Review of Cathay Pacific flight Bangkok → Hong Kong in Business

Hi everyone! Welcome to Part 1 of this short leg of my summer 2016 travel series, where I'll be covering the return flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong in this report. After a nice couple of days relaxing, eating, and exploring the city, it was time for me to go back to New York with the usual pit stop in Hong Kong.

I would definitely say that this trip report is an exciting one, primarily because I'll be flying this route on none other than the Airbus A350-900!!! Yep, that's right! I was really looking forward for this flight even for weeks from when we booked it. Even though I was flying on this brand-new aircraft, there were the usual obstacles and adventures, which I'll get to in the pre-flight section of this report. Anyways, let's get to it!

Summer 2016 Trip Report Index:
1) 19 August 2016: CX653 HKG-BKK, A330-300, Business
2) 21 August 2016: CX750 BKK-HKG, A350-900, Business
3) 21 August 2016: CX846 HKG-JFK, B777-300ER, Business

Pre-flight:

While booking the flights for both sectors, it all seemed like clockwork. In fact, my family and I were confirmed in order to take this flight to Hong Kong before connecting to flight CX840 which departed at 4:10 PM back to JFK. So by the time we arrived in HKG, we would have about an hour before we would have to board the next flight. We ultimately went with the decision, although my parents did warn me that we would have to sacrifice time in plane spotting and lounge hopping, which didn't seem like a huge issue.

Now, coming back to this report. Prior to departure, I woke up at around 7:00 AM so I would be able to enjoy a nice breakfast with my family before we ultimately proceeded to the airport. Since our flight was on a Sunday, there was little to no traffic in Bangkok, and we made it there by 9:30 AM.

Entrance to Suvarnabhumi Airport


Time to check-in!


BKK Departure Lobby


Check-in area for CX


We were able to check-in almost immediately, giving at least 5 minutes for the whole process. The next thing we knew was that our bags were checked in all the way to New York and we were issued boarding passes for both flights. However, what I didn't know that the flight was going to be delayed, leading up to some thrill for the journey!


Reunited with both Mangkorakarn and Maiyarab


Going through security and immigration, which was quick with the help of the Premium Lane pass

Post-security:

I always have this temptation to take this photo every time I'm in this airport


FIDS


Airside


Duty-free area


Heading towards the gate area


Concourse E


We thought about going to the Cathay Pacific lounge near Concourse G, but turns out it was a distance from the gate. So, we ended up passing the offer.


Instead, all of us ended up chilling near the gate area until boarding was announced


Boarding passes for both flights


Approximately 20 minutes later, the gate was finally open! I couldn't believe I was actually going to fly on the A350!!!! I just couldn't wait!! ;)


Walking down the ramp to the gate area


By the time we got there, I was so excited I felt like a little kid again as soon I saw the A350!! Also, I was going on the first A350 that CX has acquired: B-LRA!


However, we ended up arriving hearing that the flight was delayed as the inbound flight arrived late


I remember all of us waiting for about 20 minutes before we were allowed to board the plane, but it was worth the wait!


Let's go!!


Here's some pre-flight information before I board!
Date: 21 August 2016
Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Number: CX 750
Route: Bangkok (BKK) - Hong Kong (HKG)
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Registration: B-LRA
Distance: 1049 miles
Scheduled Departure Time: 11:05 AM (delayed to 11:45 AM)
Actual Departure Time: 1:16 PM
Scheduled Arrival Time: 3:00 PM
Actual Arrival Time: 4:32 PM
Flight Time: 2 hrs 55 mins
Departure Gate at BKK: E1
Arrival Gate at HKG: 69

Inflight:

I was pretty much the first person to board the plane. As soon as I entered the cabin, I started taking pictures like a crazy tourist!


My seat for today: 18A


Loving the seat signage


Inflight controls along with the headset


Loving the legroom!!


I was quite excited to be on the Airbus A350-900. Though this may be a 2 hour flight, it's still exciting!!!


Even the inflight entertainment menu has gotten a makeover!


