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Flight Review: Cathay Pacific First Class New York (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG)

April 13, 2012 by Angelina Aucello 13 Comments

During our recent trip to Asia, we decided to treat ourselves and experience Cathay Pacific’s first class on our flight from JFK to HKG. Back in May, I applied for the British Airways Visa Signature Card with the 100,000 Avios sign-up bonus. We booked these seats for 75K British Airways Avios a piece (100,000 from the credit card sign up and the remaining 50K were from Dad’s account), merely days before British Airways made the Avios changes in November 2011. The entire flight experience was phenomenal to say the least.

When we booked the tickets, I was in seat 1A (left side of aircraft), and Kevin was assigned seat 1D (middle). However, when we boarded the plane, we realized that there was a wall in the aisle dividing our seats. Luckily only 3 out of the 6 seats in the first class cabin were occupied, so Kevin was able to switch his seat to 2A, directly behind mine. A word of advice for couples who plan on traveling first class on Cathay Pacific: book seats 1A and 2A; it’s almost separated in a way from the rest of the cabin, which was great in providing extra privacy and comfort.

Immediately upon boarding, we were impressed with the impeccable personal service and attention from the crew. Amenity kits, pajamas, and a welcome drink and snack were distributed as our personal belongings were stowed away in our seat closets by the cabin crew. The seat itself was incredibly spacious – large enough to even comfortably fit two people.

For the duration of the flight we dined (SO much food) and wined together, watched movies, and I even got a solid 8 hours of sleep. Although the thought of 15 hour flight seemed dreadful at first, we enjoyed ourselves so much, that the flight flew by too quickly!  Take a look at some pictures from the flight below:

a seat in a plane

Seat 1A: My home for the 15 hour flight to Hong Kong – SO spacious and roomy.

a chair under a carpet

Stowing my purse, shoes, and some of my belongings underneath the “foot of the bed” (also serves as a guest seat during dining).

a man and woman sitting in a plane

Kevin and I in my seat before departure

a woman sitting in a chair

Excited to have all this room for myself!

a person's feet in a chair in an airplane

Rocking my slippers from the PJ set & a glimpse of the large TV/entertainment center

a close-up of a tv

The large TV & Personal closet to the right

a close-up of an airplane seat

Personal reading light, drink ledge, and seat/entertainment controls

Amenity Kit for Women:

Packed inside a designer TRUSSARDI leather clutch, designed exclusively for Cathay Pacific, my first class travel kit included:

  • Products from Aesop, a high-end Australian skincare brand (B & Tea Balancing Toner, Rosehip Seed Lip Cream, Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream, Geranium Leaf Hand & Body Balm)
  • A bamboo “Cathay Pacific” hair brush, earplugs, and cotton pads
  • A dental set  including a biodegradable toothbrush, Colgate toothpaste, and a single serving of mouthwash.
Amenity Kit for Men:
Packed inside a stylish Ermenegildo Zegna pouch, also exclusively designed for Cathay Pacific, Kevin’s first-class amenity kit included:
  • Products from ACCA KAPPA, a new Italian skincare line (Sandalwood Lip Balm, Anti-Age Face Moisturizer Sandalwood, Facial Mist Sandalwood).
  • A “Cathay Pacific” shoe horn, wooden comb, and earplugs.
  • A dental set  including a biodegradable toothbrush, Colgate toothpaste, and a single serving of mouthwash.
The in-flight pajama set included matching slippers and an eye mask. The pajamas were also exclusively designed for Cathay Pacific by Shanghai Tang, a Chinese luxury fashion brand, and were available in S, M, L. The pajamas were incredibly comfortable, and we found ourselves using them again several times during our trip.
a table with a wooden comb and other items on it

The Cathay Pacific First Class Travel Kit for Women

a close-up of a table with a bag and a toiletries

The Cathay Pacific First Class Travel Kit for Men

a close-up of a grey pillow

Shanghai Tang First Class Pajama Set

a glass of red liquid next to a plate of food

Pre-flight drink (the oriental breeze) and warm nuts

The food on the flight was never-ending and tasty (with the exception of the beef tenderloin which was just OK). There were so many courses and options that we were full right after the salad, and neither of us could finish our main courses. We also had to refuse dessert, which is a rare occurrence for me in itself. Below is the complete dinner menu. We both chose the courses the “International Favorites” section.

