defiantforce
Junior Member
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
- Posts
- 26
Greeting fellow AFF members
I recently done some flights in Business class with Qantas/Cathy Pacific and Eco with China airline due to my overseas wedding and honeymoon. I would like to share my experience with everyone and hopefully it will benefit fellow travellers in the future.
We arrived at Brisbane Domestic Airport about 2.5 hours before the flight as we have a couple connections from Brisbane through to Taipei. At the check-in, the Qantas ground staff was very friendly and helpful. She put us on an earlier flight to Melbourne and checked us all the way through to Taipei. As the flight from Melbourne to HK is not full, she managed to put us onto the upper deck.
As there was a massive thunderstorm at Brisbane that night, the runway activities were suspended for a number for times.
Brisbane domestic Business lounge
I have been in the domestic business lounge before. The food was okay and the staffs were friendly. However, because of the storm, the lounge was fully packed. We were very lucky to find a couple seats and had a beer and some snacks.
Brisbane to Melbourne (Qantas 767 Business Class)
We were assigned to the first row and the seats were comfortable enough for the 2 and a bit hour flight to Melbourne. The cabin crew were good and offer us drinks and snacks right from the beginning. Because of the storm, we sit on the tarmac for quite a while (around 45 mins). The cabin crew and flight crew kept everyone inform and continuously offer for beverages and food to the business class traveler.
Dinner was served as soon as the seat belt sign went off (The Qantas crew was very efficient and professional). Because we got put on an earlier flight, my fiancé’s (wife now) vegetarian meal was never arranged on this flight. The cabin crew was very apologetic and raced up and down the aircraft trying to find another vegetarian meal for my wife. The cabin crew manage eventually found a spare vegetarian meal at eco class and gave it my wife. He even came and offered a second round of salad and side dishes to my wife in case she is still hungry.
Other than the above the flight was uneventful.
Melbourne international business lounge
We arrived in Melbourne around 1030 and I headed straight to the Business lounge. It’s a bit of a walk to get the business lounge. Obviously the international lounge is much nicer than the domestic one and it’s virtually empty. There was more staff than guests. The decoration and lighting feels very relax and cosy. There were hot soup, snacks, cakes and a large selection of drinks. I really like the iMac in the business centre, my wife were busy using them.
Melbourne to Hong Kong (Qantas 747-400 Upper deck)
QF29 (2355-0550)
We got on board the 747-400 via the lower desk and make our way up the stairs. First impression of the upper deck is the lighting is better than the lower deck business class. The Lighting is better position and the feels more cosy and friendly. There were 2 cabin crew on the upper deck, and our level wasn’t full (about 5 seats were empty). Again, the Qantas cabin crew were professional and friendly and provided excellent service at all time.
There were 2 meal served (dinner/supper and breakfast). We ordered using the paper meal and put in the time we wanted the meals, the cabin crew confirmed the order for us just before takeoff and everything went according to we expected (things we ordered and timing to the min!). The meal was excellent in terms of quality and quantity.
Our seat was the Qantas Skybed Mk 1. It was a lie-flat seat which becomes flat at about 170 degree. My wife and I had a superb sleep on the Mk1 and the two seat offer very good privacy and upright seating comfort. I believe because of the way aircraft are trimmed these days (aircraft type depend thou), the lie-flat facing forwards seats actually offers better ergonomics then the completely flat seat. As the aircraft are pitch at a slightly positive angle and moving forward, the 170 lie flat skybed actually feels like lying down flat on your own bed. I heard the A380 skybed Mk 2 is even better!
There were a lot of storage spaces on the upper deck (Overhead compartment, storage cabinet x2 next to the seat and at the rear with the cabin crew). My wife and I both agree Qantas Business provides an excellent level of service/product package. We will definitely choose Qantas Business class over other airline if the price is comparable.
Hong Kong business lounge (near gate 23)
The business lounge provides excellent hot food service with freshly cook noodle bar, dim sim, bums, bread rolls, congee and an open bar for drinks. The lounge feels very open and comfortable. I especially like the individual half open tube seats for lone travel who wants some privacy. While I enjoy the wifi, hot food, drinks and comfortable lounge, my wife was busy shopping around in this crazy shopping airport (WIN-WIN I said).
