Checking In
Hong Kong Worldwide Airport is gigantic and exquisite, the structure is simply unbelievable. Whenever you stroll into the departure corridor of Terminal 1, you’ll see huge rows of check-in desks for what looks as if each airline on the earth and even some airways for different worlds. In case you’re flying in First Class, head to the far left row and also you’ll see the white marble of the Cathay Pacific First Class check-in space.
As soon as the check-in brokers see you heading their path they’ll often stroll as much as greet you lengthy earlier than you make it to the desk to allow them to help you along with your baggage. Inside just a few key strokes they’ll have you ever checked in and hand you your lounge invitation.
Now, the following half is out of Cathay Pacific’s management, however the annoying factor about HKG is there is no such thing as a precedence safety lane for Premium passengers (I do know I sound spoiled saying that, however it’s annoying). When you make it by means of safety, the enjoyable really begins!
The First Class Lounges
Cathay Pacific has two First Class lounges at HKG from which to decide on: The Pier and The Wing. They’re each distinctive and fantastic in their very own means and each are price a go to if in case you have the time. (a be aware: you may entry these lounges for those who maintain Oneworld Emerald standing and are touring on a world itinerary, no matter your class of service!)
The Pier
One among Cathay’s latest lounges, I’ve raved about The Pier. It’s situated beneath gate 65. The signage is much like different lounges however what lies on the backside of the escalator is among the finest airport lounges on the earth.
Many of the Cathay Pacific lounges have a design theme which emphasizes marble and glossy surfaces. Your first clue that the Pier will probably be totally different is the enormous wood Cathay Pacific brand which greets you on the backside of the escalator.
When you’re welcomed in by the lounge employees you’ll enter the principle hallway and really feel such as you’re in a special world.
The design theme is exclusive and splendid and so totally different from nearly another lounge I’ve ever visited. The amenity record is lengthy and equally luxurious, from day suites for longer layovers to foot massages.
The bar space nearly resembles a lounge from a rustic membership again within the 70s to me.
The Eating Room is equally distinctive with inexperienced leather-based and ample wood trim. The meals is catered by The Peninsula lodge and is simply very good. I extremely advocate the Dan Dan noodles.
The Wing
The Wing has been round longer than The Pier however it’s splendidly luxurious and somewhat extra glitzy. The lounges at HKG are both the ground under the gate degree (like The Pier) or the ground above the gate degree, like The Wing. For the reason that ceiling of the lounge is the truth is the ceiling of the terminal it has a really open feeling. Whenever you stroll into the lounge, the very first thing you’ll see is the Champagne Bar.
When you’ve had your fill of some totally different sorts of champagne, you may discover the remainder of the lounge, which is adorned with numerous black marble. There’s a pleasant bar with all method of premium boozes (beeze?) obtainable.
The eating space is offset from the principle lounge space however options comparable entrees as The Pier, since they’re each catered by The Peninsula lodge.
The most effective facilities supplied by The Wing is entry to Cabanas. The Cabanas are greater than a bathe suite, there’s a bathe, a tub, and a chaise lounge through which to chill out earlier than your flight. They even supply a shirt-pressing service immediately out of your Cabana.
The Cabanas make The Wing price a go to, such a soothing expertise earlier than…properly, enjoyable in your flight I suppose.
Which is healthier: The Pier or The Wing?
In case you’re flying again to the USA aboard Cathay Pacific your flight will usually depart from gates 1-4, that are immediately subsequent to The Wing. In case you’re flying elsewhere on the earth you might be departing from any variety of gates. I believe each lounges are price a go to however for those who’re not a loungenerd like me I’d say go to the one closest to your gate. They’re each unbelievable and splendid however in utterly other ways.
Cathay Pacific First Class
The Cabin
Whenever you board, you’ll be walked to your seat by a cabin attendant, who will instantly supply a beverage (champagne, maybe?) and supply to take your carry-on baggage. There are not any overhead bins to present the cabin extra of an ethereal really feel, however there are areas obtainable to your roll-aboards.
Since Cathay Pacific not too long ago stopped flying the 747 (which is a disgrace), the one First Class cabin is aboard their Boeing 777-300ER fleet. There are six seats within the First Class cabin, every one with aisle entry.
