CATHAY PACIFIC A330 Business Class 🇮🇩➟🇭🇰【Trip Report: Jakarta to Hong Kong】What Happened to Cathay?

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

“He collected my tray with the poise and precision of a new born horse”……I nearly spat out my drink hearing that comment! 😂 Such a sad story the decline of Cathay, but to actually hear the numbers is even more painful…I saw a really nice offer to New York, but I am hesitant to book them and have decided to take the safer option of the Middle Eastern route. Totally agree with the sterile cabin without music or anything…have been listening to Etihad’s epic boarding music of a couple a years ago and it completely and perfectly captures the excitement of flying with them in the better days. Thank you for another wonderful review!

[@tfft]

It’s funny bc I just got off of SQ and NH yesterday and was noticing it is that same quiet cabin, but there’s just something different. SQ has more warmth, from crew and video… and NH is just so efficient that you don’t even notice while boarding a 77W in 22 minutes lol. Thank you as always for the support 🙏🏻

[@Matityahu755]

Kevin's one liners are a thing of beauty. :D

[@mikefellbach6841]

Cathay flight attendants are saying that the work environment has become toxic. Pilots are leaving en masse.

[@tfft]

The ones that are left at least lol. I can’t imagine working there now. At least 50% of flight crews must be new… combined with Cathay trying to hold onto old (good) standards… being a purser must be hell there atm.

[@Mr_Nobody_CA]

Sad to see

[@lazandsen]

Sorry you had such a bad experience. It has been a hard time for Cathay during the past three years. During the pandemic, they fired a lot of old crew. As for the crew who served you in an unprofessional manner: this is due to lack of training and them not being very experienced, they could very well be new recruits. So please give them a chance. This is not their fault.

[@stevene465]

Interesting review - I’m with you on the slamming down of the tray and the invasion of your personal body space- that’s just not acceptable - the very basics of training would have had to have been provided. I dislike those seats due to the fact that If your laying down flat and trying to sleep, and If the person across from you decides to watch movies all night the screen glows into your face due to the open seat cut out section - pissed me off lol

[@dannylove7507]

Too many ungrounded accusations and complaints from the Chinese regime and passengers

[@dumbduong]

Your in4 about airlines is so much more interesting than i thought and i quite have learned a lot from your rich English vocabs that u used in your videos. Thanks

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jimmyjames6492]

Crazy how much service can vary depending on crew. Thanks for the info + video!

[@tfft]

Yup, one crew. Especially the one serving you can really make or break the entire experience. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@pancakewaffles2624]

The secondary spoolup sound is the A330 ovens turning on. Only audible within a row or two of the galley. CX only turns them on before takeoff on shorthaul flights so the service can begin without delay. (More commonly you'll hear it as soon as the pilots make the "be seated for takeoff" PA)

[@tfft]

I'll be honest, I was hoping it was something much cooler than the ovens hahah. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@DSingh4809]

@@tffthonestly the last thing I was expecting for a possible answer was… ovens..

[@tboy1236]

Great job Kevin! I always look forward to when you post. Cheers

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@adetyasen1]

18:14 DEL to SIN in Suites! Great review as always Kevin

[@tfft]

✅ Thanks for watching 🩴

[@howardcobb4656]

Always always - too warm. Fun video!😊😊 Your narrative always gets a smile out of me.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@petek5523]

I’ve only flown Cathay once, back in 1987, Vancouver to HK economy and it was probably one of the best flights I’ve ever had. Economy was more like premium economy +++ back then. Too bad about that bull in the china shop 😅 Thanks for the video.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@LoneStarFlightReviews]

Flew and reviewed Cathay twice back then on their A350s, I had a wonderful flight, but the seeds of the crew behavior has started to exist from my flight. They were pretty much robotic but was still friendly - you can see them from my videos of those flights. Product was solid, service was great, unlike Garuda's "A+ service with a B- product" state that I encountered in the early moments after the pandemic. Days have passed, and seeing your experience....especially when your crew dropped your meal and groped you to fasten your seatbelt without even notifying you...makes low cost carrier crews look like the nicest crews on earth. Oh, how I missed the old CX. Now it seems like SQ, JAL, and ANA are my way to go... But you know what's my another way to go? Your channel! Subscribed already!