Cabin views


Another view of my seat


Area below the ottoman


Another storage area suitable for small items


Exploring the new inflight entertainment, which pretty much has the same selection on all flights and aircraft


While doing so, I somehow fell in love with the new interactive map where you can view the flight from any angle you desire!


The remote, which was more interactive


Hot towel


Pre-departure drink


The camera views from the top were amazing as always!


View from my seat


The famous A350 wing along with Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-200, 9K-APD


Once boarding was completed, the captain came on with his pre-flight welcome apologising for the late departure and for the delays that ensued today such as the inbound flight arriving late from Hong Kong. Also, he did note that there was some problem, but he didn't specify with what exactly. All I knew for a fact was that we were going to be heavily delayed.

To cut a long story short, what was thought to be a short delay (which would be between 10-15 minutes) turned out to be a 2 hour delay! At that point, I wasn't sure if I was going to make my onward flight!


In order to kill time, I went to explore the bathroom for a little bit. I somehow liked its overall design and how refreshed it looks compared to the Boeing 777-300ER (77H)


A toilet with a view, how interesting!


Once I got back to my seat, I went straight to watching The Big Bang Theory


By 1:00 PM, we finally pushed back from the gate


Turkmenistan Airlines Boeing 777-200LR, EZ-A778


Just like HKG, I was able to get some views while taxiing to the runway

A Korean Air Airbus A330-300 taxiing to the runway, and an Etihad Airways Airbus A330-200, A6-EYH, currently on remote standby


I fly to/from BKK very often, and this is the first time I actually saw this sign!


Tail camera yet again


Taxiing to runway 19R, with the view of Bangkok Airways Airbus A319-100, HS-PPC


After the many delays, we finally took off 2 hours behind schedule


The Airbus A350-900 engine and winglet with the view of Thailand


Peace out, Thailand!


Menu for today's flight


High above the clouds


Exploring the inflight map yet again, bu this time from different perspectives


I frequently went on this section as I wanted to find out whether or not I'd be able to make it on my connecting flight back to New York


Cabin views


Before I knew it, the crew came towards the cabin taking drink orders as well as setting the tables for the dinner service.


Perrier, a.k.a. my standard drink!


Table setup including the appetiser and garlic bread


For the main course, I went for the stir fried chicken, which was honestly something that I enjoyed!


Ice cream and Hong Kong styled milk tea to finish it off


Before I knew it, we only had less than an hour before we were scheduled to land


Time really flies while having fun!


Galley right behind the main business class cabin


After 10 minutes, the captain came on again stating that we now starting to descent into Hong Kong and that we had 30 minutes until we landed. Suddenly, the seat belt sign came back on giving the indication that we had to prepare for landing, which didn't take long.

All good flights must come to an end!


Approaching HKG


Hong Kong Island


My attempt on getting the skyline of both Hong Kong and Kowloon, but it was way too sunny


Final shots before landing


Well, after a 2-hour delay at BKK, we arrived at HKG at approximately 4:30 PM. As stated previously, we were originally booked on CX840 to JFK which departed at 4:10 PM. So, that means we have officially missed our flight! However, we weren't the only ones in this situation. There were other passengers who have also missed their onward flights.


Shots of HKG


Docking at gate 69


Disembarking

Post-flight:

Once I stepped out of the plane, CX representatives were already waiting outside of the jet-bridge ready to issue new boarding passes for the passengers who had also missed their connecting flights to their respective destinations. My family and I were then given new boarding passes for CX846 which departed at 6:45 PM.


One last look of B-LRA before I headed to the transfer area


I also got a good opportunity to spot one of the few remaining Boeing 747-400s of Cathay Pacific, B-HUI, which would serve as CX548 to HND


Arrival into HKG


It was quite a walk to the transfer area. However, we had plenty of time before the next flight to New York. Even though I was upset that we missed our onward flight, there was a bright side. I could spend more time at the lounge and see if I could spot some planes! Anyways, see you guys in part 2!