Cathay Pacific Business Class HKG-MEL CX163

[rcn]

After a month and a half away, it was time to return to Australia to start the new year. The other trip reports for the outbound flights for this trip can be found here and here.

Flight: CX163 HKG-MEL
Dep 1020 Arr 2235
Cabin:J
Seat: 17k

I checked in for this flight the day before in PEK, where the booking originated. No problem obtaining checking bags all the way from PEK to MEL and getting my boarding pass for the HKG-MEL sector although the flights where 17 hours apart. The PEK-HKG sector was flown on CX391.

Got into HKG from PEK on time at 1710. Cleared customs and headed to the Arrivals Lounge to powder my nose and confirmed dinner plans. Airport Express was efficient as always and soon enough I was on Kowloon for dinner and then drinks with a friend.

I decided not to get a hotel room in Hong Kong (which were even more expensive than usual on that night), but instead make use of the airport facilities for my 9 hour wait.

Boarded the last train back to the airport from Hong Kong station, which departed at about 1230am. Good value for a return trip using a day return ticket for HK$100.

The airport was fairly quiet at that time. Immigration near the Cathay side was closed, so I headed to the North immigration point. Hiked to the Wing, which I managed to use until it closed at 0130 after the last Cathay flight (CX566 to Osaka) boarded. The only lounge I could go to was the Gate 16 lounge, which closed at 0200 after the last Dragonair flight (0210 service to Busan) boarded. Fortunately, the Wing opened at 0500, and the 3 hour wait in the common area went by rather easily. It was an interesting feeling, having a large airport as your temporary home, with an interesting mix of people from all over the world sharing it with you.

Nonetheless, it was good to get back into the lounge for a hot shower and some breakfast. The showers on Level 6 on The Wing were fantastic (great design), and the breakfast spread was more than adequate.


Buffet area - a good selection of hot and continental breakfast items


CX A330-300 (33G) operating CX163 - view from the Coffee Loft - The Wing Level 7

Boarding was well underway at Gate 4 when I arrived. A minor annoyance was the secondary liquid checks on hand carry bags for flights to Australia.


Pre-departure drink: Oriental Breeze

I found my seat and was offered a welcome drink. Amenity kits, menus and hot towels were distributed efficiently. This was my first time on the new long haul business class seats, and it made a great impression.


Good leg-room


To be continued...

 

[mella2007]

One of my fav cities in the world!
Did you have the new J? From the pics looks like the old?

 

[rcn]

Cabin View - Good privacy


agnes b amenity kit


Control panel


Hong Kong Milk tea

Before long, the flight was underway. The cabin crew were quick in setting up the beverage service not too long after the flight leveled out. Brunch was served soon after.


Fresh fruits and a croissant

 

[mella2007]

Woops I should have waited! Def the new...looks great!

 

[rcn]

Dim sim with chilli sauce

I always enjoy the meals on CX, especially the Chinese options. After brunch, it was time to relax and test out the new entertainment system.


New Studio CX

I like the new interface on the IFE system, as well as the improved responsiveness. There was an excellent variety of content, including complete seasons of popular TV shows. Cathay's IFE is definitely among the best out there.

Next order of business was to try out the seat in bed-mode. In full recline mode, the bed stretched over 2m, was provided a very comfortable and and private sleeping space. The armrest could be lowered, and a side bed extension raised to provide extra space. In both seat and bed mode, the new product was far superior to the infamous coffin seats. I decided to spend my time on the IFE instead of resting, however.

About 2 hours before arrival, dinner was served.


Champagne Deutz, Brut Classic and warmed almonds


Mixed salad with cherry tomato, marinated capsicums and Italian dressing
Cajan spiced prawns with green mango salad


Braised pork "lion head" with steamed jasmine rice and braised baby cabbage
(CX Signature Chinese Dish)

 

[Sprucegoose]

I did a number of sectors in the new birds and I must say they have everything I need.

 

[rcn]

Pecorino, St Paulin, Camembert with spiced pear paste

Fresh Seasonal Fruit


Flourless chocolate cake with mascarpone and pecan walnuts
Chocolate Praline, Tea


Travelling can still be a joy!


Almost there...

It was nice having 2 full meals on a 9 hour flight. The recently introduced concept of separating the rice and the main dish in the Chinese option markedly improves the presentation of taste of the meal.

The duration was also long enough to fully enjoy the new business class seat, which surely has to be among the best in the industry.

Landed into Melbourne on time, and used the express immigration cards for a quick getaway.

Overall, I had a very enjoyable flight. Excellent hard product, good catering and warm and efficient crew. Well done Cathay!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Good TR, thanks.

I've done over a 100 sectors on CX having lived and worked in honkers for a number of years and can't say I've ever had a bad flight.

one word .........consistency.

 

[openseat]

I agree with the sentiments regarding the new CX J. I enjoyed thanks to my pleading to Delta to endorse me to CX when the DL A330 I was on went tech at Bangkok, thus missing the connection in Narita. I managed to just make the CX flight to HKG and then CX882 to LAX. It was the best J experience I've had both in terms of soft and hard product apart from the amenity kit which is surprisingly better on DL.
OT: I'm really glad that I got it but undoubtedly helped by the swearing yank in front of me who was dropping the F-bomb at the poor Thai agents who really were going above and beyond. Being polite really paid off. Another bonus was the fastest immigration experience I've ever had into the US. No questions asked at all apart from which fingers to place on the machine.

 

[PLC]

Nice TR.
I agree - CX J with the new seats is a pleasure.

 

[jazza1971]

Great TR thanks for sharing!

 

[amaroo]

Always get excited when I see a CX report.

I agree with the hotel prices. They have doubled over the past 5 or so years.

Thanks for posting.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Thanks for the TR. Experiencing this myself in a couple of weeks, 17K for my return from HKG too. You've whetted my appetite further.