akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2336 posts, RR: 53 Posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 22935 times:
Introduction
Dear A.net mates,
Last year September, a notification about the PhD graduation of my sister-in-law Valerie was delivered on our mailbox. It was a great achievement of people of her age and a reason for celebration for the whole family!
Since the ceremony was due sometime in March of this year, the timing was just perfect for me and Herman to come over to visit her in Western Australia.
Soon enough, our trip to the Land Down Under became a framework of other visits.
Travel arrangement
What do you think that the most exciting part of our preparation would be? Especially when I took charge of it? Here is a hint. It starts with an ‘f’ and ends on ‘light’!
Emirates came instantly across my mind after our memorable journey to India and yes, I was eagerly watching out for the company’s special offer.
Weeks were passing, unfortunately without any single offer bound to happen.
In vain, I got distracted.
Newsletter in Dutch version
To celebrate 25 year of service in Amsterdam, Cathay Pacific released her special offer for destinations in Asia and Oceania.
To be honest, I got intrigued by the company for the first time when I saw its TV advertisement as eleven year old boy. Even though, my admiration of CX was fading during the past couple of years due to circumstances.
One day, CX made a flashy comeback, advertising the qualities of its employees with appropriate slogan, ‘People, they make an airline’.
Triggered by theirs and Palmjet’s eye-catching Cathay "Reunion": BNE-CNS-HKG In J (by Palmjet Aug 6 2011 in Trip Reports) , I was wondering whether CX would have something in reserve for us.
There was indeed something!
Cathay Pacific
Can you imagine the thrill after the delivery of our booking confirmation and subsequent E-tickets? We were entitled to the world behind Manage My Booking!
Manage My Booking
Can you see how well-organized the functionalities are reproduced?
Once a particular flight is selected, you can consult and edit your details accordingly. Furthermore, how about the ability to pre-select your seat as a part of many online services?
Seat selection
These services will definitely get you in the mood for your flight. But do you know what else would get me in the mood?
A.net meeting
What do you think if you can meet your A.net mates while going on holiday?
Coincidentally, Robert would fly back to Sweden on the same day as our departure. Knowing this, we agreed to meet at Schiphol. Yes, I was excited!
I got even more excited as Eric proposed to see off all of us after I told him about my plan. Together with best wishes from Markus (FLIEGER67) on my mobile, it became a memorable farewell party before holiday.
Online check in
Boy, how I was looking forward to this trip that I found myself sitting in front of our home desktop minutes before the online check-in opened up.
13.55! Finally!
Online check-in input mask
Upon pressing ‘Continue’ button, I was in!
Flight check-in selection
To my surprise, I could not check through. But, it did not matter. I was yet happy that online check-in was accessible 48 hours prior to departure.
What about our advance seat reservation?
Our seat reservation
How about switching to another seat?
Row 88 available
Well, I would rather keep our seats and proceeded to complete our details.
Passenger details field
Details were correct. Time to confirm…
Confirmation
And obtain our boarding passes!
My boarding pass
Mates, will you join us to find out how people make an airline from Amsterdam to Hong Kong?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2336 posts, RR: 53 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 23400 times:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Can you imagine my excitement when the following view…
Display screen
…changed into this?
FIDS
I felt like flying again and row 24 would be the first stop.
Airport check in
Overview
Seven check-in desks were set up for our flight. One for First Class, two for Business Class and remaining four for Economy Class.
Signage
The signage lead you to two entrances, one on the left for Y and one on the right for premium travelers.
Just as Herman and I were about to proceed, we were spotted by customer service officer Marvin.
“Are you flying with Cathay Pacific?” Marvin greeted us.
“Yes,”
“Please proceed through this side,” Marvin waived us to the left entrance to join the queue of Y passengers.
We would have obeyed. The only thing was that we had another booking.
“What about Business Class?”
“Are you flying Business Class? In that case, please come this way,”
Premium signage
“Do you mind waiting here for a moment? My colleague will attend you very soon,”
Occupied premium check-in desks
Rather busy Y check-in desks
Y check-in queue
Soon enough, we were invited to come to the left J check-in desk.
J check-in desk screen
Friendly customer service officer Steve took our documents to be processed.
“How many luggage do you have?”
“We have got two of them,”
The scale indicated 18.1 kilograms once I put our joint suitcase.
Our joint suitcase
The other one, filled with souvenirs and prescription free medicines, followed, making a total of 37.7 kilograms. Not bad, was it not?
Either because of his one and a half year working experience with CX or his oriental look, Steve was mysteriously attractive.
Once I told him about my boarding pass collection, he said, “In that case, I will not tear them at the gate and return you the entire stub,”
“That would be great,” I replied.
“I have a better idea. I will just print you another one,”
“What a novelty!”
I was about to ask about Steve’s origin but he forestalled me.
“Where do you come from?”
“I was born Indonesian,”
“Well, me too,”
“Really? How nice!”
“And so does he,” Steve smirked while pointing at his colleague officer Joy at the other J desk.
Joy just cracked a smile as he was busy. Nevertheless, he was as equally charming.
Do you notice the little girl on the earlier picture? She and her sister got each a little present from Joy as they were behaving while Joy checked in their dad, the bald guy in white sweater. How about that?
However, Steve had to insert our details in two different systems and even send a telex to reconfirm our rather complicated itinerary. It eventually took some half an hour to finalize our check-in.
I felt uneasy as Robert was already waiting nearby, basically for that half an hour. Thank you for your patience, Robert!
“I am sorry to keep you waiting that long,” Steve got off his chair and returned our documents along with a booklet.
Booklet
The booklet contained our boarding passes and lounge invitations.
My boarding pass
My lounge invitation
Steve really took his time to explain us the content of the booklet.
“Do you have any more question?” Steve asked at the end.
“No, thank you. Everything is clear,”
“Then, I wish you a pleasant flight with us,”
“Thanks, Steve,”
We caught up with Robert and proceeded to Touch Down Restaurant for some coffee.
Espresso for me and regular coffee for Herman
As soon as Eric joined us, everything just went too fast. That half an hour was simply not enough for our chit-chat and suddenly, it was time to say goodbye. Eric, Robert, thanks again for the sweet, but short meeting.
When we reached the entrance before ticket control, it was rather crowded.
Ticket control
The subsequent passport control was busy as well.
Passport control
I did not expect to see so many Premium travelers and Elite members judging on the equally busy two Priority lanes and single regular lane. Anyway, we were through some five minutes later and ready for lounging.
Lounge signage
British Airways Galleries Lounge
Our single visit to this lounge dated back from April 2009. That time, CX premium passengers were housed at Japan Airlines’ Sakura Lounge as Eric told me.
Lounge entrance
What do you think of the following?
Reception front
Once satisfied with our invitations, friendly BA customer service agent just offered to tidy up the desk for my photo session.
I regretted for not asking his name.
As we proceeded, a magazine rack became visible on the right side.
Magazine rack
‘Do you not think that those BA Highlife magazines look too eager to come along with you?’
‘Oh, Ariel. It has been a while. No, I just do not deserve them. I am not flying BA this time, you know?’
‘That is fair enough. So, you are having a drink now?’
‘Sure!’
Bar overview
‘Bubbly, I assume?’
‘Good idea!’
Wine corner
‘No bubbly, I am afraid,’
‘Never mind. I will go for white wine just like Herman. We can have bubbly on board,’
‘Alright. What about sandwiches?’
Egg bacon sandwiches
‘Well, I would rather wait,’
‘Do you want to check your e-mail? The laptop station is available,’
PC and laptop corner
‘I do not think it is necessary,’
‘How about checking your mobile in case of last minute messages?’
