Cathay Pacific First Class: HKG-SFO B777-300ER

I had flown Cathay Pacific First Class before on this same route (HKG-SFO) and plane (B777-300ER) 2 years prior so I had my expectations set really high. In 2016, I had used 67,500 American Airlines miles to book a last minute ticket. This time I used 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles due to the devaluation AA miles have gone through over the past few years which now requires 110,000 AA miles for the same redemption.

After flying into Hong Kong from Surabaya, I had an 8 hour layover which would be perfect to get out and explore the city. Due to the massive Mangkhut typhoon which hit the previous day, I was forced to spend my time in the HKG airport. Luckily, Cathay Pacific has amazing First Class lounges to make my layover very enjoyable. I proceed to The Pier to relax. After entering I made a foot massage appointment and grabbed a shower. I grabbed some lunch in the Dining area then proceeded to work from a Day Suite which has a bed with a view of the runway. My buzzer finally went off for my foot massage after getting through some emails. This was a perfect way to end my stay at The Pier.

After spending 5 hours in The Pier, I walked around HKG to stretch and explore new lounges since my last visit. I checked out the new AMEX Centurion Lounge and The Deck (newly renovated). Nothing compares to The Pier, but both would be just fine to spend a few hours.

Prior to boarding, I stopped into The Wing to grab a shower in The Cabana Room. It’s an amazing way to freshen up and relax prior to a long haul flight. All US-bound flights depart from the gates near The Wing.

I boarded the flight and was immediately shown to my seat, 1A. Deutz Cuvée William Deutz 2006 Champagne and warm nuts were provided prior to takeoff. PYE pajamas and an Aesop amenity kit were also handed out. The initial pajamas were too large, but they promptly brought me another size.

After takeoff, they began the meal service as we departed around midnight local time. An amuse bouche was served followed by caviar with all the fixings. Yum! A burrata cheese salad was a great segway into my main course which I opted for the beef tenderloin which was cooked perfectly. To top it off, I ended with a caramel fig cake with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Wow, I was ready for bed!

The flight attendant made my bed and I was fast asleep soon afterwards. The bed is the widest & comfiest I’ve slept in on a plane. The turbulence we experienced woke me up a few times, but I still enjoyed it.

Prior to landing, breakfast was served even though we were landing in the evening local time. I opted for fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and sausage. The scrambled eggs were the quality of a 5 star restaurant. I didn’t want the flight to end, but it was time to say goodbye to our wonderful crew. They topped it off with a box of chocolates as a gift to take home.

 

Conclusion: Cathay Pacific still ranks in my Top 5 global airlines. You get amazing service and the amenities are top notch. Who complains about caviar and champagne? I look forward to flying Cathay Pacific First Class again later this year.