Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class: CGK-HKG A330-300

I’ve previously flown Cathay Pacific First Class and Business Class which have been very pleasant flights. This was my first flight to try out their Premium Economy seats. Upon checkin, I was informed that Priority immigration is only available to Business and First Class passengers even though I’m a Oneworld Emerald. I proceeded through immigration and headed to the lounge at CGK. The WiFi can be intermittent in the Cathay Pacific contracted lounge so I had to switch lounges to a Priority Pass lounge next door. After getting some work done, I was ready to board my flight.

The Premium Economy cabin wasn’t very full on this flight so I was able to snap some nice pictures. I was seated at 30A which is a bulkhead seat and features a leg rest. Bulkhead seats only have a leg rest which is a bit too short unless you are under 5′ 6″ so bring a large pillow you can place it over the metal piece to make it even comfier. The seat reminds me of an angled lie flat Business Class seat which makes this an excellent alternative to the expensive Business Class. Cathay Pacific won’t upgrade you unless the flight is oversold and then you would have the chance to be upgraded to the next cabin based on your Oneworld status and fare class paid. The cabin manager and purser of the flight welcomed me on board after I was seated due to my Oneworld Emerald status. This is a nice touch and they will keep an extra eye on you.

Conclusion: I’d highly recommend sitting in the bulkhead row while traveling on their A330-300 due to the leg rest. Some of their B777-300ER offer leg rests in all rows, but are slowing being upgraded. Cathay Pacific Premium Economy is something I’d pay for if Business or First Class award seats aren’t available and it’s on sale. The incremental cost is typically around USD 300 each way for transpacific flights.