Dinner Menu

Caviar and fine smoked salmon starter

International Favorites:

  • Truffle potato soup
  • Caesar Salad with marinated jumbo prawns
  • Grilled USDA prime beef tenderloin with creme de cassis onion marmalade, mashed potatoes, baby carrots, asparagus, and artichoke or Rigatoni with gorgonzola cheese sauce and mixed vegetable
Chinese Favorites:
  • Double boiled duck with winter melon soup
  • Cold plate – vegetarian duck
  • Stir-fried lobster with scallion and ginger, served with steamed jasmine rice, kailan with black mushroom and carrot flower
Cheese and Dessert:
  • Cambozola, St. Paulin, Goat Cheese, Yellow Cheddar
  • Fresh seasonal berries with creme fraiche
  • Toffee pudding cake with butter scotch sauce, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry coilus
  • Black sesame sweet soup
Tea and coffee, pralines, and chocolate truffles
a woman sitting at a table with food and drinks

Me at the “head” of the table. Kevin was my guest while we dined together in my seat. PS – you can also see I’m rocking those PJS already.

a plate of food on a table

Caviar and fine smoked salmon starter

a table with plates of food and glasses of wine

The table setting

a close-up of a note

We received personal, hand-written note cards from the cabin crew.

a bowl of soup on a plate

Truffle potato soup

a plate of food on a table

Caesar Salad with marinated jumbo prawns

a plate of food on a table

Grilled USDA prime beef tenderloin with creme de cassis onion marmalade, mashed potatoes, baby carrots, asparagus, and artichoke

a plate of crackers grapes and cheese

Goat cheese platter

a plate of fruit and ice cream

Fresh seasonal berries with creme fraiche

a woman lying in a bed

Sleepy time!

a man sitting in a chair reading a newspaper

Kev Reading and Relaxing in 2A

While we watched movies together, we decided to give some of the mid-flight snacks, which could be ordered any time throughout the flight, a try. Kevin also wanted to try some of the dim sum from the breakfast menu as well.

Snacks

  • Wontons in noodle soup
  • Smoked duck with mango chutney and spicy cheese vegetable spread on brown bread
  • Vegetable somosa with cucumber mint raita
  • Hot pot rice with chicken and Chinese sausage served with chicken broth
  • Haagen-Dazs ice cream
a bowl of noodles and broccoli

Wontons in noodle soup

a plate with food on it

Vegetable somosa with cucumber mint raita

a plate of food on a table

Imperial fried noodles and Chinese dim sum

About two hours before landing, we were served breakfast. At that point we were stuffed from all of the food we were eating so far, so we kept it light.

Breakfast Menu

Starters:

  • Orange or apple juice
  • Strawberry energiser
  • Fresh seasonal fruit
  • Natural or fruit yoghurt
  • Assorted cereals

Main Courses:

  • Free-range eggs ~ freshly scrambled, fried, or boiled, served with your choice of pork sausage, streaky bacon, sauteed potatoes, spinach or mushrooms
  • Imperial fried noodles and Chinese dim sum
  • Abalone and Chinese mushroom congee, steamed prawn rice roll with soy sauce

Bread Basket: Assorted breakfast bread and fresh toast with preserves, honey, and butter

Coffee and tea

a plate of fruit and milkshakes on a table

Orange juice, strawberry energizer smoothie, and fresh fruit

a table with plates of food

Abalone and Chinese mushroom congee, steamed prawn rice roll with soy sauce

The Arrival Lounge

Upon arrival, we had an hour before the Airport Express train began running so we decided to visit Cathay Pacific’s first class arrival lounge to freshen up, shower, and grab a cappuccino. The lounge was pretty hard to find and small, but it was enough for what we needed in a short time. The showers were fantastic and fully stocked, and there were plenty of food and snacks.

