Cathay Pacific 747's - 2 Class

[markh]

Hi all,

Still playing around with flights HKG-PVG and noticed that CX are flying a 747 on this route from September 2010. You can only book Y & J but ExpertFlyer shows a F cabin which is all blocked out.

I think I would prefer to fly CX on a 747 in J in the hope of an "Op Up" to a first class seat than flying with KA in F in their tired old A330 ...

Not sure what my question is, just an observation really !

Cheers
Mark

 

[samh004]

Well if you fly F in their tired config you at least get F SC’s and points, while with CX you’d only get J SC’s and points. So if the SC’s matter to you, you know what you’re going to have to do, but if they don’t…

 

[markh]

I know ! Dilemma dilemma !! Looking at CX 747 J over and KA 330 F back (as I can't find the 747 on the return flight ...) Best of both worlds !! Just doing the maths on the SC's and such ...

 

[Mal]

My observation is a few years back, but I have been op-up'd to a F seat (with J service) on a Cathay 747 even though I was booked in Economy...

The pilot had a firstname that matched my surname. The staff actually asked me if we were related....

I presume my OWE status at the time helped.

 

[markh]

That's what I wanted to hear, thanks Mal !

For AU$550 one way in J I reckon that is a pretty good deal and hope the Op Up Gods are smiling !!

Cheers
Mark

 

[Mal]

That's what I wanted to hear, thanks Mal !

I think JohnK was (reasonably) recently "upgraded" to the First cabin (with J service) when on a J ticket... So it definitely does happen. Perhaps it depends on bookings in J, perhaps it depends on where the moon and sun are in the universe

Let us know how you go! Recent experiences are always helpful!

I didn't mind the Cathay F cabin. It was actually quite nice at the time. Would I say the same today? I don't know... has been a very long time since I've been in Cathay F cabin on a 747.

 

[simongr]

A few questions:

- Is it new CX F or old CX F?
- How badly do you need the SCs?
- Is there a price differential?
- How long is the flight?

Personally I would be happy in KA F over CX new (and especially old) J on the basis of better earning. For a relatively short flight as well (sub 8 hours) I wouldn't feel the need to try to get into new CX F (old CX would be essentially the same seat).

S

 

[markis10]

I think I would prefer to fly CX on a 747 in J in the hope of an "Op Up" to a first class seat than flying with KA in F in their tired old A330 ...

Mark

Funny how interior refits make an aircraft feel new, the CX 747s are twice as old as the KA A330's on average, and there are quite a lot of Aussies now flying for KA, just like there is for CX Its a tough call IMHO if the SCs matter.

 

[mannej]

I was under the impression that the whole of the CX 747 fleet had undergone their interior refit

 

[markis10]

Also keep in mind CX are transferring 7 A330 to KA from May.

 

[markh]

A few questions:

- Is it new CX F or old CX F?
- How badly do you need the SCs?
- Is there a price differential?
- How long is the flight?

Personally I would be happy in KA F over CX new (and especially old) J on the basis of better earning. For a relatively short flight as well (sub 8 hours) I wouldn't feel the need to try to get into new CX F (old CX would be essentially the same seat).

S

Hey simongr,

- I can't find any reference to the old 747's
- An extra 30 SC's from J for F which I can make up for elsewhere
- About AU$120 difference
- 2 1/2 hour flight

mmm it sure would be nice to fly F return (this would be our first PAID F flight) and get those extra SC's...

 

[NM]

Keep in mind that September is still a fair way off. And CX are notorious for changing aircraft types regularly on such routes where they operate a variety of types on different days/flights.

 

[Alanslegal]

Still playing around with flights HKG-PVG and noticed that CX are flying a 747 on this route from September 2010. You can only book Y & J but ExpertFlyer shows a F cabin which is all blocked out.

I think I would prefer to fly CX on a 747 in J in the hope of an "Op Up" to a first class seat than flying with KA in F in their tired old A330 ...

CX sometimes do not sell F seats even though they are flying that particular cabin, for whatever reasons – hence, the likely blocking of the cabin on the seat maps etc.

I once got moved from J to the empty F cabin, and those CX suites are sweet! – I reported this back in a TR, see post 70 and 71; http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/trip-reports-and-trip-photos/visit-singapore-malaysia-quickie-philippines-15035-2.html

 

[JohnK]

I think JohnK was (reasonably) recently "upgraded" to the First cabin (with J service) when on a J ticket... So it definitely does happen. Perhaps it depends on bookings in J, perhaps it depends on where the moon and sun are in the universe

I had 2 upgrades from business to first class on CX 747's recently but that was on 3 class aircraft and I received first class service.

I specifically look for flights with First Class service in the hope of a cheap upgrade to First Class. Since I am not likely to pay for First Class airfares outside of the USA that is my only hope of flying First Class.

I was under the impression that the whole of the CX 747 fleet had undergone their interior refit

Yes to that horrible herrinbone layout. :shock: