PER to KUL the long way!

[mannej]

After receiving a late invite from AFC (Asian Football Confederation) to attend their 23rd AFC Congress as an observer, I was given the opportunity to head to Kuala Lumpur on an experience that not many can lay claim to. Due to the lateness of the invite, I thought I would turn this into a status run, and head into KUL via HKG using CX from PER. Having travelled QF on the HKG route, it would be interesting to compare the 2. CX also had to restore some faith, after some headaches caused by them on an earlier trip this year.

The plan was to leave PER on the 6th of May and arrive back on the 9th. MAS has provided faultless service on my numerous trecks across to Kuala Lumpur, but seeing that AFC were happy to pay for the CX option, I was happy to taste test an alternate (albeit drawn out) option.

Here are my experiences, but apologies for the lack of photos.

CX170 PER-HKG (6/5/09), A330-300 (3 Class Layout) B-HLR, Seat 35C
After not being able to secure anything in front of row 35 using OLCI, I thought that I would try my luck by arriving at check-in 3 hours early. The agent was professional, and felt that having 50 minutes to transfer in HKG was no reason to be moved forward, as there would be ample time to arrive at the next boarding gate. Thankfully he was right. After saying my goodbyes, I bypassed the man before passport control who always seems to weigh my carry-on. Clearing Passport control was relatively quick, as was security.
Boarding was called on-time, and as usual, it was done by rows. People who tried jumping the queue were ushered to the back of the line, but it was a smooth process. I was hoping for a spare window seat, as I can't sleep for much more than an hour on a plane. This was not the case. Push back was on time, and take off was normal. However, the overhead compartments on this plane honestly rattled more than a QF763!

Dinner was served 40 minutes into the flight, and consisted of a chicken, fish or vegetarian pasta choice. Although the pasta was bland, it was fine for that time of night. After the meal service was cleared, I managed to find some shut eye for an extended period of time. Waking up as we were over Borneo, I sampled the IFE. In my opinion CX lacks in this department, and it is evident on an 8 hour flight. The loop system is fine short haul, but on this route, QF has much better IFE with their AVOD system.

The flight was uneventful, and closing in on HKG a light breakfast was served consisting of fruit and a selection of pastries. This gave me the kick to get through the tight connection.

Landing in HKG was 20 minutes ahead of schedule, which made my job easier of getting to the next flight on time.

CX723 HKG-KUL (6/5/09), A330-300 (2 Class Regional Layout) B-HLE, Seat 32D
Having cleared security with ease, I made it to the gate with ample time prior to boarding to sit down and relax. The flight was scheduled to be operated by a 773 (and by power of deduction using OLCI, it was supposed to be a brand new 773ER), which I feel is better than the A330 product. I was disappointed to find that CX had switched the aircraft last minute to a regional 2 class 333. However it was only a minor disappointment.
Push back was late, as there were 2 no shows, with take off occuring at 0920. The captain assured us that conditions were fine, and that the flight would arrive at KUL in time.
CX meal service seems to always arrive 40 minutes into the flight, and this was no different. 2 choices one of omelette and egg, or chicken and rice. The chicken and rice was tasty, but the serving size was small.
I did not bother to use the IFE, as it did not interest me. I was amazed that for the duration of both flights so far, there was no severe turbulence, and the seatbelt sign was only used during take-off and landing. True to the captain's word, the flight touched down on time.

The Malaysian Health Authorities screened all passengers for this Swine Flu, and after having my tempurature checked, I was sent on my way. Thanks to the AFC staff I was fast tracked through immigration. Slowing my departure into Kuala Lumpur was the incredibly slow delivery of luggage. Having to sort through 2 planes of HKG-KUL luggage on the CX (MH codeshare) flight and the MH(CX codeshare) flight must have slown down proceedings. After waiting 45 minutes, my bag arrived. It was definately not the last one there.

 

[mannej]

AFC provide transfers, so I was ushered to my private driver. Compared to previous times, this driver was talkative, but like usual had little regard for lane markings or speed limits. Time into KL city centre seemed quicker than normal, but apparently there has been a new route into the city that was opened.
The congress was spread over 2 hotels being the Westin and the J.W Marriott. Observers were at the Westin, and the Official Party stayed next store at the Marriott. AFC had organised check-in, and accreditation was organised promptly. Upon arrival in my room, my bags were already there waiting, but I had a nice surprise of a bag of goodies from AFC, which included a perfect carry on Nike laptop bag.
The hotel is located on Jalan Bukit Bintang, and for those who do not know KL, this is an excellent location. Such landmarks (shopping wise) like Petronas Towers (KLCC) and Lot 10 were with in short walking distance, and Petaling Street (China Town) was a short monorail ride away. Handy considering the state of taxi's.
The room itself on the 15th floor was a decent size, and with a new bathroom was comfortable for the purpose of the trip. Internet in the room is charged at a rate of 60RM/Day, and can be accessed using wired or wireless. The lobby has access to free wireless internet, which came in handy with my iPhone. Skype made contacting home very cheap, especially with thanks to the free wireless available.
Meals were provided, and the buffet had a selection of local and western foods. This is a welcome relief for those who can not handle the heat of Malay cuisine.

The congress itself had 2 sections, a Gala dinner and the actual congress itself. The gala dinner was hosted at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, and hosted close to some 500 people. The night ran smoothly, and the guests included FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini. Proceedings concluded just after 10:30, which was welcome, as the bus out to the Congress departed at 8:00 sharp.

I was required to be on stage during the introduction, and after that my presence was the congress was optional. I was able to pose for a photo with Sepp Blatter (FIFA President) and catch up with fellow collegues who I have completed my program with at the AFC.