‘I do not think there will be any last minute message popping up. Besides, I want to enjoy the interior,’
Paintings
Mates, I wish I did check my mobile as I was in no rush while finishing my wine.
I found a message from Eric later on that I should look out of the window as soon as I got into the lounge. He would have been on the other side waving to me .
Lounge 3
‘Into last minute shopping?’
NL+. Note people on the foreground
‘Oh, no. I was a bit distracted by passing EK crew members. I am more into last minute spotting actually,’
Korean Air HL7733 in Skyteam livery
China Airlines B-18205
‘Look who is coming!’
CX crew members
‘It looks like our plane has arrived on time from Paris,’
‘Are you saying that you wish to better stay up to date?’
Schiphol App advertisement
‘Well, I am saying that we can go straight to Gate G seven,’
‘Alright. Enjoy,’
Gate G7
Mates, which screen do you prefer? This one…
Gate screen
…or this one?
Gate screen
What do you think of the window view?
Our Queen of The Sky B-HOS
And close up of the “brushwing” livery?
Nose
Tail
What about this overview of our gate?
Pre-security area
And some five minutes later from the other side?
Post security
Can you recognize the labgate interior colors on our Queen?
B-HOS from another angle
I was mesmerized, though for a second as a cacophony of voices around me reminded that Herman and I were not the only ones flying.
Holding room overview. Note the queue
While the boarding time was just some ten minutes away.
Boarding
“We are ready for boarding. Families with small children, First and Business Class passengers as well as our Elite members are invited to go on board now,”
On the resounding call, the queue kept growing and barely no one budged an inch.
Boarding crowd
We decided to cut the line and not to bother whether there would be another premium passengers in the queue.
“Welcome on board. Your seat is on the right,” Indian Senior Purser Nimi waived us on upon a glance at our boarding passes.
Mates, it was such a feeling to find a cozy retreat of my own…
My seat 87K
With direct access to the aisle…
Legroom
And control units within arm’s reach.
In-flight entertainment controller, 110V AC power supply and seat controller
Too bad, my single window was a bit out of reach.
My window
Japanese Flight Purser Yuko appeared with a tray of welcome drinks. There were orange juice, water and champagne on offer.
“Good afternoon, Sir. May I offer you anything to drink?”
“Yes, please. I will have the champagne.”
“Certainly, Sir,”
My glass of champagne on cocktail side table
Amenity kits were soon distributed.
Amenity kit by Agnès
Followed with hot towel service.
Yuko distributing hot towel
Mates, do you see what I see?
Open cockpit door
Five minutes before our STD, Captain Steward made a short introduction.
“Our cruising time will be eleven hours. We expect a temperature of 24 Centigrade on our arrival in Hong Kong,”
He then called upon Philippine In-flight Service Manager Joy.
“We are ready for boarding. We request our ground personnel to leave the aircraft now,” Joy said after wishing us a pleasant flight.
Can you imagine the thrill as pushback commenced right after and our Queen’s Rolls Royce RB’s sprung into life? Can you think any better symphony to accompany the in-flight safety video show or another background music for reading up on the safety card?
Front page
Back page
Taxi and take off
Our Queen set out graciously for Kaagbaan.
Past D-pier. Note BA G-EUYE and sister ship further up
Lining up in front of awed followers.
Posing before take-off
Our Queen moved slowly but steadily as the soprano’s joined in, then accelerated along increasing voice axis.
Powerful take-off roll
As soon as the soprano’s reached the climax.
Rotate
Waving to the surrounding.
Bastion Hotel and NH Schiphol Hotel on bottom left
Being determined to battle the cloud layers.
Above the cloud
She won and leveled off.
In flight
The past sequences were way too exciting that I needed to freshen up as soon as the fasten seat belt signs were switched off.
Washbasin
Cleansing milk, all-in-one lotion and hand lotion
To measure whether I felt refreshed enough…
Purple orchid
And ready for some lectures.
Magazine stowage
In an exceptional upper deck ambience.
Cabin overview
Waiting for Nimi’s presentation of menu and wine list…
Lunch menu. Note wine list covering the opposite page
And distribution of water bottle by Yuko.
Evian
Cocktail service soon commenced.
Nimi with cocktail trolley
Herman and I made a choice out of the wine list.
Champagne for Herman
Cloud Nine for me
The cocktail tray came in sight.
Soft drinks, juices and spirits on top
Evian water bottles and wines on the bottom
How about making it easy for Nimi by preparing the table on my own?
Folded position
Unfolded and extra large with lovely wooden panel
“Can I offer you anything to drink? Beer, wine or soft drink?” Nimi asked while serving a bowl of warm nuts.
Bowl of warm nuts along with napkin
“Can I have Cloud Nine, please?”
“Sure. Just a moment, please,”
Nimi whispered my drink order to Yuko who just appeared to replenish Evian water bottles.
Yuko nodded and returned to the galley.
“Any other drink while waiting?”
“I am fine. Thank you,”
In the mean time, I could find out what I got to see with the 15 inch widescreen TV in front of me.
Not without an appropriate tool.
Noise-cancelling headset
Ready?
Homepage. Choose your favorite language
Set? Go!
Entertainment, Infotainment or In-flight Services
Moving map belongs to entertainment in my opinion.
Entertainment
Apparently no moving map on the list.
“Your Cloud Nine, sir,” Yuko served my drink with a smile.
“Thank you,”
Cloud Nine. Note the sugar layer on the rim
How refreshing the first sip was. It called for music!
888 CD’s divided in 24 genres
‘Dance? Yes!’
Sweat by David Guetta
Night Nurse by Cascada
‘Because the night belongs to lovers, because the night…’
I had to stop Cascada’s singing because Yuko was setting my table.
Crisp table linen
Yuko returned with my meal tray as soon as I finished my Cloud Nine.
My table set
Before a close up of the starter, look at the top right of the tray.
Salt and pepper container
You would feel like seasoning your meal just because of the presentation.
Mixed salad with pine nuts and a nicely presented mini bottle of lemon tarragon vinaigrette
Clockwise from right: scallop, salmon, prawn on wakame salad and a half capsicum filled with mango fennel slightly on top of yuzu mayonnaise
Clockwise was the key. Tickling your taste bud with silky scallop which blended perfectly into downy salmon. Munching your way to the climax of savory explosion of wakame salad and full bodied shrimp. Then relaxing with calm sensation of mango fennel and feeling prepared for the next course. No seasoning needed!
How about another music in the meantime?
Pause by Pitbull
‘Now don’t stop… ‘
Joy and Nimi
Joy joined CX twenty five years ago and has ever since been gaining experience on board of all 747 series, TriStar and Airbus. While Nimi with her twenty three years of service will soon become In-flight Service Manager.
About one and a half hour into the flight, Captain Steward was on the microphone, “We will be experiencing some turbulences. Please return to your seat and fasten your seat belt,”
Indeed, as soon as fasten seat belt signs were illuminated, our Queen started shaking. Well, I do not think it was because of Pitbull.
As the turbulences worsened, Captain Steward summoned his colleagues to return to their seats. ‘…drop it…’
I rearranged my tray table as everything on it felt like dancing, but one.
’Discover the Shop’ booklet
Instead, I discovered something else.
Discovery in-flight magazine
Which found the way into our hand luggage at the end.
‘…pause,’ The turbulences were over.
The main course trolley made its appearance.
Choice of fillets of sole, ravioloni with Reypenaer cheese or roast chicken breast with red skin potato gratin
What do you think of the presentation?
