Hello and welcome to the next report of this 4 segment routing from Washington, DC to Sydney, Australia. This report will cover the 3rd flight in the series: Honk Kong to Singapore with Cathay Pacific's new regional Business class. After two flights, including the 17 hour transpacific, I was starting to feel a little tired, so this report will be on the short side.
Here is the full routing:
Washington Reagan National DCA ✈ Dallas - Fort Worth DFW : American Airlines, B737-800, Domestic First class
[HERE]
Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok HKG ✈ Singapore Changi SIN : Cathay Pacific, B777-300, Business Class [THIS REPORT]
Singapore Changi SIN ✈ Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD : British Airways, B777-300ER, Premium Economy
[HERE]
Melbourne Tullamarine MEL ✈ Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD : Qantas Airways, B737-800, Business Class
[HERE]
Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD ✈ Christchurch Airport CHC : Qantas Jetconnect, B737-800, Business Class
[HERE]
Queenstown Airport ZQN ✈ Auckland Airport AKL : Air New Zealand, A320-200, Economy Class
[HERE]
Auckland Airport AKL ✈ Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD : LAN Airlines, B787-9, Business Class
[HERE]
Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD ✈ Singapore Changi SIN : British Airways, B777-300ER, Business Class
[HERE]
Singapore Changi SIN ✈ Tokyo Narita NRT : Japan Airlines, B767-300ER, Economy Class
[HERE]
Tokyo Narita NRT ✈ Chicago O'hare ORD : American Airlines, B787-8, Business Class
[HERE]
So here we are in HKG, one of my favorite airports! I was looking forward to checking out the recently renovated "The Pier" First class lounge that I had seen in several reports by socalnow. The last time I was in HKG, only The Wing First class lounge was open.
Here we are!
The lounge is one level below the departures concourse and is accessed by taking an escalator or elevator.
The lounge agents at the entrance were not particularly warm.
Very good first impression.
There are rooms with food and snacks, seating areas, a bar, a spa area, and a dining room on either side and end of the large central corridor.
Despite all the lovely amenities, after a 17 hour flight, the first order of business was a shower!
The showers are located by the Day Suites that socalnow has described in his reports. You can also enjoy a complimentary foot massage. Unfortunately, I didn't have time for one.
Very nice shower room.
Nice products.
A nice shower is always great after a long flight! I didn't have much time left to enjoy the lounge, but I did pop over to the bar area for a glass of bubbly, well 3 actually ^^
Moët & Chandon Rosé Brut
Had I had more time, I would have tried the restaurant as I had really enjoyed the dining room at The Wing last year.
When I arrived at the gate it was a madhouse, as it often is in HKG. The separate Business class boarding lane was as long as the Economy lane. Are there really that many Elites on board, or it this just a disorganized mess. I think it may be the latter.
Business class boards though a different jetbridge through door 1L. Although there was a hoard of people boarding at the same time, we were the only ones to turn left to the Business class jetbridge.
So clearly, all those people in the Business class line weren't in Business class–the J cabin was more than half empty.
The welcome on board was very warm by two FAs stationed by door 1L.
Good first impression of the new Regional Business cabin. It looks spacious for a regional configuration despite the 2-3-2 layout.
The legroom is generous–much better than a domestic First class seat in the U.S.
One thing I do notice immediately, though, is that the PTV feels unnaturally low. Like you have to look down at it, or be reclined/hunched in your seat. I'm not terribly tall at 5'10"/1m78
Also, the IFE is an older generation, with an old school moving map.
As soon as I got settled in, a FA arrived with pre-departure drinks. She greeted me with a "Welcome Back," introduced herself, and addressed me by name. That is a very nice touch that makes the experience feel premium.
Of course I took champagne, because the 3 glasses in the lounge were clearly not enough ^^
Let's take a look at the menu
It looks good on paper at least.
One thing that doesn't look so good, are these headphones. These are the standard headphones on regional routes equipped with a regional cabin. They almost look like Economy class headphones.
The safety video played as we pushed back.
I fell asleep during taxi and takeoff and woke up after a quick powernap. I got up to stretch and wake up.
View of the Business class cabin
As I got back to my seat, the chief purser came by and introduced himself and informed me to please let him or any of his staff know if I needed anything. Once again, I was addressed by name and really appreciated the personal attention. I'm not sure if this was done for all passengers in J or if this is a product of my oneworld Emerald status.
