Cathay Pacific Business Class Review: Sydney to Milan via Hong Kong
Sick of chaotic mega-hubs and marathon layovers? This is why Cathay Pacific’s Business Class route from Sydney to Milan via Hong Kong might just be the smartest – and most overlooked – way to fly to Italy.
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There’s a smarter way to reach Italy without transiting through the Middle East or dealing with the crowds and chaos of bigger transit hubs. Cathay Pacific’s Sydney–Milan route via Hong Kong is a quieter alternative – and one of the best-kept secrets for Aussie travellers heading to Europe in comfort. From seamless check-in to restaurant-style dining at 35,000 feet, here’s exactly what to expect.
Cathay Pacific’s Business Class has long had a solid reputation, but how does it hold up today?
With a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, good bedding, refined dining and a calm cabin atmosphere, this long-haul product is built around rest and rhythm – more retreat than red-eye.
Across two legs – Sydney to Hong Kong and onward to Milan – this review breaks down the experience from check-in to arrival: seat comfort, lounges, dining, entertainment and everything in between. Whether it’s for work, a family visit or a long-awaited holiday, this is one of the more comfortable and well-paced ways to make the journey from Australia to Europe.
Pre-departure and Lounge Access: Sydney International Airport
Cathay Pacific Business Class passengers departing Sydney get the essentials right: priority check-in, fast-track security and lounge access. While there’s no dedicated Cathay lounge at Sydney International Airport, guests are welcomed into the Qantas International Business Lounge – a large, functional space with a buffet, barista coffee, cocktails and quiet corners to work or relax.
The Champagne flows, the food is serviceable, and the espresso is hot. That’s about all you want before a night flight.
Booking and Reservation
Booking and managing your reservation through Cathay’s website or app is refreshingly painless. The interface is clean, fare options are clearly explained, and you can select your seat during purchase. Asia Miles members can earn and redeem points, with perks like lounge access and extra baggage. There’s also the usual business class flexibility if plans shift. It’s not revolutionary – but it’s reassuringly smooth.
CX100: Sydney to Hong Kong
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
- Seat: 23K (last row of Business)
- Flight time: 9h 3m
Seat and Cabin
Cathay’s reverse herringbone Business Class layout gives every passenger direct aisle access, with seat 23K offering added privacy as the final seat in the cabin. It’s quiet, out of the way, and ideal for solo travellers.
The seat converts into a fully flat bed, roughly 82 inches long, with decent width and plush bedding. A large pillow, mattress pad and light duvet are all provided, and there’s a storage nook for small items and a side console for drinks or laptops. There’s also a universal outlet, USB port and 18.5-inch screen – responsive, high-res, and better than many competitors. Bamford amenity kits round out the setup, ticking the wellness box without fuss.
Service and Dining
The crew on CX100 delivered what you hope for in Business Class: warm, efficient and tuned in. They weren’t overly chatty, but they didn’t need to be – the rhythm of service was spot on.
Dinner began with a silky cream of corn soup, served hot and seasoned just enough to feel fresh rather than flat. The duck confit that followed was rich, well-balanced, and plated with orange and pecans – more bistro than reheated tray. Dessert was a dense chocolate cake with mango coulis. Before landing, a lighter meal of Thai green chicken curry kept things comforting without being cloying.
See also: 7 reasons to fly business class
Beverage Highlights
- Champagne: Drappier Carte d’Or Brut
- Red wine: Koonowla Shiraz (Australia, 2021)
- Signature drink: Cloud Nine (vodka, Cointreau, Sprite, lemon)
- Cathay Delight: Kiwi, coconut milk and mint
- JING tea and illy espresso
Transit in Hong Kong
- Transit time: ~3 hours
- Lounge: The Wing Business Class Lounge
- Amenities: Shower suites, noodle bar, Champagne bar
Landing in Hong Kong just before 9pm, I headed straight to The Wing. Compared to the busier hubs of the Middle East, transiting through Hong Kong feels calm and quick – you’re in and out of the lounge without a marathon shuttle ride or another layer of security. While Cathay’s other flagship, The Pier, has a more relaxed vibe, The Wing is perfect for tighter connections thanks to its central location.
Inside: hot showers, a Champagne bar, a made-to-order noodle stations. Between bites of a Hong Kong egg tart and sips of Perrier, I almost forgot I had another 13 hours in the air.
