Even though my flight was not scheduled to depart until 01:00A, I arrived at the airport by noon because one of the people in my party had a flight to Australia leaving in the afternoon and we all decided to go together after checking out of the hotel. This would give me the perfect excuse to do some lounge hopping and get well acquainted with HKG airport. I had the opportunity to visit the QF, KA, and CX (The Bridge & The Pier F) but will mainly elaborate on QF and CX The Pier.
We checked in at the CX F counter and the agent was very professional and efficient. Passport Control and security did not take long and once we were inside we headed to the QF lounge.
QF lounge.
The lounge is located above gate 15 right after Passport Control. We presented our credentials to the robotic receptionists and proceeded inside. The lounge was fairly empty which allowed me to explore at ease. The bar is a neat feature right after you enter and the staff there were much warmer than the ones at reception.
The bar.
The buffet had plenty of salads and healthy choices. No surprises since Aussies are pretty health conscious.
Interior.
My selection.
I then accompanied my relative to her PER flight on CX and after she boarded I went to the KA lounge. This lounge was very average with acceptable catering consisting of soup, sandwiches, pastries, a few hot dishes and a noodle station. It was average but since I had plenty of time I decided to take a look. KA Lounge.
We then moved to CX's The Bridge with is actually composed of two areas right after you check at reception. The left side contains the showers and seemed to be less crowded. There was also a computer room with several terminals, a buffet area and a cafe.
Stairs down to reception.
CX The Bridge - Left side.
CX The Bridge - Right side.
The right side room can be very crowded. There was a bar, WC's, and a buffet with pizza and bread stations. At times it felt claustrophobic with people trying to find a vacant seat to settle down.
CX's The Pier F Lounge.
Considered a favorite by many experienced travelers, the Pier F has also been featured as one of the best airline lounges in the world by several publications and online sources, not to mention rave reviews from members of this site as of late. This lounge is the pride and joy of an airline with a top reputation and a showcase at its hub.
Once you are granted access inside, you can't help it but feel that you are part of a very privileged group of travelers. First thing you noticed is that it is not crowded at all. Exclusivity is indeed a luxury that is rare in today's hectic airport environment. True to its marketing, the lounge aims to make the visitor feel like he or she is in a relaxed ambiance, just like at home. There is a well stocked pantry with light bites if you feel peckish and want to grab something on your own, or a dining room for those who prefer a proper sit down meal. It's all about choices.
Entrance.
Hallway.
I decided to take a shower before my meal and was escorted by an efficient staff member. The shower suite was spacious with plenty of room to set up your belongings. The combination of marble and brass inside gives it a classy touch and it is well stocked with Aesop toiletries.
Dining Room.
Menu by The Peninsula
My dinner.
Black pepper seared tuna for appetizer.
Braised barramundi for main dish.
Chesnut mousse for dessert.
Pantry.
The Retreat - private nap rooms.
Up to now, everything about this lounge was perfect. However, when it came to this area, this is where I came across some issues.
Let's start with the pros - there is about a dozen of these rooms that afford some much needed rest for tired passengers. My room had a view of the tarmac and there are sockets to plug in your electronics. In addition, the mattress was firm and comfortable. The cons - I could feel a draft of air directly above me. This was very annoying and also there was a sign advising guests to limit the use of the room to 1.5 hrs. The last thing I want to do when I am resting is to count the minutes and worry about my check out time.
Room.
Rest of the lounge.
We headed to the gate 4 for the SFO flight and there was a security check before people were allowed inside the gate area. Boarding started at about 45 min. before dept. in an orderly fashion.
There was a designated entrance for F and J passengers inside the jetbridge and we entered through door 1L. The purser was positioned at the door welcoming passengers and when she saw us, she called for 2 other FA's to come up front to assist.
Inside the J mini cabin.
Seat - the strength of CX's J product.
Once at my seat, I was given a personal welcome by the purser and the J cabin manager. I have read that CX is consistent in acknowledging Oneworld Emeralds and my experience confirms this.
Hot towel, pre-dept. drink and amenity kit distributed.
