15hr Wander: Cathay Pacific First Class to New York
For as long as I can remember, Cathay Pacific has been an aspirational airline. Offering a superiorflying experience no matter what cabin you are in. They are one of a handful of brands consistently ranked as a 5* airline. Truth be told, I find the Skytrax ranking rather questionable sometimes, but I do not doubt Cathay’s ranking. Cathay Pacific First Class or even Business is a true treat for any luxury traveller.
I had a long wait between booking this and flying, but in a way it was nice to have something like this to look forward to at the end of the year.
I arrived at the airport just 1 hour 20 min before my first leg into HKG and was quickly checked through with my boarding passes and lounge access for both Danang and Hong Kong.
It was all a breeze.
Lounge
The lounge in Danang was actually quite nice but I really only spent about 30 mins there. My hotel had amazing breakfast so I had something quick there before I left for the airport.
In Hong Kong airport, I went back to the Pier First Class lounge before this flight out, which I have already reviewed from earlier in the year. Not much has changed there.
On a quick note still the same slight communication issue again, when I asked for a day room, the lady kept showing me to a shower?! I didn’t need a shower just yet, especially if I nap, I like to shower after but oh well. Given it was only 3 hours after my last one I felt perfectly fresh, but took another shower anyway!
Cathay Pacific First Class Boarding
Cathay doesn’t have a separate clear boarding area for First Class as such.
General boarding had already started by the time I got to the gate but I was whisked through the First/Business lane and was asked a few questions about my bags in transit (standard process for U.S bound flights)
And off I went to a jet bridge just for First Class via Door 1.
CX840 Ready to board
I was met at the door and escorted to my suite (2A) by the First Class Cabin Service Manager (CSM). During this I was filming on my mobile (something I rarely do), which appeared to make one of the First cabin crew visibly uncomfortable, I made a mental note not to try and capture her face thereafter.
Cathay Pacific First Class Suite 2ACathay Pacific First Class 2A
What a seat this is!
As I was exploring the suite, she came back with some champagne and introduced herself.
Within seconds, the other First Class cabin crew also introduced himself. In the haze of excitement I did not really remember any of their names for a while. Until I got a glimpse of their badges later.
I had a couple of drinks before take off and it appeared there were 4 First Class guests on today’s flight. So with 3 crew members looking after us, we were really in for a treat!
The Cathay Pacific First Class Suite
My impressions of the suite was pretty much as I had expected. I felt weirdly familiar with it, even though this was indeed my First time on Cathay Pacific First (I’d previously flown Cathay Dragon First class which is a different product).
There are just 6 semi enclosed First Class seats in a 1-1-1 layout across just 2 rows. A very intimate and exclusive cabin! At the time of booking, all seats were available bar 2K. I chose 2A, a window suite with an aisle just between it and Suite 2A, meaning I had no foot traffic past me, other than crew perhaps. Even more privacy!
To give you a sense of perspective, in the space taken by the First Class cabin for 6 guests, you would have anything between 36-40 Economy seats! Cathay sure did not skimp on space for First Class.
Immediately behind us, divided by thick fully enclosed curtains was Business Class.
CX First Class SuiteSettling into CX First class for the 15 hour ride
Each suite has a large white pillow, a cushion in Cathay burgundy, as well as a neck pillow already attached to the headrest.
There was a storage compartment to the left, alongside the separate IFE control and seat control panels.
CX First Class StorageCX First Class IFE Seat Controls
Off course the entire side panel stretching 3 window length also act as storage surface during flight.
CX First Class welcome drink warm nuts and amenity kit
To the right was a literature holder within easy reach.
CX First Class Literature pocket
To the front and below the IFE was a more substantial storage space where you can place your laptop, water bottles, books and additional magazines.
CX First Class Suite 2A
A large table comes out of the side panel, which the crew take out for meal service. The table is large and can be positioned so you can still leave your seat with the table set.