a marble sign with gold text

The Cathay Pacific First Class Arrival Lounge at HKG

a room with red chairs and a wall

Inside the Cathay Pacific Arrival Lounge at HKG

a buffet line with plates and bowls

Food/Drinks

a bathroom with marble walls and a toilet

Bathroom/Shower

a woman smiling and looking at the camera

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Filed Under: Cathay Pacific, Flight Reviews, Trip Reports

About Angelina Aucello

Hi! I'm Angelina, and traveling and deals excite me. Simply put, I'm a points & miles fanatic who takes too many vacations.

Comments

  1. Tiffany Bobb says

    April 13, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    It’s a good thing you and Kevin are in shape. Those seats don’t fit two chubby people.

    Reply
  2. chuck says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    ur beautiful Angelina, i wish i could cuddle with you

    Reply
  3. Jayson says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Could easily fit 3 of me or my GF in those seats, easily. Very nice.

    Reply
  4. Jonathan says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    I love your trip report! It makes me one to fly Cathay Pacific first class too.

    Reply
  5. Chris from behindthecockpit says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    Great report and it’s always best to share first class with someone else too!
    Is this the flight that stops in Vancouver? I know one Cathay flight does and was going to book just this segment of it actually fairly soon.
    Happy Travels

    Reply
  6. Jamison says

    April 13, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    great trip report Angelina!

    Reply
  7. BothofUs2 says

    April 13, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    Great report looks like a lot of fun! I’m forwarding to the wife and will suggest for future trip, thanks

    Reply
  8. Samuel says

    April 14, 2012 at 1:57 am

    Angelina, you should’ve been a bit more adventurous and chosen the Chinese menu options. Much much better. This is what Gary @ View from the Wing does for his Cathay F flights ;)

    Reply
  9. AAdvantage Geek says

    April 14, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    Great food photos. Enjoyed the trip report!

    Reply
  10. Paul says

    April 15, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Wonderful review…very detailed. My wife and i are taking the same flight in oct. Your review has made my excitment level that much more heightened.

    Reply
  11. Angelina says

    April 15, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    @Tiffy Pie: Tiff, it was certainly big enough to make a Tiffany sandwich… maybe a even with two Tiffany patties. LOL

    @Chuck: ::Blush::

    @Jayson: Yes, was like a mini love seat!

    @Jonathan: Thanks, it was certainly an experience!

    @Chris – we lucked out and were able to secure 2 award tickets on the non stop from JFK to HKG. On the way back we flew with the stopover in Vancouver… economy though :-/

    @Jamison & BothofUs2: Thank you! We really enjoyed the experience.

    @Samuel: I’m usually the adventurous type, but there was too much duck on the Chinese menu & that’s rarely a favorite of mine LOL

    AAdvantage Geek: Thanks so much – food was pretty impressive for airplane food!

    Paul: Your wife and you will be in heaven on the flight! Be prepared for her to be spoiled after it :-P

    Reply
  12. Ray says

    March 1, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    A wonderful trip report. Now that bed, you can sleep comfyly for a good 7-8 hrs. I can imagine how you guys felt on your way back in coach. :) I’m taking the same flight soon but in J. Maybe they can upgrade me lol. Goodluck to both of you.
    Cheers!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Convert Club Carlson Points to British Airways Avios For 25% Bonus - Just Another Points Traveler says:
    May 29, 2012 at 11:40 am

    […] and I recently traveled from NY to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific’s legendary first-class cabin (related post). Wow! What an experience that was; with tickets costing up to $10,000 each, I was THRILLED to be […]

    Reply

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ANGELINA AUCELLO
Hi! I'm Angelina, and traveling and deals excite me. Simply put, I'm a points & miles fanatic who takes too many vacations.

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