The excellent CX Studio entertainment system.
Followed by the menu.
Beverage menu.
CX'"/>
The tray set up.
Breads offered.
Appetizer.
Main dishes offered from the cart. I had the beef pie.
Followed by the cheese plate on request.
I was looking forward to the Sauternes to accompany my cheese plate and the flight attendant brought me a glass of port apologizing that the Sauternes was not boarded. She then advised me that she will write a report about this mistake.
Dessert.
Chocolates offered from a box.
And another round of hot towels to end the meal service with distribution of water bottles.
I took a nap and woke up 2-3 hrs later. i then visited the galley for some snack.
I gave the burger a try which was delicious and not overcooked. The flight attendant told me that this might take a few minutes which was OK.
Time to visit the WC'"/>
A few hours later breakfast service commenced with hot towels.
Tray delivery.
Breakfast breads and condiments.
Beverages offered from a cart. The smoothie was great - flavorful and not too sweet.
Swiss yogurt.
Chinese porridge.
Hot towel to conclude the breakfast service.
"/>
See more
Verdict
Cathay Pacific
8.9/10
Cabin10.0
Cabin crew8.5
Entertainment/wifi10.0
Meal/catering7.0
Cathay Pacific The Pier - First Class Section
9.8/10
Comfort10.0
Meal/catering10.0
Entertainment/wifi10.0
Services9.0
Hong Kong - HKG
9.4/10
Efficiency9.5
Access10.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.0
San Francisco - SFO
9.0/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.0
Conclusion
A comfortable late night flight with light catering. The cost cutting is obvious given the quality of the supper courses, especially the appetizer and dessert. The snacks available after the meal service are adequate and the beef burger proved to be satisfying.
The seat is the best feature of flying CX in addition to the crew. Studio CX offers a great assortment of programs and there is something for everyone.
It was a nice touch to receive a personal welcome from the purser and the cabin manager. Apart from these two, the rest of the crew was efficient and polite, if not overly warm.
0 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
Can't express how very appreciated your detailed reports are. Food pictures worth appearing in Bon Appetit magazine. For some unknown reason, I end up craving a salad while reading. :)
My experience during my travels to East Asia have been that when employees don't smile is because they want to avoid being in the position of having to explain not being fluent in European languages. Save face culture.
Now let me go to the Farmer's market to choose tonight's supper. ;)
Thanks for this last report of a great series. Both the Qantas lounge and the CX lounge look great. I particularly like the Qantas that makes you feel in an comtemporary upscale restaurant more than in a lounge ! Great cabin with small details that make the difference ( orchids etc?) and nice catering specially the burger that looks tasty !
The QF lounge has an unique ambiance and that alone sets it apart from other lounges. They did a good job in designing the interior. During the day it is hardly crowded. If you like to drink, I hope you love Australian wines.
Despite my long stay in HKG airport, I did not explore all CX lounges (only the Pier First and The Bridge were visited). The Pier was just great while The Bridge, although well appointed, felt very crowded at times.
CX's supper is not elaborate and it is a vast difference when compared to other airlines like TK. The quality of some courses like the appetizer and dessert could be improved, but I felt that the quantity was acceptable for a late night flight. I've flown other long haul red eyes before in J and airlines like LA and JL just give you a small snack plate after take off.
*A and OW have plenty of different lounges to visit and make your stay not boring at all. - It's an airport made for lounge hopping for sure. ;)
Nice lounge hopping, the way I like it. ;) - We have a few things in common. Did I mention that you have good taste? :P
How did you manage to enter the CX First Lounge ? Any Emerald Status in pocket ? - My charm and a box of DeLafée Gold Chocolates - just kidding.
I have Emerald status through AA but what an ordeal! Grab a chair and I will tell you all about it. Back in mid October I qualified for EXP (Emerald) but by the time that I went to HKG I still haven't received my card. I was getting anxious since I wanted to visit The Pier and was afraid that I was not going to be admitted due to lack of credentials. I called AA EXP line and was told that it will take longer than usual for the card to arrive because the company that prints them went bankruptcy. WHAT? This really is top notch service for a Oneworld Emerald. Wow!