Herman’s choice: Fillets of sole with tomato, almond and mushroom butter, new potatoes, carrots and asparagus
“What would you like to have for the main course?” Nimi asked me, “I have sole, ravioloni or roast chicken breast,”
“Actually, I would rather have the stir-fried beef,”
“I will check for you if there is any. Do you want some wine to go with it?”
“Red wine, please,”
“The French or the promotion one?”
Promotion red wine
“The promotion one, please,”
“I will get back to you for the beef,” Nimi promised after serving my wine.
“That would be great,”
Yuko must have felt called upon as she appeared with two dishes of stir-fried beef.
“You are lucky,” Nimi smiled.
My stir-fried beef with pineapple, egg fried rice and stir-fried vegetables
The beef was definitely worth asking for. So tender with sweet and sour tone, alternated by rich flavored fried rice and a medley of vegetables, cooked into perfection.
“Can I clear your table?” Natsuko, another Japanese Flight Purser, appeared on my side.
“Oh, yes, sure,”
Cantonese Flight Purser Bonnie also joined in clearing the tables of other passengers.
The whole scene made me wonder why I did not see them earlier. But soon, it became clear what was going on. Natsuko and Bonnie were in charge of the lower deck. Once they finished their duties, they came to assist Nimi and Yuko. That is what I call teamwork!
Natsuko and Nimi returned with cheese trolley.
“Can I offer you selection of cheese? We have Rochebaron, clove cheese and Young goats cheese,” Natsuko showed me her collection.
“Yes, please,”
“Would you care for port wine?”
“Certainly,”
My cheese plate, consisting of slices of clove cheese on top, Rochebaron in the middle and young goats cheese against a bunch of grapes and pre-packed crackers accompanied with a glass of port wine
It was an indulgence one should not skip. Inspired by Anosh.
“Some fruit as well?”
“No, thank you,”
It did not feel right to skip the healthy option, but I was nearly full. Besides, another indulgence was coming.
“Do you care for dessert, tea or coffee?”
“Yes, please. Can I have the pie first and order the coffee later on?”
“Sure,”
Bannoffee pie
The creamy pie texture on crumbly bottom was so sinfully sweet and what do you think of the caramel layer in between?
Once the dessert plate was cleared, Natsuko promptly brought my double espresso and a glass of Cognac. Yuko followed her with a box of pralines.
Pralines
With hot towel distribution, our extensive meal round came to an end.
Soon enough as no one seemed to care for duty free and opted to lay down instead, cabin lights were dimmed.
It was time to find out how Agnès B would make you comfortable…
Clockwise from bottom: tooth paste, Murad Cleansing shave, toothbrush, shoe horn, amenity case, knitted socks, eye mask and supplier information cards
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2336 posts, RR: 53 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 23174 times:
‘Suryo…’
’Suryo…’
‘Ariel?’
‘Suryo…’
‘Ariel, where are you?’
‘Suryo…’
‘Are you down there?’
‘Suryo…’
‘Ariel, are you behind the curtain?’
‘Suryo…’
‘I am coming,’
As soon as I drew the curtain, a stern voiced female red phantom immediately blocked my way.
“Can I help you?”
“I just want to go backwards for a walk,”
“If you want to take pictures of the cabin, you will have to ask permission first! Where is your seat?”
“Eighty seven K. Upstairs,”
“You cannot go through as you will disturb the comfort of other passengers!”
I was flabbergasted as the curtain got abruptly closed again.
‘This cannot be true. Ariel, did you hear what she said? Ariel? Ariel?’
I got no reply.
’What is going on here? This is so unreal! I am having a bad dream! This must be a bad dream!’
I urgently needed a change.
Infotainment
Moving map was on the list, but I was not really into it. Instead I was curious about a specific detail of our Queen.
CX Info
Of sixteen cabin crew members, four were actually providing great in-flight services.
In-flight Services
Natsuko was on duty as I went to the galley.
“Can I get you anything?”
“I would like to have something refreshing. Do you have any suggestion?”
“How about our signature cocktail? Cloud Nine?”
“Oh, yes, please,”
“Sure. I will bring it to your seat,”
“Thank you,”
“We have some snacks as well if you like,”
Contra clockwise from left: Apples, whole meal sandwiches with salami, sandwiches met cheese, praline, macadamia nut and blueberry shortbread, a packet of spring onion crackers, non fried apple chips, KitKat and peanuts
“Thank you. I am fine,”
“Sure. Your drink will be ready soon,”
Natsuko kept her promise.
“Do you want some nuts?”
“No, thank you. I am fine,”
“Sure,”
My drink called for music again, but this time for another, more calming genre.
Enya
Before I knew, cabin lights were illuminated in preparation for breakfast.
Forward cabin view
The breakfast service started with hot towel distribution.
Boy, how I enjoyed the steam penetrating the pores of my face. All my cares were somehow left behind. I was set for the menu...
Breakfast menu
And awakened by caring voice of Nimi.
“Do you want any juice? I have apple, orange, tomato or peach smoothie?” She asked while guiding me along her tray offering.
“Can I have the smoothie, please?”
“Certainly. Do you want any coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, please,”
“Sugar?”
“No, thank you,”
My glass of peach and apricot smoothie and cup of coffee
With Yuko’s first table dressing…
My drinking utensils on crisp white linen
And the finishing.
My breakfast tray
Luckily, I could pay my due.
Fresh seasonal fruit slices. Clockwise from right: Kiwi, strawberry, melon, orange and pineapple
Richly filled bread basket was offered.
Blueberry muffins, croissants and a baguette on the left. Honey and preserves on the right
Everything looked so fresh and tasty, but I knew a friend would appreciate if I decided on one thing.
Muffin
The muffin was so moist and fluffy. I did not regret it at all!
Nimi and Natsuko appeared with second breakfast trolley set.
“Would you care for yoghurt, muesli or some cereals?”
I briefly looked at Natsuko who was about to prepare the yoghurt, then turned to Nimi who was in charge of muesli, “I will have the muesli, please. I am sorry, Natsuko,”
Natsuko just smiled, “Certainly. No problem,”
Bircher muesli
The velvety muesli mixture felt like a massage on your taste bud, preparing for the next course.
Seafood conge. Note the bowl of spring onion rings and ginger slices on the left
Savory, silky sensation of congee along rich flavored sea food were pepped up with spicy bite of ginger and spring onion. I was all tingled!
And what do you think of Herman’s choice?
Cheese and egg soufflé with Hollandaise sauce, veal sausage, back bacon, tomato and sautéed mushrooms
By the way, do you remember the four crew members I have mentioned earlier? They happened to be Nimi, Yuko, Natsuko and … Joy.
After engaging a conversation with Joy at dinnertime, she proposed at one stage, “Do you want me to write something on your book?”
“Sure, that would be great,” I said.
“I will come back to you after dinner,”
Well, she did not come back right away and I could understand it as she was undoubtedly busy with her job as In-flight Service Manager.
But she kept her promise after breakfast.
Mabuhay from Joy
As I glanced at my screen, I got to see the following.
Connecting flight information
It could only mean one thing. Our flight came to an end.
Landing
Some thirty minutes before our ATA, Captain Steward was on the microphone to make his farewell announcement, “I hope you have enjoyed our flight. It has been a pleasure of serving you. Flight attendants, prepare for landing,”
Steadily and graciously, our Queen made her way through the thick cloud layers while gradually revealing foggy scenery around Lantau Island.
Tai O
Sham Wat
At 08.05 Hong Kong time, she smoothly touched down on 7L runway.
