Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK

by Adam

I loved my Cathay Pacific first class flights from Hong Kong to JFK via Vancouver and they may even be my favorite first class trips of all time (still deciding).  This is the final review from my Bali / Kuala Lumpur trip and includes the flights from HKG-YVR and YVR-JFK.

These flights were booked using my American AAdvantage miles – 67,500 and $41.40 in taxes to be exact. Note that as I was tracking potential return flights from Bali, the Hong Kong flight to JFK via Vancouver was open almost every day with much more availability than the flights directly to JFK or other US locations.

Pre-Boarding & Lounge
I checked in for my flights in Kuala Lumpur and visited the Cathay Lounge there as well as the Pier and Wing first class lounges upon arrival in Hong Kong. You can read about my experience at those lounges and at the unique private day-break rooms in yesterday’s post.

Boarding
Upon boarding, I was welcomed by name and taken to my seat by the purser. Two flight attendants followed, one to show me my private closet and another to ask whether I wanted some Krug Grande Cuvee champagne or if I’d prefer another cocktail or drink. I went with the chapagne and was then presented with the menu (for both flights), an Ermenegildo Zegna amenity bag, and Shanghai Tang PJs.

My first reaction to Cathay first class was – WOW this seat is huge! I’m pretty tall and my feet could barely make it to the adjoining seat.

a tv screen with a map on it

a close up of a seat

a tv on a chair in a room

a person's legs in a chair

Instead of an overhead bin, there’s a nice size closet at your seat…

a bag on a door

a swinger with a bag on it

The Shanghai Tang PJs were even nicer than the Singapore Airlines Givenchy PJs received on the way to Bali. They included a really soft button-up shirt and just as soft drawstring pants. Matching slippers and eye-mask were also provided. You could choose small/medium/large for both the PJs (separate sizing for women) and the slippers. The Ermenegildo Zegna bag included Acca Kappa products including facial mist, anti-age face moisturizer, moisturizing lip balm, a toothbrush set, a comb, ear-plugs, and a shoehorn. There was also a women’s version of the amenity kit with Aesop products and an Ipa-Nima travel pouch. I love the pants and slippers so much that I’m still using them at home! Here’s a closer look at both the PJs and the amenity kit.

a close up of a name tag

a group of small items on a table

a brown bag with a white zipper

a pair of slippers and a sleeping bag

a brown shirt with white piping

a pair of brown pants

a close up of a shirt

Once we reached 10,000 feet, cold towels, nuts, and drinks were offered. My flight attendant actually stood talking to be for well over 10 minutes about my trip, where I had gone, where else I’ve been in my travels, where I want to go next, etc. He, the purser, and the two other first class flight attendants assisting him were some of the friendliest I’ve encountered on any flight. Of course, I was greeted by name with no cheat sheet required from any of the crew.

a glass of water and a towel on a table

a table with a plate of food and a television on it

Next, it was time to select what I would have for dinner…mixing and matching was acceptable.

a group of menus with drawings of food and drinks

a menu of a restaurant

a menu of a restaurant

a menu of wine list

a menu with text on it

In addition to the wine menu, Cathay also offers a special first class wine promotion menu. “From May 2012 onwards, we will compliment our First Class wine selection with six carefully-chosen Classified Growths from the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. We hope you will be able to taste the changes and quality improvement that some of these Grands Crus Classes have undergone in the past few decades, and of course, since the classification system was first introduced in 1855. The latter wines are, arguably, difficult to find for comparative tasting.” The wines are rotated and only one is available on each flight. There is even a page at the back of your special menu for tasting notes, listing the date, wine, and vintage. I gave the specially selected wine on my flight a try and was not disappointed. More on that below…

a close up of a book

a menu of wine and grapes

Everything sounded great and I decided to go with the caviar and salmon, mushroom cream soup, seared tuna nicoise, and lobster with ginger and oyster sauce (Chinese menu). I’m not a big caviar fan but why not sample some in-flight. Dinner was excellent, everything from the warm and soft bread to the delicious lobster. The bread basket was continuously refilled, even if only one item needed to be replaced. Most impressive, was the Bon Appetit card placed on the dining tray from the flight attendant. It had a personal message inside talking about my vacation and other details discussed during our previous conversation.

