Background
My family and I planned a Christmas trip to Japan for a skiing holiday. 360 days before, we were looking online for award spaces to any city in Japan, and found 4 Premium Economy award spaces wide open to Haneda and our preferred afternoon departure. So we jumped at it and booked the tickets.
Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Cathay Pacific, Premium Economy, 747-400: YOU ARE HERE
Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, Premium Economy, 777-300 ER: HERE
Check in
Knowing full well that the Premium Economy lane is much quicker to clear, because it is practically empty with three agents waiting to serve you, I elected to use the Business Class lane because of the Marco Polo status. I just couldn't resist it! Plus, I would lose my status soon enough, so last time using the Business Class counters!
IMG_0433 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
The Lounge
With the Marco Polo Silver membership, I am entitled to use the Cathay lounges in Hong Kong. I used all 4 lounges available to me but I will just review the Wing here. Check out my reviews for the rest at: HERE
The Wing is located at Gate 1
A very classy entrance
I haven't had lunch so I headed for the noodle bar for some food
IMG_0436 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
IMG_0437 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
The menu for the noodle bar - very extensive for a Business Class lounge
IMG_0440 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
My selection of the day - All tasted very good except the fried rice. My advice is to stick to what they offer in the noodle bar - they tend to be better cooked and freshly made.
IMG_0438 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Quite crowded today…
IMG_0439 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Then I turned to the Coffee Loft for dessert… Hong Kong style Milk Tea with mixed pastries - all very good.
IMG_0441 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Some more pastries - equally well
IMG_0443 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
And to top it off - some ice cream - you cannot go wrong with this brand, can you?
IMG_0444 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Any trip needs to start with a toast!
IMG_0446 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Selection from the Coffee Loft… again very extensive!
IMG_0447 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
View from the lounge - note the 77W with Cathay's new livery on! What a pleasant surprise!
IMG_0448 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Boarding soon started… at Gate 69 - very far away!
IMG_0478 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Lucky to be flying one of the three remaining 747s with Cathay today
IMG_0479 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Gonna miss the view of this wing very much
IMG_0480 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Inflight entertainment: the screen is big enough for Premium and Cathay is famous for its extensive content - so I was not disappointed in this respect (but everything gets worse from here)
IMG_0503 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Legroom shot - 38 inches - not bad
IMG_0504 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Post Take Off Drink Service - note that it is the same service as provided to Economy passengers, sparkling water and peanuts for me (not that I have a choice for nuts)
IMG_0505 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Amazing sunset over Taiwan
IMG_0512 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Dinner was a huge disappointment! Pork with rice. Was the same meal as served to Economy passengers - the lack of metal cutlery and glassware made this so un Premium. Cathay charges a high premium on this route for this product, and the Haneda service being its short haul flagship service, I am honestly very disappointed with the lack of Premium-ness on this route.
IMG_0515 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
At least they still give you noise-cancelling headphones
IMG_0522 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Premium Economy Cabin today
IMG_0526 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Approaching Haneda
IMG_0527 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
And the famous Cathay ad at the Monorail station
IMG_0546 by Herman Lam, on Flickr
Please also visit my blog for more flight reviews: HERE
