A trademark Cathay Delight – Champagne with Drambuie and orange and lemon zest – quite nice!


Touch down, nearly half an hour early






UA next to us


As we parked at a gate at the end of the terminal, I had to get a shuttle train down to arrivals, where I managed to join the slowest moving line available (as always). Once through, my bag was already going round the belt, so I took it and headed out to the bus terminal. Whooo, Hong Kong was HOT compared to Shanghai. Around 33C and humid – pretty uncomfortable.

I spent a couple of days with a friend that lives in Guangzhou, having around in HK, eating dim sum, and drinking imported beer. It was a very pleasant few days.



From Hong Kong I would be flying on CX up to Tokyo. After many years of having very limited international flights, Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) Airport started to open up to more intra-Asian flights in the mid-2000’s. These, unlike the new range of international flights with limited operating times (2200-0600), operate at ‘normal’ times. From HKG, CX flights twice daily (0830ish and 1615), and JL (CX codeshare at 1515). NH also has a flight departing at 1430. I decided to go with the late afternoon CX flight as it gave me a full day to lounge hop in HKG, and it was operated by the B744. I would have liked to have tried JL B773, but due to the strange way BA Miles work, the mileage would have been roughly double as I was using an ‘extra’ airline for my redemption.

I took the bus back to HKG from my hotel just off Nathan Road in Kowloon – you get some nice views just before you arrive at the terminal


I arrived at the airport at around 1145, so plenty of time before my 1615 flight. There was a very short queue at the Cathay Pacific Business Class desks, and my bag was tagged through to HND. I was also given a map showing the location of the Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air (KA) lounges in HKG.


After checking in my bag, I went over to the information desk to ask if the viewing lounge on the top of Terminal 2 was still open. The staff there were pretty clueless, but after calling around, decided that it wasn’t open. I wasn’t sure if this was correct of not, but decided not to bother going and looking just in case. I headed through security and immigration instead.


My first stop was ‘The Wing’ lounge. My first impressions were “is this it?”. It was a very small lounge, with fairly limited drink and food options. I got myself a selection of breakfasty type options, and took a seat in the corner of the lounge.


Once I was done with my food, I had a further look around. There was a very large, and empty computer room, and some showers as well. The Wing in the middle of being refurbished, so perhaps they’ll extend it a bit?



HKG views




My next interested stop was the G16 Dragon Air lounge. However, enroute, I came across the Qantas lounge. My research before heading to the airport showed that the Business part of the lounge would only open at 1600. However, it seemed like the lounge was open all day, which was nice. Interestingly, there was no sign of any affiliation to BA. It thought it was a joint lounge?



I was welcomed into the lounge, which was almost deserted (of course, of the few people in there, was one guy talking loudly on his phone, and then two other people yapping away to each other). Unfortunately, there were no windows in the lounge.



The food and drinks selection was good. Whilst I was browsing the selections, one of the staff asked if I wanted some noodles, and then offered to bring them over to my table. Great service. Tasty noodles too!


A few other snacks at the QF lounge:



After a pleasant stay in the Qantas lounge, I headed down “the road” to the Dragonair lounge.


The generic Chinese airline lounge was across the way.


This was the only lounge I visited that was ‘above ground’ that day. It was nice to have a more airy feel, although it was louder than the other subterranean lounges.


Still feeling rather full after the QF food, I just got a small selection to pass the time, whilst watching the final passengers board an OZ flight to Seoul.







I came out of the KA lounge around 1330. My flight still didn’t have a gate, which I thought was a little odd when a lot of flights at the same time already had gates.





Still, no need to panic, and I made my way, via travelator, to ‘The Cabin’ lounge, found half way along the ‘stem’ of the terminal.


An MH B772 heading to KUL. Last year I arrived on this flight after very nice holiday in PEN.


The Cabin was absolutely packed. It took two walks of the lounge to find a seat. I had a great view though!


I decided to go for my first champagne of the day, which was light and refreshing. I did a bit of work using the free wifi, had another champagne, then decided to move on. At the desk on my way out, I enquired as to the gate for my flight. I was told that there still wasn’t a gate assigned, but the flight was still on time.



On my way further up the stem, I passed the earlier JL flight to HND, leaving on time.




