First time on CX J - A few questions ?

[Nizar]

Hi all,

Next year I will take my first flight on CX J (actually my first CX flight in any class) and was wondering which seats are best to select ? Any specific row I should try and select ?

Also the seats are booked through QF points and it says that we have 30kg of baggage allowance even though we are travelling J ?

I thought 30kg was the standard for Y and 40kg more the norm for J ?

Thanks

 

[Hvr]

What route/plane type? This will help us with your seat selection question.

 

[TomVexille]

I don't know about the seats, but according to the CX website 30kg is correct when using the weight system between most of their destinations.

Free Baggage Allowance | Baggage - Cathay Pacific Australia

 

[Nizar]

What route/plane type? This will help us with your seat selection question.

MEL-HKG for my wife and SYD-HKG for me. Both are 333s.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

MEL-HKG for my wife and SYD-HKG for me. Both are 333s.

I would select seats in the front (main cabin). avoid the second cabin as (a) too many pax during boarding, and closer to the noise of the main cabins behind you (if there's a baby for example)... and (b) if your flight is not too full they may move you anyway as they close off the cabin for crew rest.

middle seats? for a couple they would be ok, but how much talking do you plan on doing? and they're not really perfect for holding a conversation. my preference, even for a couple, would be two window seats, one behind the other. that way you get to control the shades and have a look-see if you want.

avoid if possible rows 11/12... too close to the front and possible galley noise. the rear seats in the cabin (rows 16/17) are fine as the second galley isn't really used at all.

take PJs with you.

(edited... seems you are flying alone? then definitely a window, around rows 16/17. close to the toilet, and mid way through cabin service. )

 

[Pushka]

We've selected two window seats for our overnight flight in J. If travelling solo then that is the only seats I pick. I told MrP last night we weren't sitting together. He didn't seem the least bit fussed. Hmmm. Might pop him into the middle seat just to mix it up a bit.


We found the one annoying thing about Emirates J is their large screen between seats that doesn't go below mid face level. Even though side by side, conversation is difficult.

 

[Nizar]

I would select seats in the front (main cabin). avoid the second cabin as (a) too many pax during boarding, and closer to the noise of the main cabins behind you (if there's a baby for example)... and (b) if your flight is not too full they may move you anyway as they close off the cabin for crew rest.

middle seats? for a couple they would be ok, but how much talking do you plan on doing? and they're not really perfect for holding a conversation. my preference, even for a couple, would be two window seats, one behind the other. that way you get to control the shades and have a look-see if you want.

avoid if possible rows 11/12... too close to the front and possible galley noise. the rear seats in the cabin (rows 16/17) are fine as the second galley isn't really used at all.

take PJs with you.

(edited... seems you are flying alone? then definitely a window, around rows 16/17. close to the toilet, and mid way through cabin service. )

Yeh we've decided to split up so we can both fly J haha that's what this website does to you lol

Apparently on the QF website you can only select a preference for either window or aisle. Seems I've been selected 14A and my wife 14K. I'll try to call them to move a couple of rows back.

Thanks for your thoughts. It is a daytime flight but still I may bring my PJs, probably my EK ones I find them very comfortable.

 

[PLC]

Y
Apparently on the QF website you can only select a preference for either window or aisle. Seems I've been selected 14A and my wife 14K. I'll try to call them to move a couple of rows back.

You should be able to select your own seats via the CX website using your booking reference number. You don't need to be Marco Polo member to do so either, which is handy.

 

[Nizar]

Also what are the meals like on CX J ?

What can I expect on the 11am departure out of Sydney ? Probably lunch then some sort of refreshment ? What are the lunch options like ? How is the food on CX J generally ?

If its similar to whats posted here then it looks good !
Cathay Pacific 777 Business Class review - Flying with kids on CX253 Hong Kong to London - Point Hacks

 

[Pushka]

I always use the carriers website and not Qantas to select the seats.

Breakfast was excellent although nowhere near Emirates quality. But WAY ahead of the dish Qantas calls breakfast b

 

[Comoman]

Also what are the meals like on CX J ?

