So, I have often heard positive things about Cathay Pacific and went in to my personal travel experience with very high expectations. I often appreciate the quality of nice products and high end service, however it is important in my experience to look at all facets and come up with criticisms that I anticipate my clients may also have. I traveled 14.5 hours from San Francisco to Hong Kong with a 5+ hour connection in Hong Kong prior to my 4.5 hour flight to Hong Kong, following this same itinerary on my return. I must admit from the time I arrived to check in for my flights to the time I picked up my luggage in Bali and everything in-between, there is very little opportunity for Cathay to improve, rather to rave about my near seamless travel experience.

Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park

I arrived to San Francisco and was greeted by a friendly female representative for Cathay Pacific along with a warm gentleman who walked me to the counter and assisted with my luggage. At this time my upgrade to my Business Class seats and my access to the Cathay Pacific Lounge was confirmed. They were so welcoming and provided the perfect beginning to my long journey ahead. I arrived to the Business and First class lounge and was pleasantly surprised by the ambiance of the lounge and the wide variety of food & beverages included at the buffet, along with the comfort of my home for the next hour till I began boarding for my flight. As I proceeded to check-in at my gate, I walked through to board the plane and was greeted by name and then shown to my seat.

Luxury-Passport-Cathay Pacific Business Class Seat
Hong Kong Park

The entire experience was a positive one. I had the opportunity to experience Premium Economy on the return, which I was happy about for the sole fact that I would experience a different class of service and this would allow me to understand the major differences, but sure sad to not have my fully lay flat bed to snuggle up in. I would certainly suggest, that if one cannot afford Business Class, that they pay the fairly minimal price differential and upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy as there are some very significant advantages in doing so, including the following: Seats recline further, seats are wider, there is additional leg room, center counsel between passenger seated to side of you is wider, configuration is 2/4/2 versus 3/3/3, there is a foot rest, toiletry kit received, more regular & attentive service, along with same offerings for meals as with first class. With other airlines, you may see just 4-7 additional inches legroom, but with Cathay Pacific, there is quite a big difference so this is important to know and would be recommended as it is certainly what a “Premium” experience should be. With that being said, I look forward to flying the skies above with Cathay Pacific in the very near future and I know understand why they have received the accolade as #1 airline multiple years in a row.