Seconds after touchdown
Even after exhausting eleven hours of journey and in need of well-deserved rest, our Queen still managed to greet her household.
Dragonair B-HTE
B-HXD
Finally, she came to a complete stop at 08.10.
Disembarking
I wished to show my gratitude to the four the appropriate way. So…
“Dhanyavād,” I did the folded arm to Nimi.
I never saw her smiling so broadly at me.
“Arigatō gozaimasu,” I said while bending over to Yuko.
“Dō itashimashite,” Yuko returned my greeting.
“Salamat,” I did the folded arm to Joy once I was downstairs.
“Salamat,” Joy followed my example.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2336 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 23072 times:
Hong Kong International Airport
Just like in Dubai, there were customer service officers at the end of the air bridge holding up the name of destinations whose flights were near boarding time.
“Taipei? Passengers for Taipei?”
“Ho Chi Minh? Ho Chi Minh?”
“Sydney? Passengers for Sydney?”
No one was calling our onward destination which was not that surprising.
FIDS
It was a good thing as I could indulge in my excitement of marking my first footprint in Hong Kong, another spotter’s heaven on earth!
ANA JA626A
B-KPF
Mates, our farewell to B-HOS actually has put an end to the first part of our journey to the Land Down Under.
Conclusion
First of all, my gratitude to Eric, Robert and Markus for the memorable farewell party; Herman for being a great travel companion all the time.
Secondly, I wish to thank Steve, who has been a great host at Schiphol; Nimi, Yuko, Natsuko and Joy for taking good care of us on board.
With all of their efforts, I will just regard my unpleasant encounter with the red phantom as a bad dream.
Furthermore, my appreciation for Anosh, Roni and Palmjet for the inspiration for flying CX.
Last but not least, my gratitude to all of you for joining me all the way from Amsterdam to Hong Kong.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy my report. My last contribution has been a while ago, so please feel free to leave comments. I am sure there is always room for improvement.
filoflyer From Finland, joined Feb 2012, 47 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 22691 times:
very nice tr! CX has a very good cabin service... unfortunately its just the seats that held me back flying with them but better days are coming ...! great shots of the queen of the sky.! Our hearts will always skip a beat whenever we see her..
virginvsbritish From United States of America, joined Oct 2010, 36 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 22616 times:
FANTASTIC TR! I really enjoyed reading it. I felt like I was right there on the Queen of the Skies right with you. Great job
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 953 posts, RR: 34 Reply 7, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22515 times:
Hi Suryo,
Well done on a great report. It was beautifully details, and members of this forum should be honoured by how much time and effort you put into these reports. But of course, it is a labour of love.
CX looked great. Some aspects were a little naff - the main courses looked messy and cluttered, the red phantom is running a risky business talking to passengers like that and it is a shame to use BA lounge with no bubbly!
Some parts of the meals looked great though. I thought the atmosphere looked like a sleep-over on the upper-deck. Great. And, those fares are pretty damn impressive.
Let hope CX can maintain the standards and keep up.
Great too see the Queen of the Skies. I am worried she is becoming more and more rare these days.
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2953 posts, RR: 7 Reply 8, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22501 times:
Hi Suryo,
I've been waiting for you report, and I was certainly not disappointed - another up to your usual standard, thank you!
One thing I've noticed is that you rarely have any bad flight attendants - I am convinced that even if any were having a bad day, you seem to cheer them up! A shame about the photos from downstairs, but I guess the crew had a point.
CX in C looks great, the product itself well worthy of a try.
And congratulations to your sister-in-law, my wife earned her PhD only a couple of years ago. I know from first hand experience how hard they are.
luv2fly From United States of America, joined May 2003, 11957 posts, RR: 51 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22476 times:
What a treat, it was a pleasure to read and experience your travels along with you. I could not have enjoyed it more. Eagerly waiting for the next parts. Don't make us wait to long.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4068 posts, RR: 51 Reply 10, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22480 times:
Hi, Suryo,
actually it seems so quick after I waved you goodbye at Schiphol on that Saturday, still time flies you know and you're back with this fantastic report!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Either because of his one and a half year working experience with CX or his oriental look, Steve was mysteriously attractive.
Hehe... Steve is working for Menzies groundhandling, before he went to CX he was one of our loyal and dedicated staff at JL A fantastic charming guy and really good in his job!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): That half an hour was simply not enough for our chit-chat and suddenly, it was time to say goodbye. Eric, Robert, thanks again for the sweet, but short meeting.
Always too soon, but nevertheless we had a nice Dutch coffee together (with stroopwafel, and my free muffin )
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): That time, CX premium passengers were housed at Japan Airlines’ Sakura Lounge as Eric told me.
Shame these times are over
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): I found a message from Eric later on that I should look out of the window as soon as I got into the lounge. He would have been on the other side waving to me
Yes, it's visible from the observation deck, but me and Robert had enough planes to watch, too.
Yes, very nice and specially designed for the CX flights. Only gate G7 offers this design.
Overall, great catering I think, great crew too according to your impressions. Dislike: the seat layout, definitely not my taste. But I heard, this is going to change again soon, isn't it?
Happy Easter,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
mxp From Italy, joined Aug 2003, 389 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22453 times:
Suryo
that another wonderful TR. Thanx for sharing.
Business class on CX look very very good. I will try some business in 2 months on my next holiday too but i think i will not be able to write so a good TR like you and others famous trip reporter here do.
Greetings from Milan
Alberto
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 490 posts, RR: 3 Reply 12, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22380 times:
Hi Suryo,
Fantastic report & fantastic pictures. Cathay's J looks like one of the best in it's class. The food looked great & substantial & the crew as it seems on your flights were fantastic.
Also it's great to see an upper deck 747 report. It's saddening to see the plane get slowly more extinct with carriers like SQ retiring them.
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 22260 times:
Hi Suryo
What a lovely trip report. Cathay Pacific looks wonderful. The presentation of the food looks excellent and I especially like their salt and pepper shakers.
So what do you think of the seat? It's similar to the one Air Canada has, which I have tried. It's comfy enough but somehow not being able to look out the window always seems like a bit of a let down for me.
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 862 posts, RR: 4 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 22080 times:
Hello Suryo,
So this is where you disappeared to!! I knew your absence would only be a sign of good things to come...And how they came to me this sunny Saturday afternoon here. It was a delight to read about your Business Class flight on Cathay Pacific on the upper deck!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): ‘Ariel, where are you?’
‘Suryo…’
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): ‘Are you down there?’
‘Suryo…’
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): ‘Ariel, are you behind the curtain?’
‘Suryo…’
‘I am coming,’
As soon as I drew the curtain, a stern voiced female red phantom immediately blocked my way.
“Can I help you?”
“I just want to go backwards for a walk,”
“If you want to take pictures of the cabin, you will have to ask permission first! Where is your seat?”
“Eighty seven K. Upstairs,”
“You cannot go through as you will disturb the comfort of other passengers!”
I was flabbergasted as the curtain got abruptly closed again.
‘This cannot be true. Ariel, did you hear what she said? Ariel? Ariel?’
I got no reply.
’What is going on here? This is so unreal! I am having a bad dream! This must be a bad dream!’
Let's start with Ariel!! It really seemed like you almost descended into hell quite literally only to meet the red phantom below!! Loved how Ariel was calling out to you, leading you to the bottom only for poor Ariel to be scared off in the end!! Have you found Ariel...he was missing for the rest of the story!!
Is that one of those hard shelled Samsonite suitcase, the type the EK crews fly with? They weigh in so fast with barely anything in it.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): The scale indicated 18.1 kilograms once I put our joint suitcase.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): The other one, filled with souvenirs and prescription free medicines, followed, making a total of 37.7 kilograms. Not bad, was it not?
