Welcome to a series of flight reports around, you guessed it, the Asia Pacific. This series will contain reports on 6 segments and cover 2 airlines. The final leg on Delta PVG-LAX I will not report on as I have reported on that flight twice recently.
The carrier, route, equipment, class, lounge, and procurement method were as follows:
Cathay Pacific - LAX-HKG - 777-300ER - First - Qantas First Lounge - Alaska Mileage Plan
Cathay Pacific - HKG-TPE - 777-300ER - First- The Wing and The Pier - Alaska Mileage Plan
Cathay Pacific - TPE-HKG - 777-300 - Business - Cathay Pacific Lounge - BA Avios (This Report)
Cathay Pacific - HKG-CGK - A330-300 - Business - The Bridge and The Cabin - BA Avios
Singapore Airlines - CGK-SIN - 777-300 - First - Esplanade Lounge and a TPR "Arrivals" Lounge Experience - Krisflyer Miles
Singapore Airlines - SIN-PVG - A380-800 - Suites - The Private Room - Krisflyer Miles (Coming Sooner or Later)
Delta Air Lines - PVG-LAX - 777-200LR - Business - No Lounge - NRSA (No Report)
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan
Welcome back folks. I have 1:45 minutes here in Taipei. the Transit security process was quick and efficient. The transit ticket desk had no wait and I obtained the TPE-HKG and HKG-CGK boarding cards. Time to locate the Cathay Pacific Lounge and have a look see. It seems that CX is renovating their lounges to be in line with The Pier in terms aesthetics. I quite like this idea. I have only had the pleasure of visiting the BKK lounge, in terms of those that have been refurbished, so I am looking forward to this one.
The lounge is quite large. It is split into 3 distinct areas. Upon having your credentials checked you can venture to your left tot he dining room and noodle bar, straight ahead you will find a long communal table and some small buffet items, and to your right you will find a wide variety of seating as well as a bar at the very end of the room.
Along your right hand side, if you're heading down the long corridor to the bar, is a small business center.
The Dining Room
I start in the dining room, as I often do, and request a beef noodle.
The soup broth is tasty and a dash of the sichuan peppercorn oil makes a nice experience.
The Buffet
I popped in here to try a bite or two of the offerings. The fried butter anchovy salad was good.
Seating and Bar
The first seating area features semi-private cubicle seating as well as a table for a large group.
Further down the hall you will find more traditional lounge seating.
At the end of the room is the bar.
In the interest of the full experience I enjoy a mojito.
My time the lounge is coming to a close and it's time to head to the gate. It has been a nice stay in a lovely setting.
The Flight
Boarding was underway when i arrive. In fact, it was almost complete.
I boarded through door L2, crossed the aisle, and made the left turn to the J cabin in between doors L1 and L2.
I found my way to 17K.
My timing was good, the FA was in the aisle with beverage offerings and I requested the champagne and water.
This was my first time experiencing this regional J product. Really it's premium economy. Pitch is tight, seat movement is minimal, and video screen is woefully small with poor resolution.
Some other seat features.
An ohibori and a menu were distributed.
Departure was on time and the taxi was brief. Of course on such a short flight the meal service was started immediately. The base tray is laid down first and then a cart with the mains comes by.
Not hungry at all but interested in the offering I selected the chicken. I beleive I tasted everything on the tray and it was all satisfactory.
To drink I requested the cloud nine cocktail. Too sweet for me but a nice presentation.
Finally some cognac to finish and we're heading into HKG.
My first remote stand experience at HKG. Excellent for the airplane nerd who doesn't have a tight connection!
Finally the not-so-excellent bus ride.