A couple of NHs


Cathay’s Home. This B744 was actually parked at the gate (which had finally been announced), so I assumed it was my plane. Turns out it was a late running flight to India.





At 1430, I had made it to my fifth and final lounge of the day ‘The Pier’, with catering contracted to The Peninsula Hotel.


Given the long walk to The Pier, I was expecting the lounge to be quite quiet. I was wrong. There wasn’t a single seat left in the eating area, and most of the lounging seats were gone too, so I took a seat at the bar. I got some potato wedges, and Thai fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce. Yum


Champagne and water to accompany


The location of The Pier


Champagne with a view


I order to add another airport to the list of “Airports I’ve had showers in” (so far LHR, LGW, DOH, FRA, VIE, MAD, NRT, SIN), I decided to check out the Cathay Shower rooms.


The shower room was clean, bright and spacious, and were probably the best airport shower I’ve been in, apart from the ANA arrivals lounge one in NRT. It was during my shower that I heard an announcement being made. As I still had a rather uneasy feeling about the timeliness of my flight, I turned off the shower and listened. Sure enough, a two hour delay to my flight was announced.


I was particularly annoyed at the timing of their announcement as the earlier JL flight had *just* finished boarding meaning there was no way to get an earlier flight. I was quite worried about transportation now that I was going to be arriving quite late. Transport within Tokyo tends to shut down quite early, and I didn’t want to be left stranded in HND and having to fork out (GBP 50+) for a taxi all the way to my hotel (the other side of the city). Also, I would be staying in a small Japanese-style inn, and their official check-in time finishes at 2200. I had previously emailed them asking if they could wait until I arrived at around 2300, and they said that they could. Now I was looking at a 0030 arrival at the earliest. I didn’t want someone sitting up in reception waiting for me for hours on end, or worse, them not waiting and finding myself homeless for the night.



I relayed my thoughts and feelings about the situation to the ladies at the customer services desk in the lounge. They said they’d send a telex to Tokyo, whom would contact the hotel, and see about onward transport. I now found myself with an extra two hours in the airport. Whilst my original plan called for lots of lounge time, I was now bored, and keen to get on the plane. Oh well, nothing for it but to have another champagne!


I asked if it was possible to get a meal voucher (as the food in the lounge was getting a bit repetitive), and was told that most eateries in the airport would accept my boarding pass for a $75 voucher. I was a bit sceptical, but decided to go upstairs and see what $75 could buy me. Not a lot. I enquired in the first café I came to, and was told that they would accept it. My budget stretched to a bowl of rice, and some spring rolls. Exciting.

Once id eaten that, I went back down to the lounge to do a but more lounging, and to ask whether the hotel had responded to my telex etc. The ladies were friendly, but didn’t really have a lot of answers. Being quite bored of the lounge by now, and with boarding time finally approaching, I made my way upstairs, and down to the gate.

My plane finally on stand


Not long after I arrived, the boarding call was made, and everyone (it was a full flight) went to their respective line (First/Business/Gold, and economy). I was quite surprised at how long the priority line was. I must have been around #30 in line, and there were plenty of people behind. I suppose normally business passengers turn up in dribs and drabs once boarding is already underway, thereby never contributing to a long queue. This evening, however, I think everyone was anxious to get on their way.

At around 1755, boarding finally started, and I was on my way. Upper deck, here I come!

June 2011
Hong Kong (HKG) – Tokyo Haneda (HND)
Cathay Pacific CX 542
Scheduled: 1615-2135 (4h20m)
Actual: 1826-2251 (3h25m)
B747-400 (B-HKU)



Main desk business class


Stair (taken later in flight)


My seat


Upper Deck


Airbridge


My view



Welcome Champagne


As expected, there was a full load on board tonight in business class. We taxied out to the active, where we received no special priority (around 5 aircraft passed us) before finally taking off over 2 hours late.












The pilot apologised for the late departure. Apparently our aircraft had gone tech, as had the replacement aircraft (doesn’t sound like great engineering), so our aircraft was one recently arrived for LHR. He said the ground crew had done an amazing job turning the aircraft round in less than an hour.

Unlike the PVG-HKG flight, there were actually movie options on this flight. It was good to know that I wasn’t just being stupid on the previous flight where I couldn’t find them.




I ended up watching Garden State – one of those films that I’d heard of, but never watched – it was good to watch, although nothing really happened.