Why would you not want to distribute the weight between the two evenly?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): As soon as Eric joined us, everything just went too fast. That half an hour was simply not enough for our chit-chat and suddenly, it was time to say goodbye. Eric, Robert, thanks again for the sweet, but short meeting.
Ah, it must be so nice to meet up with fellow A.netters before a flight!!
Always great to have a clear window view of your aircraft!! Just like the windows in Abu Dhabi!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): “Welcome on board. Your seat is on the right,” Indian Senior Purser Nimi waived us on upon a glance at our boarding passes.
CX has Indian cabin crew too? I know SQ advertises their Indian crews in their ads, where as CX has been advertising their Oriental crews, as far as I can recall.
Did you not ask for a visit to the cockpit? Or did Ariel fail to remind you? lol
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2):
Too bad, my single window was a bit out of reach.
Hate the way those seats are positioned. Call me old fashioned I need to have my window in clear view and easy access!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Can you think any better symphony to accompany the in-flight safety video show or another background music for reading up on the safety card?
The most magical moments of the pre-take off. So far Thai Airways safety demonstration videos are the most soothing one out there!! Someday I hope to experience this video first hand, perhaps in Business Class
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Japanese Flight Purser Yuko
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Natsuko, another Japanese Flight Purser,
Just how many pursers are there on this flight? Isn't it standard for a flight to have a single purser?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Clockwise from right: scallop, salmon, prawn on wakame salad and a half capsicum filled with mango fennel slightly on top of yuzu mayonnaise
Hmm seafood...and how nicely arranged. Though I have to say the rest of the meal presentations look terrible for a J class product!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Richly filled bread basket was offered.
Sugar and carbs!!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Seafood conge. Note the bowl of spring onion rings and ginger slices on the left
Hmm seafood....and that too in the form of seafood congee.
What a lovely handwriting Joy has....Penmanship is certainly dying in this world we live in with all our electronic devices where we hardly write as much as say a few years back!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “Dhanyavād,” I did the folded arm to Nimi.
I never saw her smiling so broadly at me.
“Arigatō gozaimasu,” I said while bending over to Yuko.
“Dō itashimashite,” Yuko returned my greeting.
“Salamat,” I did the folded arm to Joy once I was downstairs.
“Salamat,” Joy followed my example.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1760 posts, RR: 25 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 21701 times:
Great report, Suryo!
Looks like you had a good flight with CX in J! How great you got to be on the upper deck of the 747. The food looks good, and the service looks like it was up to the normal service standard of Cathay.
Hope you have a great trip in Hong Kong. Its definitely a city I'd like to visit!
Well and truly battered: a sign of a frequent traveller.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “I have a better idea. I will just print you another one,”
That is a nice touch and heralded the kindnesses that you received along the way.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Mates, it was such a feeling to find a cozy retreat of my own…
...Too bad, my single window was a bit out of reach
I am not too keen on the angled seating. Sure, everyone has direct aisle access but it can be awkward seeing out, which defeats the object of a window seat. I am not too sure about having to look at peoples' socks either. Judging by the look on Nimi's face some of them may be "a bit on the nose."
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Herman and I made a choice out of the wine list.
I note the Rocky Gully from Western Australia, your ultimate destination. Sensibly you waited till you got here before sampling any of the local wines.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Moving map belongs to entertainment in my opinion...
...Apparently no moving map on the list.
Did you find the map in the end? First item listed on the "Infotainment" menu and it looks like someone had it on their screen in your forward cabin photo.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): As soon as I drew the curtain, a stern voiced female red phantom immediately blocked my way.
“Can I help you?”
“I just want to go backwards for a walk,”
“If you want to take pictures of the cabin, you will have to ask permission first! Where is your seat?”
“Eighty seven K. Upstairs,”
“You cannot go through as you will disturb the comfort of other passengers!”
It seems a bit abrupt but she does have a point about the comfort of the passengers who may be trying to sleep. We know that you are very considerate but she obviously hasn't read your trip reports. Shame on her. How pleasant was Natsuko in contrast:
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “Can I get you anything?”
“I would like to have something refreshing. Do you have any suggestion?”
“How about our signature cocktail? Cloud Nine?”
“Oh, yes, please,”
“Sure. I will bring it to your seat,”
“Thank you,”
“We have some snacks as well if you like,”
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “Dhanyavād,” I did the folded arm to Nimi.
...
“Arigatō gozaimasu,” I said while bending over to Yuko.
...
“Salamat,” I did the folded arm to Joy once I was downstairs.
I can't wait to see what you will say in the Larrakia, Pitjantjatjara and Wardandi languages.
Thank you Suryo for bringing your experience aboard CX. The crew looked after you and it seems that overall you had a pleasant journey. The Red Phantom simply highlights the fact that the rest of the journey was good.
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1256 posts, RR: 33 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 21515 times:
Hi Suryo,
Well, what a nice surprise to find this report on Easter Sunday morning. It's been too long since your last one, you need to go flying more often
I didn't realise you & Herman have family in Australia. How nice of you to travel so far to see your sister-in-law's graduation, I'm sure she really appreciated it. And of course how wonderful to meet up with Robert & Eric and be seen off in style!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Can you imagine my excitement when the following view…
What great photos of the 747, such a gorgeous bird.
I was intrigued by the seatplan when you checked in as it appeared that you would be sitting behind each other, but after seeing your pictures it all makes sense. On the one hand I like it, but on the other I too would find it strange having the window behind me.
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1140 posts, RR: 19 Reply 19, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 21147 times:
Hola Suryo!
Another of your great TRs... nice to see you had such an exciting farewell at AMS surrounded by so many anetter friends, great; it adds more excitement to such a great trip to visit family on the other side of the world.
CX looks like a great airline though the sided seats prevent you from having a good view from the window, this would be my only opposition to that seating.
The crew seemed, according to your description, very nice and gentle and the food offered on board was more than acceptable, although I would have chosen Herman's breakfast main course.
Pity they did not allow you to stretch your legs at the back of the plane, although I can agree in the statement of the passenger's comfort I cannot agree on the rude way the FA addressed you, this FA needs to read your reports, send CX a copy and be sure they forward it.
Looking forward to reading the next trips.
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 20957 times:
Hi Suryo, my friend,
what a great surprise to find this fantastic report here today! I had been looking forward to your new series - so many months have passed since your last report.
As usual I'm amazed by all the details you present perfectly in your reports. How do you remember all these conversations?
CX has always been one of my favorite carriers. I still remember some great flights on my first journey to Australia in 2000 (A333, A343 and 744). I had several flight deck visits and I was even invited to take the jumpseat for landing at HKG. Good old times!
However, I'm not a fan of the today's herringbone layout. And I'm a bit disappointed by the presentation of some of the meals you got. But the J Class product in general looks fine.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): To celebrate 25 year of service in Amsterdam, Cathay Pacific released her special offer for destinations in Asia and Oceania.
Wow, great deals. But where are the J Class fares?
You initially shocked me, I thought the map was totally missing.
Btw - I followed your plane on Flightradar24 for a short while. I had been hoping you would fly over my area, but CX chose a totally different route.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Clockwise from right: scallop, salmon, prawn on wakame salad and a half capsicum filled with mango fennel slightly on top of yuzu mayonnaise
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): The creamy pie texture on crumbly bottom was so sinfully sweet and what do you think of the caramel layer in between?
That's looks much better again!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): As soon as I drew the curtain, a stern voiced female red phantom immediately blocked my way.