My HKG-SFO trip was booked through BA using Avios as an award ticket. I pulled up the reservation using CX's code on their website and fortunately it allowed me to modify the Frequent Flyer information so I changed it to my AA's number and it reflected the EXP status immediately. When I checked in for my flight the boarding pass had the Emerald status printed and that allowed me entry to The Pier F without presenting any other credentials.
As of now, I have Emerald on Oneworld and *A Gold through CM. I am waiting for my Skyteam + status through AZ to get approved anytime soon.
Dining at the genuine Peninsula is way better. ^^That's a bit odd that all champagnes served are non vintage… - I don't doubt you. As for champagne, I am not an expert so I can't comment much about it. ;) Yours truly has more provincial tastes when it comes to liquor.
To my point of view the first meal is overall disappointing. - That seems to be the consensus when it comes to catering on CX.
Swiss yogurt. -> Swiss PREMIUM yogurt. lol - Swiss and Premium are repetitive. We all know Swiss is synonymous with quality. ;)
My charm and a box of DeLafée Gold Chocolates -> Sprüngli or Cailler pralines would have worked better, for sure. ;)
and was told that it will take longer than usual for the card to arrive because the company that prints them went bankruptcy. -> How Premium ! lol They should have very few emerald cards to print in a month. ^^
I pulled up the reservation using CX's code on their website and fortunately it allowed me to modify the Frequent Flyer information so I changed it to my AA's number and it reflected the EXP status immediately. -> I was in the same situation when I flew CX from CDG although AB gave me the Sapphire status few days ago and I didn't have the physical card yet.
Yours truly has more provincial tastes when it comes to liquor. -> I'm quite open minded when I travel to obscure foreign countries. ;)
We all know Swiss is synonymous with quality. ;) -> Maybe it eas true 20-30 years ago, but not anymore. ;(
Sprüngli or Cailler pralines would have worked better, for sure. ;) - I'm sure the staff there have seen the best and are used to it. :P
How Premium ! lol They should have very few emerald cards to print in a month - Maybe even less after this fiasco. I finally received my EXP card last week and I qualified in mid Oct. I waited 3 months for a card!
I was in the same situation when I flew CX from CDG although AB gave me the Sapphire status few days ago and I didn't have the physical card yet. - Congratulations on your new status.
I'm quite open minded when I travel to obscure foreign countries. ;) - Be careful now. :P
Maybe it was true 20-30 years ago, but not anymore. ;( - I think it still is, or at least the perception of it. ;)
You arrived really early at the airport. I suppose you did the In-Town Check-in. Good thing you could go airside despite the fact that your flight departs after midnight.
I think I've already told you but I'm not a big fan of the Qantas Lounge. But the food looks nice
I hope you didn't stay too long at G16 Lounge. It's awful
The Bridge lounge is very nice for Business Passengers. But The Pier First is a real gem. No foot massage? IIRC, it's complimentary
Cathay Pacific should definitely skip the tray on Business Class.
A burger as a small bite, what a good idea! Medium rare, just how I like the meat to be cooked.
I suppose you did the In-Town Check-in. - Not at all. If you only knew. I rode with a delivery guy in his van full of produce from the hotel to the airport. Don't ask.
Yes, you told me about your indifference to the QF lounge. As they say à chacun son goût no? I must comment that the reception staff is a bit dry. Maybe this is a HK thing.
I hope you didn't stay too long at G16 Lounge. It's awful - I have no idea where that is.
No foot massage? IIRC, it's complimentary - I know, but I don't let just anyone touch my feet. :P
Cathay Pacific should definitely skip the tray on Business Class - Among other things. ;)
Medium rare, just how I like the meat to be cooked. - The gourmand has spoken.
