Flight review: Cathay Pacific business class
Is there a greater compliment? Getting comfortable can be a struggle for lanky flyers but this operator seems to have the proportions just right.
With Cathay Pacific flying direct between Hong Kong and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, there’s a lot of interest in how the carrier measures up. But is the business class experience any good? We take a look at how the carrier measures up.
The seat
The business class cabin has a 1-2-1 seat configuration so every passenger has aisle access. As I sink into my cream-toned, immaculately presented “pod”, I’m cautious at first. It’s in the centre row and, with a view to the neighbouring seat, does not have the privacy of a window position.
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That may be good for travelling couples, not so wonderful for solos. As it happens, no one occupies the companion seat and, after takeoff, my super-duper 52cm screen swings into place as a divider and I get the “you and you alone” feeling.
The seat is a dream and in the easily manoeuvred into a fully flat bed that is 1.9m in length, ideal for a tall person.
This is a day flight in the same time zone so a long sleep is not advisable, but there is a bedding by British sustainable luxury brand Bamford, with cotton linens, duvet and pillows. An amenities kit includes essentials to moisturise the skin and prep for arrival. The seat has handy storage space with mirror and noise-cancelling earphones. Slippers and eye masks are supplied but pyjamas are not included.
Baggage allowance
Two pieces of luggage weighing up to 32kg each and cabin bag to 10kg with a small item.
Technology
There is a readily accessible USB port/power bank and wi-fi is enabled, but internet access for flight times above six hours costs $US19.95 ($29.70); this is to be waived for business class later in 2024. The tray table is large and, with personalised lighting, operates as an acceptable workspace.
On the menu
The menu arrives with a welcoming glass of Deutz Champagne, or try a signature Cloud Nine cocktail, which is vodka and Cointreau based. Stay sensible with a non-alcoholic Cathay Delight, a refreshing combo of kiwi fruit juice with coconut milk and lime.
The wines to come are from France, New Zealand, Portugal and Australia. Two meals are served: lunch just after takeoff, with a selection of three entrees and five main courses (I go for tandoori prawns with cucumber salad followed by braised beef cheek in red wine sauce and lemon meringue to finish); and a light dinner before landing (Malaysian beef satay skewers are the go).
Onboard entertainment
The Skytrax Award (airline Oscars) for best inflight entertainment in 2023 went to Cathay Pacific, and latest-release movies and TV series abound; my beef is with Hollywood and its diet of action and franchise films, and not a lot of what I want to watch. Cathay has recently added Disney+ Originals. Its music concert films and docos are appealing.
Cabin service
Faultless is the word I’d choose for the attentiveness and good cheer of the cabin staff but, to be honest, I am relatively low-demand. Needier passengers, I note, receive the same smart service.
On the ground
The express path for speedy immigration is a boon, as is priority delivery of luggage on arrival. In Sydney, Cathay business passengers have access to the Qantas International Business Lounge.
Loyalty scheme
Cathay loyalty membership earns Asia Miles and the airline is part of the Oneworld alliance.
In the know
Cathay Pacific flies direct to Hong Kong from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
The verdict
Is there a greater compliment than to admit that at the end of the nine-hour flight, I’m sorry it was so short? And how about an airline that serves a pale ale named Betsy (after its first plane), handcrafted for 35,000ft? Bless.
Graham Erbacher travelled with the assistance of Regent Hong Kong.