Hong Kong and Bangkok BA A380 First and CW, Cathay First and Premium Econ, W Hotels
Oct 18, 2015, 12:21 pm
#51
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
My First First Class Cathay Pacific Flight Hong Kong to Bangkok
I was excited to try Cathay Pacific's First Class product. I've seen it reported here so many times and it is often hailed as a benchmark for all others to follow. I'd actually booked this particular trip to Bangkok just to try it out.
I used BA Avios to book the flights. Unfortunately the only flight available with First Class was a morning flight at 10am and there was no availability in First on the way back either. So it was either that or nothing. I'd also get to try out the newish Wing F lounge for the first of two times on this trip. Overall, I was looking forward to it!
I got up early, around 6.30am and had a little bit of breakfast with the hosts and then caught a taxi to Central to then catch the Airport Express. I arrived at the First Class check in area at about 7.30 and found it to be absolutely heaving! I was ushered to use one of the overflow check in desks (which is just like a normal desk not the podiums that Cathay offer). The agent was friendly and I was soon in possession of my boarding pass and lounge invite. She actually said to me that I'd be able to access the Wing First Class lounge due to my Oneworld Emerald status, seemingly missing the fact that I was in fact travelling in First Class that morning.
Hong Kong Airport Express Station
The classic view stepping off the train after arriving
Busy first class check in area
Security took some time. I do not understand why no fast track is offered at all at Hong Kong airport given that it is such a fantastic airport in other regards. The queues for immigration were extending right back to security.
After completing the formalities I was out at the upper level and was, for the first time, able to turn left here and make my way to the newish Wing First Class lounge. I had only previously visited the Business lounge which was and still is great. I had high expectations for the First class version of it.
I made my way towards the entrance and was welcomed before I even got to the desk. This is a good start. My boarding pass was checked and then I was ushered into the lounge.
The theme for the lounge was most definitely black and red. I'd seen photos before and wondered if it would feel imposing, but this isn't the impression that I had. The lounge, like the business class section is long and thin and overlooks the gate areas. It is styled in black gloss and red leather which is the first thing you notice. It has a touch of art deco about it which I liked.
Upon entering the lounge there is a small Champagne area to the right of you with the main corridor leading you into the rest of the lounge. This is followed by the main seating area with the bar at the end. Toilets (which are also black, not sure about that!) and cabanas are off the left of the corridor. Heading forward is 'The Haven' which is the lounge's sit down restaurant.
I made my way here first and found it reasonably busy, like the rest of the airport. I was escorted to a table and offered the a-la-carte menu. There was also a substantial buffet. I ordered the eggs and bacon which came promptly.
Entrance to the Wing First Class
The Haven restaurant
Place setting
My breakfast scambled eggs, bacon, sausages and beans
Part of the buffet selection
The food was ok although my bacon tasted a bit fishy. I wondered if it had been cooked in the same pan as something else. Anyway, it did the job if not spectacular. There was however more than enough on the buffet counter to shame many hotels.
After breakfast I made my way out into the main lounge area to explore a bit. First stop, the Champagne bar. There are several imposing red leather sofas surrounding a centre bar area with a selection of Champagne's to choose from. I picked up a glass and almost immediately one of the staff came over and took over. It seemed as though it was her sole job to pour Champagne for people, pretty boring! I'm not that pampered that I can't manage to do it myself either
. It was a bit odd actually to have someone hovering around. I took my glass with my and found somewhere to sit in the main body of the lounge, took a few sips and then decided to grab some snaps, since the lounge wasn't very busy.
The lounge is long and thin, like the Wing Business lounge but with a lot less seats and completely different styling.
The main seating area is divided up and there is the main bar at one end. Past this there is the entrance to the Haven and beyond that an overflow seating area which looks more like the Business lounge than First.
The Champagne area
Moet Rose
Main seating area, looking towards the bar
Main seating area, looking towards the lounge entrance
Main seating area, Solus chairs
The Champagne shot
Overlooking the gate area
Shortly after finishing my champagne I decided that it was time to head down to the gate. I don't remember where it was but I didn't have to take the train. The aircraft was waiting at the gate and to my surprise it had a special livery. I had heard that last minute disappointment is quite common on CX with regards to regional First aircraft swaps so once I was able to see the registration I looked up the configuration. Sure enough, it had First. Phew. 1A was mine.
Boarding for First was announced and I made my way through door 1L into the First class cabin. Wow. It was just as I had expected, but maybe just a little bit cosier. The partition down the middle of the cabin separates the A side from the middle and K rows so A is the way to go.
As I settled in I was approached by the friendly crew who presented me with the menu, offered a newspaper and a pre-departure drink. I set about familiarising myself with the seat.