No surprises since Aussies are pretty health conscious. Compared to US people ;)
Big Qantas lounge but the food and the beverage offer is nothing special
The Bridge's pizza are not really appetizing
The Pier F's menu is rather basic and not outstanding : a bit disappointing for a flagship lounge
Only the choice between 3 champagne is really First Class even if they are all non vintage
CX's catering is a major point of contention among its frequent flyers and its shortcomings have been discussed extensively Definitely its greatest weakness
The dinner is nothing to speak about :(
I was looking forward to the Sauternes to accompany my cheese plate and the flight attendant brought me a glass of port apologizing that the Sauternes was not boarded I'm sorry for you : a Beaumes de Venise would have been great too ;) Anyway another disappointement
I gave the burger a try which was delicious and not overcooked. I see a bottle of ketchup to top up the pleasure
The breakfast is usually not appealing and so this one is
All in all a good fight because of the seat, the IFE and the FAs
Thanks for pleasure of reading all the reports of this routing
Interesting lounges hopping - When you have all the time in the world you can afford to do some interesting things.
Compared to US people ;) - Everything is relative. ;)
Big Qantas lounge but the food and the beverage offer is nothing special - Your perspective is biased considering your French background. Are you sure you are not being objective? :P
The Bridge's pizza are not really appetizing - It could be better but it tasted OK.
The Pier F's menu is rather basic and not outstanding : a bit disappointing for a flagship lounge - The meals were well executed and tasted great for being so basic.
Only the choice between 3 champagne is really First Class even if they are all non vintage - You know better... ;)
I'm sorry for you : a Beaumes de Venise would have been great too ;) - Especially served by a knowledgeable person. ;)
I see a bottle of ketchup to top up the pleasure - A great meal wouldn't be so great without a great wine, right?
Thank you for concluding this series with us Adan!
Arriving 12 hours early for a flight, you sure know how to milk those lounges ;) The KA Lounge reminds me of a modern version of a JAL Sakura Lounge. The QF/CX lounges seem to offer comparable food selections (some will complain of the selection, but when compared to what is available in the JL/NH/OZ/KE lounges, it is vastly superior). When do most QF flights leave? The Pier dinner at least would help make up for the catering deficiencies on board ;)
I agree with your assessment of the Bridge, the left is much quieter and the little bar at the end is normally very quiet after a shower.
The dips appetizer is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this supper - LOL, you got almost the exact same menu as my BOS-HKG flight back in July. Those savory dips and packaged bread sticks are atrocious. On my flight it was guacamole and something else. The fruit for dessert is almost identical as well. While I do like the trolley service for mains so you can see the options before picking, the meat pie looks small and they were pretty stingy on the grilled vegetables (they actually looked good in the picture). The breakfast offering looks standard and not much more elaborate than they serve on the regional routes of 1-2 hours in length. Breakfast will always be a small meal, but also a little strange to serve with a flight landing at night. I think supper and dinner would be more appropriate meals.
I was never really impressed with the snack offerings mid-flight in the galley, but the mid-flight snacks I ordered were always very good. I found the burger to be very tasty.
Were you on a 3-cabin or 4-cabin configured plane? If you were on the 3-cabin plane, the front J lavatories are F-cabin lavatories so are much nicer.
On the long-haul CX sectors, I found the crews to be less personable as on regional flights. This was not the case on your flight?
With CX you know what you are getting, if you ignore the catering, it really does little to disappoint.
When do most QF flights leave? The Pier dinner at least would help make up for the catering deficiencies on board ;) - Starting at 19:30 and ending at 21:45 as far as I know. 2x to SYD and 1x to MEL. It's a huge lounge for the amt of flights that QF has. I guess they expect other Oneworld members to maximize its use.
Indeed, the Pier will make up for the catering deficiencies onboard if one has access to it. It seems that there is some good news about CX catering and they are planning to revamp the food by contracting local eateries in HK.
.the meat pie looks small and they were pretty stingy on the grilled vegetables - It was a snack sized meal. Those casserole dishes are small though. I agree that it should be a supper and dinner service. To be fair, SQ also serves a supper/breakfast combo on its flight.
Were you on a 3-cabin or 4-cabin configured plane? - 4 cabin plane. SFO is a premium market. ;)
This was not the case on your flight? - Apart from the purser and the cabin manager, the rest of the crew were efficient but robotic. Not too much interaction with them. I have never flown regional on CX so I couldn't tell.
