Cathay Pacific: An Experience with 2012 World's Best Business Class Airline

I'm writing this post here at the other side of the world - Waterbury, Connecticut and it's 13606 kilometers or 8455 miles or 7347 nautical miles from my home country. My immediate travel is a work-related one (though I can do travel stuffs with different states of US during weekends). I arrived here last October 1, 2012 around 10AM and I'm currently staying in one of the Marriott Hotels in USA, the Courtyard Waterbury. I'll be here for 3-4months or even more if needed. This is an all expense trip by the company. Many then would ask what airline that took me here (the usual question my blog readers would ask) and I can answer you guys with this post.

Cathay Pacific is one of the official airlines that our company partner with when it comes to international travel (Philippine Airlines for domestic travel). Since it's a long-haul travel, a business class will suite my needs and fortunately the company was able to cater such. Below is my flight itinerary heading from Cebu, Philippines to New York, USA.

CEBU --> HONG KONG --> VANCOUVER, CANADA --> NEW YORK, USA

First was the 2hr-and-40minute flight from Cebu to Hong Kong. Here are the details of this flight:

 

Flight: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, CX 0920
From: CEBU MACTAN INTL, PHILIPPINES (CEB)
Departs: Sunday, 30 September 2012 8:05pm
Departing Terminal: Not Available
To: HONG KONG, HONG KONG S A R (HKG)
Arrives: Sunday, 30 September 2012 10:45pm
Arrival Terminal: TERMINAL 1
Class: 1B
 Seat(s): 16A
Status:Confirmed
Meals: Dinner
Aircraft: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A333 JET
Distance (in Miles): 1060
Stop(s): 0
Smoking: No
Duration: 02hr(s) :40min(s)

 

 The Aircraft and services? It was ok, but I must admit it's one of the best Airbus I had so far. The flight attendants were so accommodating, they will really make you feel special and your at ease with their untiring assistance.

The food? simply WOW! Deliciously made dinner was served to me and they served it at guest's convenience or choice of time. Everything was perfect from meal to dessert to drinks!

I arrived earlier than the expected time of arrival in Hong Kong International Airport and had an invitation to stay & wait for the next flight at a lounge exclusive for First &  Business Class guests of Cathay Pacific.

Next was the 12hr-flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver, Canada - the longest one so far for me. Below are the flight details:

Flight: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, CX 0888
From: HONG KONG, HONG KONG S A R (HKG)
Departs: Monday, 01 October 2012 12:30am
Departing Terminal: TERMINAL 1
To: VANCOUVER BC, CANADA (YVR)
Arrives: Sunday, 30 September 2012 9:25pm
Arrival Terminal: MAIN TERMINAL
Class: 1B
Seat(s): 23A

Meals: Dinner Snack
Aircraft: BOEING 777-300ER JET
Distance (in Miles): 6383
Stop(s): Intermediate at VANCOUVER BC, CANADA Change of equipment may be required
Smoking: No
Duration: 11hr(s) :55min(s)

The Aircraft and services? The best of its kind I guess, I didn't wonder that time why they were proclaimed as 2012 World's Best Business Class Airline. I had no issues with the facilities, everything was comfortable enough and I even had a good sleep that time, watched some movies (Amazing Spiderman, etc.), listened to music (nice that they have variety of choices, even OPM) and more. They still have these friendly attendants on board, most of them are Chinese and they're very accommodating.

 

 The food? Another WOW on my trip, they served one of the best meals every traveler would want to. The attendants actually serve you food either heavy or light one when you're awake or watching movie, playing games or reading magazines. Yeah, they just stop serving food when you're asleep. :) When I asked for fruits, they served it immediately and when I asked for ice cream, they served me not just once but twice (since I asked for another Haagen-Dazs, haha). I couldn't ask for more on that flight - perfect!

We arrived in Vancouver, Canada just on time. We had an hour wait at Vancouver International Airport for change of attendants and aircraft maintenance. The waiting lounge wasn't that bad.

Below is the flight details of my 5hr-flight from Vancouver, Canada to New York, USA:

Flight: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, CX 0888
From: VANCOUVER BC, CANADA (YVR)
Departs: Sunday, 30 September 2012 10:50pm
Departing Terminal: MAIN TERMINAL
To: NEW YORK JFK, NY (JFK)
Arrives: Monday, 01 October 2012 7:00am
Arrival Terminal: TERMINAL 7
Class: 1B
Seat(s): 23A
Meals: Dinner
Aircraft: BOEING 777-300ER JET
Distance (in Miles): 2433
Stop(s): 0
Smoking: No
Duration: 05hr(s) :10min(s)

The aircraft, services and food? The same with the previous one, nothing changed at all except for the food & wine menu being served (still delicious and perfectly served). Also, still very friendly and accommodating attendants.

Saving the best for last? Definitely yes, though this was my last connecting flight for this trip, I was really amazed with the view when daytime and nightime met at the horizon. Below are the shots taken during that time, also the beautiful city of New York. :)

We arrived on time at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport New York. I was picked up by a shuttle service from New York heading to Waterbury, Connecticut where I will be staying for my whole business trip.

Over-all, Cathay Pacific is totally a 5-star airline and deserves the title as 2012 World's Best Business Class Airline. :) My US trip will be posted soon (I have to visit at least 10 states, LOL) so stay tuned.

Thanks for reading my blog! Comments are highly appreciated.

About the Author

Engr. Moon Ray Lo is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. He is currently working as an Oracle EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), B2B and eCommerce Systems Analyst. He likes blogging, landscape photography, travel and graphics design. [ For inquiries, suggestions and concerns, CLICK HERE to Contact Engr. Moon Ray Lo ]

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