I recently flew with Cathay Pacific AIrlines (CPA) from Sydney to Hong Kong. I booked the ticket through a travel agent but then checked in online. To do this you just go on their website and put in your ticket number and then you can pick where you want to sit and you are checked in. Obviously you still have to check your bags in but it did mean I only had to get to the airport an hour and a half before take-off time instead of 2 hours so it gives you a bit extra time. Also I found it good because if everybody else checks in online and you don't then you'll be left with a rubbish seat and for such a long flight you don't want that to happen! Luggage allowance for economy class was 20kg which is standard across other airlines.
My first impression as I got on the plane was that it was very cramped. I was flying economy and hadn't flown long haul for a while so I thought it must be the same for all but after changing to Finnish airlines on my connecting flight from Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is definitely cramped in comparison! There were however less seats as there were only 2 seats next to the window and 3 making up the aisles compared to the 3 at the window and 4 in the aisle that I have flown with before.
Leaving Sydney at night I was treated to dinner and breakfast on the flight. There was a choice of four menus for dinner, the most choice I have ever been offered on a flight, and one of these options was vegetarian. I went for steamed fish which tasted really nice and was a nice texture and arrived with vegetables, a bread roll, a small chocolate bar and some sticky date pudding for a dessert. This was followed by tea or coffee and all drinks were free and available at any time. Breakfast was the same for all and consisted of a sausage, a ham and cheese crepe, a fruit salad and some yoghurt. Again tea or coffee followed. I had no complaints at all about the food and found the portions to be substantial to keep me going until the next meal!
In regards to the entertainment on the plane there was something for everybody. There were several TV channels showing popular shows such as Friends and Will & Grace, several movie channels, audio channels with lots of different types of music from classical, jazz and pop to kids' classics. In addition there were computer games you could play including quizzes against other passengers. Every passenger had his or her own screen which was located on the back of the seat in front. My only issue with the entertainment was that the shows and movies started at a certain time and if you wanted to watch them you had to start watching them when they were on. On other airlines I have travelled on you can pick what movie you want to watch and when and you just start them whenever you feel like it. In addition the audio channels on Cathay Pacific were more like a radio and you listen to whatever is on them at the time whereas other airlines have a range of CDs you can pick to listen to and even make your own playlist. However I wouldn't let this affect my choice of airline as it isn't really a big issue for me!
Cathay Pacific is a partner airline of British Airways and Qantas so if you are a member of Qantas Frequent Flyers you can use Cathay Pacific flights to earn Frequent Flyer points. This is free to join for British citizens and is really easy, you just need to go on the Qantas website and fill in the form which takes a few minutes. You can earn a point every mile so if you are flying long haul this is definitely advisable - even if you never use them membership is free so what do you have to lose?!
On the flight all economy passengers were given socks, toothpaste, toothbrush, a pillow and a blanket. The staff were very friendly, always attentive and very keen to help. I would fly Cathay Pacific again but I prefer an airline with more leg room, especially if I'm going long haul.
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Advantages: The are possibly the best airline avaliable and everything is excellent Disadvantages: I must admit they do cost a little more than most airlines
Advantages: Great service, excellent on-board entertainment, and very efficient in all ways!. Disadvantages: Maybe slightly overpriced but competes well against British Airways long haul flights!.
Advantages: The are possibly the best airline avaliable and everything is excellent Disadvantages: I must admit they do cost a little more than most airlines
Jan 30th, 2007
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