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!
Enchainement de vols
- 1
- 212 July 2019: CX709 HKG-BKK, B777-300ER, Business
- 315 July 2019: CX656 BKK-HKG, A330-300, Business
- 417 July 2019: CX846 HKG-JFK, B777-300ER, Business
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!
