Review of Cathay Pacific flight Hong Kong → Bangkok in Business

Hello everyone! Welcome to the second segment of my Summer 2019 travel series!! I'm pretty sure I've said this on previous trip reports, a trip back to Hong Kong isn't complete without a few days in Bangkok!! Even though it was not planned thoroughly, my family and I went through with it, finally going for a weekend getaway as there were some new sights that we have been longing to see for some time. Also, I was due to head back to New York City within a few days after this flight, and I basically had to make my holiday worthwhile as always!!

Despite this being super last-minute, were were lucky to get bookings for both the flights and hotel. In any case, I hope all of you enjoy reading this flight report!

Pre-flight

Since our flight was departing at 10:25 PM, and since my family and I had different things to do before our flight, we met at the Airport Express station in Central where we were able to check-in and receive our boarding passes. Within a few minutes, we were set to head to the airport!

Hong Kong Station exterior


Hong Kong Station interior


Check-in facilities


The trains to the airport are a few levels below the check-in area


Interior


It was about a 30 minute train ride. Nevertheless, we made it to the airport on time.


Making it towards the departure hall


HKG Check-in area


Passing through security and immigration, which was quick as always

Post-security

My flight was departing from gate 43 tonight, and the closest lounge would be The Bridge. However, thanks to my father being a Diamond member of the Marco Polo Club (the highest tier of the CX frequent flyer program; also equivalent to oneworld Emerald), we were able to get access to CX First Class lounges! We eventually went to The Wing, which is one of my favourite lounges in HKG. I was beyond excited as I haven't been to the First Class lounge since 2016!!


I'm beyond excited!!


Is it just me, or does the lounge look a lot better at night?


More shots of the lounge


The famous balcony shot


Since we were in the First class lounge, I thought this would give me a good opportunity to check out the Cabanas. However, none of them were available, which was unfortunate. Maybe next time!


Champagne Bar


A glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut


On my way to join my parents at The Haven - the restaurant with both buffet and a la carte dining


Menu


Boarding pass


Decided to try out the chicken teriyaki, which was absolutely delicious!!


Buffet offerings


Since there was some time before we had to board the flight, I decided to take the opportunity to spot some planes in plane-spotter paradise! ;)


Some airside shots at HKG


Duty-free shopping


Now, time to spot some planes!


Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER B-KPA which will serve as CX251 to LHR


Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER B-KQC which will serve as CX749 to JNB


Another reason why I love HKG. It's such a photogenic airport!


Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 B-LBC on the right, which will serve as CX649 to HYD


Departures Area


FIDS


Heading towards another side of the airport


Qantas Airbus A330-300 VH-QPA, which will serve as QF98 to BNE


I have to admit, the lighting at HKG has significantly improved since the last time I flew from here at night


Midfield concourse


Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER B-KPD which will serve as CX261 to CDG


Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300 B-HNF which landed from CTS as CX581


Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 B-LAR which will serve as CX745 to DXB & BAH


On the left: Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER B-KPE which will serve as CX255 to LHR


After taking out a bunch of photos of the planes I could find, I then went back to the lounge to reunite with my parents before we had to board our flight


The journey back to the lounge


A better version of the balcony shot


A few more shots of the lounge


Before I knew it, the boarding time was approaching.


Since our gate was a bit far, we had to take the automated people mover - which eases the journey to the other side of the airport


Automated People Mover


Heading towards gates 40-50


Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000 B-LXC which will serve as CX271 to AMS


Walking towards the gate


Plane to BKK: B-KQR


Even though this trip was last minute, I was excited to spend some time in my favourite holiday destination, as I was only at the airport the last time I was there!!


Gate area


Heading down the aerobridges


Date: 12 July 2019
Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Number: CX 709
Route: Hong Kong (HKG) - Bangkok (BKK)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: B-KQR
Distance: 1051 miles
Scheduled Departure Time: 10:25 PM
Actual Departure Time: 10:38 PM
Scheduled Arrival Time: 12:20 AM
Actual Arrival Time: 11:53 PM
Flight Time: 2 hrs 55 mins
Departure Gate at HKG: 43
Arrival Gate at BKK: E5

Inflight

Main business class cabin


My seat, 16A


As always, I love the legroom - even if it's for a 2 hour flight


View from my seat


The personalised TV with the new studioCX ident - with the same layout shown on the Airbus A350 aircraft


Flight map


Welcome drink - Champagne


Hot towel


I'd have to say that the boarding process was quick, and that we're headed for an on-time departure. Once that was complete, the captain came on for his pre-flight announcement welcoming us onboard and tells us that he will be getting us into Bangkok in about 2 hours and 11 minutes, and that the flight will be mostly smooth as always.


The main business class had some few empty seats. It's not surprising however since this is a late night flight.


A few moments later, menus were distributed


Menu


Drinks menu


After 10 minutes, we were ready for pushback


Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 B-LRG which landed recently from AKL as CX198 and will later serve as CX343 to LGW


Aircraft on remote stand


Taxiing towards Runway 25L


Cabin view with mood lighting in preparation for takeoff


The next thing I knew was the takeoff sound from the good 'ol Boeing 777-300ER, from then on we lifted off from Runway 25L in the blink of an eye

I'll be back soon!


After 15 minutes, the seat belt sign was switched off, giving the indication where the crew came by to offer drinks and distribute menus. But first, let's talk about the entertainment


Even though I was impressed with the display finally being updated to the newest IFE system, I was a bit disappointed as well regarding how it was operating. In fact, one thing that I have noticed about the operation of the IFE system is that it was extremely buggy, slow, and definitely not smooth compared to the Airbus A350. However, everything else regarding the entertainment choices were perfect as always!


Time to continue where I left off!


For drinks, I decided to go for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc


Table setup with the appetiser and main course, which I felt was quite limited in my opinion


Main course: Thai green curry chicken with kailan and jasmine rice. I remember having that dish on a previous flight on the same sector a year ago. However, just like the previous time I had it, it was pretty good and met a majority of my expectations!


The crew cleared up everything within half an hour, so I'd have to say the service was efficient as always. I've got nothing to complain about.


Cabin view inflight with mood lighting


The cabin lights changed a couple of minutes later, transforming the cabin into complete darkness


I then thought this would be the perfect time to switch to the inflight map to find out our current location


Almost halfway there, passed through Vietnam, and currently above Laos


I then resumed to watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine


It wasn't long until the captain came back to announce that we were now starting our descent into Bangkok and had 35 minutes before landing

Glass of water before arrival


Cabin views with mood lighting back on again


Approaching Bangkok


Final shots before landing


We ended up landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 20 minutes ahead of schedule, The taxi to the gate was quite short


Taxiing towards the E gates


Korean Air Airbus A330-300 HL7720 which will serve as KE662 to PUS, along with All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 787-9 JA876A which will serve as NH808 back to NRT


Docking at gate E5

Post-flight

Disembarking


I don't know if I said this, but I just love the aerobridges at BKK at night!


Arrival into BKK


The usual long walk towards immigration


Finally making it to the Premium Line


Since we didn't have any checked-in bags, we just breezed through the baggage claim area and made it through towards the arrival hall


BKK Arrival Hall


So, my family and I booked a private car straight out of the arrival hall, where you can book a car/limousine of your choice for a reasonable price. We made arrangements for the drop-off as well as pick-up to/from the hotel for both today and when we were flying out. Afterwards, I was smooth sailing to our hotel to enjoy a quick getaway in Bangkok!