a table with food on it and a television

a pink box with writing on it

food on a plate next to a glass of water

a bowl of soup on a plate

a plate of food on a table

a plate of food on a table

a table with food on it

a plate of food on a table

I really loved StudioCX, Cathay’s in-flight entertainment system. One of the cooler features was being able to make a playlist, not only for music but for movies, TV shows, and games as well. I also liked the wheel-mounted camera and moving map which were both available during departure and landing. There’s a huge selection of movies and TV shows, which was good since I had watched almost seven new releases on the way to Bali. The system even warns you if there is insufficient time to start a selected movie or show…

a screen shot of a woman

a screen with text on it…note the sponsorship “Time brought to you by…”

a screen shot of a computer

a screen shot of a computer

a screen shot of a television

a screen shot of a computer

a close up of a device

The headphones are decent (and the same as the ones provided by Singapore Airlines & Delta), but are not really noise-canceling like the Bose ones AA provides.

a pair of headphones on a bed

a screen shot of a computer

a screen shot of a city at night

The seats in the first class open suites are the widest in the industry at 36 inches and each seat is upholstered in soft fabric with wood trimming. It was the widest and most comfortable seat I had ever encountered (an inch more than the 777s on Singapore). For comparison sake:

ANA 777-300ER – 33.0?
BA 777-300 –  32.0?
LH A380/747-8i –  31.5?
Emirates A380 – 23.0?
Qantas A380 – 29.0?
Qatar A330/777300ER – 22.0?
Singapore 777-300ER/A380 – 35.0″
Swiss A330/A340 – 22.0?
Thai 777-300 – 35.0?

There was both in-seat power and a USB port at each seat.

The flight attendants were in the aisles at least every 10 minutes to check if there was anything we needed and to refill water and drinks. The service was outstanding. After finishing two movies, I headed to the bathroom to change into the PJs while a flight attendant converted my seat into a bed. Like the Singapore first class bathroom, there were automated sinks and toilets, fresh flowers, and a foot pedal for the garbage disposal.

a sink on a counter

a seat on a plane

a seat with pillows and a white pillow on it

a seat in a room

a seat and a television in a room

The bed was fantastic and I slept for a few hours, a miracle for me on a flight. I found the duvet and pillows on this flight nicer than my outbound flights and the pillows were much larger. Like on Singapore, each time I went to the bathroom or got up to walk around, someone was there to re-make the bed before I could even return!

a seat belt on a bed

a bed with a white blanket

a bed with a blanket and a tv on it

a bed with a white sheet and a white pillow on the side of the bed

The TV screen is moveable and you can adjust it based upon what position you are sleeping in.

a brown rectangular object with a metal handle

For breakfast I had a forest berry smoothie,fruit yogurt, and organic free range eggs – cooked your way (I got mine scrambled with tomatoes and mushrooms). I was however most impressed by the toast! I’ve never had toast freshly made for me in-flight before. It was also refilled constantly until I was finished with breakfast. The scrambled eggs and smoothie were great!

a yogurt on a plate with a glass of juice and a basket of bread

a plate of food on a table

a basket of bread and a napkin

Transferring in Vancouver was simple and nothing like the horrible Moscow experience on the outbound SQ flight. Upon exiting the plane, all connecting passengers were directed to a closed off gate-area. While you can’t leave the area, there were snack machines, phones, bathrooms, and free wifi. Additionally, water bottles were distributed to all waiting passengers. We were only on the ground for 45 minutes before we boarded again (no additional security screening required).

