When I think about the places in the world where I feel happiest, there would be a few. Leaning against the window of a light-filled cafe in Melbourne, a soy latte in hand. Happily lost in an alleyway in Europe. Held tight in the arms of my partner. And, at 35,000 feet in the air, barefoot and cross-legged on a plane, on the way to an adventure.
I don’t only feel happiest on a plane because of the destination it’s taking me to (to a new destination or back home) – I actually love the experience of flying itself. The roar of the engine and the fluttering heart during takeoff; the first glimpse of a burnt orange sky from a window seat. The uninterrupted hours to reflect and be; the palpable feeling of transition – literally between “here” and “there” – and, the perspective I seem to feel softly when I fly above my daily life.
Cathay Pacific is an airline that fully embraces this idea – believing that traveling well is an important part of living well. As an airline, their job is to enhance the overall travel experience – and let me say, with every imaginable detail, they do it exquisitely. Four weeks into 2018, I found myself on my way to Hong Kong with my mother-in-law by my side and, with excitement – a chance to fly Cathay Pacific business class.
So, how was it? Incredible, from start to finish. Here’s a look at my full experience.
On the Way to Hong Kong, from Sydney
Since our travel plans were confirmed quite late, direct flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong were already full, so we first traveled to Sydney to catch the Sydney-Hong Kong route, with a departure at 3:50 PM scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong around midnight.
In Sydney, there is no Cathay Pacific lounge, but business class passengers can access the Qantas lounge through OneWorld. As Cathay Pacific guests, the ticket we had did not include lounge access, but, luckily, thanks to my One World Sapphire status, we were able to access the Qantas Business lounge.
It’s a simple lounge and I know it well – associating those pre-departure moments with many exciting adventures. After a glass of sparkling wine and a light lunch (knowing we were flying business class, for once, we didn’t want to fill up before the flight), it was time to board our 9-hour flight to Hong Kong – butterflies in the stomach!
The Business Class Cabin and Seats
Boarding the plane, we didn’t have to walk far – led to seats 23D and 23G, the very last center row of the business class cabin.
Greeted by name by the flight attendants, we were offered hot towels, a glass of champagne, and before we knew it, we were in the air!
I was impressed by the cabin seat configuration – known as the “reverse herringbone”, where each business class seat faces forward at an angle. This means two things: no matter where you’re sitting, you have a fully flat bed AND direct aisle access.
Although I always prefer a window seat and never miss an opportunity to take a photo of a sunrise or sunset, the center seats are definitely the best for sharing a flight experience with a travel partner. Given that this was our first business class flight experience together, these were the perfect seats for us, to exchange excited glances, toast, and check in with each other. For the return flight, we took windows and visited each other throughout the flight.
The seat design felt very thoughtful – a beautiful blend of personal space and comfort, and a real sense of privacy. There were a number of personal storage spaces for handbags and other items, without needing to stash everything in the overhead compartment for takeoff.
At the push of a button, the flat bed extends to its fully flat position (208 cm long, so plenty of legroom for most!)
Dining
On the outbound flight, we were served lunch shortly after takeoff, followed by dinner before arrival. Business class meals are served course by course, which is a nice upgrade from economy, where everything is served on a tray. Starting with an appetizer (smoked duck breast with apple salad and raisins), our plates were cleared and our tables reset before the main course was served.
The main courses are presented on a cart with all options displayed, so you can choose what looks most appealing. I opted for the ricotta ravioli with sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and herb cream sauce with lemon capers – delicious! To finish, we were offered a cheese and fruit platter – and also a deconstructed lemon meringue tart, although, after finishing the generous portion of cheese, I couldn’t manage the dessert or the refreshment meal served before landing.
The Pier Business Lounge
If you’ve ever been to Hong Kong, you know the scale of the airport – it seems endless!
Since Hong Kong is Cathay Pacific’s hub, there are no fewer than six lounges (six!) scattered throughout the airport – and some of the most beautiful and exclusive lounges there are. The Business lounges welcome Cathay Pacific first and business class passengers, Marco Polo Gold and Silver cardholders, and oneworld Sapphire/Emerald status members.
Hearing that The Pier lounge was the newest and largest (the largest in the airport – and also, the Cathay Pacific lounge worldwide), we headed there, and we were very happy we did. Located near gate 65, it’s quite a walk to get there – but luckily, our flight boarded at the gate just upstairs.
Taking the elevator up to the lounge entrance, I quickly realized that The Pier lounge is larger than some entire airports I’ve been to – but gives the feeling of being in a luxury hotel.
Immediately, you enter a world of hushed calm. There are a number of spaces, each offering a different place to rest, work, eat, drink, or relax. There is a food hall (market-style buffet), a dedicated coffee shop (with on-demand barista service), a noodle bar (iconic feature of all Cathay lounges), a tea house, a relaxation room (with a series of private resting pods in a dedicated low-lit rest area), and shower suites (Aesop toiletries – check!)
We settled into a quiet corner clustered with sofas, with our wonton noodles, a Moet (or three), phone chargers, and footrests to rest before the flight.
Our flight experience with Cathay Pacific was simply magical. I just wish I could travel this beautifully every time. How do you go back after that?
Cathay Pacific offers an exceptional flight experience, transforming every moment into a journey of luxury and comfort. From well-designed seats to refined meals, thoughtful little details, and exclusive lounges, flying Cathay Pacific business class is an unforgettable experience.