Another FA came around for the aperitif service. More champagne! Who's counting? …not me ^^
The appetizer course came shortly after. Visually, it was well presented and was also quite tasty.
We were approaching the coast of Vietnam when the mains were served.
As per usual CX protocol, the main dishes were displayed on a white linen covered cart. I like that you can choose your entree based on which is the most visually appealing to you. The Thai beef Massaman had caught my eye on the menu and I also felt it looked the best of all three choices on the cart.
Beef Massaman is by no means haute-cuisine, but it is one of my favorite dishes and CX did it justice. There were 4 flight attendants in Business class for barely 15 passengers and the crew was particularly attentive. My glass was refilled regularly and with each interaction, I was addressed by name. Being used to more casual American styles of service, I was feeling pretty pampered.
Afterwards, I went with the cheese plate, which I enjoyed with a port.
A chocolate and box of Holiday treats were distributed after the meal.
I asked for a cognac digestif, which was brought very quickly with a smile.
After a good meal with quite a bit of wine, I fell asleep for the rest of the flight. I woke up right as we were starting our descent.
Went to freshen up before landing.
We arrived at the gate early.
This is the only shot I was able to get of my 773–SIN is not easy for spotting by the gates with those glass walls.
Thanks for reading and see you for the next report!
The Pier First is definitely worth the visit. Too bad you didn't have enough time to enjoy the facilities and indulge in for a nice bath or a good meal.
At least, you had a glass of champagne.
More champagne! Who's counting? ...not me ^^--> I did. Fifteen ^^
On the other hand, catering onboard is underwhelming again.
When the airline is gonna switch the HD ice cream to a decent business dessert?
Thank you and CU soon.
Thanks for reading Bernard! Yes, I wish I had had more time to enjoy the lounge. I only had about an hour, unfortunately.
I did. Fifteen ^^ - Yep! Sounds about right! :-P
On the other hand, catering onboard is underwhelming again. - Agreed. One expects more from Cathay, but I was satisfied on this short flight. The actual service from the crew was 5-start, the catering, maybe 4
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing this report with nice pictures! The CX Pier are so nice and decent!
But as I mentioned in member socalnow’s report that CX are soon going to dump their lounge services provider which have used for 20 years (huge loss in oil hedge --> heavy cost-cutting!) Therefore it might be you last time to enjoy those high level services @@ The lounge future is so uncertain…
Oh jeez it is a new regional J but CX use the older generation IFE with old airshow and safety video lol
Glad to know that holiday boxes are provided (a little bonus for Christmas travel!) BTW I think they would probably have some special gifts or services for you if you let the FA know that you are in honeymoon ^^
Happy wedding and look forward to your next report!
Hi there, thanks for your comments!
CX are soon going to dump their lounge services provider which have used for 20 years
- Hopefully this will not have an impact on the level of service. I don't think CX can afford to get a bad image with it's premium cabin travellers--essentially the bread and butter of any airlines.
Oh jeez it is a new regional J but CX use the older generation IFE with old airshow and safety video lol
- Yeah, you would think they would have gone all the way and upgraded the IFE as well. I've been on AF planes with brand new cabins and old IFE before...kind of a shame.
BTW I think they would probably have some special gifts or services for you if you let the FA know that you are in honeymoon ^^
- Haha, yeah, maybe. We didn't really go around announcing it, so they weren't aware. Still got great service!
Happy wedding and look forward to your next report!
- Thank you so much! :-)
Greetings KevinDC and thanks for sharing this flight and series. I also appreciate the shout out!
While I have visited The Pier several times in the last few months I never noticed the foot massage. How could I overlook that?? I'm due a visit in April so I know what's top on my list of things to do.
The lounge agents at the entrance were not particularly warm.
-My observation as well. I feel like I have interrupted them when I arrive.
Good first impression of the new Regional Business cabin. It looks spacious for a regional configuration despite the 2-3-2 layout.
-It does look spacious. How is that?
The meal looks good to me. At least it was properly coursed.
I asked for a cognac digestif, which was brought very quickly with a smile.
-I like that glassware.
Sounds like a great flight with fantastic Cathay Pacific service. Thanks again and happy flying.
