[Flew] Cathay Pacific[; was] not impressed

[Limewood]

Had recent CX flight CNS/HGK/CNS flying J, didn't like the herring bone layout with tall divider, just so impersonal, adjustable (divider) would have be much better for conversation, decor very drab too, the seat Pods are long but ever so narrow, even thin passengers had their arms touching sides, lay flat was good though, a frequent CX flyer said they're called Cathay Coffins!. Also, friend in Y said seats don't recline anymore.

The food was fine but not breakfast on return, a mushy muffin, also seemed crazy to me, on leaving HK at 11.45pm they served up a meal at 12.30am, most didn't want it, all they did want was lights out and sleep, what a waste.

 

[samh004]

Also, friend in Y said seats don't recline anymore.

Instead of the seats reclining into other peoples space behind them, the seat of the chair slides forward and the back down, to give you an angled sleep similar to what a recline would do.

The food was fine but not breakfast on return, a mushy muffin, also seemed crazy to me, on leaving HK at 11.45pm they served up a meal at 12.30am, most didn't want it, all they did want was lights out and sleep, what a waste.

Dinner is a part of the ticket and lots do have something in the back. You don’t need to eat it though.

Sorry to hear your flight wasn’t what you expected.

 

[Mox_Fulder]

Had recent CX flight CNS/HGK/CNS flying J, didn't like the herring bone layout with tall divider, just so impersonal, adjustable (divider) would have be much better for conversation, decor very drab too

Surprisingly, I quite like the CX Herringone layout. I like the privacy and the LCD screen setup. But you're right, I wasn't a fan of the late dinner, although I had already filled up at The Wing prior...On a flight from HKG-SYD, as soon as the plane levelled out, out came the blanket and off with the lights...

cheers

 

[yohy?!]

On my last SYD-HKG walking past J to Y - The only person I saw who looked comfortable was a 5 yo child!

Other J pax looked to be practically shoe-horned in (my view could have been coloured by envy though

I won't fly CX again in Y with the non-reclining seats they are the pits!

 

[anat0l]

I'm not really a fan of herringbone, full stop. It feels a bit too crowded; OK it would help if I were thinner. Also, CX's seats don't exactly line up with their ottomans (at least VS and NZ can get this right!).

Also, when in full flat bed mode, it feels rather stuffy due to the confined space and tall (relative to your position when asleep) walls. VS have directional air vents, but CX do not!

For the rest of it, CX put up a fairly decent J product. I must say I do like their amenity kits.

 

[mannej]

The Herringbone definitely has a mixed review.

I never found the previous product to be that comfortable, but wouldn't hesitate to fly CX based on their service, which I have found to be fairly consistent

 

[Alanslegal]

I like CX Y shell-seats but that's because I'm at the upper height of being comfortable, that is 6'5, any taller and I'm sure you will be disliking them as the internal recline, just doesn't go enough.

I also like CX J layout, it means I can ignore my travelling partner (the GF) for x hours .... so if I have to fly to HKG vv, I'd choose CX.

 

[Hvr]

Interesting to read about Y and J given I will be flying both in June.

Will of course post a TR.

But before I leave (MEL-HKG-PVG out in Y and return in J) I really want to know about the seat power situation. Is it just EmPower or is there a real live (pun always intended) power point?

 

[Mal]

a frequent CX flyer said they're called Cathay Coffins!.

Yeah, there are photos floating around (I think from upper deck 747) which show when it's dark, they do resemble coffins all lined up.

I get my first flight on a 73A next week, so looking forward to that to see what the fuss is about.

 

[anat0l]

Yeah, there are photos floating around (I think from upper deck 747) which show when it's dark, they do resemble coffins all lined up.

I get my first flight on a 73A next week, so looking forward to that to see what the fuss is about.

I think herringbone is one of the more polar things as far as cabin config is concerned (i.e. you like it or you don't). Not say there is a fuss to speak of.