“Can I help you?”
“I just want to go backwards for a walk,”
“If you want to take pictures of the cabin, you will have to ask permission first! Where is your seat?”
“Eighty seven K. Upstairs,”
“You cannot go through as you will disturb the comfort of other passengers!”
I was flabbergasted as the curtain got abruptly closed again.
What? Are you sure this was real? Permission? Why don't they allow J Class passengers to pass through Y Class? Never heard that.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Moving map was on the list, but I was not really into it.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): It was a good thing as I could indulge in my excitement of marking my first footprint in Hong Kong, another spotter’s heaven on earth!
That's an appropriate description!
Thanks again for taking the time to create that outstanding report! I'm already looking forward to part II!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25122 posts, RR: 60 Reply 21, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days ago) and read 20623 times:
Hey Suryo ,
A great report and lovely read as always . Congratulations to your Sister in law.
I love the gate area at AMS . CX looks really nice. I love the Salt and Pepper shakers Nice touch. The CX J Class product looks really nice and you covered it really well. Thanks for giving us an in depth insight to the CX experience.
PS . Hermans breakfast choice would have been mine also .
Looking forward to more from you soon
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1673 posts, RR: 15 Reply 22, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 20176 times:
Hello Suryo,
First of all I would like to thank you for the long awaited report. I have very much been looking forward to read about your experiences on Cathay, and I was very surprised to see the report up so soon. As usual it was a delightful read, and I enjoyed every single sentence of it. You have an excellent writing style, and reading your reports is as if being on the flight myself. Truly excellent work, and keep it up!
Now some additional points:
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Since the ceremony was due sometime in March of this year, the timing was just perfect for me and Herman to come over to visit her in Western Australia.
Well that sounds like a great reason to travel. Hope you had a nice time with your dearest in Austalia.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Boy, how I was looking forward to this trip that I found myself sitting in front of our home desktop minutes before the online check-in opened up.
Well isn't that the case prior to all flights?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Please proceed through this side,” Marvin waived us to the left entrance to join the queue of Y passengers.
That's quite rude of him to assume that. But then again maybe he misjudged you by your casual style of clothing?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): The scale indicated 18.1 kilograms once I put our joint suitcase.
Hmm, that's not much luggage at all. Seems like I am up for some competition in the travel light fight!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): It eventually took some half an hour to finalize our check-in.
Wow, that's indeed a very long time, but I assume it passed by very quickly with the lovely company of your check-in agent.
Looks quite delicious. Love the coffee they have in Holland, especially with that creamy milk, and not to forget the caramel cookies
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): I did not expect to see so many Premium travelers and Elite members judging on the equally busy two Priority lanes and single regular lane.
Well isn't that a problem in Amsterdam. A lot of passengers from Economy use the priority lanes despite not having access to them, and the staff doesn't even bother to make anything about it.
Must say I don't like the herringbone configuration. Not only does it look very cramped, and give a sore neck after trying to peek out the window, it seems very un-private as well, and people's feet visible through the aisle does not look good at all. Gives Business Class a very un-exclusive feeling.
Like how they display all the food options, to make an easier assessment of which dish to chose. Presentation wise though they look like merely enhanced Economy Class main courses. They better plate it up properly instead, like SQ or EK (i.e the airlines CX claim to be competing against). Also EU carriers like LH, LX, BA manage to plate the food up more properly than that. Oh well just my opinion, and I'm at least glad you enjoyed your meal so well
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “If you want to take pictures of the cabin, you will have to ask permission first! Where is your seat?”
“Eighty seven K. Upstairs,”
“You cannot go through as you will disturb the comfort of other passengers!”
Now that is perhaps the rudest behavior a flight attendant could ever give to someone in Business Class. Not good at all, and it would really put me off from flying that airline if I were in your shoes. Luckily the other crew members seemed very friendly, and compensated for their rude colleague. Did you get an explanation from the others regarding the bad behavior?
"Wheels Up!"
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6115 posts, RR: 56 Reply 23, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 19793 times:
Hi Suryo!
Thanks for posting a report again;it's been too long !
Amazing report as always with fantastic pictures !
I'm glad you had a great flight on CX and very nice to fly on the upper deck on a 747; it's been a long time since I last was on a flight up there.
Not a a great layout upstairs since it's very difficult to look out of the window. Perhaps downstairs it's the same. On the plus side, everyone has aisle access but to me the view out of a window is more important than aisle access.
I also have to say that I'm VERY disappointed in the meals served for lunch; both the presentation but also the actual dish served. I had much better food recently on United recently both in terms of presentation and in what was offered.
Not very friendly flight attendant in Economy class....
Very much looking forward to your next report in this series!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting OA260 (Reply 21): A great report and lovely read as always
Quoting OA260 (Reply 21): The CX J Class product looks really nice and you covered it really well.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): As usual it was a delightful read, and I enjoyed every single sentence of it.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 23): Amazing report as always with fantastic pictures !
Thank you. I am very happy to know that you like my report.
filoflyer, Hannah:
Quoting filoflyer (Reply 5): great shots of the queen of the sky.!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): What great photos of the 747, such a gorgeous bird.
Thank you.
virginvsbritish, Luke, TEW, Hannah, Jonas:
Quoting virginvsbritish (Reply 6): I felt like I was right there on the Queen of the Skies right with you.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): It was beautifully details, and members of this forum should be honoured by how much time and effort you put into these reports.
Quoting luv2fly (Reply 9): What a treat, it was a pleasure to read and experience your travels along with you. I could not have enjoyed it more.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): No way Suryo! Your reports are the best
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): You have an excellent writing style, and reading your reports is as if being on the flight myself. Truly excellent work, and keep it up!
I am truly honored with your kind words. Thank you.
signol, Alberto, William, Roy, PH, Philip:
Quoting signol (Reply 8): another up to your usual standard, thank you!
Quoting mxp (Reply 11): that another wonderful TR. Thanx for sharing.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): Thank you Suryo for bringing your experience aboard CX.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): Thanks again for taking the time to create that outstanding report!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 21): Thanks for giving us an in depth insight to the CX experience.
You are welcome. Thank you for taking your time to read my report.
Eric, aflyingkiwi, Roy, Roger, Philip:
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Overall, great catering I think, great crew too according to your impressions.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 12): The food looked great & substantial & the crew as it seems on your flights were fantastic.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): The crew looked after you and it seems that overall you had a pleasant journey.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 19): The crew seemed, according to your description, very nice and gentle and the food offered on board was more than acceptable,
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): Presentation wise though they look like merely enhanced Economy Class main courses. They better plate it up properly instead, like SQ or EK (i.e the airlines CX claim to be competing against.) Also EU carriers like LH, LX, BA manage to plate the food up more properly than that.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 23): I also have to say that I'm VERY disappointed in the meals served for lunch; both the presentation but also the actual dish served.
Herman had similar thoughts too.
signol, aflyingkiwi, Matthew, Avianca, PH:
Quoting signol (Reply 8): CX in C looks great, the product itself well worthy of a try.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 12): Cathay's J looks like one of the best in it's class.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 15): Looks like you had a good flight with CX in J!
Quoting Avianca (Reply 16): CX in J seems to be really good!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): But the J Class product in general looks fine.
Absolutely.
signol, Roy, Philip:
Quoting signol (Reply 8): And congratulations to your sister-in-law
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): Belated congratulations to the sister-in-law.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 21): Congratulations to your Sister in law.