Lighting elements can also be configured to each passengers preferences with 2 movable lights on each side, as well as overhead. There is mood lighting beneath the foot rest area and IFE.
Each passengers has their own individual cupboard with 2 hangers, a hook, and space for a full sized carry on which you can place at floor level rather than lifting up to place in overhead bins, every little helps!
CX First Class Personal wardrobe
The front foot rest has plenty storage underneath too, which also is a buddy seat complete with its own seat belts.
The whole suite was genuinely wide enough to fit 2 people side by side and a third person in the buddy seat!
Finally, the fresh flowers on a conveniently placed holder is a nice touch to add to the relaxed ambience.
Cathay First Class amenities
After welcome drinks, the crew handed out the Bamford amenity kits (coming in male and female variants), which came in a stylish leather wash bag.
CX First Class Bamford amenity contents
I was asked about my size preference before a PJ and slippers kit by PYE was fetched for me.
CX First Class PJs and Slippers kit
The PJS were made from 100% organic sustainable cotton and truly of exceptional quality. I liked the dark and smart colour choice and it felt very comfortable. It is definitely up there with Emirates First Class PJs in terms of quality but I actually prefer the style and fitting of Cathay ones.
Take off
The pilots introduced themselves over the intercom and welcomed all on-board relaying expectations of flight path and timings. We were flying east via Japan and over Alaska and most of Canada into New York. Our flight was mostly expected to be smooth.
They anticipated a quicker flight today of 14 hours and 40 mins, landing over 1 hour early into JFK (depending on clearance).
We departed the gate about 4.20pm and took off 4.29pm
The take-off roll was one of the longest I’d experienced for a 777, which makes sense given the long flight, the aircraft must have been close to maximum take-off weight.
Reputed for exceptional & warm First class service
For First Class the on board service off course starts from the moment you board your suite. You are addressed by name throughout the flight by each and every crew member.
I was offered hot towels, welcome champagne and warm nuts within matter seconds and follow ups before even take off.
After take-off there were further tops up and I was asked if I wanted to try other drinks from their extensive selection of beverage. The menu for the flight is below.
CX First Class Tea Amouse Bouche
In First Class you can dine whenever you want and whatever you want off the menu. Heather asked when I would like the first meal, and took my order choices. I chose to eat about 1 hour after take-off starting with the Caviar service.
The dinner service was served by a combination of Heather and the other male First class crew, Daniel. Not the CSM who I never got the name of again :/
I was served the Caviar to start..
CX First Class Caviar
While I’m no Caviar expert, this was not the best I had. There was a ever so slight of bitter aftertaste. I understand, Cathay has switched up the Caviar recently but I cannot compare to their previous brand.
Shortly after, Heather came back to collect the tea pot which I had earlier. As she asked me “didn’t you like this?” She meant the little pot that she bought alongside the tea I had requested. Turns out that was the amuse bouche!
CX First Class Amuse Bouche
So I was served something without even realising it or being told what it was? I honestly thought this just came with the tea pot, just for decoration, as you do!
I decided to try it, but it wasn’t anything memorable.
Then I was served the starter mushroom cream soup.
CX First Class Soup
The soup tasted great but couldn’t help wonder if the colour was a bit off? I was half expecting this to have beef or something in it.
This was followed by salad course for the dinner…
CX First Class Salad
which kind of started to throw me off a bit. Wait, this is part of a First Class meal? I was rather surprised by the presentation of it. I ate some of it, which was fine.
When I later inspected the First Class menu again, I noticed the salad I was meant to have artichokes in it, which were not present.
What would you think if you were being served this on one of the worlds most reputable First Class product?
Anyway minor hiccup I said to myself, as my thoughts quickly moved onto the following courses.
For the main, I chose the North Atlantic cod, which was generally excellent, succulent and with a light refreshing seasoning.
CX First Class North Atlantic Cod
This was followed by the cheese course.
