUS! 2 times in 5 hrs, once due to an on-going throat problem and the other, oh boy My friend who I gave my CX pajamas decided to be the Super Ninja and decided to jump off this 12 steps of stairs outside the Hyatt. He was out of action for many months to come Even took a pic for the memories http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7...54485bde_z.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7...7a79aabb_z.jpg Additionally, the Hyatt was hosting a convention of AAer, not American Airlines “Alcoholic Anonymous” :) http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7...b432f0b5_z.jpg The boys were desperately thinking of ways to pick up these AA chicks without alcohol, lol |
Hope everyone enjoys this short report from me, and safe travels everyone
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7...39d029ce_z.jpg |
The Hospital Elite Status worked great! Since it was our second visit in just a few hours, we were able to skip the line and get FastTrack! hehe
The Government wants to see you naked ^^^ |
Great TR, Francis ^
I even saw the clerk who groped me at JFK in April :o :D |
It has been too long since I enjoyed a report from you, glad to see one again!
Amusingly, I'm going to be celebrating my birthday this year on that very same flight! I booked RDU-ORD-DCA-JFK-YVR all in F to get the job done. Your report helps me count down the days until October. I'll do my best to clean out the plane too. |
Francis, great pics and report. And only two months after the fact! :D
I think I'm glad I couldn't make that flight... there wouldn't have been anything left for me to eat! ;) |
Originally Posted by jfkeze
(Post 18910945)
The Hospital Elite Status worked great! Since it was our second visit in just a few hours, we were able to skip the line and get FastTrack! hehe
The Government wants to see you naked ^^^ At least the Hyatt found us a wheelchair ^ Hope you enjoyed my Vancouver style driving lol
Originally Posted by FriendlySkies
(Post 18911166)
Great TR, Francis ^
I even saw the clerk who groped me at JFK in April :o :D But ya, as I always say, the TSA loves me more than my ex-gf :D I should get that made as a t-shirt ^
Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 18912515)
It has been too long since I enjoyed a report from you, glad to see one again!
Amusingly, I'm going to be celebrating my birthday this year on that very same flight! I booked RDU-ORD-DCA-JFK-YVR all in F to get the job done. Your report helps me count down the days until October. I'll do my best to clean out the plane too. RDU-ORD-DCA-JFK-YVR, damn, if you got that on AA miles, impressive ^ Clean out the plane :p
Originally Posted by SFO777
(Post 18913495)
Francis, great pics and report. And only two months after the fact! :D
I think I'm glad I couldn't make that flight... there wouldn't have been anything left for me to eat! ;) You definitely would've something to eat, they cater for an additional person in First Class, sadly we had 2 extra passenger day of departure and hence why all the food was gone. I still remember telling u the morning after, laughing my brains out about cleaning out CX :D |
Originally Posted by Short hair Francis
(Post 18916294)
RDU-ORD-DCA-JFK-YVR, damn, if you got that on AA miles, impressive ^
Clean out the plane :p |
Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 18917854)
I did indeed! 32,500 to be exact. They offered me RDU-JFK or RDU-DCA-JFK but if I'm using miles, I'm getting my money's worth! RDU-ORD and ORD-DCA are meal flights too.
Save your stomach for CX F This is now uploaded too, i've been saving this bad boy for awhile! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...sq-j-ba-f.html |
Interesting account - thanks ^
My son (who finished Uni last year) enjoyed CX F LHR-HKG last week (on my Avios). He managed 6 servings of the caviar and salmon, each washed down with a glass or two of Krug. Over-priviledged young uns....:D |
Great TR. Thanks for sharing.
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Sounds like a fun trip!
Thanks for sharing! Carfield |
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