With CX you know what you are getting, if you ignore the catering, it really does little to disappoint. - Yep, very comfortable seats and top crew for the most part. Can't be really disappointed with those features if you are flying in a premium cabin.
That's a nice lounge hopping ! Awesome pictures Adan :) Flying the last leg of your RTW trip with CX in J is a good way to end it. Thank your for this report and the whole serie.
Flight-Report is a free website hosting more than 500 000 pictures and 17 000 reviews, without ads, this website can't exist. We understand that ads can be annoying, this is why we only display a maximum of 2 non-invasive ads per page.
To continue using Flight-Report, we invite you to add Flight-Report to your blocker's "white list".
#2 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings.
510 reviews
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
 - Copy.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
"/>
20 Comments
My experience during my travels to East Asia have been that when employees don't smile is because they want to avoid being in the position of having to explain not being fluent in European languages. Save face culture.
Now let me go to the Farmer's market to choose tonight's supper. ;)
Buen provecho mi amigo!
Both the Qantas lounge and the CX lounge look great. I particularly like the Qantas that makes you feel in an comtemporary upscale restaurant more than in a lounge !
Great cabin with small details that make the difference ( orchids etc?) and nice catering specially the burger that looks tasty !
The QF lounge has an unique ambiance and that alone sets it apart from other lounges. They did a good job in designing the interior. During the day it is hardly crowded. If you like to drink, I hope you love Australian wines.
Despite my long stay in HKG airport, I did not explore all CX lounges (only the Pier First and The Bridge were visited). The Pier was just great while The Bridge, although well appointed, felt very crowded at times.
CX's supper is not elaborate and it is a vast difference when compared to other airlines like TK. The quality of some courses like the appetizer and dessert could be improved, but I felt that the quantity was acceptable for a late night flight. I've flown other long haul red eyes before in J and airlines like LA and JL just give you a small snack plate after take off.
HKG is my favourite airport I've visited so far, *A and OW have plenty of different lounges to visit and make your stay not boring at all.
Nice lounge hopping, the way I like it. ;)
How did you manage to enter the CX First Lounge ? Any Emerald Status in pocket ?
Menu by The Peninsula -> Dining at the genuine Peninsula is way better. ^^
That's a bit odd that all champagnes served are non vintage…
Good point that CX changed the onboard champagne from Billecart-Salmon to Deutz.
To my point of view the first meal is overall disappointing.
Swiss yogurt. -> Swiss PREMIUM yogurt. lol
If the HKG lounges experience is good, flight itself not outstanding.
Thanks again for the whole serie !
*A and OW have plenty of different lounges to visit and make your stay not boring at all.
- It's an airport made for lounge hopping for sure. ;)
Nice lounge hopping, the way I like it. ;)
- We have a few things in common. Did I mention that you have good taste? :P
How did you manage to enter the CX First Lounge ? Any Emerald Status in pocket ?
- My charm and a box of DeLafée Gold Chocolates - just kidding.
I have Emerald status through AA but what an ordeal! Grab a chair and I will tell you all about it. Back in mid October I qualified for EXP (Emerald) but by the time that I went to HKG I still haven't received my card. I was getting anxious since I wanted to visit The Pier and was afraid that I was not going to be admitted due to lack of credentials. I called AA EXP line and was told that it will take longer than usual for the card to arrive because the company that prints them went bankruptcy. WHAT? This really is top notch service for a Oneworld Emerald. Wow!
My HKG-SFO trip was booked through BA using Avios as an award ticket. I pulled up the reservation using CX's code on their website and fortunately it allowed me to modify the Frequent Flyer information so I changed it to my AA's number and it reflected the EXP status immediately. When I checked in for my flight the boarding pass had the Emerald status printed and that allowed me entry to The Pier F without presenting any other credentials.
As of now, I have Emerald on Oneworld and *A Gold through CM. I am waiting for my Skyteam + status through AZ to get approved anytime soon.
