Cathay Pacific Business Class Seats - how good ?

[vaccav]

Can anyone advise their views on the Cathay Pacific Business Class Seats. I am looking at going SYD - HK - LAX over the next few weeks and wanted to get a better idea. Cathay's website seems to imply that the seat may be flat but not level (ie the same principle as the QF skybed).

However, the non-level pitch may (on my reading of their website) be very high such that the bed/seat may be flat but on a much larger 'slope' than the QF skybed.

Can anyone advise:
A. Have you flown Cathay and how does the seat compare with QF and BA ?
B. Is it flat and level or just flat ?
C. If it's not level - how does the pitch etc compare with QF ?
D. Any other comments gratefully received ?

Many thanks

vaccav

 

[infoworks]

IMHO CX has one of the best services in the air at the moment.

The seats are flat but at an angle to the ground and some complain that they slip to the foot, but I haven't had that problem. I haven't compared pitches, but suspect it has a "steeper" slope than the QF product. Both are comfortable.

The BA seats, whilst genuinely flat, but are are tired, narrow and on my last trip (Sept) hard.

I have flown on all 3 and would choose CX ahead of QF on the same route for several reasons:

1. Service is better
2. Timing (esp to HKG) is better if you are staying in HKG at all (I like the early morning flights)
3. There aren't that many genuine lie flat J seats available

QF food is probably better.

If you are flying SYD-HKG you may also want to consider Virgin Atlantc. I understand it's a great product, fairly empty planes (they are looking at pulling the service I hear) and better seats. I have not flown VA as it hasn't fitted in with my flying needs so far.

 

[NM]

On those routes you will get the CX New Business Class seats. Note that on some other Australia to Hong Kong routes, such as to/from BNE, you only get their Regional Business Class seats which are not good for a 8 hour flight.

The first generation of the CX New Business Class seats had a few degrees more slope when flat that the second generation of these seats. You are unlikely to get the older ones now as almost all have now been upgraded (perhaps all by now).

The slope is still slightly more than the Qantas Skybeds, but still ok in my opinion. They are similar length and width to the skybeds, which means they are longer and wider than the BA beds.

The service is where you will notice the most difference. CX has fantastic service in both business class and first class. And their AVOD is also very good and most of the bugs have been ironed out (unlike QF at the moment, who regularly experience problems with their AVOD on the A330-300 aircraft).

Try the Cathay Delight drink. Its non-alcoholic, and very refreshing. They also carry JW Gold Label scotch in business class (blue label in first class). The food is excellent and the wine list very acceptable (so I am told by people who know - I am only qualified to comment on the scotch ).

The Wing lounge at HKG is also very good. The LAX flight will depart from the low numbered gates near The Wing lounge. The last 2 times I have taken their HKG-LAX flight I have been in Frist (last one an op-up at the gate, the other a booking TA mistake) which is the best in-flight experience I have had with any carrier.

 

[infoworks]

I actually prefer the Pier lounge (F) in HKG, which is out near gate 63. Mostly, in my experience (but not always) the CX HKG-SYD flights (especially CX 111) seem to leave from that far end of the terminal. even though it's not "in the air" like the Wing or the QF lounge, I like that it's quieter, the dining room is nice and the staff are more attentive. I have only ever used the Pier F lounge.

Blue Label - hmmm - nice!

 

[NM]

Yes, The Pier is also very good. And I too have only ever used the F lounges at both. I use the one closest to my departure gate normally, except for very early arrivals when The Pier is not open. It does not open until 7am, so if you take the MEL-HKG overnight flight and have a connection at HKG, its best to head for The Wing - at least until 7am.

Does The Pier have the Cabanas? I can't remember seing any there, but was not looking for them either. Its a great way to relax when having an extended layover in HKG.

 

[infoworks]

Yes, it has a few. Haven't used them myself. If I was to be nitpicky about the CX lounges it would be that I don't like the stainless steel bathroom fittings - reminds me of being on a train or public convenience.

 

[AlwaysUpThere]

The Pier F lounge also has "Day-rooms" which are a private space with a reclining chair, agreat multi-media system and adjustable lighting. Never seen them in any other liunge. Great for an extended rest if needed.

One EXTREME difference in the CX long haul business is the meal service style. Aside from it being delicious and better then Neil Perry's concoctions), for the main course, all the "components" of all the meals are placed on a low serving trolly (not the standard meal/catering storage trolley) and you can see what each looks like and so can choose which you want and how much you want. Closest thing to a buffet I've seen. So for example, if you prefer rice to potato, you can ask for it. Silver service in the air!

Great snack options at other times as well- sandwhiches, cookies, noodles. Espresso available. Staff are very courteous and use your name!

Note you now have 3 choices to HKG and then 3 more daily to LAX (13:20, 16:15 and 23:35). Some of the aircraft have an extended J cabin on the main deck (first section behing the galley also J).

As for the seat, they took a punt on the non-flat bed and most airlines followed them. However most went flatter and so they have retro-fitted to recline a few more degrees.

Whether QF, SQ or CX, depending on your height, weight and proportions, you may slide a little on any of these (I have-and got a wedgie). If you find yourself sliding on any of them, you need to adjust to a position more like an arm-chair - back up a tad and footrest down a fraction.

The other consideration is the price - if you return via HKG you'll get the cheapest deal, where coming back non-stop with QF will probable change to a circle-pac or similar.

Enjoy!