Cathay Pacific First Class X'mas to London 2022 - A Return to Form

[@kenswims]

As expressed by other viewers of this video, you did an outstanding job of allowing us to enjoy the experience on Cathay Pacific along with you. You put considerable effort into doing this and, rest assured, it is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable inflight videos I have ever seen. I love the way you warmly responded to the friendly efforts of the crew and ground staff. Looking forward to watching your other offerings.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hey Kenneth, thanks for the kind words and this means a lot to me :) Glad that you enjoyed it and safe travels in the future! :)

[@ometofu]

Flight aside, the welcoming staff at lounge and recognition of you is on another level! Very nice

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Louis, indeed, it was one of the best flight experiences I have ever had... Was truly missing the flight as I edited this vid :) Thanks for watching!

[@ometofu]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer specially Cathay, they practically disappeared in the US in last couple years. I am glad they didn’t fire all their staff…

[@jpgalway]

A Gentleman and a Scholar .... is what comes to mind when I watch your videos. :)

[@rem05033]

What a great job you did on this video. I loved Cathay Pacific's first class experience when I took an an around the world journey years ago. It was on a 747. The service was impeccable. I'm happy to see they are coming back. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hey Ron, thanks for watching... What a pity that I've never flown on CX's 747 First Class, and I can imagine how good it was back in the good old days :)

[@garlicmayo_]

I just came across your channel. AMAZING videos. The commentary, the music, the edits, the footage. All first class. Thank you for putting so much effort into these videos. I truly felt like I was there

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Zain, your kind words mean a lot to me and I am really glad to hear that. It's definitely my pleasure to share the vid with you, wishing you safe travels all the time :)

[@woofvault]

Brilliant review, glad that Hong Kong FINALLY completely open again with no COVID restrictions after a tough 3 years.... Onto more prosperous times. Great review of the first class product, looking forward to seeing Cathay bounce back (and hopefully reopen some of their lounges that were closed around the world as well as their pilot bases).

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching! And I'm also very much looking forward to seeing CX thrive again! :)

[@drb1979]

Great review, thank you for posting. Michelle from Cathay certainly liked you!

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks David... Haha, Michelle's just doing her job, but I definitely appreciate her kindness as well as Cathay's arrangements!

[@12mixes55]

i would love to see cathay return as a top tier airline once again despite the difficulties and trauma they have experienced during and after the pandemic. really happy to see the new ceo's plans. love the video, subbed!

[@Iamnobodyimportant]

4:30 you should have asked her out.

[@nancydonoghue4319]

Traveling vicariously with you. Fantastic video on every level!

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Nancy! My pleasure to share the vid with you! Safe travels ~

[@ymy0909]

Awesome video, one of the best review that I have ever seen

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Haha, thanks for the kind word, great that you enjoyed it :)

[@unitedcomputers]

I always enjoy your videos ! Having travelled recently on Cathay Pacific in business class Manila to Bangkok via Hong Kong, my experience was faultless ! As an Australian, I would normally choose Qantas, but this time I opted for a change in carrier. The crew were exceptional, and as I was traveling with my secretary, I was anxious to ensure, I kept a beady eye on them....they were faultless !!! Food was very good,the French red wine was good without matching its Australian counterpart, but then again, I am an Aussie with a little bias of course.....I will fly Cathay again, and have instructed my staff to do the same.

[@daveobrien4112]

Thanks for the video and I’m lucky enough to be making the same flight in 3 weeks time. I’ll make sure to try your red wine.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching, Dave. But just to set the right expectation for you, I don't think they are still serving vintage Lynch Bages this month... The menu I got in December was only a limited time menu to celebrate First Class resumption. Anyways, wish you a great flight ahead! :)

[@fichow8714]

really great video !

[@ianmounstephen3403]

A useful review. It's highly subjective but I like that. Thanks for sharing the experience in such a technically proficient manner! SUBSCRIBED

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Ian, and really thank you for your support by subscribing as that means a lot to me! :) Glad that you enjoyed it and wish you safe travels all the time :)

[@britton1988]

Great video! I’m glad I found your channel. What was the gift the captain gave you?