Thanks for reading!
While I have visited The Pier several times in the last few months I never noticed the foot massage.
- Haha, and I'm sure you even have pictures of that sign in your reports!
It does look spacious. How is that?
- I think it's because it's open and doesn't have high walls around the seats. For short flights like this you don't really need much privacy.
The meal looks good to me. At least it was properly coursed.
- Yep. Like I said, I was expecting it to be kinda meh, as I'd seen so many reports with disappointing catering, but I found it to be just fine. Could it have been better? Sure! But I enjoyed it all the same.
Thanks for your comments!
Thks for the report. It's my first remark in the english section. You should correct the hour of the arrival because it looks weird, the hkg singapore journey is not so long
It's fixed
Thank you very much for this FR,
As i need to burn to Avios points it's useful to see the product CX do offer on the regional routes. With your report it looks like a really good option!
Were you not attracted to book the pair of seats on the window side?
Thanks for reading! Yeah, CX regional routes have always been a good use of Avios, but perhaps it would be better used on a regional route equipped with Cirrus seats. It is odd that some less premium cities get Cirrus equipped aircraft, but a big financial center like SIN gets regional seats. I would have gotten windows, but despite the half empty flight, every row had 1 person in it. Middle rows were empty to leave an open middle seat. Plus it's a night flight. Thanks for your comments!
Thank you for sharing this FR with us!
Wow! The Pier looks like a really nice lounge, a very attractive interior design indeed. Too bad you weren't able to spend too much time in the lounge.
The position of the IFE is really weird, it's definitely very low. I guess they did that for a more pleasing viewing experience when reclined.
The presentation of the main didn't look very business-class like. The good thing is that the overall quality and taste wasn't too shabby.
Overall it looked like you had a good experience with CX!
Have a good one, see you!
Hi there, thanks for your comments! Yeah the TVs are low, I don't know if they did that on purpose for passenger experience or to save material/weight. Catering on CX is rarely impressive, but overall good. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing Kevin!
The Pier F Lounge does seem to be very premium feeling with the lack of people crawling around it. The CX J Lounges can get real crowded. Too bad you weren't there long enough to enjoy more of it.
The separate Business class boarding lane was as long as the Economy lane
- On every CX flight I've been on ex-HKG, this has been the case. I have never noticed it boarding CX flights at other airports (except maybe TPE). Everyone and their brother must be in Marco Polo club.
despite the 2-3-2 layout.
- When I had seen the routing, I assumed 777-300 to be 777-300ER, which was why I was really confused when you said you had flown the regional product. I really like this seat for regional flights, it's one of the most comfortable recliners out there, but it doesn't seem to fit on a B777. I don't mind the 2-2-2 on the A330s but the 2-3-2 is pushing the comfort level. Also, the B773's J cabin looks smaller than the A330's, or maybe I'm just miscounting rows.
the PTV feels unnaturally low
- It is really low, but fortunately it tilts up. I'm surprised they use the old IFE on the new cabin... The headphones you got are even different than the ones I had NGO-HKG, which were lower quality than yours^^
She greeted me with a Welcome Back
- Back from where? The bathroom?
I'm not sure if this was done for all passengers in J or if this is a product of my oneworld Emerald status.
- I've always had the purser talk to me. Not sure if it is because of being a westerner or what, but they always ask me to fill out the survey.
I've noticed that the presentation of the starters on CX has been really improved recently, but the mains still look the same. As I've said, the food on CX is definitely edible and is fine, but it just doesn't impress you. The trolley for service for mains is always nice, but you run the risk of cold food in a full cabin if you are in the back.
I've never gotten holiday treats post meal :(
I also want to point out that you posted a HKG report without a single picture of an airplane^^
On every flight I've taken out of HKG period...DL, HX, AA, TG, CX...
- My MU flight wasn't too bad ;)
The cabin is kinda small; there are 6 rows of J.
- I guess the A333 only has 7 rows, but from what I remember it felt bigger.
I think it might be protocol for frequent flyers, with an assumption that with Elite status you've flown that carrier before. I've heard this on other carriers as well.
- I guess that makes sense. Even at hotels they do it when you have a membership. I guess it is just recognizing loyalty (whether to carrier or alliance).
