Cathay aircraft change - 74A sold as two class - tips on getting an F suite?

[OverrideServlet]

Hi,

I have an upcoming two class flight with Cathay which has changed from a 777 to a 74A.

The first class cabin appears to be totally blocked - but not allocated. Does anyone know if I will have any chance of selecting a seat in this cabin?

i.e. Do they open up these seats closer to the departure the same way Qantas does at 80hrs prior?

I have no status with Cathay, but I have oneworld Emerald via Qantas.



Oops, I meant to post this under the questions forum, can a mod with a spare minute move this to the right forum?

 

[djfuzz]

One can live in hope, but I've been on a few CX flights where a two class service was offered but the F cabin was closed off (crew requirements I believe). Would have loved an op up or a J service in F type arrangement, but alas couldn't be done; no preference for MPC Diamond or OWE in this case.

On the flipside, made me much more curious about CX F and highly tempted to give it a shot.

 

[Alanslegal]

The F cabins are blocked, not for sale or upgrade. Generally an area for crew rest and paper shuffling.

However the only way I can see it is if you are seated on the upper deck, and have a tight connection, kindly let one of the pursers know and they may move you into the empty F cabin so you can rush off the plane first

 

[Mal]

I've been bumped to a F seat on a 2 class service previously. It was my OWE status that did it (although, I was asked if I was related to the pilot... It didn't really click until the pilot mentioned he was <my surname> <random name>.

But if the cabin is closed, it is locked off. See what happens at check-in.

 

[Mal]

The F cabins are blocked, not for sale or upgrade. Generally an area for crew rest and paper shuffling.

Based on experience with other airlines, sometimes that F (unused) cabin is blocked off for "staff party" requirements. Not just the rest/shuffling etc...

 

[Alanslegal]

Based on experience with other airlines, sometimes that F (unused) cabin is blocked off for "staff party" requirements.

mood lighting does come in handy then

 

[Expectans Expectavi]

I've had this problem regularly for several years. Sometimes having to suffer the downgrade into those business "coffins" from First. Last time I really persisted and at HKG was put back upfront again. First seats, but business service. Bar was.... First for OUR party!! Other pax seemed to be CX top FF.

 

[Flying Fox]

Based on experience with other airlines, sometimes that F (unused) cabin is blocked off for "staff party" requirements.

Wasn't there a photo of a CX staff party in the news recently

I believe that the two party staff lost their jobs because of it

 

[excell]

In July Flew CX 712 and C713 SIN-BKK-SIN although part of RTW Fclass ticket they only had J class.
Arrived at SIN airport and noticed that it was changed from 737 to 747 and noticed that Fclass was marked full. Asked the lass at counter that we had RTW Fclass tickets and could she upgrade at least one of us...as we were 3 travelling...after about 15 mins and 3 trips back and forth to supervisors counter she came back with 3 F class boarding passes 2A 3A 4A sensational, as they had it marked as full.
Upon boarding we found that it was just the 3 of us my wife and son and enjoyed the cabin to ourselves and 2 FA's looking after us. Lobster champagne and lots of giggles from SIN - BKK (felt like we were on our own private jet) all in brand new CX suites brilliant. So in a nutshell it doesn't hurt to ask...you never know your luck.

 

[OverrideServlet]

In July Flew CX 712 and C713 SIN-BKK-SIN although part of RTW Fclass ticket they only had J class.
Arrived at SIN airport and noticed that it was changed from 737 to 747 and noticed that Fclass was marked full. Asked the lass at counter that we had RTW Fclass tickets and could she upgrade at least one of us...as we were 3 travelling...after about 15 mins and 3 trips back and forth to supervisors counter she came back with 3 F class boarding passes 2A 3A 4A sensational, as they had it marked as full.
Upon boarding we found that it was just the 3 of us my wife and son and enjoyed the cabin to ourselves and 2 FA's looking after us. Lobster champagne and lots of giggles from SIN - BKK (felt like we were on our own private jet) all in brand new CX suites brilliant. So in a nutshell it doesn't hurt to ask...you never know your luck.

I could see that they would be more accommodating in your instance because your RTW ticket was for First.

My ticket will only be in Business. Nevertheless I'll try a bit of the "please & thank you" treatment and see how I go.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Righto... let's put some facts into this thread

3 class sold as two class will appear as blocked seating for the F cabin.

F cabin seating can ONLY be requested at check-in. Not before. (Calling CX makes no difference.)

If there is sufficient demand for the seats (passenger numbers require the cabin to be opened) then sufficient crew will be rostered to operate the flight and F seating will be available at check-in.

Priority is given to CX Diamond, followed by OWE. Travelling on a First class ticket (but forced to sit in J) is not usually sufficient to secure a seat in the F cabin 9unless you hold OWE equivalent status).

OWS are not usually granted seating in the F cabin.

I have secured F seats as a previous emerald on all flights when I held that status. As a OWS I was only granted access because I was booked on a KA flight with first class which was subsequently cancelled. I only got the F seat via the lounge (check-in staff, check-in supervisor both made calls and were not allowed to release the seat to me.)

Service in the F cabin can vary depending on the route.

For short flights such as HKG-PVG and vv you will have ususal biz class crew serving.

For longer flights such as HKG-DPS, First class crews seem to operate that flight complete with separate F uniforms.

Cabins on shorter flights may not be segregated.. cabins on the 'long haul' HKG-DPS and vv are always closed off with the curtain (for example F lavatory use is restricted to pax in the F cabin only).

If you hold status and are travelling with a companion without equivalent status... do not expect both of you to be seated in the F cabin, even if a seat is available (this goes from experience over on FT. A poster there only secured another seat in F at the gate after a long battle).

Bottom line, if you are CX Diamond or OWE then early check-in is a good idea, followed by the question 'is something in Row 1 or 2 available (for 77W) or 1-4 (for 747).

OWS, and pax travelling on F tickets downgraded to J - try your luck. There seems to be more luck for downgraded F pax though.

 

[OverrideServlet]

Great response. Thanks!