Dining at the genuine Peninsula is way better. ^^That's a bit odd that all champagnes served are non vintage…
- I don't doubt you. As for champagne, I am not an expert so I can't comment much about it. ;) Yours truly has more provincial tastes when it comes to liquor.
To my point of view the first meal is overall disappointing.
- That seems to be the consensus when it comes to catering on CX.
Swiss yogurt. -> Swiss PREMIUM yogurt. lol
- Swiss and Premium are repetitive. We all know Swiss is synonymous with quality. ;)
Thank you Clement for your visit.
and was told that it will take longer than usual for the card to arrive because the company that prints them went bankruptcy. -> How Premium ! lol
They should have very few emerald cards to print in a month. ^^
I pulled up the reservation using CX's code on their website and fortunately it allowed me to modify the Frequent Flyer information so I changed it to my AA's number and it reflected the EXP status immediately. -> I was in the same situation when I flew CX from CDG although AB gave me the Sapphire status few days ago and I didn't have the physical card yet.
Yours truly has more provincial tastes when it comes to liquor. -> I'm quite open minded when I travel to obscure foreign countries. ;)
We all know Swiss is synonymous with quality. ;) -> Maybe it eas true 20-30 years ago, but not anymore. ;(
- I'm sure the staff there have seen the best and are used to it. :P
How Premium ! lol They should have very few emerald cards to print in a month
- Maybe even less after this fiasco. I finally received my EXP card last week and I qualified in mid Oct. I waited 3 months for a card!
I was in the same situation when I flew CX from CDG although AB gave me the Sapphire status few days ago and I didn't have the physical card yet.
- Congratulations on your new status.
I'm quite open minded when I travel to obscure foreign countries. ;)
- Be careful now. :P
Maybe it was true 20-30 years ago, but not anymore. ;(
- I think it still is, or at least the perception of it. ;)
Good thing you could go airside despite the fact that your flight departs after midnight.
I think I've already told you but I'm not a big fan of the Qantas Lounge. But the food looks nice
I hope you didn't stay too long at G16 Lounge. It's awful
The Bridge lounge is very nice for Business Passengers. But The Pier First is a real gem.
No foot massage? IIRC, it's complimentary
Cathay Pacific should definitely skip the tray on Business Class.
A burger as a small bite, what a good idea!
Medium rare, just how I like the meat to be cooked.
What a beautiful report. Thanks Adan for sharing.
I suppose you did the In-Town Check-in.
- Not at all. If you only knew. I rode with a delivery guy in his van full of produce from the hotel to the airport. Don't ask.
Yes, you told me about your indifference to the QF lounge. As they say à chacun son goût no? I must comment that the reception staff is a bit dry. Maybe this is a HK thing.
I hope you didn't stay too long at G16 Lounge. It's awful
- I have no idea where that is.
No foot massage? IIRC, it's complimentary
- I know, but I don't let just anyone touch my feet. :P
Cathay Pacific should definitely skip the tray on Business Class
- Among other things. ;)
Medium rare, just how I like the meat to be cooked.
- The gourmand has spoken.
Thank you for your support Bernard.
Interesting lounges hopping
No surprises since Aussies are pretty health conscious.
Compared to US people ;)
Big Qantas lounge but the food and the beverage offer is nothing special
The Bridge's pizza are not really appetizing
The Pier F's menu is rather basic and not outstanding : a bit disappointing for a flagship lounge
Only the choice between 3 champagne is really First Class even if they are all non vintage
CX's catering is a major point of contention among its frequent flyers and its shortcomings have been discussed extensively
Definitely its greatest weakness
The dinner is nothing to speak about :(
I was looking forward to the Sauternes to accompany my cheese plate and the flight attendant brought me a glass of port apologizing that the Sauternes was not boarded
I'm sorry for you : a Beaumes de Venise would have been great too ;)
Anyway another disappointement
I gave the burger a try which was delicious and not overcooked.
I see a bottle of ketchup to top up the pleasure
The breakfast is usually not appealing and so this one is
All in all a good fight because of the seat, the IFE and the FAs
Thanks for pleasure of reading all the reports of this routing
Interesting lounges hopping
- When you have all the time in the world you can afford to do some interesting things.