[@tfft]

Yes, I just got off of a very underwhelming JetBlue flight 2 days ago... "blah" in ever sense of the word... but at least the crew didn't try to touch me! #winning 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@yvr2002rtw]

Maybe the male flight attendant has a crush on Kevin and his shyness got in the way of providing good service and was nervous throughout. As the plane was about to land and Kevin was getting back to his seat, the male flight attendant saw it as a last chance to touch Kevin so he helped him put his seatbelt on.

[@tfft]

Sounds like a great wedding story, "well we met when 'John' was my flight attendant... he was sick as a dog and acted as if I was his mortal enemy for much of the flight, until it was seatbelt time... and the rest is history..." 😂

[@ramgopalan8625]

Hey Kevin, this is Ram. Yes I want to say hi to you. I really enjoy your narrated trip reports and other reviews. Also I like your new cruise ship videos as well. Keep them coming. Have a good day

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Oggiwara1]

I have not been flying with Cathay Pacific since 2017, and until then it have been my favorite airline. Despite that bad weather and traffic situations in both Bangkok, Hong Kong and London made me miss most of my connection flights, the level of service minded Internet costumer service, ground crew and on board crew had was nothing less than superb. Sad to see that they have gone this far down hill.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@NSYT-ft5pw]

As a person who grew up from Hong Kong and has been flying with Cathay since I was little, I didn’t see a huge difference from post-covid. Tho I did notice that the flight crew is not as friendly and is a bit more “follow the book”. It is still definitely my first airline choice. I feel like this is a unfortunate experience and hope Cathay would redeem themselves in the future.

[@tfft]

To me, there’s just not enough polish. They used to be up there with SQ. I’m not saying they’re a horrible airline now, but they’ve got many years to go before their crews are in sync again. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Treehoptravels]

Thank you. I needed a good laugh tonight. Excellent entertainment even though I don't think that's exactly what you intended. I can not believe the FA tried to put on your seat belt. I have never heard of such a thing. Wow.

[@tfft]

I always aim for 'mild entertainment' haha

[@chad5893]

I can one up you on that flight attendant touching you. Was in biz on a flight from LAX-LHR. Half way through the flight, I woke up and notcied one of my shoes was missing from the shoe cubby. Looked around couldnt find it. Got up walked to the flight attendant that was working biz, he was in the back of coach. As I walked up, he proceeded to pick up my missing shoe from an empty seat and began asking me if I was single, if I was an actor, told mne I was really good looking and that he was LA based. Keep in mind, this was one of those shoe cubbys where he would have had to reach over me and down to take my shoe. Basically, the guy took my shoe so he could talk to me. Long story short, I emailed the President of the Airline at the time, got a call back within 20 minutes, received 200,000 miles and an apology. Craziest thing that has ever happened to me on a flight.

[@tfft]

And here I would have guessed such an occurrence would only happen on LAX-JFK flights 😅 Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@travelbliss5148]

You are lucky to get a response quickly. I emailed them several times regarding their biz and PE cabin service, and never get a reply.

[@chad5893]

@@travelbliss5148 I think it was because of the nature of the compaint.

[@mikewen8888]

Flew with them in April, same sector CGK-HKG, same 11K seat, the service was very disappointed, meal service felt like a robotic process, and the FA were non-friendly at all, and at one point during the flight, they could be heard laughing loudly from the galley. Agreed with the title: What went wrong with Cathay. Went back to CGK 5 days later onboard with their rival (business class on A380) and it was a very very contrast experience.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Qacc6]

I too find these business class seats a standout in the industry, striking a balance between comfort, privacy, efficient design and visual elegance. The seats, although debuted years ago as one of the first reverse herringbone business class seats, still look more attractive than most other full-service airline's products.

[@tfft]

Agree! Glad to see them getting their mojo back with the new seat, but considering multiple airlines still “debut” this kind of seat easy year… makes me wonder if it was necessary. But I suppose to compete where they want to, it is. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@cleefho8156]

Just flew with Cathay from SG to HK and back. Nothing like what you encountered and personally prefer Cathay to my recent SQ flight

[@tfft]

Really? I get better service in SQ economy than I do in CX business lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@emmanuelchan8292]

@@tfft Totally agree with you....i'd take SQ any day over CX.

[@adriancheng8991]

Definitely prefer CX business than SQ. CX business seats are a lot more private, they can adjust better to my liking (unlike in SQ 777 where you have to manually put yourself to a lie flat position after a certain point, and their A350 seats have no leg rests and very little space for the feet). CX entertainment gives you a lot more choices. And CX flights have outside cameras. The only thing good on SQ is the food and the book the cook feature.