Hong Kong to Taipei (Cathay Pacific A330-200 Business Class)
CX157 (0920-1055)
This is a short flight. The seats were the old recliner. Again, we were allocated to the first row. A bit disappointed with the service probably because of the short flight. An uneventful flight nonetheless. The seat is okay for the short journey, nothing more.
Taipei – Frankfurt (China Airline A340-400 Economy class)
CI053 (14 hours) & CI054 (13 hours)
Traditionally, my wife and I would organise our own trip (airfare, hotel, places to visit, VISA and everything in-between). But we decided to go for an organised tour to Europe instead to save the hassle as this is our honeymoon. We flew China airline (as in the flagship carrier of Taiwan, not the horrible Air China of China) between Taipei and Frankfurt direct on the A340-400. As this is an organised tour, we didn’t OP for an upgrade. The A340-400 has a seating arrangement of 2-4-2 which work in our favour. We got the 21 A&B which is good for privacy. The IFE system is slightly out dated (6.5” touch screen) but it did offer some new movies and TV series. The food were not too bad as China airline has improved their food service quite a lot over the last few years. The food choices were one western style (sausages/pasta/mash) and one Taiwanese style main with decent side dishes. The seats were 21” wide and about 33” pitch which is the medium density seating (I think). Both flights were uneventful and we both got some sleep on the flight. However, next time we will definitely upgrade to Business class for better travel quality.
Taipei to Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific 777-300ER Business Class)
CX465 (0905-1055)
I believe this flight is bounded for Europe and it has all three classes onboard. Obviously we fly in business class. This business class is the completely flat herringbone seating. It is a bit narrow for me, however, for my wife, it is just the right size (she is 170cm but obviously a lot skinner than I am^^). The IFE is excellent with more selection of TV/movies/music/games than you can poke a stick at (in this case better then the Qantas IFE). The TV is large and qualities of the films are good too. The meals are pretty good quality (3 course meal for lunch and dinner). The wine selection is not as good as Qantas (of course, who can compete with Australian Wine), but there were some reasonable wines on offer.
The seating are not design for couples or families. I wasn’t event able to talk to my wife during the flight. My wife certainly enjoys the seat, as she sleepy like a baby (I try to wake her up twice and got the old leave me along slap of the wrist^^). Of note, there were no one in first class so the cabin crew let me had a walk around in first class and explain how things work in the first class suit/seat.
The first class is a giant leap forward from the business. There is enough space to get up and “step around” your own enclosure. The seat/bed is so much wider and it is very easy to get in and out of (compare with the business class one). However, for the price you are paying, it is probably better off looking at Qantas/Singapore/Emirate Business class and spend the left over somewhere else on the trip.
Hong Kong business lounge (near gate 65)
This is one of the smaller business lounges in HK airport. The food and service was pretty consistent quality. The bar has a lot of selection of drinks. All and all, a good lounge for relaxing and getting a good feed.
Hong Kong to Brisbane (Cathay Pacific A330-300 Business Class)
CX157 (1235-2320)
This the same seat as the previous flight. However, there is no first class on the A330. Again, this is an almost empty flight with around 20 pax in business class. We had no one around us at all. The flight attendants were very friendly and spend a lot of time taking care of each pax. There were 6 FA and a cabin manager, so it is about a 2 to 1 ratio. The meal is excellent (so is my wife’s vegetarian meal).
Overall
Besides the delay right at the start of the journey (Brisbane to Melbourne), everything went according to the timings. My wife and I had a good trip and she got to spend a lot of money on stuff (designer goods in France/Germany/Swiss) and I got some time off work and actually travel for fun (another WIN-WIN I said).
We both very happy with the Qantas product and service and the Cathay Pacific service was up there as well. I believe my wife is planning our next trip already, one later this year to Fiji. I think we are heading to SFO/LA next year and China the year after that. Somehow I have to squeeze a around the world trip in 2014 as well…….hum…….maybe I need to find another line of work ……..