a group of people standing in an airport terminal

a red card with white text

people sitting in an airport

I was in the exact same seat but it was a whole new crew. Similar to Singapore, the previous crew left notes on connecting passenger preferences and my new flight attendants already knew about my trip from Bali and that I like sparkling water. Again, really impressive. Somehow it was time for dinner once more and this time I went with the lobster bisque, mesclun salad with salmon, and the angus beef tenderloin with red wine sauce. Everything was very tasty, including the beef that wasn’t dry at all.

a menu of a restaurant

a plate of soup and bread on a table

a plate of salad on a table

a plate of food on a table

Overall, the flights were amazing and the staff were truly incredible. My glass of wine and sparkling water were refilled every few minutes and I’m still impressed by the personalized note (even though the other first class passengers received ones as well). Speaking of first class passengers, there were only four others in the cabin on the way to Vancouver and two others on the way to New York. It was literally like I had two flight attendants assigned just to me!  The crew clearly cared about the passengers and were always looking to make the trip more enjoyable. If they saw me tossing and turning, they’d come over and ask if I wanted a snack or needed extra pillows. Everything was provided and I never needed to ask for anything.  I seriously can’t think of anything they could have improved on during these flights, they were perfect! Cathay first may not have the same reputation or seem as luxurious as Singapore, but when considering their outstanding hard and soft product, they surely are one of the best in the world.

Need help planning a trip with your miles? Consider Juicy Miles assistance for the best possible award pricing and routes!

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Related Articles

27 comments

jack February 19, 2013 - 7:16 am

I’ve tried CX F on JFK-YVR-JFK back in 2011, and can definitely relate to everything mentioned here. CX F may not look the fanciest, but when combined with the soft product, is easily Top 5 in the world.

Reply
NR February 19, 2013 - 7:35 am

If they could only provide a decent F lounge at JFK….

Reply
Don February 19, 2013 - 8:28 am

Great and thorough report. Thanks! One quick question… during the quick layover in YVR, it sounds like all continuing passengers are ‘corralled’ into the same secured transit area. Is there no separate lounge or ammenities for business/first passengers?

Reply
adam February 19, 2013 - 8:31 am

@Don – Thanks! Yes you are correct, no special treatment for first or business class passengers. Everyone is kept in the same secure gate area and no amenities are provided besides the bottled water. I much preferred it to the lounge and transfer experience in Moscow on SQ.

Reply
Jeff February 19, 2013 - 9:03 am

Pretty the MH A380 f seat is wider at 40″.

Reply
Mark L February 19, 2013 - 9:15 am

Thanks Adam, great report. I will definitely be cashing in some AA miles for first class on CX with my wife, can’t wait for the flights!

Reply
Allan ORD February 19, 2013 - 9:16 am

I completely agree with this review. They are underrated and provide exquisite service. My bed too was the most comfortable I’ve flow. Great pics and excellent detailed report.

Reply
Marissa N February 19, 2013 - 9:26 am

another great trip report adam, just sent you a request for some award booking help. you are making me jealous and my hubby and i need to get on our first class flights!

Reply
Mikey February 19, 2013 - 9:44 am

Nice report, Cathay is very uniform in quality in service.

I used CX first on the long segments of a san/bkk/san trip last oct.

My only minor problem was they ran out of the sandwiches snacks options on the return flight

( even though there were only 4 passengers total)

the pj’s are a hit with my daughters when I pass them out.

( cathay attendant was kind enough to give give me the girls version when I mentioned my family)

Reply
Eric L February 19, 2013 - 10:02 am

Adam, did you get a second set of PJs and amenity kit for the YVR-JFK flight like you did on Singapore’s connection?

Reply
adam February 19, 2013 - 10:03 am

@Eric L – Thanks, I should have included that in my report. Unlike SQ, I was not given a second set on the connection. They knew I was a connecting passenger and no additional PJs or amenity bags were provided.

Reply
Ethan@lax February 19, 2013 - 10:51 am

great detailed report and photos. I received a similar note on my CX F flight to LAX and was equally impressed.

