Flight Details:
Flight No.: CX101
Flight Route: HKG - SYD
Seat No.: 42C
Aircraft Model: 777-300ER
Aircraft Reg: B-KQS
introduction
Flying with a severe cold isn't a fun thing to do, even if you do enjoy flying a lot, especially on long haul flights. However, Cathay Pacific's comfort saved me from being in hell for 9 hours. Find out why in this flight review.
check-in
Departing Terminal: Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1
As I checked out early from my AirBnb and storage of luggage wasn't allowed, I checked-in at the Airport Express station, in which you purchase your ticket, check-in to your airline, drop off your bag and come back anytime you want to board the Airport Express train. However, if you decide to check in at the airport, aisles B and C were available for check in for this flight.
If you are a first-time visitor to Hong Kong International Airport, make sure you take the time to stroll through the terminal. Apart from having heaps of shops here, you''ll appreciate how modern the design is despite its age.
There are 2 security channels in this terminal, one on the far left and the other on the far right. It doesn't really matter which one you enter through. Boarding pass and passport are now checked by the Smart Gates instead of a real-person.
after security
There are a few different ways leading to different areas of the terminal after you've passed through the terminal. Note that if you go through security via the North concourse, the Qantas lounge is just directly on the right, often hard to notice. Apart from the lounge, you'll find a large dining area and designer brands all over the terminal.
As my flight departed at gate 65, which was further away from the main terminal, it required a short train ride.
There are some parts of the terminal where angled flatbeds are provided. Charging ports for your mobile devices and laptop computers can also be found.
Gate 65, the gate for the flight. As the flight departed near midnight, there wasn't many people in the terminal.
This was the aircraft serving the flight, a Boeing 777-300ER, rego B-KQS
the flight
Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777-300ERs are refurbished into its newest design and configuration. New seats and IFE system are featured.
The IFE system features a 3D flight preview. You can zoom in and out or rotate it, as if you're using a tablet.
The flight meal menu was then distributed:
There are 3 options for dinner, which include: Seafood curry rice, braiased lemon tomato chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli with mushroom cream sauce. All of them were served with quinoa and salami salad and a butter bread.
There are 2 options for breakfast, which include: a western style breakfast and the famous chicken and peanut congee. Both of them were served with some fruits, yoghurt and a butter bread.
One thing good about Asian carriers like Cathay Pacific is that meal service often commences very shortly after takeoff. In my opnion, this is exceptionally important when travelling on a red eye flight as the departure time is close to midnight, and most passengers would prefer maximising their rest.
Although seated in economy class, the seat reclines so much that it made the flight very comfortable and I was able to sleep for most of the time before the second meal was served.
The second meal was served 90 minutes before descent
My friend suggested me to try the chicken congee, which is the meal that is widely known for its good taste however I couldn't resist the temptation of having something Continental or Western.
This was the view after breakfast service, clear and blue sky. The curvature of 77W's wing is always a stunning view to appreciate:
We then commenced our descent into Sydney and arrived 10 minutes earlier than scheduled.
arrival
Arrival Terminal: Sydney International Terminal (Terminal 1)
What's better than seeing this beauty after you step off your flight?
Bag collection was quick. I saw my bag on the carousel as soon as I got there.
Thanks for this FR.
The cabin seems very spacious indeed and the meals pretty good, though they don't look as appetizing as SQ's or TG's.
Glad the flight wasn't too horrible in spite of your cold.
The moment I saw such a new cabin I knew my journey was gonna be a lot better than I thought in spite of the cold. Among those Asian (full service) carriers that I've travelled on recently (SQ, CX, CI), I think I share the same view with you that SQ is the best in terms of presentation, portion and taste.
Thanks for spending time reading my report!
That seat was a blessing! This reminded me of my flight to ANF last year, when I had to travel in a similar, pitiable health condition. My best friend was my roll of toilet paper, as shown here: https://photos.flight-report.com/media/photos/1532221163IDPY/img_20180206_154438.jpg
That's very considerate from them! Those little details make such a big difference!
Thanks for sharing, Kurtis! :)
I saw the legroom from the photo was rather narrow, its such a pain when to fly in such conditions when you're already like half-dead due to the sickness.
And yes, that was one of the noticeable differences between Asian carriers and Australian carriers - fast and efficient service.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the report :)
G'day TheTravellingBloke, thanks for another well written report with good pics. This cabin looks really nice--it looks like it's a recently updating cabin. Being able to sleep in Economy is a good measure of the comfort of the seat, so it's great you were able to get some good sleep. The catering looks really good as well
Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad that you've enjoyed the flight report. Indeed, this cabin is one of the best that I've seen in recent years, with the other being China Airlines.
Oh wow, from your cover photo it looks like the cabin was in 3-4-3 configuration? I guess that is why it looks so new. I'm very pleasantly surprised--normally I'm super anti-ten-abreast 777 cabins.
The leg space allows legs move freely, the crew is welcoming and very good service. Meal is good too, esp. when you are in good mood due to the other service from the crew!