Tonight’s menu


Pre dinner drinks and snacks



I thought that you had to choose one of the three starters, but it seems that you get everything.


For the main course, I went with the beef, which was amazing. Excellent quality.



Cheese and crackers for dessert, followed by ice cream



Our progress




Cabin views



Whilst in an upright position the seat does feel quite hemmed in and claustrophobic, when the seat is full reclined, there is quite a lot of space at head level, especially on the upper deck with extra space normally taken up with the window ledge. Pity this wasn’t a longer flight!


Some IFE picture







After the meal service, I asked one of the crew about ground arrangements, and if they had managed to get hold of the hotel. When the lady came back, she brought the manifest (?) at the bottom of which was a note about my earlier telex (sent from the lounge). It seems that the message got through (or was sent at any rate). I was told that the staff in arrivals would be expecting me.

I’m not sure if there were strong tail winds, or if the pilot was just flooring it, but we began our approach around 2230, just an hour behind schedule. What with the awkward seating arrangement, and the fact that it was dark outside, I only took a few photos on landing.




On the taxi in, I noticed a Hawaiian B767, amongst a lot of JALs and ANAs. Being in a slight stress about getting to the hotel asap, I was kind of annoyed to find out we would get a remote stand. On the plus side, it was wonderful disembarking a Jumbo via the stairs.




There was a special bus for just First and Business pax (which was absolutely packed full), that took us to immigration. I was first off the bus, and one of the first to immigration. Japan has introduced finger scanning on arrival, so it took a while to get through. As I entered the baggage hall, I asked one of the CX staff standing around about the telex. They said that they had been expecting me, and that the hotel had been called, and someone would be waiting. Phew! Still, I felt very guilty at having to make someone stay up to wait for me.

Bfore long, my bag was off conveyor, and I made my way through customs, and onto a Tokyo Monorail heading for the city. I finally made it to the hotel at around 0030, where I found a very old lady waiting up for me. Lovely hotel though!


A few photos from Tokyo



Freshly made sushi


Tonkatsu, my favourite meal


View from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office (free access)


Shinjuku Gardens


Confusing metro


Tokyo Tree, soon to be the World’s 2nd tallest


Asakusa Sensoji Temple, near my hotel


Japanese Beer


Toyoto Showroom






Sega


Passing through Ueno station. Not heading to NRT yet!


Meiji Shrine




Harajuku


Thoughts? Well, I found the crew of CX to be quite mixed. Of course, everyone was polite, but there were plenty of lapses in concentration, like when I requested an ice cream, and then the lady moved on after giving me just a spoon. I thought that the order of service on the A330 was a bit odd as well, with staff going all over the place. I understand that Diamonds/Golds etc get preferential treatment, but everything seemed haphazard. The service on the HKG-HND leg felt rushed as well. I know these two are both short routes, but the cabin never really felt relaxed. Maybe it was just me! Hopefully, the next CX J class cabin will remedy some of these issues.

Hong Kong and Tokyo were both amazing. Can’t wait to go back again soon. The next part of my trip, NH Tokyo – Shanghai, and CA Shanghai – Beijing in Business Class will be out soon!

Comment and questions welcome!

Hi Gab,

You sure were fast getting the second part up and running. Good for you!

Wow, I really love this report. Tons of amazing destination pictures around China and Tokyo and few from Hong Kong as well - absolutely lovely.

Also a couple of quite nice looking (servicewise, that is) flights in CX Business. Shame about the delay, but yeah, things like that just happen. Good for them to catch up so much of the lost time en route.

Also loved your lounge pics from Hong Kong!

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): However, it seems like BA have varying mileage redemption costs depending on how many airlines you redeem on. Seemed a bit weird to me to be honest

It's a Oneworld thing. I think all the Oneworld airlines have this "Oneworld Award" where the points amount depends on the number of carriers you use. AY most certainly does.

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): On the other hand, I found the seat awful in terms of seclusion (you face the aisle 100% of the time!), and window views were painful to find (stay sitting facing forward, and move your head to you’re looking over your shoulder – not comfortable is it, at least for any length of time. And photos on take off, forget about it!).

That's very weird. Do they assume that everybody flying in business class is a jaded business traveler type with no interest at the scenery outside anymore as they've seen it all and instead focused on work, more work or sleep (in order to be able to pull more work at the destination)?

