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Airline asks passengers to BYO cutlery

A major five-star airline has asked business class passengers whether they would be happy to bring their own cutlery aboard its aircraft.

Friday, April 26 | Top stories | From the Newsroom

One airline may enforce a strict BYOC policy: Bring your own cutlery.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific, one of less than a dozen airlines rated five stars, gauged in a recent survey whether passengers would be willing to “bring your own cutlery set” aboard its aircraft.

According to Business Insider, the member survey was circulated in the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community of those who regularly travel business class.

It comes amid a rise in sustainable practices across the aviation industry.

Cathay Pacific may ask business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery. Picture: Charly Triballeau/AFP
Cathay Pacific may ask business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery. Picture: Charly Triballeau/AFP

They were asked questions about whether they would recycle their empty water bottles themselves, give them to flight attendants or bring their own, but it is not clear if these ideas will be implemented aboard the aircraft.

One recipient shared a screenshot of the survey to FlyerTalk, an online forum dedicated to aviation.

“If you are travelling with Cathay Pacific in business class, to what extent are you willing to contribute to the following sustainable initiatives?” the survey asked, according to the NZ Herald.

Respondents were given four initiatives, which they could rate on a scale of ‘very willing’ to ‘not willing at all’.

The question was part of a survey distributed to members of the airline’s ‘Cathay Lab’ online community of more than 10,000 customers.
The question was part of a survey distributed to members of the airline’s ‘Cathay Lab’ online community of more than 10,000 customers.

“Bring your own cutlery set” was on the list.

Flying business, however, means bonus perks that accompany paying more for a ticket, like bigger seats, meal service and more.

As more jetsetters lament the lack of legroom and shrinking seats on passenger planes, some aircraft might be getting a facelift.

Travellers paying for business-class typically pay for more perks associated with the ticket prices.
Travellers paying for business-class typically pay for more perks associated with the ticket prices.

Italian Aerospace company Optimares debuted an innovative new aircraft seat that transforms into a bed for long-haul flights.

Instead of reclining like a traditional chair, an ottoman and leg rest are beneath the sofa bed and can be easily released to create a makeshift bed.

Despite its simplicity, the space-optimised extension converts the surface area of the seat to “25 per cent greater than comparable high-end business class seats,” measuring 40 inches wide and 78 inches long, similar to a twin bed.

Called the “SoFab,” the novel plane seats also weigh less than standard seats already used in aircraft, meaning less fuel expenditure during flights.

The seats, however, have not been introduced into the design of any aircraft as of yet.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/airline-asks-passengers-to-byo-cutlery/news-story/740e5383699b4cd31c996e1e0d35f7e3