Reply
Trip Report – Delta Atlanta (ATL) – Johannesburg (JNB) – BusinessElite B777-200LR – DeltaAssist Saves the Day! - Point Me To The Plane May 31, 2013 - 3:52 pm

[…] Once we made it on the plane we were ready to relax. The flight attendants already had two champagnes and mimosas waiting for us as we settled into our seats. Much has already been written about Delta’s B777-200LR seats, so I won’t bore you with much more…except that at 5′ 11″, I was pretty comfortable for the almost 17 hour flight that day! I was able to comfortably stretch my legs in the fully-flat position, though width wise it was a little tight (this is not Cathay First Class). […]

Reply
Craig July 8, 2013 - 8:30 am

Hey great review couldn’t make up my mind either SQ or CX beetween JFK -KUL made it up now thou I’ll go CX

Reply
adam July 8, 2013 - 8:33 am

@Craig – Great! You will not be disappointed, was fantastic!!!

Reply
Trip Report – Cathay’s Newest Lounge – The Bridge in Hong Kong (HKG) - Point me to the Plane July 1, 2014 - 2:22 pm

[…] Now, remember this lounge is for First and Business passengers. Looking for ultra luxury? Check out these First Class HKG lounge trip reports- Trip Report – Cathay Pacific Private Day-Break Room & First Lounges – Hong Kong & Cathay Pacific First Class  777-300ER Hong Kong (HKG) – Vancouver (YVR) – JFK […]

Reply
Trip Report - Cathay's Newest Lounge - The Bridge in Hong Kong (HKG) - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane July 21, 2014 - 8:48 pm

[…] Now, remember this lounge is for First and Business passengers. Looking for ultra luxury? Check out these First Class HKG lounge trip reports- Trip Report – Cathay Pacific Private Day-Break Room & First Lounges – Hong Kong & Cathay Pacific First Class  777-300ER Hong Kong (HKG) – Vancouver (YVR) – JFK […]

Reply
The St. Regis Bali Resort - Trip Report - 100+ Pictures of Luxury in Bali - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane November 23, 2014 - 4:53 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply
AirAsia Trip Report - An Experience Like None Other - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane January 1, 2015 - 5:49 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class  777-300ER Hong Kong (HKG) – Vancouver (YVR) – JFK […]

Reply
Trip Report - Cathay Pacific Business Hong Kong (HKG) - Bangkok (BKK) A340 - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane January 17, 2015 - 1:02 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever??? […]

Reply
Cathay Pacific New First Class and Business Class Amenity Kits - Point Me to the Plane January 17, 2015 - 2:21 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class  777-300ER Hong Kong (HKG) – Vancouver (YVR) – JFK – My Favori… […]

Reply
Trip Report & Review - British Airways First + Galleries Lounges @ JFK - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane February 3, 2015 - 5:17 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply
Trip Report & Review - Cathay Pacific First Class New York (JFK) to Vancouver (YVR) - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane February 4, 2015 - 12:23 pm

[…] Trip Report & Review – British Airways First + Galleries Lounges @ JFK – Point Me to the Plane – Point Me to the Plane on Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply
Trip Report & Review - Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge - Hong Kong...Cabanas, Tubs, & Ironing! - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane February 25, 2015 - 5:05 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply
Trip Report & Review - Cathay Pacific Business Class - Taipei to Hong Kong - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane April 7, 2015 - 9:20 am

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply
Cathay to Offer Business Meals in Economy? How Much Would You Pay for A Business Class Meal in Coach? - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane April 7, 2015 - 3:38 pm

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply
Qatar Wins World's Best Airline, American Carriers Improve Positions - Point Me to the Plane July 20, 2015 - 11:45 am

[…] Cathay Pacific First Class Trip Report – My Favorite FC Trip Ever? HKG-YVR-JFK […]

Reply

Leave a Reply to Trip Report & Review - Cathay Pacific Business Class - Taipei to Hong Kong - Point Me to the Plane - Point Me to the Plane Cancel Reply