Happy travelling
Kind regards
Big Kev
I recently done some flights in Business class with Qantas/Cathy Pacific and Eco with China airline due to my overseas wedding and honeymoon. I would like to share my experience with everyone and hopefully it will benefit fellow travellers in the future.
We arrived at Brisbane Domestic Airport about 2.5 hours before the flight as we have a couple connections from Brisbane through to Taipei. At the check-in, the Qantas ground staff was very friendly and helpful. She put us on an earlier flight to Melbourne and checked us all the way through to Taipei. As the flight from Melbourne to HK is not full, she managed to put us onto the upper deck.
As there was a massive thunderstorm at Brisbane that night, the runway activities were suspended for a number for times.
Brisbane domestic Business lounge
I have been in the domestic business lounge before. The food was okay and the staffs were friendly. However, because of the storm, the lounge was fully packed. We were very lucky to find a couple seats and had a beer and some snacks.
Brisbane to Melbourne (Qantas 767 Business Class)
We were assigned to the first row and the seats were comfortable enough for the 2 and a bit hour flight to Melbourne. The cabin crew were good and offer us drinks and snacks right from the beginning. Because of the storm, we sit on the tarmac for quite a while (around 45 mins). The cabin crew and flight crew kept everyone inform and continuously offer for beverages and food to the business class traveler.
Dinner was served as soon as the seat belt sign went off (The Qantas crew was very efficient and professional). Because we got put on an earlier flight, my fiancé’s (wife now) vegetarian meal was never arranged on this flight. The cabin crew was very apologetic and raced up and down the aircraft trying to find another vegetarian meal for my wife. The cabin crew manage eventually found a spare vegetarian meal at eco class and gave it my wife. He even came and offered a second round of salad and side dishes to my wife in case she is still hungry.
Other than the above the flight was uneventful.
Melbourne international business lounge
We arrived in Melbourne around 1030 and I headed straight to the Business lounge. It’s a bit of a walk to get the business lounge. Obviously the international lounge is much nicer than the domestic one and it’s virtually empty. There was more staff than guests. The decoration and lighting feels very relax and cosy. There were hot soup, snacks, cakes and a large selection of drinks. I really like the iMac in the business centre, my wife were busy using them.
Melbourne to Hong Kong (Qantas 747-400 Upper deck)
QF29 (2355-0550)
We got on board the 747-400 via the lower desk and make our way up the stairs. First impression of the upper deck is the lighting is better than the lower deck business class. The Lighting is better position and the feels more cosy and friendly. There were 2 cabin crew on the upper deck, and our level wasn’t full (about 5 seats were empty). Again, the Qantas cabin crew were professional and friendly and provided excellent service at all time.
There were 2 meal served (dinner/supper and breakfast). We ordered using the paper meal and put in the time we wanted the meals, the cabin crew confirmed the order for us just before takeoff and everything went according to we expected (things we ordered and timing to the min!). The meal was excellent in terms of quality and quantity.
Our seat was the Qantas Skybed Mk 1. It was a lie-flat seat which becomes flat at about 170 degree. My wife and I had a superb sleep on the Mk1 and the two seat offer very good privacy and upright seating comfort. I believe because of the way aircraft are trimmed these days (aircraft type depend thou), the lie-flat facing forwards seats actually offers better ergonomics then the completely flat seat. As the aircraft are pitch at a slightly positive angle and moving forward, the 170 lie flat skybed actually feels like lying down flat on your own bed. I heard the A380 skybed Mk 2 is even better!
There were a lot of storage spaces on the upper deck (Overhead compartment, storage cabinet x2 next to the seat and at the rear with the cabin crew). My wife and I both agree Qantas Business provides an excellent level of service/product package. We will definitely choose Qantas Business class over other airline if the price is comparable.
Hong Kong business lounge (near gate 23)
The business lounge provides excellent hot food service with freshly cook noodle bar, dim sim, bums, bread rolls, congee and an open bar for drinks. The lounge feels very open and comfortable. I especially like the individual half open tube seats for lone travel who wants some privacy. While I enjoy the wifi, hot food, drinks and comfortable lounge, my wife was busy shopping around in this crazy shopping airport (WIN-WIN I said).