[@molnarmihaly951]

11:05 That is literally like me, I agree with every part of that sentence! I love departing at night and love landing during the day lol. And yay flight quiz! I'm guessing SQ Suites, cause they have great upgrades from India.

[@tfft]

First one to get this quiz correctly 😊 If I was building a custom flight, it would take off 30 minutes before sunrise and land 30 minutes after sunset haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@trauden7684]

Wow. How unfortunate and sad of what has become of CX. I had originally booked business class to Asia on CX with my wife but had to cancel due to Covid pandemic. Lastnyear I couldn't find award in biz so ended up booking PE for one of the legs on CX. I felt something was off based on their good reputation but thought thought I would give them another try if I can find openings in business. After your review, I think they are not ready. I will book with JAL for the time being. Thanks the the great review.

[@tfft]

Oh yeah without a doubt JL and NH are light years ahead at this point. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@vladimirg.569]

Great review as always 👍🏻

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@polymathauthor7806]

I flew on Cathay in 2022. I had four flights, where three were on the A350 and one on the 777. It was an amazing flight, but it was basically empty and we have long layovers and delays but the seat and crew made up for it.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@PieterCusters1983]

Love your video's!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@travelart24]

What a great video! Ver yinformative.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jimhankinson4428]

Another great and very informative report - I particularly like the historical information you manage to cram in. I'll be flying CX business ICB-HKG and First HKG to LHR in May - also a really good redemption, prompted be a review of a similar routing by Chris of Travel, Sing, Fly, and I'm still really looking forward to it. But I do hope I don't get your flight attendant. Thanks for your great videos.

[@johnqduncan]

Thanks Kevin, for all your reviews!! TWO quick questions: a) Do you leave on-line reviews for all the places that you visit? b) Why do we never see your face? Kind regards - John (Australia)

[@tfft]

A. No, never. These videos are my reviews and certainly have a larger impact (positive or negative) than an online review which will be read twice and then lost in an endless stream of new reviews. B. If I showed my face I wouldn’t be able to review anonymously. While I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to stay anonymous forever, I’m certainly going to try for at least another couple of years. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@KAPITANAPreciousPaulaNicole]

my last flight with CX on 07/2023 MNL-HKG-MNL in economy, as I observe the crew during service after they serve the meals, they just simply give you the meals then didn't bother to offer for other drinks like soda or juice. in the meal tray bottled water is already included and after that they already hide in the galley. I know it was just a 2hrs flight but I didn't feel the cathay service unlike with SQ when I flew with them last 12/2022. but before landing I ask one of the crew who's infront of me seated in the jump seat if they don't serve any soda at all, she just replied they do serve soda if the pax ask for it 🥲😐

[@tfft]

If it makes you feel better I was recently on a short international flight where the only drinks available were water or apple juice haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@add8305]

So sad to see and hear the decline in Cathay but unfortunately it started before Covid19. I last flew CX Business Class in 2018 and there was a marked decline in service even back then. A bit like what happened to BA too around the same time. Before Covid19 the LHR crew were all London based and in my humble opinion, superb. There was a difference even between the LGW crew although the latter at least had the A350 back in 2018. HK remains one of my favourite places in the world and I have so many amazing memories of trips both for business and pleasure over 30+ years of visiting but when I do return it will probably be with Emirates or Qatar ( I was last there in 2019 via Doha) unless I hear that Cathay is ‘back’ and then I wouldn’t hesitate! Keep up the great work! Love you videos and your no nonsense reporting.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@darlafastelin3395]

Love your videos! Any upcoming video of lounge in Hong Kong? Thx

[@tfft]

In the next Cathay video. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - quite the experience. Disappointing about that crew member but good review. I really like your graphics (such as the seat map), can I ask which program you use to create them? Cheers!

[@tfft]

I am old school with graphics, everything is made in Keynote. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Teroso2_1]

Hmmmm, that quiz at the end, perhaps DEL-SIN on Singapore Airlines in Suites?

[@tfft]

✅ Perhaps :)

[@BeantownMrs]

That seatbelt situation is W I L D. I hope the FA doesn't try to do that with ladies bc that could end up really not good for him.