Compared to US people ;)
- Everything is relative. ;)
Big Qantas lounge but the food and the beverage offer is nothing special
- Your perspective is biased considering your French background. Are you sure you are not being objective? :P
The Bridge's pizza are not really appetizing
- It could be better but it tasted OK.
The Pier F's menu is rather basic and not outstanding : a bit disappointing for a flagship lounge
- The meals were well executed and tasted great for being so basic.
Only the choice between 3 champagne is really First Class even if they are all non vintage
- You know better... ;)
I'm sorry for you : a Beaumes de Venise would have been great too ;)
- Especially served by a knowledgeable person. ;)
I see a bottle of ketchup to top up the pleasure
- A great meal wouldn't be so great without a great wine, right?
Thank you Gilbert for your comments and visit.
Arriving 12 hours early for a flight, you sure know how to milk those lounges ;) The KA Lounge reminds me of a modern version of a JAL Sakura Lounge. The QF/CX lounges seem to offer comparable food selections (some will complain of the selection, but when compared to what is available in the JL/NH/OZ/KE lounges, it is vastly superior). When do most QF flights leave? The Pier dinner at least would help make up for the catering deficiencies on board ;)
I agree with your assessment of the Bridge, the left is much quieter and the little bar at the end is normally very quiet after a shower.
The dips appetizer is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this supper
- LOL, you got almost the exact same menu as my BOS-HKG flight back in July. Those savory dips and packaged bread sticks are atrocious. On my flight it was guacamole and something else. The fruit for dessert is almost identical as well. While I do like the trolley service for mains so you can see the options before picking, the meat pie looks small and they were pretty stingy on the grilled vegetables (they actually looked good in the picture). The breakfast offering looks standard and not much more elaborate than they serve on the regional routes of 1-2 hours in length. Breakfast will always be a small meal, but also a little strange to serve with a flight landing at night. I think supper and dinner would be more appropriate meals.
I was never really impressed with the snack offerings mid-flight in the galley, but the mid-flight snacks I ordered were always very good. I found the burger to be very tasty.
Were you on a 3-cabin or 4-cabin configured plane? If you were on the 3-cabin plane, the front J lavatories are F-cabin lavatories so are much nicer.
On the long-haul CX sectors, I found the crews to be less personable as on regional flights. This was not the case on your flight?
With CX you know what you are getting, if you ignore the catering, it really does little to disappoint.
- Starting at 19:30 and ending at 21:45 as far as I know. 2x to SYD and 1x to MEL. It's a huge lounge for the amt of flights that QF has. I guess they expect other Oneworld members to maximize its use.
Indeed, the Pier will make up for the catering deficiencies onboard if one has access to it. It seems that there is some good news about CX catering and they are planning to revamp the food by contracting local eateries in HK.
.the meat pie looks small and they were pretty stingy on the grilled vegetables
- It was a snack sized meal. Those casserole dishes are small though. I agree that it should be a supper and dinner service. To be fair, SQ also serves a supper/breakfast combo on its flight.
Were you on a 3-cabin or 4-cabin configured plane?
- 4 cabin plane. SFO is a premium market. ;)
This was not the case on your flight?
- Apart from the purser and the cabin manager, the rest of the crew were efficient but robotic. Not too much interaction with them. I have never flown regional on CX so I couldn't tell.
With CX you know what you are getting, if you ignore the catering, it really does little to disappoint.
- Yep, very comfortable seats and top crew for the most part. Can't be really disappointed with those features if you are flying in a premium cabin.
Thanks for your comments Michael.
Awesome pictures Adan :)
Flying the last leg of your RTW trip with CX in J is a good way to end it.
Thank your for this report and the whole serie.
Thank you very much for dropping by and commenting.
Yes, flying CX J is a good ending. You know what to expect.
Glad you enjoyed the series. Talk about lounges, wait until you see the newest one in SFO by DL. I was really impressed.
Login to post a comment.