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching and really glad to hear that! The gift was just some food, nothing too special honestly haha! :)

[@garciatunion]

Im gonna flight in business with them in September from Sydney, First time with Cathay, and first time in Hong Kong, so Im very excited

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Wow, wish you a great flight ahead! :) and make sure you try their signature drink, Cathay Delight, if it's available (sometimes it might not be available from flights departing from places other than Hong Kong) :)

[@garciatunion]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer Thank you so much, I will take a note

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Have Not Try Out Cathay Pacific First Class Yet .Great Work

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Gunvald for watching. Hopefully you could try it one day, it was a really great experience, to me at least!

[@PieterCusters1983]

I am waiting anxiously!

[@PieterCusters1983]

One of the better bloggers in Asia! 🙂

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Pieter. I'm overwhelmed to hear this. Hope you enjoyed it and found your wait worthwhile!

[@cathay35k]

It’s so great to see Michelle again❤

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Definitely! Thanks for watching!

[@TheChosenRed]

Enjoyed this review a lot, good job 👌🏽

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Dylan, this means a lot to me. Thanks for watching! :)

[@jeffreyjamestv]

Ken, i am thoroughly biased towards Cathay and have since being 22 chosen to fly them in every class and will maintain that habit. Your video is so nicely constructed and your formal English is lovely to hear. I noted no green which is the CX colour which seems to have been deleted form what is clearly an outdated seat design and as you mention flying First Class with no door dates the product. The cabin looks lifeless-in-colour and I note - if correct -that the glassware is not crystal. I am sure all will return once the airline is back on its feet for it has been a dreadful time for Cathay and its team. The lounge touches together with the monogrammed passport wallet is a very lovely touch. You obviously love flight and I like your line that Singapore Airlnes is exciting but Cathay Pacific is home. That is partly because you are from Hong Kong but I feel the same thing having lived and worked in HK for some time. It - to be sure - remains the great carrier of the world together with Qatar and the always impressive glitzy Emirates. Keep enjoy the magic of flight and don't get fat from the pre-departure and on-board offerings. I hope your hangover was containable after the 'endless free fly of Krug' and if not then it was worth enduring. You are right that odd you were not escorted to your seat with jut 3 passengers and even if the cabin was full, an odd non-gentures. But these are tough times and to be sure they are all getting into the groove again after many years of terrific chaos. By the way, the composite shot of you in reflection in the window during the take-off is a lovely and creative touch. J

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hi Jeffrey, really glad to hear that... Haha, "formal English", sorry that I'm not a native speaker but hopefully you did enjoy the video and my narration. I'm really touched to see such a long comment under my vid, it really means a lot to me. Thanks again for watching, commenting and everything. Wish you safe travels as always. You mentioned that you lived and worked in HK for some time, so where are you based in right now?

[@jbentley75]

Sad to see the fall in standards of the once world class airline but exciting to hear of the new CEO's plans. It will be a very difficult job for many reasons but it would be wonderful if he achieved his aim and re-established Cathay as a very top tier airline. Thank you for the report - it was lovely to see how they treat not only a first class passenger but also how they recognized and rewarded status and loyalty.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks James for watching and for subscribing. Yes indeed, it would be an enormous challenge for them to re-establish Cathay as the top airline group, lots for them to do, so really fingers crossed... Not sure what we could do to help them... Nonetheless, Cathay would always be my favourite airline and I was just over the clouds to experience how my loyalty was being rewarded. Thanks again :)

[@adamkwong6114]

How do you get so many privileges. Please tell!!!

[@pixman7506]

Another great video Ken 👍

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Pix! Glad that you liked it :)

[@MusicAvi8Tr]

Cathay as a steep hill to climb given the competition if they are to reclaim being the best of any airline! Even before the pandemic Cathay was going downhill. But in all my F class on Cathay I've never had the flight crew stop by my seat, so that looked great.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching James. As a really keen fan of Cathay, I'm glad on one hand that they treated me really well, but on the other hand, I feel heart breaking when I see people saying how Cathay has gone down hill over the past period of time. Let's hope for the best and I really wish that I could see it thrive again soon.