The aircraft, in special livery
The coveted 1A
2A
Footrest and windows
Controls and storage
An overview of the cabin
The seat is fantastic and the widest that I've ever sat in. You could almost fit two people in it. I also liked the fact that my bag was able to go under the footrest in front of me which meant easy access during the flight.
My drink was bought, I chose water and I was a bit disappointed as there was no Champagne. I realise that this flight was taking off at 10am but, come on, I was in First! The breakfast menu gave it away really, this was certainly classed as a morning flight and consequently there was no alcohol.
The captain announced a short flying time of only 2h 19m which wasn't good for me as I wanted to enjoy the cabin for longer.
We pushed back and then taxied out to the runway where we were soon on our way. Shortly after take off the crew came around to take my meal choice. Here is the menu:
I decided to go with the omelette. I was still a bit miffed at this stage that there was no Champagne. A glass would have gone very well with breakfast.
Whilst I was waiting for my meal to be prepared I had a go with the IFE. This was one of the weakest points of the seat in my view. The screen is quite cumbersome to get out and doesn't position well with the table out. Still, that was only a minor concern.
Breakfast was served promptly and although it was only a two hour flight, it was done will full pomp and ceremony by the crew. The omelette was delicious, despite my reservations. I liked the fact that everything was served with individual condiments as well.
Getting comfortable
A sense of scale
Proper, decent headphones even on this short flight
Seat controls
Cereal to start
The omelette, with a warm croissant
After the breakfast service was cleared away I was presented with a hot towel and then went to explore the facilities. On the 777 I discovered that that toilet on the left hand side of the aircraft is actually much larger than the centre one. It had been fitted out with a proper basin and Aesop amenities, which was nice.
As I returned to my seat I thought that I would ask the crew a cheeky question. I politely asked if there was any Champagne available. Their eyes lit up, "of course!" and promptly a glass was delivered to my seat and a bottle of Amour de Deutz was poured in front of me. Wonderful. This I enjoyed with a muffin left over from breakfast. Hurrah. Along with Family Guy on the IFE I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy the last 40 minutes or so of the flight.
I did note at the time that I had done rather well in the past year. I had flown First class four times. With Qantas on the A380, BA on their A380, BA on the 747 and now Cathay on the 777-300. Not bad at all.
I'm happy to report that as I whiled away the remaining minutes of the flight, both my Champagne and water glasses were kept well topped up.
Spacious toilet
Aesop amenities
A glass of Amoud de Deutz Champagne
Brunch
Perfect
We started our descent into Bangkok and the dream was almost over. If nothing else, this taster only reinforced my desire to try a full scale first class flight with Cathay Pacific.
We landed at about 11.50 local time and the cabin was being prepared the crew came along to offer me a bottle of water, noting that it would be hot on landing. A very nice touch.
We landed on time as promised and then taxied to out gate, happening to park next to another CX aircraft, an A330. I was the second person off and then was out into the maze that is BKK, attempting to find the premium immigration lane. After I made my way through, which was pretty quick I found the baggage carousel and was pleased to see that my bag was the fourth out. Look BA, it can be done!
I then made my way out of the terminal building to grab a taxi to take me to the W.
Descending into BKK
Over the motorway
Parked up
The flight was excellent, even though it was short. The crew were incredibly attentive and made you feel as though you were the only passenger in the cabin. They were able to anticipate my needs (except the Champagne!) which is a sign of great customer service. I'm looking forward to my next CX First class experience, whenever that may be.
Up Next
Three nights in a Marvelous suite at the W
Nov 12, 2015, 7:58 pm
#55
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,216
Hey, matthandy, are you using any specific capture or edit app to take these fantastic photos?
Nov 15, 2015, 8:12 am
#56
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
Most of the photos in the CX segment were taken on my iPhone. However, the other photos were taken with my Nikon D800. I use Lightroom to process the photos. Glad to hear that you enjoyed them.
Dec 6, 2015, 12:13 pm
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SQ Gold, KQ Platinum, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,351
Its been so long that Ive had to re-read the whole report from the start again to refresh my memory! Fantastic pictures throughout. Tai-O looks like a fascinating place - whats the easiest route to get there to and from the city?
Pretty poor that there is no alcohol formally offered on morning regional flights on CX, and I thought the breakfast menu was pretty light in options. The washroom looked nicely fitted out, and the relatively new refurbished F cabins on the 77W is luxurious in an understated way.
I hope you get a chance to finish this TR off soon, matthandy!
Pretty poor that there is no alcohol formally offered on morning regional flights on CX, and I thought the breakfast menu was pretty light in options. The washroom looked nicely fitted out, and the relatively new refurbished F cabins on the 77W is luxurious in an understated way.
I hope you get a chance to finish this TR off soon, matthandy!
Dec 6, 2015, 8:09 pm
#59
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
Personally I would go to Tung Chung and take a bus as there are wonderful views as you go over the mountains and sitting on a bus elevates you above the guard rails.