We all know Cathay Pacific is a very polished high-end airline. Frankly the long haul service in the premium cabins is exceptional while their regional business class product for short haul flights is more familiar. It’s functional, practical and quite similar to British Airways on a Club Europe route within Europe.
But if you plan it with the right aircraft you can have the full experience of long haul service even on a shorter flight within Asia. I just flew from Hong Kong to Bangkok in business class on an A330 which was great but I planned it in advance to take that particular aircraft. The Cathay website is a treasure trove of flight information when booking so use it wisely.
Checking at Hong Kong International Airport is always efficient. Biz of course is not quite first class so sometimes there is a little bit of a line in front of you, but it only took a few minutes to get my boarding pass and get through security and immigration.
Speeding through the formalities at HKIA is important because shopping at this airport is fantastic.
You have Shanghai Tang outlets, a huge Zara, all the designer brands and some great gift-giving ideas from food to Giordano. The airport replicates almost all the shops that are known and loved in Hong Kong. They are all right there at the airport.
Cathay Pacific has a few business class lounges which are all nice but I had to check out the new one called the Bridge. It’s modern, swift and absolutely a business class lounge that is superior to any other airline’s. They offer a great choice of food from noodles to breakfast and Champagnes flowing if you wish. Those of you who read my column regularly know that I like Champagne.
Upon boarding the aircraft the aircraft I was pleased to see that the cabin was fitted out with the long haul business class seats. Cathay’s new lay flat seat is more like a suite than a simple business class seat.
On board their A330 the seating is a 1-2-1 configuration meaning for the business traveller you can have that seat alone if you wish or if you’re a couple or co-workers who need to talk, there’s two seats together in the center.
Champagne, apple juice or water was offered before take-off and then a meal service began as soon as we got up into the sky. Cathay always a Chinese option and the Western one too. Personally I love their chilli sauce, but I digress. They actually had three options on this flight which was pretty impressive for such a short two and half hour flight. Service is always with a smile on Cathay, everyone is really polished service and they offer exceptional attentiveness. As well
In-flight entertainment is fantastic on Cathay. There is always a huge variety of movies and TV shows including many western and Asian selections. A priority card was given to fast track at immigration upon arriving in Bangkok and our luggage was out within five minutes so I was on my way to Shangri-La in no time.
Cathay is certainly a great airline to fly with and I always look forward to being welcomed onboard their planes. They have a brilliant hard and soft product.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter @DanielGreen70