CX First Class Cheese Course
I did notice, I was not even asked/offered any port to go along with it? Now, I didn’t actually want any but you know, I was just starting to pick up on things..
I finished off the meal with the hazelnut cake with ice cream, which was superb!
CX First Class Hazelnut Cake
After clearing away my table, Heather brought over some Pralines and new hot towel as she asked me if I wanted more tea.
Snack meals inbetween
Cathay offers lighter meal choices as part of the snack menu, anytime you like.
As this was still a very long flight, you could choose to eat as many meals as you practically can have.
However, in between watching a couple of movies and trying to get some shut eye (it was a 5am wakeup!) I didnt really feel hungry enough to order any food in the middle of the flight.
Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity
For such long flights, decent entertainment and programming options becomes ever more vital, here Cathay Delivers.
The IFE system has been updated since the planes were initially delivered, with HD 18.5″ screens, a touchscreen controller which can act/be used independently of the main screen so you can play with Interactive flight maps/onboard cameras/shop while having something else on the main screen.
The Studio offers quite an extensive choice of films, documentaries and music and games. You can view the content before your flight, directly on Cathay’s website.
The BOSE noise-cancelling headphones offer crisp sound are amongst the most comfortable headphones out there. None of that ear pain you get with some headphone after a couple of hours use!
Unlimited Wifi
Cathay offers Wifi onboard, and for First class its completely free and unlimited.
I was connected for almost the entire flight, browsing as well as booking some accommodation for later in the month.
CX First WiFi OptionsCX First Class Wifi
There was no lag or disconnections as often happens with inflight Wifi services.
Your own bed made in the skies
After the meal service, Heather did ask if I wanted her to turn down my bed, but I was happy to lounge for a while. She stated she’d me happy to make the bed whenever I wanted in that case.
About 4 hours after take-off, I decided to head to the bathroom to change into my PJs. The CSM must have noticed me pick up my PJ bag, and offered to make my bed before I’d even had a chance to ask.
Within a few minutes I came back to what almost looked like a proper bed..
CX First Class Turn DownCX First Class BedCX First Class bed
Even though this was mostly a daytime flight, in terms of sleep cycle, a sleep sure looked very inviting in this setup!
I found the quality of it all, from the mattress topper itself, the outer layer of the mattress topper, full size soft pillows and the fluffy duvet complete with the 600 thread count to be simply outstanding. It feels plush, comforting and with the additional of the lovely pillow mist, the complete works to help you drift off into cloud 9.
Ready for Bed CX First Class
And drift off, I did. For about 3 hours, until we hit some moderate turbulence.
* I noticed there were no flight socks in the amenity kit and at this very time a crew member from business classed happened to be passing by, and she asked if I would be happy if she bought them over from the business class. I mean socks are just socks right?
I should note, I also asked the CSM if they could turn down the cabin temperature abit more. He informed me it was currently at 22 degrees, but he would be happy to turn it down to 19, which I really appreciated.
2 First Class Bathrooms
Another aspect that I really appreciated about Cathay First is they have 2 First Class bathrooms between a maximum of 6 passengers.
CX First Class bathroom selfieCX First Class Bigger bathroom
1 is a fairly bigger sized (above) where you can comfortably change into Pjs etc while the other in the middle immediately behind the cockpit was a regular size.
Each were stocked with Bamford amenities including a facial cleanser/toner, and additional dental kits and shavers, as well as offering proper fabric towels.
Both were spotlessly kept each time I went in, I could tell it had been refreshed. Little details like toilet roll was always folded into a triangle, never a drop of water in the surfaces etc
I never had to wait for a bathroom throughout the flight.
“Breakfast”/ Pre-landing meal
As I was already up, about 2 and half hours before landing time, I decided to eat again.
The crew did ask if I would like my seat turned back, but I preferred to have “breakfast” in bed 🙂
It started with some fruits and a basket of croissants and pastries.
