Cathay regional first class

[Lemon_Party]

I need to fly from HKG to BKK next year as part of a longer trip - and all other flights are locked in.

I was looking at just paid economy ($200 each) or business ($600 each) but I've found availability in CX 777 first class. It's 76,000 QF points + $100 for 2 of us - has anyone done this length leg, is it worth doing?

I've only flown EY F, although I'll be adding SQ F to the list on this trip. Would love to fly CX F and check out the HKG lounges, but is it worth the points? Has anyone flown similar length leg - is it worth doing or should I save points for a longer flight?

 

[boomy]

If you want to fly F return on this route I'd consider CX ex-HKG and EK ex-BKK to try two very different products.

To your question if the experience worth the points, it depends, if you have plans to do a longer trip and you can get enough for F at least one way long haul then probably better to save the points, otherwise do it.

 

[Lemon_Party]

It's only one way I need, and I can't seem to get an EK F option, think they may be running the non F a380 on that route now. Would have considered EK otherwise - especially now the AKL F flights are disappearing...

 

[LadyC]

I flew CX F HKG-HND a few years ago and loved it. Whether it is worth it probably depends upon how many points you have and what your future plans. Plenty of points, then go for it, not so many then J will be fine.

 

[Happy Trails]

Just be aware that there's a fair chance of an equipment swap with CX on this route resulting in a downgrade to J.
Having said that, I'd still say go for it, particularly if you wouldn't otherwise have access to the F lounges.

 

[kamchatsky]

Chances are CX will downgrade it to J only so even though you redeem on F, and then spend months trying to claim the points back .....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I need to fly from HKG to BKK next year as part of a longer trip - and all other flights are locked in.

I was looking at just paid economy ($200 each) or business ($600 each) but I've found availability in CX 777 first class. It's 76,000 QF points + $100 for 2 of us - has anyone done this length leg, is it worth doing?

I've only flown EY F, although I'll be adding SQ F to the list on this trip. Would love to fly CX F and check out the HKG lounges, but is it worth the points? Has anyone flown similar length leg - is it worth doing or should I save points for a longer flight?

There is the issue of equipment swaps, but as a stand-alone ticket that should be fairly easy to refund the points difference if it occurs.

F on short hauls is a slightly downgraded version on board. Ground handling remains the same, access to the Pier F for example. On board you'll find a reduced service of three courses for the short flight to BKK and no extras such as amenity kits. But the service will be top notch, and presentation of dishes is to the same standard as long haul.

If you have the points to spare I'd take it.

 

[Lemon_Party]

Thanks - I probably will book it. I've been collecting QF points this year towards a couple of J RTW tickets, but won't be booking for 6 months and am most of the way there, so ample time to pick up more...

I had searched for a couple of flight reviews and it looked like the caviar service might be lacking...

 

[boomy]

I had searched for a couple of flight reviews and it looked like the caviar service might be lacking...

With regional F low expectations is the key to happiness. Hard product will be the same but service won't resemble long haul.

I've done couple of TRs that include intra-Asia CX F if you're interested to see how it looks. The latest was one of the last B747 F flights and was a connection from long haul F so can clearly see the differences.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks - I probably will book it. I've been collecting QF points this year towards a couple of J RTW tickets, but won't be booking for 6 months and am most of the way there, so ample time to pick up more...

I had searched for a couple of flight reviews and it looked like the caviar service might be lacking...

No caviar. For BKK it is usually just an entree, choice from two mains, and a pudding. While the service (as in meal service) is not the same as long haul, the cabin crew service matches. It's a level up from business class.

 

[JohnK]

That flight is only 2.5 hours. Not worth it for me.

P.S. Where did you find CX economy for $200 one-way? Around $400-$500 everytime I look. You can usually get an EK economy return for around $250 and one-way can be a little more expensive.

 

[RooFlyer]

I've done couple of TRs that include intra-Asia CX F if you're interested to see how it looks.

Can you give the links to those, please? I'm looking at similar things.

 

[boomy]

Can you give the links to those, please? I'm looking at similar things.

Sure, for some reason TRs not organised correctly in the WiKi so here are the links:

Japan TR (include JL & CX F review)

Go to page 10.

EY / CX / JL F reviews

Go to page 3.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks; TR index updated

 

[Lemon_Party]

That flight is only 2.5 hours. Not worth it for me.

P.S. Where did you find CX economy for $200 one-way? Around $400-$500 everytime I look. You can usually get an EK economy return for around $250 and one-way can be a little more expensive.

Yeah I think thai and Hong Kong airlines were around that or a little above. Basically the first airline I'd fly with - and discounting the $100 budget offerings...

It's a lot of points for not much flying, but I've limited F experience and only get away for leisure every now and then. Earn and burn I read somewhere? Do it while you can?

 

[JohnK]

It's a lot of points for not much flying, but I've limited F experience and only get away for leisure every now and then. Earn and burn I read somewhere? Do it while you can?

Earn and burn makes sense if you can generate points quickly.

There are now 3 of us. I have ~1.1m QFF points. I want to book 3 x 3 economy Oneworld awards for myself and wife and daughter. No time to go now but there is no point in wasting those points on premium flights now as I cannot generate 420,000 QFF points that quickly.

Waiting until daughter is 6 or 7 years old would be perfect. I have close to 1million IHG points as well. Yes I know points can devalue but I am saving points for specific trips.

 

[redwoodw]

EK has pulled the three class 388 and now flies the high den 2 class 388 on the DXB-BKK-HKG runs