Hong Kong to Taipei (Cathay Pacific A330-200 Business Class)
CX157 (0920-1055)
This is a short flight. The seats were the old recliner. Again, we were allocated to the first row. A bit disappointed with the service probably because of the short flight. An uneventful flight nonetheless. The seat is okay for the short journey, nothing more.
Taipei – Frankfurt (China Airline A340-400 Economy class)
CI053 (14 hours) & CI054 (13 hours)
Traditionally, my wife and I would organise our own trip (airfare, hotel, places to visit, VISA and everything in-between). But we decided to go for an organised tour to Europe instead to save the hassle as this is our honeymoon. We flew China airline (as in the flagship carrier of Taiwan, not the horrible Air China of China) between Taipei and Frankfurt direct on the A340-400. As this is an organised tour, we didn’t OP for an upgrade. The A340-400 has a seating arrangement of 2-4-2 which work in our favour. We got the 21 A&B which is good for privacy. The IFE system is slightly out dated (6.5” touch screen) but it did offer some new movies and TV series. The food were not too bad as China airline has improved their food service quite a lot over the last few years. The food choices were one western style (sausages/pasta/mash) and one Taiwanese style main with decent side dishes. The seats were 21” wide and about 33” pitch which is the medium density seating (I think). Both flights were uneventful and we both got some sleep on the flight. However, next time we will definitely upgrade to Business class for better travel quality.
Taipei to Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific 777-300ER Business Class)
CX465 (0905-1055)
I believe this flight is bounded for Europe and it has all three classes onboard. Obviously we fly in business class. This business class is the completely flat herringbone seating. It is a bit narrow for me, however, for my wife, it is just the right size (she is 170cm but obviously a lot skinner than I am^^). The IFE is excellent with more selection of TV/movies/music/games than you can poke a stick at (in this case better then the Qantas IFE). The TV is large and qualities of the films are good too. The meals are pretty good quality (3 course meal for lunch and dinner). The wine selection is not as good as Qantas (of course, who can compete with Australian Wine), but there were some reasonable wines on offer.
The seating are not design for couples or families. I wasn’t event able to talk to my wife during the flight. My wife certainly enjoys the seat, as she sleepy like a baby (I try to wake her up twice and got the old leave me along slap of the wrist^^). Of note, there were no one in first class so the cabin crew let me had a walk around in first class and explain how things work in the first class suit/seat.
The first class is a giant leap forward from the business. There is enough space to get up and “step around” your own enclosure. The seat/bed is so much wider and it is very easy to get in and out of (compare with the business class one). However, for the price you are paying, it is probably better off looking at Qantas/Singapore/Emirate Business class and spend the left over somewhere else on the trip.
Hong Kong business lounge (near gate 65)
This is one of the smaller business lounges in HK airport. The food and service was pretty consistent quality. The bar has a lot of selection of drinks. All and all, a good lounge for relaxing and getting a good feed.
Hong Kong to Brisbane (Cathay Pacific A330-300 Business Class)
CX157 (1235-2320)
This the same seat as the previous flight. However, there is no first class on the A330. Again, this is an almost empty flight with around 20 pax in business class. We had no one around us at all. The flight attendants were very friendly and spend a lot of time taking care of each pax. There were 6 FA and a cabin manager, so it is about a 2 to 1 ratio. The meal is excellent (so is my wife’s vegetarian meal).
Overall
Besides the delay right at the start of the journey (Brisbane to Melbourne), everything went according to the timings. My wife and I had a good trip and she got to spend a lot of money on stuff (designer goods in France/Germany/Swiss) and I got some time off work and actually travel for fun (another WIN-WIN I said).
We both very happy with the Qantas product and service and the Cathay Pacific service was up there as well. I believe my wife is planning our next trip already, one later this year to Fiji. I think we are heading to SFO/LA next year and China the year after that. Somehow I have to squeeze a around the world trip in 2014 as well…….hum…….maybe I need to find another line of work ……..
Happy travelling
Kind regards
Big Kev
