Cathay A330 Configurations

[MelbFlyer]

Hi all, sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere before but I was unable to find this specific topic (or I didn't search hard enough!),

I am looking at some CX business reward seats (short haul within the HK area), using my QFF points to redeem - I see some flights being operated with A330-300s, but as there are 5 different variants of this aircraft (as per CX's website), I am wondering if there is anyway to tell specifically which aircraft it may be, prior to booking.

CX's outline of the A330-300s -

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_AU/flying-with-us/aircraft-and-fleet/airbus-a330/a330.html

Looking to avoid the 2-2-2 layout as per variants 33P and 33B on the CX website - I'd hate to book a business reward seat only to then find out it's not in a 1-2-1 config (then knowing Qantas and the pain of having to call up to change reward seats - that's an entirely different story!)

Similar case to the CX 777-300s - preferably looking to avoid the 77P layout with 2-3-2 for business.

Appreciate any assistance or guidance if possible, thankyou.

An example of a vague booking :


As can be seen, there are no reward seats in either Economy or Premium Economy (had there been a ribbon in the PE column, it would be clear that it's the 3 class layout).

Hovering over the flight number only brings up "Boeing 777-300".

 

[mannej]

It has been a while since I’ve flown CX, but they were notorious for last minute equipment switches, especially on those shorter flights. That may have changed recently, but something to keep in mind.

 

[SYD]

Try EF on the date/flight and check the seat config. But that won’t protect you from a config change.

Recently went from flat to regional seat on CGK-HKG red eye….

 

[encryptededdy]

To be honest, Hong Kong to Taipei is such a short flight the seat doesn't really matter. You can't really be protected from config changes either way.

I flew CX494 HKG-TPE 2 months ago and it was swapped to a A350-1000.

 

[SYD]

To be honest, Hong Kong to Taipei is such a short flight the seat doesn't really matter. You can't really be protected from config changes either way.

I flew CX494 HKG-TPE 2 months ago and it was swapped to a A350-1000.

Especially if it’s a day flight. But o/n - think PER-SYD J QF737 v A330….

 

[encryptededdy]

Especially if it’s a day flight. But o/n - think PER-SYD J QF737 v A330….

Well, it's not that long. Flight time is comparable to ADL-SYD.

Either way, the only reason I'd fly J on this flight is to have a nice meal and a few drinks, or, if I don't have status, to get lounge access.

 

[MelbFlyer]

Thanks everyone! I guess there's no guarantee of a 1-2-1 business seat if there are last minute changes in aircraft.

A shame because it's the same amount of points - it's similar to MEL to SYD, I'd much rather the A330 product over the B737 product for the same amount of points.

A full international suite compared to a PE seat - no comparison IMO.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks everyone! I guess there's no guarantee of a 1-2-1 business seat if there are last minute changes in aircraft.

A shame because it's the same amount of points - it's similar to MEL to SYD, I'd much rather the A330 product over the B737 product for the same amount of points.

A full international suite compared to a PE seat - no comparison IMO.

Well… except CX regional is a marked step up from a domestic Australia, domestic USA or even international PE seat. pitch for a start is ~45 inches compared to 37 inches on a domestic 737. And nice and wide.

Agree don’t the flight in a cramped 737 not so much fun. But even a regional 333 isn’t too bad

 

[SYD]

Well… except CX regional is a marked step up from a domestic Australia, domestic USA or even international PE seat. pitch for a start is ~45 inches compared to 37 inches on a domestic 737. And nice and wide.

Agree don’t the flight in a cramped 737 not so much fun. But even a regional 333 isn’t too bad

Except my example earlier (DPS-HKG departing midnight) subbed from lie-flat to regional about 2 wks out. Yes, it was better than a 737 J but not great for o/n. It would have been perfectly fine had it been a day flight.

That reminds me to provide some feedback to CX…

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Except my example earlier (DPS-HKG departing midnight) subbed from lie-flat to regional about 2 wks out. Yes, it was better than a 737 J but not great for o/n. It would have been perfectly fine had it been a day flight.

That reminds me to provide some feedback to CX…

Agree. It's a problem for longer regional flights but the hub to Taipei really is only about an hour.