[@kitkit10000]

I thought that there was no more Krug for first class in CX?

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hi Terry, thanks for watching. They did stop offering Krug in First Class for a while sometime in 2016-2019, but it's back available when they started the new service flow in 2019, and thus it's now also available in CX First Class!

[@kitkit10000]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer I will be flying CDG ~ HKG in March, I planned to drink a whole bottle then. And I am excited what red wine I would have, your's were very good and vintage is awesome......

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

@@kitkit10000 Hey I think I can give you some updated info as I actually flew LHR ~ HKG on 1 March in F (actually a free upgrade). The wine offerings were: champagne: - Krug 2004 White Wines: - Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve, France 2017 - Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2017 Red Wines: - Chateau Montrose, France, 2006 - Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy 2013 - Wooing Tree Pinot Noir, New Zealand 2013 Probably you can expect something similar on your flight.... a downgrade from Lynch Bages but I think the French Red and White are still ok haha.

[@kitkit10000]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer appreciate

[@gwliv2310]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer 👀

[@robyoungquist5803]

I sincerely hope that Cathay’s new CEO Godspeed in once again capturing Cathay’s reputation as being a world class airline. 😉👍🏻. Judging from your Christmas experience, it’s well underway. 😉

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Rob. I sincerely hope so... But sometimes, the inflight meals in Business Class (especially Breakfast) really disappoint me.... There's a lot to do for CX to catch up, so hopefully the new CEO can act in a timely manner. thanks for watching! :)

[@fjftt]

an awesome DM coronation flight!

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Indeed :) Thanks for watching!

[@vicg5323]

Got to try this airline. Nice review.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Vic for your kind words! Definitely looking forward to seeing you fly with Cathay one day!

[@henrimattila2216]

I like your review style

[@walterwlim]

2000 Lynch-Bages is quite the wine to have on a flight.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Definitely it is.... I was so lucky to fly in the first month of First Class service resumption, allowing me to try this special cellar option!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip...Looking very nice...

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching! My pleasure, and I do enjoy editing my flight clips :)

[@LMays-cu2hp]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer You are welcome. I have done the long-haul trips many years from my former airline employer. Now a days, I am glad I have the experience of how I fly. I use my airline points to try and have at least to fly Business Class. But I have also have had some experience with flying Premium Economy Class. And when there is now upgrades available then I have flown in Economy Class but I always try to get the Exit Rows seats to give me the leg room. Life flying is how we all can experience it safely and comfortably.

[@wanem1622]

Great trip review! Cathay Pacific 👏👏👏

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks! Glad that you liked it!

[@truebrit3578]

The problem with relaunching the airline and First Class in particular is that it cannot ignore the global economic situation. Few companies are going to pay for First in the current environment so that will limit passenger levels. Also where Hong Kong goes and its relationship with the mainland will also help or hinder Cathay’s efforts.

[@benela]

Question, How often you travel per year?

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Haha, it depends. But in 2021, it was 0. Hahaha ;)

[@benjaminlittle9905]

I remember always waning to fly CX first class, but after flying SQ business class this year, I feel CX has work to do. Yes I’d love caviar and Krug, but the experience doesn’t outweigh SQ.

[@Nae395]

Cathay has potential to become the world's best again, it must recapture its 1990's ethos.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching, Nick. Unfortunately, I have never experienced the 90s Cathay.... I sincerely hope that the new management team is gonna do something to rebuild the brand as I just felt heart breaking when I see people saying how inferior Cathay is these days when compared to what it used to be :(

[@Nae395]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer so true. Safe travels. I'm on Qatar q suites tomrrow looking fwd to it.

[@brucekwan9785]

no way , read the news how the staff have been treated.....

