CX367 PVG-HKG Business ClassThe search for a flight from Shanghai (from the wonderful Park Hyatt) to Hanoi (in order to join our Paradise Peak cruise on Ha Long bay) did not present any elegant options when searching online. Additionally, many flights were very expensive for a short hop. Having a few hundred thousand Avios, we decided on Dragonair first class flights to Hong Kong, followed by Dragon's business class to Hanoi. Although this uses quite a few miles for a short journey, the lower taxes and fuel surcharges on award flights in Asia compared to BA increase the value of partner redemptions.
Unfortunately, a couple of months before departure, Dragon Air changed the aircraft operating the route, so first class was no longer available. As a Cathay flight had availability and a shorter connection, we decided to fly with CX instead. In the end, this was a better choice as Cathay flew a 3-class A330-300, equipped with long-haul business class seating. The SeatWe were hugely pleased on entering the cabin of our A330-300 to find that the plane was equipped with long-haul business class seating. Unfortunately, the flight was only around 2.5 hours long and we weren't ready to leave at the end. However, this short hop gave us a great opportunity to sample Cathay's impressive business class product.
Although we sat in one of the middle pairs of seats, these were still very private (although the window seats would be better for single travellers). It may be heresy for some, we actually found the CX J seat more comfortable and less confining than BA's First class seat. With manual, fully adjustable seat controls and a flat bed 180 degree decline, there was little to fault the seat. Our one concern was that the airbag containing seatbelt may become uncomfortable on a longer flight. |
The Lounge (CX Lounge PVG)Leaving from Shanghai Pudong was a pleasant surprise. The airport was light and airy, and surprisingly not too busy. Check-in was quick with a number of CX/KA counters (no queue for business) and we were soon through security and immigration. We then followed signs to the lounge, handed in our invitations (provided at check-in) and relaxed until our flight.
The lounge was ok - there was plenty of seating, which is the most important thing. However, using the WIFI was a laborious task, which required registration on your device, going to a table to receive a single use electronic code and plugging this into the website, before it expired (which happened after 30 seconds). Unfortunately, the internet was very slow and almost impossible to use. Food offerings in the lounge were underwhelming. There was some choice for breakfast (although largely Pot Noodles), including a chef cooking a beef noodle dish. However, quality wasn't great - eat in the hotel before you get to the airport would be our advice. Food & BeverageAs this was a short-haul flight, catering was not exciting. The starter of shrimp salad was ok - it's always nice to have some leaves and they were reasonably fresh. Afterwards, the lemon chicken with broccoli and rice was surprisingly good - the chicken wasn't over-cooked and the sauce was tangy. We liked the way that main courses were served from a trolly, so that you could see what was on offer and choose the dish that looked best. One oddity was that Cathay start service on the left-hand side of the plane and progress to the back before coming back on the right, thus one of us was halfway through the main before the other had received the starter.
Cathay has quite a strong wine list. In addition to Billecart-Salmon champagne, there was also a choice of red and white wine, including a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, which is always a safe choice. |
Overall Impression
There was nothing wrong with the service, but it was also not hugely warm or friendly compared to a previous short-haul CX flight. A number of staff seemed a little disinterested and I often had to ask for a water refill. On the other hand, perhaps the configuration of the seating made it more difficult to see tray tables than when all seats face parallel to the plane.
We would still recommend flying CX regional business class, especially on busier routes using an A330, where you may be lucky with the seating.
We would still recommend flying CX regional business class, especially on busier routes using an A330, where you may be lucky with the seating.