What can I expect on the 11am departure out of Sydney ? Probably lunch then some sort of refreshment ? What are the lunch options like ? How is the food on CX J generally ?

If its similar to whats posted here then it looks good !
Cathay Pacific 777 Business Class review - Flying with kids on CX253 Hong Kong to London - Point Hacks

I find the food very good - main courses served from a trolley front to back so you can look and then choose. Normally 3 - 4 choices of main. Usually one Chinese style at least of course.

You should get 2 meals not just meal and refreshment I think.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Also what are the meals like on CX J ?

What can I expect on the 11am departure out of Sydney ? Probably lunch then some sort of refreshment ? What are the lunch options like ? How is the food on CX J generally ?

If its similar to whats posted here then it looks good !
Cathay Pacific 777 Business Class review - Flying with kids on CX253 Hong Kong to London - Point Hacks

you may find my review of CX J helpful: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....on/cathay-vs-qantas-australia-hong-62924.html

Food is nothing to write home about. But I would be expecting a brunch or lunch and dinner on an 11am flight. The main selling point for CX J is their seat, and the ability to have solid sleep for an extended period. The rest of the offering is kind of like a Jetstar star class - lots of trolleys but quality is QF domestic business class/premium economy at best.

 

[deka2]

CX often release award seats, even in J, a few days out.

As an example there are two J reward seats available for this Monday on any of 4 CX flights SYD-HKG

If you check closer to your flight you may be able to change and both travel together.

 

[Nizar]

CX often release award seats, even in J, a few days out.

As an example there are two J reward seats available for this Monday on any of 4 CX flights SYD-HKG

If you check closer to your flight you may be able to change and both travel together.

Is it easy to change QF classic awards ? Can it be done online ? What sort of fees are payable ? Or would I just cancel and cop the 5k points fee and then just rebook ? How long does it take for the miles to reappear in my account if I do choose to cancel ?

 

[knasty]

I've never had a bad meal on CX in any class. It seems to get a bad wrap every once in a while but I do like being able to see what's on offer and adapt my choice if the reality didn't appear to match my imagination.

 

[deka2]

Is it easy to change QF classic awards ? Can it be done online ? What sort of fees are payable ? Or would I just cancel and cop the 5k points fee and then just rebook ? How long does it take for the miles to reappear in my account if I do choose to cancel ?

If there is availability then you only have to change one flight.

Call up QFF and request the change. It will cost you either $50 or 5,000 points from memory and will be done while your'e on the phone.

Its a change of flight, not a cancel and rebook.

If your successful also request seat selection.

On CX A330 J its 1-2-1 so you could sit together or if you both want a window one behind the other.

 

[yohy?!]

you may find my review of CX J helpful: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....on/cathay-vs-qantas-australia-hong-62924.html

Food is nothing to write home about. But I would be expecting a brunch or lunch and dinner on an 11am flight. The main selling point for CX J is their seat, and the ability to have solid sleep for an extended period. The rest of the offering is kind of like a Jetstar star class - lots of trolleys but quality is QF domestic business class/premium economy at best.

Maybe on short haul flights cx catering is comparable to domestic business which is reasonable. I wouldn't agree on mid and long haul though with multiple selections from Peninsula HK recipes for mains, full bar and excellent desserts.

 

[Comoman]

Maybe on short haul flights cx catering is comparable to domestic business which is reasonable. I wouldn't agree on mid and long haul though with multiple selections from Peninsula HK recipes for mains, full bar and excellent desserts.

+1 - I cannot agree with the food being the same as QF domestic J. I have flown both QF and CX to LAX (Ex-Syd/HKG respectively) and IMHO CX eats QF for breakfast (nice pun!). None of this small plate/big plate stuff (soup or a bigger soup). I have never been disappointed and have never not had my 1st choice.

The dim sum out of HKG is amazing - CX to Shanghai from HKG (short haul). CX ex-Perth (7.5 hours) is also 2 x full meals with plenty of choice.

As someone mentioned elsewhere CX look after QFF'ers rather well....