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): At 1430, I had made it to my fifth and final lounge of the day ‘The Pier’, with catering contracted to The Peninsula Hotel.

Wow. That's some impressive lounging. I think I would be wasted at that point!

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I relayed my thoughts and feelings about the situation to the ladies at the customer services desk in the lounge. They said they’d send a telex to Tokyo, whom would contact the hotel, and see about onward transport. I now found myself with an extra two hours in the airport. Whilst my original plan called for lots of lounge time, I was now bored, and keen to get on the plane. Oh well, nothing for it but to have another champagne!

Nice! There aren't many airlines which would go the extra mile and do a thing like that. Very good service, even though it would've been even nicer for them to offer you a complimentary taxi or something to your hotel in Tokyo. Although I guess it wouldn't have been any faster than the train option...

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Welcome Champagne

Don't think so.

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): For the main course, I went with the beef, which was amazing. Excellent quality.

I'm quite amazed that you still managed to eat all that after spending the best part of that day hopping from lounge to lounge, nibbling and eating all that delicious looking food! But yeah. this one looks absolutely delicious as well.

Quoting musapapaya (Reply 3): Thanks for your great report! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Thanks!

Quoting musapapaya (Reply 3): Thats what you get with ancient 744s!

Well, at least they're clean on the inside!

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 4): You sure were fast getting the second part up and running. Good for you!

Third part is nearly done

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 4): Wow, I really love this report. Tons of amazing destination pictures around China and Tokyo and few from Hong Kong as well - absolutely lovely.

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 4): Also loved your lounge pics from Hong Kong!

Glad you like them!

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 4): It's a Oneworld thing. I think all the Oneworld airlines have this "Oneworld Award" where the points amount depends on the number of carriers you use. AY most certainly does.

Is there a reason behind this? Seems odd that increasing the number of partner airlines means that the way the award is priced changes.

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 4): Nice! There aren't many airlines which would go the extra mile and do a thing like that. Very good service, even though it would've been even nicer for them to offer you a complimentary taxi or something to your hotel in Tokyo. Although I guess it wouldn't have been any faster than the train option...

Well, I did try and persuade them to pay for a taxi, but they went and found the latest train times, and said I should make it. Grrr!

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 4): I'm quite amazed that you still managed to eat all that after spending the best part of that day hopping from lounge to lounge, nibbling and eating all that delicious looking food! But yeah. this one looks absolutely delicious as well.

I tried to keep food consumption to a reasonable level so I'd still be able to eat onboard.

Great report, with some awesome photos and detail to boot! CX seems to excel with their lounges in HKG - always looks so sleek and modern. Too bad about the delay, but again, the ground staff seemed to have done their best in figuring out a solution for you. Too bad the cabin crew were a bit of a mixed bunch though.

Seems like CX finally has new crockery in Business! While I wish they moved on from the tray service (a la SQ, QR) their new dishes are a massive improvement from the cheap and dated looking service set they were using before this one was introduced.

Anyone know when the new trays were implemented?

I am going to read this report a second time later, for sure!! What amazing pics of Nanjing and then all that eye candy at Hong Kong airport. Great report!!

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Confusing metro

It might appear so looking at the map, but from living just outside Tokyo for 4 years, it is very easy to get around Tokyo. The subway lines are color coded, and you can get maps.

I have flown CX many times, all in economy class and their service is very good...probably the best Asian airline in my opinion.

Nice report, especially the landscape in China I find to be breathtaking. Tough, I would not want to be on the UA flight from PVG to LAX (see FIDS). Sorry to hear about your mixed feeling about CX.

Hi Gabriel,

great report with many impressive destination pictures. CX's J Class product looks fine, but I'm not a fan of that layout. If I had a choice, I'd prefer the layout used by LX, AY and others.


PH

Quoting sq_ek_freak (Reply 6): CX seems to excel with their lounges in HKG - always looks so sleek and modern.

Yeah, the lounges are very nice, although currently very overcrowded

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 7): I am going to read this report a second time later, for sure!! What amazing pics of Nanjing and then all that eye candy at Hong Kong airport. Great report!!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Quoting triple7man (Reply 8): It might appear so looking at the map, but from living just outside Tokyo for 4 years, it is very easy to get around Tokyo. The subway lines are color coded, and you can get maps.