[@jeffreyjamestv]

@@brucekwan9785 Yes, it needs to recapture the 80s and 90s of the grandeur and glamour of crossing the world in a palace. They will. It will take time and staff layoffs and all manner of horrors has come to visit what was the greatest airline in the world which I feel sure unlike Bruce, will be so again.

[@brucekwan9785]

Thank you Jeff for your comments, if you are living in HK, then you would know how much damage the airline has done n i can say the majority of residents here have very negative feelings on CX, it is very genuine unfortunately.

[@PenguinAviation]

Great video! I'm curious of what did the Captain gave you haha :D

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching! It was just some food actually haha, nothing too special, haha

[@EpicThe112]

The lounge hasn't changed since the last time I was there January 5th 2006. Unless it was re modelled between January 2006 and December 2022. You should have passengers with you on the lounge going to JFK on CX844 which goes back to HKG as CX841 MNL connection CX902. If you are early. If you do HKG-MNL again will you try PR 🇵🇭 the oldest airline in the region predating CX by 5 years or not? Now on Fiesta Class you lose the power plugs underneath the seats as seen on B777-367/ER B-KPx B-LRx A359s and A35ks B-LXx registrations.

[@edward88881]

I hope they will expand First Class offerings to North America.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Yes, I wish they would rebuild their First Class networks asap... Los Angeles is starting from March, so a good sign!

[@ManlyHK1]

Past 3 years have changed my perception on this airline completely. I don’t really care if it’s “home” as you called it, my preference has gone to Singapore, Ethiad, Qatar and Emirates. Maybe Thai if I am going to Thailand.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hi again haha, well I also wish to try Etihad and Emirates one day. I tried Qatar in 2019, which was a lovely experience... While Thai Airways, ermm, I would still opt for Cathay haha

[@dola9786]

But Eithad's quality has dropped a lot

[@tamaskis-szeman1783]

still fully masked :)))) well done

[@marg8315]

as a Canto speaker born and raised in Guangzhou, I have always had a place in my heart for Cathay. however, over the years, I have witnessed Cathay service and food quality going downhill in both coach and business and I feel super disappointed. not to mention Cathay demands a premium to fly with them - their transpacific routes are consistently priced higher than both their Asian and American counterparts. in the past, that premium was somewhat justified. but not anymore because their peers are not only catching up in terms of hardware, but also in soft products, especially the other asian airlines such as ANA and EVA. I really hope that a) Cathay can once again reclaim the title of one of the best airlines in the world by improving their service and catering; and b) price their tickets appropriately. while I'm hopeful, im not sure if Lam will achieve his ambitious goals. The exchange rate is really not in Cathay's favor - which makes it hard to price their tickets competitively. meanwhile, cathay's finance is devastated because of HK government's/Beijing's overly and unnecessarily strict COVID policy. best of luck to Cathay.

[@andrewstorm8240]

The captain - he came back to have a word?

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hi Andrew... it was that I passed him a flight log to fill in and he came to my seat and returned it to me... quite a sweet gesture in my opinion. :) Thanks for watching!

[@kinyrutravel]

I saw it well :) good vided

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks Kinyru for your kind words :) Glad to hear that!

[@kirkwcowgill]

I just flew Cathay Pacific from Shanghai to San Francisco (via HK) in economy. I'm just a pleb. My experience was obviously much worse. The seat in front of me was literally 5 inches away from my face when the passenger using it reclined. I would not recommend Cathay Pacific's economy class at all.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Haha George, thanks for watching. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you as I didn't have any checked bags. But from what I know, SQ will hold the bags for you. Probably it's better for you to ask a representative from SQ, I'm sure a staff from the Private Room would be happy to give you assistance!

[@louiseleonard1992]

Looks like there was lots of turbulence on the flight

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

I guess so, but it didn't bother me much as I was most of the time asleep when there was turbulence, haha. Thanks for watching Louise! :)

[@louiseleonard1992]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer i don’t like turbulence it freaks me out big time

[@louiseleonard1992]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer i absolutely love CX great cabin crew and delicious food

[@chrishowell4845]

I see where Hong Kong Airport was adding a third runway....has it been finished yet?

