CX First Class Suite
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.
The build-up of all the anticipation leading up to this is something that can lead to underwhelming contact with reality – but no, not with Cathay Pacific First Class!
To put things into perspective, the space allocated for these six First Class suites could accommodate 36–40 Economy Class seats!
Cathay Pacific has clearly prioritized comfort and exclusivity over maximizing capacity, creating an environment where every detail speaks of indulgence.
Off course the entire side panel which stretches 3 window length also act as storage surface during flight…
The whole suite was genuinely wide enough to fit 2 people side by side and a third person in the buddy seat!
Lighting options are tailored to each passenger’s preferences, featuring two adjustable side lights and overhead illumination. Subtle mood lighting beneath the footrest and the in-flight entertainment unit adds a sophisticated touch to the cabin’s ambiance.
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.
I was asked about my size preference before a PJ and slippers kit by PYE was fetched for me…
These 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.
The First Class experience begins the instant you step into your suite, with the crew addressing you by name throughout the flight—a personal touch that elevates the journey.
Within moments of settling in, I was offered a warm towel, a glass of Krug champagne, and a serving of warm nuts, all presented seamlessly and followed by attentive service even before takeoff.
The menu for the flight is below.
First Class dining is on demand —you decide when and what to enjoy from the curated menu. Heather, one of the First crew members, inquired about my preferred dining time and took my meal selections. I opted to begin my culinary journey approximately an hour after takeoff, starting with the iconic caviar service.
Service was managed 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..
While I don’t claim to be a caviar connoisseur, this particular serving left a little to be desired, with a slightly bitter aftertaste that detracted from the overall enjoyment.
I understand Cathay Pacific recently changed their caviar supplier, though I can’t personally compare it to their previous selection.
Shortly after, Heather returned to collect the glasses I had used earlier. With a warm smile, she gestured to the small pot placed alongside my champagne after takeoff and asked, “Can I take this?” Only then did I realize it wasn’t just a decorative touch—it was the amuse-bouche!
This turned into a lighthearted moment, as I had completely missed it, spoon and all. In hindsight, it did make me wonder if it’s customary for the crew to explain items not explicitly ordered.
After this, I was served the starter mushroom cream 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…
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. It just felt sloppy.
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?
Minor hiccup, I humoured myself, as my thoughts quickly moved onto the following courses.
For the main, I chose the North Atlantic cod..
The cod was generally excellent. Succulent and with a light refreshing seasoning. This was followed by the 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, but a pattern was starting to emerge..
I finished off the meal with the hazelnut cake with ice cream, which was superb!
After clearing away my table, Heather brought over some Pralines and new hot towel as she asked me if I wanted more tea, which being British, I could not say no to !
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 didn’t really feel hungry enough to order any food in the middle of the flight.
There was no lag or disconnections as often happens with inflight Wifi services.
After the meal service, Heather kindly asked if I’d like her to prepare my bed. Preferring to relax for a while, I declined but was reassured when she mentioned she’d be happy to set it up whenever I was ready.
Around four hours into the flight, I decided to change into the provided pajamas. As I picked up the PJ bag, the Cabin Service Manager noticed and proactively offered to prepare my bed before I even had the chance to ask.
When I returned, I was greeted by a beautifully made setup that resembled a proper bed—an inviting sight that underscored the impeccable attention to detail and care taken to enhance the First Class experience.
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 addition of the lovely pillow mist, the complete works to help you drift off into cloud 9.
And drift off, I did. For about 3 hours, until we hit some moderate turbulence.
I should note, I also asked the CSM if they could turn down the cabin temperature a little 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.
Both were thoughtfully stocked with Bamford amenities, including facial cleanser, toner, dental kits, and shavers, along with proper fabric towels for a more luxurious touch.
Each time I visited, the bathrooms were impeccably maintained. Every detail was attended to—the toilet paper was neatly folded into a triangle, the surfaces were completely dry, and everything felt freshly cleaned.
While there were 3 choices for mains, I generally don’t like Asian breakfasts but the Western option had bacon. I requested that without the bacon and sausage while I explained that I did not eat pork based products.
So I was served this..
I have to admit, breakfast left me feeling a bit deflated. It resembled something I might hastily throw together on a lazy Sunday morning when I’m only half-inspired to cook. To add to the disappointment, the tomato and mushrooms from my meal ( as listed on menu ) had mysteriously vanished—I hadn’t asked for them to be removed!
Rather than complain, I requested some toast, which arrived promptly.
I should note that the Cabin Service Manager was attentive and came over to inquire if I’d like anything else from the menu, acknowledging the pared-down nature of my breakfast.
More out of curiosity than hunger, I ordered the Fishball and flat rice noodle soup
Overall, this flight left me with mixed feeling. The hard product is fantastic, and the soft amenities really stood out. However, the service during meal times didn’t quite meet the high standards I expected. I didn’t feel the warmth or personal touch that I’ve experienced with other top airlines, even in Business Class.
Ironically, an ad in my copy of The Economist that day proudly featured Cathay’s new First Class service, titled “All IN PERFECT HARMONY”—but it didn’t feel that way this time.
Both First Class crew members (excluding the CSM) seemed a bit disengaged and less polished than what you would associate with Cathay Pacific. The personal elements of service are what truly elevate an experience, but this time, the connection was lacking. For instance, after agreeing to have the dishes cleared post-breakfast, the crew member asked again 10 minutes later, leaving me wondering about communication issues.
I also noticed a couple of oddities: First Class passengers weren’t given personal welcome notes, and there was no pillow menu offered, which is typically a part of the experience. While I was happy with the pillow provided, others might have preferred something firmer.
Ultimately, a premium experience depends on the seamless flow of all elements, and there’s always a risk that something will go awry. Given the current situation with Cathay and Hong Kong, there are likely unseen factors affecting the crew’s performance. Therefore, I do not think my experience was Cathay Pacific in the best light.
Fear not, my next Cathay Pacific First Class is not too far off, so stay tuned!
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.
Follow him on his adventures and behind the scene stories on Instagram !
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