CX First Class Breakfast in Bed First CourseCX First Class Breakfast in Bed
While there were 3 choices for mains, I generally don’t like asian breakfasts but the Western option had bacon. I requested that but without the bacon and sausage while I explained that I did not eat pork based products.
So I was served this..
CX First Class Breakfast Trimmed down main course
I have to admit, this left me somewhat deflated with the effort here.
Its a sad looking breakfast, that I might make myself when I can only be half asked, on a lazy Sunday morning.
Also what happened to the tomato and mushrooms from the meal? I did not ask them to be taken away!
Anyway so instead of complaining I requested some toast to go with it, which came fairly promptly.
I should not though, the CSM seemed to be keeping a watchful eye on service and did come over to ask me if I would like anything else from the menu, in light of the trimmed down breakfast. It is great that he was keeping an eye on things and tried to address any shortcomings but I would have liked this to have been more proactive from the beginning by perhaps improvising on dressing up the meal I was served to begin with.
Anyway, I did order something else off the menu, the fishball with flat rice noodles soup but my appetite was more or less gone at that point.
CX First Class Breakfast alternative main
The dish seemed nice and fresh, but I did not eat much of it. Instead of enjoying one great main, I kinda half enjoyed 2.
Not long after the captains announced the start of our descent into JFK and the crew prepared the cabin for landing.
Final thoughts of this Cathay First Experience
First and formost, by all accounts, this was a First Class experience. The hard product is fantastic and the soft amenities and touches really does shine.
The area where I felt lacking or not on par with usual standards was the service delivery during meal times. In general I did not feel the warmth or personal touch that I may have expected or received from other top airlines, even in Business Class. Ironically, my copy of the new edition of Economist that day, had a 2 page advertisement by Cathay Pacific and the new First Class service. “All IN PERFECT HARMONY” It was not this time.
I have to admit, both the First Class crew (not the CSM) seemed a bit disengaged and somewhat sloppy.
The personal elements are really what makes or breaks an experience and I did not feel like this flowed very well in this flight. I’ve had First class flights where the crew almost effortlessly built a rapport with me, to get to know me a little. There is an intrinsic value in that which enhances the delivery of service.
I’m not sure if communication problems played a part in this, for example, one of the crew asked if they can clear away the dishes after breakfast, to which I responded yes, but they disappeared and then asked me again 10 minutes later?
I get that there is always a risk element involved in service delivery. Whether you are in Economy or First class, there will occasionally be little mishaps and blunders. Behind the glossy ads and marketing promo, there are real human beings. The difference in premium cabins perhaps would be the service recovery after that, which in this case was well intentioned, at least for the breakfast part.
Some oddities I noticed different about this flight was there seemed to be no personal welcome notes given to First passengers. I know about this off course from other trip reports.
Something else that was missing, was a pillow menu which is part of the First Class experience as far as I know. I did see or was offered one. Though to be fair, I was more than happy with the soft pillow I had, others may have preferred something firmer maybe.
Ultimately, what makes an experience is the combined flow of all the different elements inflight but with all premium experiences there is always a risk factor involved in the nature and precision with what is delivered to expected standards.
You have to accept a degree or element of chance something can still go wrong. Specifically in the present situation with Cathay and Hong Kong, you never know what is going on with the lives of the crew behind the scene. I even felt something different about passing through Hong Kong airport recently which I read Ben from OMAAT also picked up.
Its tough to be disappointed with the overall experience despite the shortcomings of this flight. Had I paid a crazy £15k for this flight, than perhaps I would assess this differently. I am grateful that I could experience such a remarkable product and service for the most part. Despite the slight hiccups its a far cry from your run of the mill business class experience.
My return flight from New York will feature the full new service improvements from new Chinaware to specifically designed wellness menus as well as enhanced bedding. Will it be more in line with Cathay’s First standards?
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
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