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Hi Chris, yes, the new runway has been completed. In fact, flights are landing into Hong Kong using that runway these days. One of the two older runways (the one in the middle) is now closed for maintenance and upgrade work. From what I remember, the three runway system will official start working in the next one or two years. The new terminal on the newly reclaimed land is still under construction though... thanks for watching!

[@chrishowell4845]

@@MarcoPoloClubFlyer, I had noticed in the video the middle runway looked like it was being worked on and looked torn up

[@MSH3423]

I think you can use a new eye glass frame. Aviator make your eye look more saggy

[@heyjee262]

my first airline experience....CATHAY PACIFIC

[@moneyhong915]

好奇 用勞工手套整野食？

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Haha，應該唔係，係用勞工手套由焗爐將食物取出

[@nutellalatte7522]

Michelle is so lovely ❤😢

[@eremasirova2518]

Great customer service. Loved the tripreport

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Indeed, I definitely enjoyed the entire experience. Thanks for watching, Eremasi! :)

[@J03L_y0ur_gurl]

I saw him today he was on my flight

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Oh, haha, were you the passenger in 2K, with your family members in 1D and 1K? I’m bad at recognising faces, so forgive me if I’m wrong haha

[@J03L_y0ur_gurl]

Yea your correct

[@J03L_y0ur_gurl]

I went to Hong Kong for a stop over now I’m in osaka Japan

[@ian75333]

Bruh, get a better camera.

[@brucekwan9785]

你坐完SQ , EK and QR就唔會記得因航喇, 相信我啊😛

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Well... 我坐過SQ(First and Business)同QR (Q-Suite), 就正如片中提到 "While Singapore Airlines' Suites is exciting, Cathay Pacific's First Class is Home"。我始終對CX都係有d情意結，所以坐完SQ 同QR都好，每次當我edit CX嘅片，自己看番d footage，都會特別感觸。haha。不過希望我將來有機會試一試EK同SQ long haul flight.... 或許有一日我會放棄同唔記得因航呢? Thanks for watching

[@brucekwan9785]

多謝你的回覆,CX 以前曾經是港人的驕傲,過去己經過去了, 明白你的情意結,由頭三位排名跌倒現時接近廿十已說明很多事情了,大家都是向前望, 但員工是一間公司最最重要的asset, 一去不復返的,this apply to all companies. Thank you.

[@jamesmoninger1982]

I am so-o-o sorry you didn't get escorted to your seat. That must really sting. Have you considered asking for compensation?

[@hungquang5888]

I like you videoclip thax…..

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks a lot! Lovely to hear that! :)

[@superlogistics1]

I’m not a fan of CX and never will be but at least they know how to pamper their most loyal customers like yourself

[@Justin87878]

Why?

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching! As a keen fan of Cathay, I was really glad to be well pampered. Safe travels as always!

[@superlogistics1]

@@Justin87878 just personal preferences ….. even as a Hong Konger myself I only fly on CX cause I redeem on Asia Miles , hardly ever fork out any money on them . But I’ve never flown with them on F so I might try that out and see if it’s any good 🤔

[@Justin87878]

@@superlogistics1 OK, that's weird as CX is one of the best global airlines out there, along with ANA, Qatar, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, etc.... People have reasons, for example, the routing, the meals, the service, etc...

[@joshcruzphotos]

CX has become so crappy over the past few years. They used to be my first choice. Now it's ANA, Japan Airlines, Korean Air.

[@davidlui1880]

You still have Chinese accent😅

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Haha, well, I'm from Hong Kong, so I think it's normal for me to have a Hong Kong accent. Thanks for watching anyways :)

[@hwoarang2001]

Mask? Heck no

[@elainemalcolm8349]

I dreamed of the day when I can enjoy this good life 🙏🙏🙏🙏, its on my 🪣🪣 list.

[@MarcoPoloClubFlyer]

Thanks for watching! And wish could check your bucket list one day!