Thank you. I will pass your wishes on to her.
signol, Roy, Roger, Jonas, Lars:
Quoting signol (Reply 8): A shame about the photos from downstairs, but I guess the crew had a point.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): It seems a bit abrupt but she does have a point about the comfort of the passengers who may be trying to sleep. We know that you are very considerate but she obviously hasn't read your trip reports. Shame on her.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 19): Pity they did not allow you to stretch your legs at the back of the plane, although I can agree in the statement of the passenger's comfort I cannot agree on the rude way the FA addressed you,
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): Now that is perhaps the rudest behavior a flight attendant could ever give to someone in Business Class. Not good at all, and it would really put me off from flying that airline if I were in your shoes
Quoting The777Man (Reply 23): Not very friendly flight attendant in Economy class....
I understand her purpose for not letting me through, thanks to you all. I just wish that she had told me the much friendlier way.
signol, Hannah, PH, Jonas, Lars:
Quoting signol (Reply 8): I've been waiting for you report, and I was certainly not disappointed -
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): Well, what a nice surprise to find this report on Easter Sunday morning. It's been too long since your last one, you need to go flying more often
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): what a great surprise to find this fantastic report here today! I had been looking forward to your new series - so many months have passed since your last report.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): First of all I would like to thank you for the long awaited report. I have very much been looking forward to read about your experiences on Cathay, and I was very surprised to see the report up so soon.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 23): Thanks for posting a report again;it's been too long !
What a warm welcome. Thank you so much for your patience!
TEW, aflyingkiwi, Roger, PH, Philip, Lars:
Quoting luv2fly (Reply 9): Eagerly waiting for the next parts. Don't make us wait to long.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Dislike: the seat layout, definitely not my taste.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): So what do you think of the seat? It's similar to the one Air Canada has, which I have tried. It's comfy enough but somehow not being able to look out the window always seems like a bit of a let down for me.
Quoting Avianca (Reply 16): also I do not like the hearing bone layout... also have to addmit I never used it by my own...
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): but it can be awkward seeing out, which defeats the object of a window seat.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): On the one hand I like it, but on the other I too would find it strange having the window behind me.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 19): CX looks like a great airline though the sided seats prevent you from having a good view from the window, this would be my only opposition to that seating.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): However, I'm not a fan of the today's herringbone layout.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): Must say I don't like the herringbone configuration. Not only does it look very cramped, and give a sore neck after trying to peek out the window, it seems very un-private as well,
Quoting The777Man (Reply 23): Not a a great layout upstairs since it's very difficult to look out of the window.
The only let-down was the window position. For the rest, the herringbone layout was comfortable.
Eric, Roy, Hannah, Jonas:
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Hehe... Steve is working for Menzies groundhandling, before he went to CX he was one of our loyal and dedicated staff at JL A fantastic charming guy and really good in his job!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): That is a nice touch and heralded the kindnesses that you received along the way.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): How kind of Steve. I'm sure there aren't too many staff who would do that.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): Wow, that's indeed a very long time, but I assume it passed by very quickly with the lovely company of your check-in agent.
Affirmative! I am glad to meet him in person. Steve was just wonderful!
aflyingkiwi, Matthew, Lars:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 12): Also it's great to see an upper deck 747 report.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 15): How great you got to be on the upper deck of the 747.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 23): I'm glad you had a great flight on CX and very nice to fly on the upper deck on a 747
Thank you. Upper deck experience was just special for me.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): You had me there. I wondered why you had two pebbles on your tray
Quoting OA260 (Reply 21): I love the Salt and Pepper shakers Nice touch
So cute, are they not?
flightsimboy, Roy, Hannah, Roger:
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Ah, it must be so nice to meet up with fellow A.netters before a flight!!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 17): What a lovely way to start the adventure.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18): And of course how wonderful to meet up with Robert & Eric and be seen off in style!
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 19): nice to see you had such an exciting farewell at AMS surrounded by so many anetter friends, great; it adds more excitement to such a great trip to visit family on the other side of the world.
Absolutely! I never had such memorable farewell party before.
flightsimboy, Jonas:
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Quite a bit of shortcoming there on the part of Marvin to think you and Herman (and Ariel) were flying Y
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): But then again maybe he misjudged you by your casual style of clothing?
You know, we love to surprise people.
Roger, Philip:
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 19): although I would have chosen Herman's breakfast main course.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 21): PS . Hermans breakfast choice would have been mine also .
He he, his main course was not bad either. It is just my weakness to opt for an Asian one whenever possible.
PH, Jonas:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): Honestly, I don't like seeing all these feet. Reminds me a bit of a sickbay.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 22): and people's feet visible through the aisle does not look good at all. Gives Business Class a very un-exclusive feeling.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): the red phantom is running a risky business talking to passengers like that
I wish she could have been nicer.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): it is a shame to use BA lounge with no bubbly!
Bubbly would have been greatly appreciated in the lounge.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): And, those fares are pretty damn impressive.
I did not regret taking advantage of it.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): Let hope CX can maintain the standards and keep up.
I really hope so.
signol:
Quoting signol (Reply 8): One thing I've noticed is that you rarely have any bad flight attendants - I am convinced that even if any were having a bad day, you seem to cheer them up!
What a sweet recognition of yours. You make me blush.
Quoting signol (Reply 8): my wife earned her PhD only a couple of years ago. I know from first hand experience how hard they are.
In that case, though belated, congratulations to your wife.
Eric:
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): actually it seems so quick after I waved you goodbye at Schiphol on that Saturday, still time flies you know and you're back with this fantastic report!
I was like dreaming overnight. Thanks again for your companion.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): but nevertheless we had a nice Dutch coffee together (with stroopwafel, and my free muffin )
First of all, thank you so much your extensive reply.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): So this is where you disappeared to!! I knew your absence would only be a sign of good things to come...And how they came to me this sunny Saturday afternoon here. It was a delight to read about your Business Class flight on Cathay Pacific on the upper deck!!
Do you know that I always look forward to your reply? I feel encouraged every time I read your comments because you point me out at things I may have overlooked and therefore help me put matters in perspective.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Let's start with Ariel!! It really seemed like you almost descended into hell quite literally only to meet the red phantom below!! Loved how Ariel was calling out to you, leading you to the bottom only for poor Ariel to be scared off in the end!!
Though I hate to admit, it was not a pleasant experience.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Have you found Ariel...he was missing for the rest of the story!!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Is that one of those hard shelled Samsonite suitcase, the type the EK crews fly with? They weigh in so fast with barely anything in it.
Our suitcase is a light Carlton one.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Why would you not want to distribute the weight between the two evenly?
Because we did not have to repack the suitcase and could just give it away along with the content.
They actually do HKG-AMS-CDG-AMS-HKG. Unfortunately without fifth freedom rights on AMS-CDG-AMS segment.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Always great to have a clear window view of your aircraft!! Just like the windows in Abu Dhabi!!
I remember that from your latest report.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): CX has Indian cabin crew too? I know SQ advertises their Indian crews in their ads, where as CX has been advertising their Oriental crews, as far as I can recall.
CX employs cabin crews from seventeen nationalities including Indian.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Did you not ask for a visit to the cockpit? Or did Ariel fail to remind you? lol
I think both of us failed to remind myself.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Call me old fashioned I need to have my window in clear view and easy access!!
In that case, I am old fashioned too, just like you.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): So far Thai Airways safety demonstration videos are the most soothing one out there!! Someday I hope to experience this video first hand, perhaps in Business Class
I wish I will be reading a trip report of yours flying Thai Business Class soon.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Just how many pursers are there on this flight? Isn't it standard for a flight to have a single purser?