It's a bit confusing having the 2 differnt systems.

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 9): Nice report, especially the landscape in China I find to be breathtaking.

Yeah, when you can see it through the smog!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 10): great report with many impressive destination pictures. CX's J Class product looks fine, but I'm not a fan of that layout. If I had a choice, I'd prefer the layout used by LX, AY and others.

Yeah, the LX layout looks much better

哇塞﹐ 我不知道黃山是那麼漂亮!! hehe will have to get myself out to Huangshan one day! Excellent trip report, I did not realise that CX flew to Shanghai I always thought they "out sourced" that destination to Dragon?!

Too bad you didnt get that ealier Japan flight to HND. What is it like staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan?

Anyway excellent TR, will look forward to continuing journey ^^

Quoting toby25 (Reply 12): 哇塞﹐ 我不知道黃山是那麼漂亮!! hehe will have to get myself out to Huangshan one day!

黄山特别漂亮，可是游团太多！Very nice place!

Quoting toby25 (Reply 12): Excellent trip report, I did not realise that CX flew to Shanghai I always thought they "out sourced" that destination to Dragon?!

CX operates 3 flights a day, the rest are KA.

Quoting toby25 (Reply 12): What is it like staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan?

Well, it wasn't 100% traditional, but it was nice. A nice change to modern hotels.

From Hongqiao, have a taxi take you to the Mag-lev...much easier way to get to Pudong

Hey, great report! Beautiful photos of your destinations - I miss china so much!

CX's short hole JCL looks the best round, even better then SQ.

Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Confusing metro

  

Thx for shearing,
Jonathan

Hi Gab - very nice second instalment of your travels. I really loved the pics of China, even if (as you say) there were lots of tour groups! I also flew CX J a few months ago and while I did not find the seat claustrophobic or uncomfortable, the angle was not good for taking pics from the window at all ! I nearly strained my neck at one point trying to get a departure shot from Cairns!

Thanks for your pics of Japan too - one of my favourite countries. I can't wait to go back sometime.

Cheers P/jet

What a great report! Loved all the time and detail you put into it.

-Brandon

Hey Gabriel, great 2nd part of your Asian adventure!

Seems like you had some nice flights in CX J. The herringbone seat looks pretty okay IMHO, love the wooden details.
The meals looked very nice as well, perfect for the duration of the flight it seems. Also about that ice cream, the reason why it's so hard is because they store it in dry-ice  

Your Lounge day in HKG looked superb, wish to do that some time too, although in LHR (accompanied by someone with *G) 

How many miles did you pay for your flights?

Thanks for sharing this report!
//Jonas

Quoting dimoko (Reply 14): From Hongqiao, have a taxi take you to the Mag-lev...much easier way to get to Pudong

Quicker, and porbably more comfortable, but a lot more expensive, and with an extra change, not always easier. I wasn't in a rush, so thought I'd try the metro. I took the Maglev another 2 times this trip.

Quoting EL-AL (Reply 15): Hey, great report! Beautiful photos of your destinations

Thanks!

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 16): very nice second instalment of your travels.

Thanks!

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 16): I really loved the pics of China, even if (as you say) there were lots of tour groups!

Yeah, tour groups really are the bane of my travelling in China, especially with all those matching hats and loudspeakers!

Quoting ATLFlyer323 (Reply 17): What a great report! Loved all the time and detail you put into it.

Thanks!

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): great 2nd part of your Asian adventure!

Thanks

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): Also about that ice cream, the reason why it's so hard is because they store it in dry-ice

They should get it out of the deep freeze in advance so it's not so frozen.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): How many miles did you pay for your flights?

Um, I think I paid 40,000 BA miles + tax for a one way C class trip (2 segments).

Great report GC, thanks for sharing!

Nice pix from China and indeed towards the end from Japan, both wonderful countries IMO.

I'm happy that CX are changing the J cabin, the current herringbone layout was a disaster, quite an error CX made.

Cheers

Mark

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 20): Great report GC, thanks for sharing!

Thanks!

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 20): I'm happy that CX are changing the J cabin, the current herringbone layout was a disaster, quite an error CX made.

It's funny how CX got it so wrong, when VS's has had great feedback from essentially the same seats.