Airline Profile: Cathay Pacific

The Facts:

Analysis:

Travel Classes:

Economy Class:

Economy Class on Cathay Pacific features personal entertainment screens at every seat on all aircraft. On all flights, passengers get served warm meals on board. On newer aircraft, there are storage areas in the seat in front of you besides the seat back pocket that can store small electronic devices. I wouldn’t say that economy on Cathay is anything special, but it certainly is better than economy on airlines such as American or Delta, due to better service and meals.

Premium Economy Class:

Premium economy on Cathay Pacific features larger recliner seats with leg rests (select aircraft only) and footrests. The seats are much larger than the seats in regular economy and have more recline, legroom, and larger headrests than in economy. The seats can be compared to the seats in domestic first class in the United States. Passengers also receive check-in services at dedicated counters, food better than the food in regular economy, pre-departure drinks (long-haul flights), amenity kits (although they are not as extravagant as the ones found in business), and larger tray tables. Like most airlines, premium economy passengers on Cathay Pacific, unfortunately, do not have lounge access. Like in economy, all seats have access to personal on-demand entertainment.

So is it worth it? On a random date in February 2019 from Hong Kong to New York, premium economy costs around $1,700 (USD) while regular economy costs around $1,050. That is a $650 difference. On most flights, that ratio stays about the same. I would probably say that it is probably worth the price difference, given that you would be getting a comfortable seat with relatively good food instead of a tiny seat that will break your back. However, it does completely depend upon the situation and budget that you are faced with, as there is no perfect cabin class for all.

Business Class:

On all long-haul flights, Cathay Pacific features flatbed reverse herringbone seats with all aisle access in business class. Cathay uses the Zodiac Cirrus seat model, which is also featured on American’s 777-300ERs. These seats are featured on all 777-300ERs, Airbus A350s, and some Airbus A330s. On shorter flights (such as from Hong Kong to Taiwan or Japan), Cathay Pacific features recliner seats with leg rests in business class. They are featured on all 777-200s, 777-300s, and on some Airbus A330-300s. I would personally say that they are only slightly better than long-haul premium economy. If possible, avoid the short-haul business class seats in favor of the long haul business class seats, as they are flown on some medium haul routes. Cathay also flies some aircraft (such as the 777-300ER or A350) on short routes within Asia, so on short-haul routes, try and book on a flight with one of their planes with flatbed seats.

Passengers in business class also receive amenity kits (better than the ones in premium economy), pillows, blankets, and duvets. Business class passengers have access to business class lounges; Cathay has a grand total of five of them just in Hong Kong! Business class lounges are all named differently at Hong Kong Airport: business class passengers in Hong Kong have access to The Wing, Business, The Pier, Business, The Deck, The Bridge, and The Arrival. Dining, showers, private suites, and workstations are available at Cathay Pacific lounges.

First Class:

First class on Cathay Pacific is exclusively featured only on select Boeing 777-300ERs, which mostly only fly on some of Cathay’s longest routes. First class features flatbed open suites. Many airlines do have closed suites in first class, so Cathay’s seat in first class is really not industry leading, as they do not have doors closing off each suite from the cabin. However, the suites are incredibly spacious, as they are in a 1-1-1 configuration (most airlines put first class in a 1-2-1 configuration on the 777). Passengers get meals even better than in business class (including sometimes caviar) in first class. Also, sleepwear and amenity kits are available to first class passengers. Passengers have access to First Class lounges (labels as The Wing and The Pier in Hong Kong).

The biggest question is: is it worth it? No. For a price much larger than in business class and not much of a better seat, if you would like to travel in comfort, business class really should be enough; it features all aisle access, premium food options, and a flat bed seat.

Have you ever flown Cathay Pacific? Share about your experience below!