The Seat
Cathay Pacific First Class options an incredible seat, top-of-the-line within the sky the truth is. The product has been round for fairly some time now however stays aggressive, though it lacks a separate mattress or the flowery gimmicks like showers within the sky. Plus, every seat comes with its very personal orchid!
The seat itself may be very broad, the truth is you might nearly match two individuals in it facet by facet.
You may really assume it’s too broad, however you may fold down an armrest to make it really feel somewhat extra comfortable (the additional width is to make the seat extra snug in mattress mode).
An ottoman awaits your ft, beneath which you’ll put additional baggage if obligatory. You’ll discover a seatbelt on the ottoman, why’s it there? So for those who’re touring with a companion they’ll be a part of you for dinner! Most likely not a greater venue for a date than clinking glasses of Krug champagne in your comfortable Cathay Pacific First Class pajamas, in any case.
As you’ll see right here, when the seat is in mattress mode the footrest extends all the way in which to the ottoman to create a mattress lengthy sufficient for nearly any traveler.
If that appears prefer it’s not snug, don’t fear, it’s very snug, notably as a result of the cabin attendants can put down a mattress pad of types together with a really cozy comforter to make sure a superb sleep on board.
The Service
You cabin attendants start caring for you from the primary second you step aboard the plane. When you’re comfortably ensconced in your seat, your cabin attendant will give you a beverage. Take the champagne, it’s Krug Grand Cuvee and really scrumptious!
I do wish to briefly discuss in regards to the distinction within the service “fashion” between Cathay Pacific First Class and Singapore Suites Class. Cathay Pacific cabin attendants don’t wish to disturb you and customarily keep out of the cabin except they’re summoned by a visitor. So Individuals, who’re usually scolded for utilizing the flight attendant name button when on a US service, might want to take be aware that they really need you to make use of the decision button. Certainly on my first Cathay Pacific First Class flight the in-flight supervisor ultimately got here by my seat to make sure I used to be having fun with my flight, since I hadn’t requested them to do something particular for me! I evaluate that to the service fashion of Singapore Airways, the place cabin attendants seemingly seem out of nowhere in all places you look to make sure you’re having an amazing expertise.
The cabin attendants converse good English and I’ve at all times had very pleasant {and professional} cabin crew on my flights, the service fashion is sweet with out being too excessive or robotic for my part.
The Meals
The meals on Cathay Pacific receives combined evaluations, though I’ve at all times loved it. Meal service begins with an amuse bouche, which I’ve loved some occasions and have had no thought what to do with it different occasions (just like the one under).
After determining what to do with the amuse bouche they serve a completely unbelievable caviar appetizer. The appetizer has modified barely through the years when it comes to presentation but it surely’s nonetheless fantastic any means you take a look at it.
I used to be going to submit in regards to the salads, however let’s be sincere it’s a salad. They’ve all been superb and vegetable-y. Let’s present a few of the mains.
Cathay Pacific First Class holds a close to and pricey place in my coronary heart, as they’re one of many few airways who can appear to prepare dinner an honest steak on board.
Desserts have been superb, however the monumental fundamental entrees often depart me with little room to get pleasure from it. Don’t fear, I nonetheless struggle by means of although.
Taking away the differing opinions in regards to the high quality of the dinner service it’s nearly universally agreed upon that Cathay Pacific First Class makes the perfect breakfast within the sky. The scrambled eggs (scrambled on board) are merely lovely and style terrific.
The Expertise
I’ve to be sincere. Although Qatar Airways is the airline on which I’ve had essentially the most enjoyable in First Class, there’s simply one thing particular about Cathay Pacific First Class. There actually aren’t any weaknesses to their First Class service and it’s broadly obtainable all through the world, versus Qatar’s restricted First Class community. The cabin service is fantastic, when you get the dangle of utilizing the decision button, and I’ve by no means had a cabin attendant who has been something lower than nice. It’s clean, constant, and nearly excellent in each means.
So right here’s to Cathay Pacific First Class, top-of-the-line methods to fly!