I think the purser you mean is called In-flight Service Manager with Cathay. Your carrier path within Cathay will be Flight Attendant, Flight Purser, Senior Purser and In-flight Service Manager at the top.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): Hmm seafood....and that too in the form of seafood congee.
You would undoubtedly love it!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): What a lovely handwriting Joy has....Penmanship is certainly dying in this world we live in with all our electronic devices where we hardly write as much as say a few years back!!
Handwritings of crew members on my book are those to be kept.
25 akhmad: Matthew: Really? Good to hear that Cathay provides consistently good service. We visited Hong Kong on our return journey and yes, we liked Hong Kong.
26 flightsimboy: I'm glad you don't see it as a nuisance You can blame me for being the one to cause you to give Herman and Ariel their rightful due, as being address
27 eicvd: Hi Suryo Was really looking forward to reading this report since last night & I was not dissapointed, thanks for posting such a great report I don
28 LH4532: Guten Abend Suryo , I have been looking to the first part of your TR series . It has been worth the time waiting for it . It is the same with me . I n
29 roberts87: Very nice trip report, thanks for sharing! CX sure looks like a great J experience.
30 NZ107: Hi Suryo, Great TR as usual. Nice to know you enjoyed CX though I bet the experience would much better in their new J cabin. A shame about that rude f
31 rvxkaz: Dear Suryo, Its been so long since you last thrilled us with your beautiful TRs! But you're back with a vengeance! Thank you for sharing this perfect
32 triple7man: I flew BKK-HKG on a CX 747-400 2 years ago with this same captain (Kim Steward). He was very nice. I had asked for a visit to the cockpit when boardin
33 MIAspotter: Suryo. Thank you for sharing your CX experience with us, great pictures and a well written account of the flight. CX certainly looks like a nice airli
34 CaptainRed: Hi Suryo, wow, what a wonderful report, it almost felt like traveling with you on board, well done Good to read something about Cathay. I have seen th
35 jwhite9185: Thats a pretty bad way to treat premium customers. Whenever i fly long haul (admittedly only really with VS) they actively encourage you to move arou
36 akhmad: Dear flightsimboy, Mark, Daniel, Robert, Nicholas, Gavin, Michael, Christian, CaptainRed, jwhite9185, Thank you so much for your replies. You really m
37 palmjet: Hi Suryo What can I say? The level of detail you are able to provide on your trip reports is unlike any other report here. Great stuff! I really enjoy
38 dc9northwest: Hi, Suryo! Well... of course that's the most exciting part! It's the same for me! Congratulations are in order! Hmmm... I think I remember watching Eu
39 lukeyboy95: And another thing Suryo... you have to be one of the best and most detailed repliers on this forum. This is also appreciated!
40 usdcaguy: Great post. Just a few of comments: - The seat looks a little claustrophobic and narrow. Don't really like the angled seating. It's great, however, th
41 globalflyer: Hi Suryo. I finally had time to catch up on the reading of the TR's. What a great one to read and very detailed oriented. I have only flown CX in JCL
42 akhmad: Dear Palmjet, Alex, Luke, usdcaguy, Will, You really make me very happy with your replies. Thank you very much. Palmjet, Alex, usdcaguy, Will: It make
43 nethkt: What a beautiful trip report. I enjoy following and reading the details. Best presentations, clear hi-def pictures with real professionalism as a revi
44 717Flyer: Dear Suryo, Opening this thread I was very much looking forward to reading your Cathay Pacific experience. But what caught my attention in the end was
45 win1290: Hi Suryo, Thanks for the amazing trip report with amazing photos, I was really enjoyed reading it! I think CX ground team in AMS was particularly nice
46 CrimsonNL: Heya Suryo, great report as expected! Lucky you flying the rare RR powered 744, and on the upperdeck as well! I have to say the CX gate area at AMS, a
47 Sultanils: Hello Sahib Akhmad! Yes, the 'akhmad' is back with a vengeance! Wow, what a lovely romantic and poetic story, it's like a work of art What a wonderful
48 gabrielchew: Wonderful report Suryo! Shame you weren't greeted with: "Hello, are you flying CX this afternoon? Great, are you in F, C or Y?" Assuming premium pax a
49 SR 103: Fantastic trip report as always. As you know I have been looking forward to this one from you for quite some time and it did not disappoint. After all
50 dkdaviator: Hi Suryo, What a nice trip report of yours there on the upper deck experience on CX. All of the detail in the report is nice. Especially as that carri
51 akhmad: Dear Atthaphon, 717Flyer, Win, Martijn, Nils, Gabriel, Anosh, D.,, Thank you so much for your replies. You really make me happy. Atthaphon, 717Flyer,
52 PlaneHunter: Thanks for your kind words, Suryo! Interesting, thanks! Of course. PH
53 deltamartin: Hi Suryo! Another magnificent tripreport. It was a really enjoyable Saturday read. Seems like you had an overall good experience with CX, it's an airl
54 MSS658: Goedemorgen Suryo Great trip report, I really like the detail put into this report. it was like flying the flight to HKG on B-HOS as well. As usual, n
55 ronerone: Suryo, Fantastic TR my friend As always your TRs are so stimulated, and i can feel the excitement spilling out of the monitor Like a journey into a ca
56 ojas: Suryo, excellent TR as always .... superb .... apologies it took sometime to acknowledge your TR. It is indeed good to see CX performing well from sta
57 Parton87: Hello Suryo! Thanks for another amazing story of yours! Good reading and nice pictures as always! CX looks nice with good crews and service even if I
58 akhmad: Dear PH, Martin, Marc, Roni, Ojas, Robert, Thank you so much for your replies. You really make me happy. Martin, Marc, Roni, Ojas, Robert: Thank you.
59 FLIEGER67: Hoi, Suryo, that is a superb written story, well done. I like you´re pictures and style, you know. I´ve read it in the lounge at MAD last week but t
60 AlwaysOnAPlane: Hi Suryo. What a fantastic start to your adventure. It was nice to see that J letter next to your booking. Having never flown CX it was cool to see an
61 akhmad: Dear Markus, Lee, Thank you so much for your replies. You really make me happy. Markus: No worries about the delay. I really appreciate that you have
62 FlyingFinn76: Hi Suryo, Finally I managed to read a through this report of yours. Your stuff is always very hard code to read as you describe things in such an exha
63 abrelosojos: Thanks Suryo for a fantastic report with some great pictures. I wish I could take photos like you! CX seems to hold its own -- though as my recent exp
64 initious: Greetings Suryo. Apologies for taking such a long time to reply to your TR(s). It's pretty tiring to be in the army at times and sometimes you just do
65 akhmad: Dear P., Alex, Daniel, Thank you so much for your replies. P., Alex: Thank you for acknowledging me that way. Your nice words really make me happy. P.
66 burj: Hey! So I am totally tardy to this party but I am so glad I got a chance to catch up on trip reports! As always an awesome trip report and very cool t
67 don: Great report and photos. I didn't know that CX offered that type of inflight service.
68 mk777: hi Suryo, How are you doing? It seems you have been traveling and exploring new airlines...its always delightful to read a TR from you. CX seems like
69 bAe146TOM: Hey Excellent report! Great to see your views and experience of the CX J product! The upper deck is second only to working in the nose on our Jumbos f
70 akhmad: Dear Burj, Don, Mohit, BAe146TOM, Thank you so much for your replies. Burj, Mohit, BAe146TOM: How sweet of you. Thank you. Mohit, BAe146TOM: I am doin
71 roberts87: The post I quoted and replied too has been deleted. This post can be deleted too.[Edited 2012-05-18 13:47:51]
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