CX233: Hong Kong to Milan
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
- Flight time: 12h 42m
Seat and Cabin
The second leg mirrors the first – same reverse herringbone seat, same calm atmosphere, with soft lighting and a quieter cabin that eased the red-eye toll.
Storage was practical, with space for chargers, headphones, snacks and skincare. Crew offered turndown shortly after takeoff, and I was out cold within minutes – always a good sign.
In-Flight Amenities
- Flat bed with mattress, duvet and pillow
- Bamford amenity kit
- Breakfast pre-order card
- Chinese wines and premium spirits
- Signature dishes from Duddell’s and Louise
Small things made a difference: the pre-order card for breakfast, crew who took orders without waking people, and a menu that went beyond the usual chicken-or-pasta binary. Michelin tie-ins with Duddell’s and Louise were a welcome touch, especially if you didn’t manage to eat much in the lounge.
Dining
- Supper: Braised beef ribs with port wine, pork bone soup
- Dessert: Opera cake with raspberry sauce
- Mid-flight snack: Shrimp and pork dumpling noodle soup
- Final treat: Hong Kong egg tart
The beef ribs were the star – rich, fork-tender and paired with Shanghai-style rice and vegetables. The pork bone soup alongside was light, savoury and exactly what you want mid-air. Dessert? A layered opera cake that felt appropriate en route to Milan.
Midway through the flight I ordered the shrimp and pork dumpling soup. Salty, steamy and soothing, it’s hard to imagine a better late-night snack at altitude. Just before landing, a warm Hong Kong egg tart sealed the meal service with a note of nostalgia.
Beverage Highlights
- Champagne: Drappier Carte d’Or Brut
- Red wines: Chianti Riserva and Kilikanoon Shiraz
- Spirits: Johnnie Walker Gold, Hine Rare VSOP, Bombay Sapphire
- Softs: Perrier, Hong Kong-style milk tea
- Teas: JING selection (Chamomile, Earl Grey, Oolong)
Sleep and Relaxation
Cathay’s Business Class setup is built for sleep. The fully flat bed, decent bedding and low lighting all do their part, but it’s the details – low noise, cool cabin temperature, and well-timed lighting – that seal the deal. I slept for nearly eight hours uninterrupted, which on a long-haul red-eye is about as good as it gets.
The wellness breakfast option was a nice touch, with lighter items like yoghurt, fruit and congee available alongside more standard offerings. It’s these quieter decisions – not flashy, but thoughtful – that give Cathay its edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cathay Pacific Business Class worth it?
Yes – especially on long-haul routes like Sydney to Milan. The seats are fully flat, the food is well above average, and the service strikes the right tone. If comfort matters, it’s a strong pick.
Which seats are best in Cathay Pacific Business Class?
Window seats toward the back (like 23K) or further to the front offer the most privacy and least foot traffic.
Does Cathay Pacific offer free Wi-Fi in Business Class?
Yes. Wi-Fi is complimentary for Business Class passengers on most long-haul flights, including those on the Boeing 777-300ER.
Can you sleep comfortably on Cathay Pacific Business Class?
Yes. With lie-flat seats, full bedding and a calm cabin, it’s one of the more sleep-friendly products in the sky.
What kind of food is served in Cathay Pacific Business Class?
Expect multi-course meals that include Hong Kong–inspired dishes, Western options, and snacks throughout. Some meals are designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred partners.
Verdict: a premium, well-paced way to reach Europe
Cathay Pacific’s Business Class between Sydney and Milan via Hong Kong delivers a well-rounded, well-paced experience from start to finish. The consistent seat design, refined dining, understated service and excellent lounges make it one of the better ways to reach Europe without the frenzy of bigger hubs.
It’s not showy. But it is sharp, consistent and quietly confident – the kind of business class you’d happily fly again. And if your final stop is Italy, it’s one of the most efficient and overlooked ways to get there, skipping the long layovers and chaos of larger transit hubs.
Rating: 4.5/5
From check-in to touchdown, Cathay gets the foundations right – comfort, consistency and calm. And if Europe’s your destination, this is one of the smoothest and most enjoyable ways to get there from Australia. The stop in Hong Kong is a bonus – not just a practical layover, but a chance to reset in one of the world’s great food cities, particularly if you have time to leave the airport, before arriving in another: Milan. It’s a reminder that long-haul travel, when done well, can feel considered and even enjoyable, especially when the destination is Italy.
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Originally published as Cathay Pacific Business Class Review: Sydney to Milan via Hong Kong
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