The rest of the day was a wind down, which included a trip to Petronas Towers, and a few quiet ones before it was time to pack. An early night was in order, as I had to be checked out and in the car by 6am the next morning.

Checkout was painless, as there was no incidentals. There was no fuss (unlike The Palace of the Golden Horses on a previous trip), and I was ready for departure to the airport.

 

[mannej]

Having being able to secure the bulkhead on both legs, I did not see the need to try and secure an op-up. The trainee behind the check-in counter and a few problems trying to get my bags to the final destination, and once she solved her problem, I was away fairly quickly.

Passport Control and Security is so quick at KLIA, and it was no exception.

CX720 KUL-HKG (9/5/09), B777-300 (2 Class Regional Layout) B-HNQ, Seat 30B
This 777 is Cathay's newest 777 that is not an ER model. For me they are more comfortable then the 333/343 product, and I would think range permitting it would suit the PER-HKG route better. Push back and take off was on-time and the climb was uneventful. The food came out after 40 minutes again, but both options were unattractive. The fish and rice beat the omelette and sausage, but I found bones in the fish, which is probably not the best thing in the world.
Apart from the meal service, there was nothing to report from this flight, apart from the difficult conditions the crew faced approaching HKG. The crew along with the 777 endured some rough conditions coming into HKG, but handled it with aplomb.

With a 90 minute transit time, I decided against getting a stamp in the passport (which would have made me eligible for the Frequent Visitor's card).

There seemed to be a lot of people waiting at the gate, but this did not equate into a full flight going home to Perth.

CX171 HKG-PER (9/5/09), A340-300 (3 Class Layout) B-HXI, Seat 30G
Prior to boarding HKG security make sure no LAG's are taken on board. HKG is the only airport I have used that have this secondary screening point, which I feel is a tad OTT. Push back was 5 minutes late, but we were able to taxi and take off straight away. IMO the A340 seemed to take less effort to take off compared to it's twin engined sister. The Captain advised us of the diversion due to the adverse weather around Manila. Flying conditions favoured us, as again for the 4th segment in a row, the seatbelt sign was only required for landing and take-off. A refreshment came out around 40 minutes in, in which the cottage pie was alright but nothing special. The next 6 hours were mine to kill, which the IFE didn't really help. Adding to the frustration was the lady behind who kept bumping the back of the seat every time she moved. One of the FA's asked me if I would fill in a survey, and for my troubles I received a nice Cathay Pen. Gran Torino squashed some time, and it wasn't until 20:30 when dinner was served. The beef has run out so it was either Pasta or Fish. The Pasta again was fairly bland, but it was the vegetarian option so that was expected. 90 minutes later the Captain advised us that we were about 10 minutes late as the 100km/h headwinds made the flight slow. We were put onto a holding pattern to allow the EK service to depart, and touched down around 22:45, 5 minutes behind schedule.

Disembarking was quick, and I had my bags and was out before 23:00. This is unheard of coming back on MH.

Overall it is a very long way to get to KL, but worthwhile. I believe that CX has the service advantage of QF, but QF metal is newer, and the IFE is better.

Interesting notes about the trip

• All 4 Captains were Aussie!
• Each flight was either ahead of time or no more than 5 minutes late.
• CX kept up their record of changing metal very close to departure.

I think CX have revived my faith in them, and travel plans permitting will use them in the future. I still think that their 330's are cramped for the 8 hour flight from PER to HKG, and their IFE is poor, but their service is outstanding. Adding that it is an easy to organise OneWorld route in the KUL, it may be a deciding factor. 120 SC's to HKG and 80 to KUL made it a worthwhile trip and considering I am off to KUL twice again this year, I may take the day trip through HKG to increase my SC levels.

It is a long day but in the end it was good to sample a different way into KUL. QF/JL may be the next route, but time will tell. All I can say is I got there in time, so did my bags, so I am happy!

Mannej

 

[munitalP]

thanks for the great TR


Mr!

 

[docjames]

Nice TR. We've got upcoming flights in October on CX from DXB-HKG-SIN (330s and a 777) then the A330 on QF so we'll be able to do the same comparison!

 

[NM]

Prior to boarding HKG security make sure no LAG's are taken on board. HKG is the only airport I have used that have this secondary screening point, which I feel is a tad OTT.

Note that this is a requirement imposed by the Australian authorities and is only implemented for direct flights to Australia from HKG. It is not really a LAG check, although they do impose LAG restrictions. As far as I can determine, the real reason, which they hide behind the LAG front, is the metal knives restriction for flights to/from Australia. And since they allow metal knives in the air-side area of HKG airport (such as used in the lounges) the airport authority is required by Australian regulations to ensure none get carried onto any flight destined for Australia.

Australia remains the only country where metal knifes are not permitted in the cutlery inventory on-board. Airports like SIN and KUL cover the requirement with their gate screening, others meet the requirement by not permitting metal knives anywhere air-side, while HKG (and likely others) do it with a manual check imposed only on flights to Australia. HKG departures to other countries (like your HKG-KUL flight) do not get the gate checks.

 

[JohnK]

Very nice trip report.

Sounds like you had a enjoyable time. KL is always a nice place to visit although alcohol is a little expensive. I find most airline food bland and I try to avoid the fish meals as I do not like bones in the fish either.

 

[Grooba]

Nice TR there mannej, good stuff.

Ahh how much more interesting it would have been if we could have checked out some pics!

 

[mannej]

Next time vec
However I am guessing it wont be on CX. If I am lucky I will get to go QF to SIN then whoever to KUL, if not its on MH which I don't have any problems with apart from it not being Oneworld.