[@tfft]

The lack of social awareness on his part makes me think this could (and has) happened with many before. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@molnarmihaly951]

I love shazamming your music but I can’t get the one starting at 3:44 there’s not much of it without your voiceover but I really like it and think it suits the video perfectly. Do you know the name any chance? If not, could you tell me how you find your music in artlist, what kind of search or filter you use? Many thanks 🙏

[@tfft]

That is Heaven's Anthem by Smooth Textures. Sometimes I search based on a video I have, sometimes just based on mood. I download A LOT of tracks and categorize them on my computer so I can go back and choose when needed. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@molnarmihaly951]

@@tfft Thanks!

[@HaCkEr6662k7]

I fly them quite often from KL to Taipei via HK. I think 3 rotations this year so far. It is always the same: Food and service that are just good enough, to not be considered bad. Service is usually cold and chaotic. The hardware, better than eco. The reason i fly them anyway- especially on this route, BEST LOUNGES IN THE GAME.

[@tfft]

Oh I disagree about the lounges haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@HaCkEr6662k7]

@@tfft Very intresting, didnt expect that to hear. I mean, i am not comparing against a Concorde Room, Qatars First Lounge or FCT in Frankfurt, but overall i think the CRX has often the best loungein the airport. Would love to hear you take on this.

[@lauraqueentint]

It's honestly so sad to see the decline of Cathay... As many have said before the protests and covid really hit them hard business wise but also exposed them as pretty..... unethical in many other practices (including treating their staff). As a result, most of the experienced crew and even core management left Cathay and it's left the airline in states of disrepair. As a Hong Konger we used to feel proud that Cathay was one of the top airlines in the world, now it's just an ugly reminder of all that went wrong.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@brandrange2288]

I flew with Cathay 4 times in 2023 following the end of Covid restrictions in Asia. I was disappointed on all 4 flights. Of course there are some really hardworking professional crew members upholding the previous Cathay standard, but I also ran into some super underperforming badly trained (if trained at all) crew. Toilets were consistently dirty in economy class and ice cream is now the dessert (it used to come after dessert). The new Cathay product also seems quite disappointing, as it literally is just the old seat plus a door minus the cathay color. They really need to understand their purpose.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@168raychan]

I believe Cathay has definitely a lot of grounds to catch up. Training is probably the best place to start..............

[@tfft]

Generally is! Haha Thanks for watching 🩴

[@AustralianConsultancy]

Fantastic review Kevin once again! You are probably only one of the few traveller vloggers who isnt bais/sponsered. Do you have a patreon?

[@tfft]

Yes I have a Patreon, linked in the description of each video. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@vickybobo412]

It depends on what time that passenger rushing for washroom, like captain has already announced cabin crew be seated or actually it is after the pre landing check. Sometimes passenger can rush to the washroom when everyone has been already seated. Of course the cabin crew by no means to help the passenger fasten the seat belt as to avoid passenger felt uncomfortable or sexual harassment. Ya, everything has changed in the working environment. Passenger got a better business class seat in future by saving cost from the employee.

[@tfft]

As I mentioned, the seatbelt sign came on as I was using the rest room. We had just started our descent, 30 minutes before landing. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@bkkmj4250]

CX Biz/Prem economy were both slipping since before the pandemic…their green/white interior seats always felt like a hospital waiting room to me…CX been off my list for a long time now, waaay too many other options out there…

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@carmenkinder5457]

It's not just you feeling that way about airport temperatures. Too warm for most of them!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tinachiu8022]

I appreciate yr honest comment, watch all yr clips😅

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@Scoobadal]

The seatbelt situation summary ....hilarious!!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@plasmaturkey48]

We love to see a new review - hope you checked out the QF lounge in HKG.

[@tfft]

Nah, was closed when I was there (early morning). Thanks for watching 🩴

[@roxanneglans7251]

Will be interesting in November when I'm flying Melbourne - HK return with Cathay. Premium economy there and business back. Hope I have a good flight 🙄

[@tfft]

Just don't expect the "old" Cathay and you'll likely have good flights. At the end of the day, they're not a crap airlines, it's just that they're now quite average but still mostly charging premium prices.

[@ipalermo-xk6ly]

Oneworld emerald for more than 15 years now. I always thought Cathay J was overrated, The food was always always poor. Seating was fine but never ground breaking. Service was fine but nothing special except for the consistent welcome to Emeralds from the purser, Lastly the HKG lounges are nice but again so overrated in the online community. Great work again

[@tfft]

Yes your last point is one that I touch on in my next Cathay video coming next week. I don’t understand the hype about their lounges at all… Thanks for watching 🩴

[@travelbliss5148]

@@tfft Agree. In 1990s CX lounge was the finest other than SQ lounge, but Emirates Turkish Qatar passed CX later on. In 1990s the service in CX biz class cabin was outstanding IMO.