So your best bet is to go in with as even an opinion (or none) as you can and judge for yourself. This isn't like F being glorified then people having high expectations (or conversely being told to start with low expectations and hope to be impressed)

If you want a sneak preview, go to my FT Galleries and my Euro photo collection. I flew on 3 airlines (VS, CX and NZ) that have herringbone in J. Pictures can be found there to show you the layout (and people sitting in it). OTOH you may prefer not to look.

 

[cosi]

I personally choose CX over QF.

Even though I am broad in the shoulders and feel a little cramp in the sitting position, the lie falt beds are great, especially for those who sleep on the side, when compared to the angled QF beds. For me, its lights out immediatley after the plane levels out on the midnight service from PER-HKG and I can enjoy 4-5hours sleep.

On the afternoon flight from HKG to PER flight attendants are happy to hold your hot meal, normally served around 3:30-4pm until later in the flight. This is important if you have enjoyed a nice meal in the CX First Class lounge, prior to boarding.

I find the flight crew attentive and happy to please the passengers.

 

[nlagalle]

The food was fine but not breakfast on return, a mushy muffin, also seemed crazy to me, on leaving HK at 11.45pm they served up a meal at 12.30am, most didn't want it, all they did want was lights out and sleep, what a waste.

I found their meal times out of whack, serving 2 hours into the flight! Much preferred QF flying back from PEK in 08, i think their meal times were much better.

 

[JohnK]

Herringbone? What a horrible idea. It should have remained part of the fish and never introduced on an airline.

Also, friend in Y said seats don't recline anymore.

Must try this one day. Could well be the ultimate solution for those who hate, loathe, do not like, can't stand recliners sitting in front of them in economy for the duration of the flight.

 

[yohy?!]

Herringbone? What a horrible idea. It should have remained part of the fish and never introduced on an airline.


Must try this one day. Could well be the ultimate solution for those who hate, loathe, do not like, can't stand recliners sitting in front of them in economy for the duration of the flight.

Seems like a good idea until the blood starts pooling in your legs. Bring sleeping pills and dont recline:!:

 

[serfty]

The CX WHY seats have a had rear cowling/cover that does not move.

The base of the seat itself actually moves forward with the attached back cushion being pulled forward where it attaches giving the impression of reclining.

Unfortunately this would push my knees closer to the back of the seat immediately in front.

Experience Cathay Pacific's New Cabin Classes

Economy Class Seat Guide

 

[JohnK]

Seems like a good idea until the blood starts pooling in your legs. Bring sleeping pills and dont recline:!:

I don't recline. Are you saying that there are issues with the CX shell seats when not reclined?

 

[dajop]

Herringbone? What a horrible idea. It should have remained part of the fish and never introduced on an airline.

CX's implementation was too narrow, and too impersonal and many think a poor implementation. Although I liked it, and am 6' and fairly broad shouldered, we have all got to remember it is still business class not first.

Liked NZ's herringbone seats better though. Persoanlly, I will take any configuration with fully flat seats and every seat having aisle access, vastly superior to angled lie flat with climbing over to get to aisle. Certainly would take over Skybed MKI, but can't comment on MKII , but still think the anyseat aisle access is a huge advantage.

 

[Durin's Bane]

I've travelled on CX in J a number of times now (including with my wife), and we both find the herringbone layout to be fantastic. Food is around QF level, however IFE is better. Plus CX service for a WP+PG like me almost always exceeds QF.

No complaints from me, other than I don't get status bonuses on CX.

 

[simongr]

I like both Cathay and the herringbone layout. I like the privacy and the big screen.

 

[JohnK]

CX's implementation was too narrow, and too impersonal and many think a poor implementation. Although I liked it, and am 6' and fairly broad shouldered, we have all got to remember it is still business class not first.

You either like it or hate it.

I hate it. My elbows feel squashed against the sides and I feel enclosed and cannot get comfortable. I am not looking for a bed, I am looking for a place to sit upright.