Thanks for your comments! Yeah, I definitely wish I had more time in the lounge to check out the restaurant.
On every CX flight I've been on ex-HKG, this has been the case.
- On every flight I've taken out of HKG period...DL, HX, AA, TG, CX...
Craziness
but the 2-3-2 is pushing the comfort level.
- The cabin was half empty so it was fine. I'm sure it can feel cramped when it is full. The cabin is kinda small; there are 6 rows of J.
Back from where? The bathroom?
- Haha, no idea. I think it might be protocol for frequent flyers, with an assumption that with Elite status you've flown that carrier before. I've heard this on other carriers as well.
Yeah starter looked really good, but main was typically meh. I wouldn't say it was underwhelming as it was tasty, but it's nothing fancy. But then again it's a regional route so I guess it's normal not to have super elevated dishes.
I also want to point out that you posted a HKG report without a single picture of an airplane^^
- Haha, yup! It pains me that I didn't have time for planespotting. Thanks for rubbing it in :-P
Thanks for this FR.
Wow you really must have been exhausted after the first two flights! What a brave girl you are doing a report 😉
Nice lounge, the dark atmosphere must have been soothing after such a travel.
Too bad you didn't have time for the massage.
I didn't know HKG was such a mess, it looks so organized and quiet.
For once CX regional service is praised and rightfully so... How long was the flight to SIN?
Hahe, yes, I was tired, that's why I clonked out as soon as I was finished eating, lol. It's funny because HKG is relatively quiet and well organized in general, but boarding is always crazy. But then again, boarding usually goes pretty quickly, so there must be some method to the madness. The flight was about 3 hours long. Have fun in Illinois, Midwest mama! ^^
Another great report from you, Kevin!
It seems that you had a great flight with CX. Particularly, you had the set of crews that epitomized CX's legendary reputation. I am yet to experience this kind of crew with CX :)
Regarding the long premium boarding line, those are the Marco Polo Green members which is the lowest level of CX's frequent flyer program. One of the perks is to be able to board together with J class passengers. Hence, the premium line is sometimes longer than economy class line which only makes CX the butt of the joke. Internal rumour says that with recent changes in Marco Polo program (CX makes it harder to obtain and retain your elite status), it hopes to reduce these elites that fly once or twice in a year only. Essentially they want to bring Diamonds to Golds, Golds to Silvers, Silvers to Greens, and Greens to no elite membership.
Anyway, always enjoy reading your report! Thanks!
Thanks for the compliment! Yes, it was a very good flight for a short 3 hour flight. I just wish I had had more time in the lounge :-)
Thanks for your explanation on the long premium boarding lines in HKG! I've always wondered about that, ok, so it's good to know they actually are all Elites...crazy that there are so many Elites! But it makes sense considering that just 2 TPAC flights can give you status.
Thanks for your comments!
Hi Kevin! Long time lurker on flight-reports.com. Anyways I created this account because I came across this old review of yours and noticed myself in your picture at the lounge (red shirt guy staring at his phone). I actually remember glancing up after because I noticed someone was taking a picture. I was curious if you were an avgeek as well. I have my own youtube channel called AsiaTravels where I review different airlines so that is usually where I am active, and I have the review of my flight that I took after my lounge visit from HKG to JFK on that channel. Anyways just thought it can be such a small world sometimes and safe travels!
Hi AsiaTravels, Yes, it is a small AvGeek world! Very nice videos. Do you do only video reviews? If you also do photo reviews, we'd love to have you post on Flight-Report! Thanks so much for your comment!
Hi Kevin,
I am considering photo reviews especially when I am on some of the rarer airlines or flights since Cathay, Singapore are pretty well known and reviewed here. The issue has always been time. I am trying to figure out how I best do both since it requires a surprising amount of time to make and post quality flight reports and grow my audience. I think I will adapt my Xiamen Airlines inaugural flight to be posted here since I have not seen any reports on them. I will also be doing the Asiana A350 inaugural flight so I will be sure to take some pictures as well. Thanks for the quick reply and checking out my channel!
Definitely understand about the time it takes. Editing videos is very time consuming, as is putting together photo reports. If you are able to do some, will look forward to seeing them on here. We, of course, welcome videos as part of a report as long as they also have photos. We're old school :-)