How excited we were to by chance be able to save our vacation travel from headaches and fly Cathay Pacific. Originally, we were set to fly PAL Business Class thru Manila to BKK; however, the Taal Volcano threw us a curve ball four days before our journey was to begin. In desperately search for an alternative carrier that would align with existing connections in BKK as well as return accommodation in BKK, Cathay Pacific held the flights. Without hesitation we booked. Now, we are not novices to International Business Class travel. EVA is our most preferred carrier, but its flight schedule did not align with our awaiting connection in BKK. We had always said that we should fly Cathay Pacific to see how it compared. It was only just nine months earlier we flew PAL for the first time, and were pleasantly surprised. With that being said, we were under impression that Cathay Pacific held one up on EVA. So, perhaps Cathay Pacific would be our new go to first before EVA. Let us begin.
Flight CX881 15 Jan 20
LAX-HKG departed on time. That's always a good thing. The business seat though lacks lumbar support (see photo). The amenity kit was marginal stocked with a toothbrush kit, 15ml mouthwash, Bamford hand cream plus lip balm as well as hydrating face spray, sleep mask, and earplugs. Other marginal amenities were a pair of small disposal slippers that are not quite sized to accommodate a wide foot market, and a comforter. No pajamas here folks on this long haul as EVA, but to be fair PAL lacks PJs as well. Good thing though I brought a heavy cotton sweater as the cabin is kept cold, like cold cold. You learn these little things as you travel. Not all carriers maintain comfortable air. Movie selection at first appears to be vast, but upon further review, Maleficent was the only recent movie. I'm not on top of trending movies, so I named Maleficent due to TV commercial exposure. The rest are older releases with some that are ancient. Ah, not something expected. Please take time to learn what customers are seeing at the movies. A note about the interactive monitor, it is sluggish to the point of freezing up at times while scrolling. What type of dated software operating system is being used? Just saying.
The dinner options were typical. Local food with some Western. When the flight attendant came to take my dinner order, she asked if I would like the burger. My mind was like WTF? She then asked if I would like the seared chicken breast. That received a no. She actually look stunned and finally asked what I would like. I think she must have been Bslapped surprised when I ordered fish ball tung choy choy soup. For beverages, I ordered French Burgundy and water. BTW, NO flight attendant comes around asking if you would like more wine. WTF? Dessert taken was cheeses along with fruit, and I asked for a cordial cointreu. Another look of like OMG I have to work. With the flight leaving almost at midnight, there was no pre cordial anything which was not expected either. So many touch points missed. Remember this is International Business Class, not American/United/Delta domestic make believe first.
A tablecloth is laid, but do not get excited. Food is divied up on a luncheon tray. Excuse me! We're flying International Business Class on Cathay Pacific, not China Eastern. The food had good flavor, but there is no individual salt or pepper shakers. There goes another touch point. After meal I went to the restroom to brush my teeth. I expected it to be stocked with extras as well, but not. The restroom was basic with two soaps and some hand cream. There is no extra mouthwash, or travel kit material such as toothbrush, toothpaste, or even single use shavers. Heck, even Asiana and Korean Air restrooms contain along with EVA and PAL stocking extras. Remember, Cathay Pacific ranks number four airline according to SkyTrac. I did ask a crew member for extra mouthwash. She searched high and low. Nope, there is nothing extra to be sourced on this carrier. Remember, Cathay Pacific ranks number 4. One side note, a 500ml bottle of Evian water is provided. One has to give that to an attendant for refill. The refill though was not Evian. How do I know? I asked for a refill by going up to the galley area where all good little flight attendants herd avoiding customers. I was told to bring my empty bottle up where it was refilled with basic bottle water. My eyes were shocked. Okay, I know don't be that picky. However, this carrier is bloated with reviews that do not reflect its actuality.
After taking sleep, a morning meal was served. I did prefill my request. Same issues as with dinner service, so no need to redredge. Beyound four plus touchpoints and missed superior service achievement on this particular leg.
CX615 17 Jan 20
HKK-BKK proved to be a tad better in flight service. Seats in business were not all occupied, so perhaps that was why. I had the dim sum for meal. Eh, was it purchased from Costco? Maximums is in HKG airport, go eat Dim Sum there.
Returning.
CX700 30 Jan 20
HKG-BKK was similar as before. I had asked to speak with the head flight attendant about why I received an HTML email from Cathay Pacific in Chinese. The tickets were purchased in US. All contact information is US. All communication email up to 27 Jan 30 are in HTML English. She had no idea and a bit confused why too. We also shared with her our initial optics of the company she works for. Sharing the impersonalness, the lack luster. She got pulled away because of the Captain, and I could hear her mention something to an attendant about my optics. About a minute later, an attendant came up asking me if I wanted a drink to calm down. I could only chuckle to myself, and tell the attendant that her boss clearly failed to grasp what I was sharing about Cathay Pacific. I certainly was not wanting booze at 8:20am. She said she would let her boss know. After takeoff the head flight attendant returned. We both went over with her the lackluster of hype about Cathay Pacific. She got it and was a bit of a taken back. I told her that she clearly should go experience EVA or even PAL service delivery. I even told her PAL may not have the most up to date business aesthetic cabin on all it's planes, but the personalness along with not serving food on a cafeteria tray are better presentation than Cathay Pacific's presentation. Yes, again I know it reads picky; however, I've been flying International business class for almost 30 years. Many airlines fail and many continue to fail presentation.
CX882 30 Jan 20
HKG-LAX held the same boring nothingness service as the outbound. After dinner, another round of hot towels were passed. The one I received was ice cold. I brought it to an attendant's attention. She tried to pass the buck on it being how the towels are stacked. Excuse me? Why is that my concern, and why did the young man who brought the towels fail to twice check that the towels were correct for delivery. I went to use the restroom and it was not stocked with cups. Do no attendants service the restrooms? Eww. There goes beyound countable touch points.
So here as I write, we are 35 minutes before landing. Would I fly Cathay Pacific again? No. Why would I go out of my way to recommend Cathay Pacific as I do with other international business class service carriers such as EVA, Korean Air, PAL, JAL, KLM, Asiana? No. Will I share my experience flying on Cathay Pacific with someone who asks have I ever flown? Yes. Just now as I sit finishing this, an attendant came by asking may she collect my glassware. I said yes. She stood there with her tray awaiting me to place on. Why did I have to do her job?
So, this was my experience flying International Business Class on Cathay Pacific ranked number four carrier by SkyTrax. How it ranks higher than EVA, I scratch my head. Perhaps the flyers skytrac asks are the problem, or perhaps the questions asked are not the right ones. As for Cathay Pacific, I'm willing to bet that it will remain as it is. One thing for us is that we don't repeat sloppy. Safe travels! And, there is nothing special about flying Cathay Pacific International business class.