[@hbkba185]

slam plate down almost become cathay's signature... still really amazing to know they do this to business class cabin as well though. just wonder if you know that they sometimes they rudely treat passengers who doesn't speak english well (or doesn't speak english) without any hospitality. like getting a blanket from them you have better use english or you get nothing and they talk about you sarcastically back in there working area in Cantonese, that i mean the flight between taipei and hongkong, and said by like chinese or hongkong nationality crew. so sweet!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@joelwong8662]

Omg my city! Which hotels are you staying in?

[@tfft]

In HK? I was just transiting through. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@FP9669]

Amazing video as always! The intro music is sooo niceee! Does anyone know what it’s called please?

[@tfft]

It Is 'The More I Know' by Steven Beddall, but you'll need an Artlist membership to access it properly. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tanletran7270]

Let hope that Cathay will return to its former glory . It has been one of my favourite Asian airlines in the past years. At least the hot towel has returned something is still missing in Singapore Air latest flight

[@tfft]

SQ is bringing/has brought hot towels back to all class of services this year. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tanletran7270]

@@tfft we just flew Singapore Air last Saturday HND-SIN-SYD - still no hot or cold towel in business class

[@junqiao5409]

It does seems like a lot of the plaza premium lounge is getting some renovation finally.

[@tfft]

Their short break up with Priority Pass did them well lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@riyanadipoetra6743]

Soekarno-Hatta Int'l Airport (CGK) actually has a good room temperature but only in T1 and T2, for T3 I think it's more cool at arrival but yes, warmer at the departure area. But nowadays I feel airport management is doing something because the temperature now is better compared to several years ago that it is really hot.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@williamsitompul7858]

Hi sir. New subscriber here. Great video. Completely no bias at all. Overall excellent and really entertaining video, wish you a happy new year and looking forward to new videos from you in the future.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@matthewwang1140]

No starlux? You should take a flight with them. Really impressive new airline.

[@tfft]

Today? No, no Starlux today lol.

[@ALWH1314]

Cathay was like Singapore well respected many years ago. The last time I flies on them was 2019 from Delhi to HK, the plane was old, business class food was just ok and service was nothing to write home about. I was happy that my long HK to LA flight was on a different airline. I’m bilingual in English and mandarin but I only speak English on Cathay as they don’t like mandarin speaking passengers, but warm to Cantonese speaking guests. So, probably won’t fly Cathay again.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@ianloome1310]

Good video. You hint that transferring between the international terminal in Jakarta to one of the domestic terminals isn’t much fun. Just how bad is it? I’m preparing myself for next week when I do just that. Thanks

[@tfft]

It depends on which terminals and also the operational status of the sky train and shuttle bus (bus I’m not sure if it still exists…). Thanks for watching 🩴

[@StevenYLol]

Cathay is once the equivalent of professionalism to me: you don't expect too much from service going the extra mile but they take you there on time totally in line with the expected level of service. When they mess up they will make sure they make it right. It was just so reliable. Now that they are slowly recovering, it looks like they hastily ushered as many new recruits as they could get on board and be back to services. You can only find traces amount of professionalism from the more experienced crews. I am not losing hope entirely: HKIA is still my favourite place to transit and CX still has among the best lounges in my opinion. They are still innovating and getting their xxxx together. However, they are not left with much time as the competition is getting hot in Asia, and headwinds building up internally and externally from HK.

[@tfft]

I agree and think in time they'll be back to their old grind in terms of quality, but I'm not too sure about scale... Thanks for watching 🩴

[@emilyao4972]

Has Cathay’s customer service reached out to you at all?

[@tfft]

No, nor would I expect them to in this case- they’re generally quite a ‘hands off’ airline when it comes to social media. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@yin1752]

I used to take cx most time and I was Macro polo gold member for 10 years! After they change the new reward system and new management onboard, everything changed! No more good service and crew speak very unfriendly. I always used CX even I need to transit via Hong Kong instead any direct fight from TPE. Now CX losing business travelers due Hong Kong economy sinking and their bad service attitude. I really didn’t see how they can recover from worse situation. Korea, Japan, taiwan and Southeast Asia airlines they are growing and offering nice cabin and service but CX still backward now! That’s pretty sad to see a good airline become like this way!

[@tfft]

Agree it’s very sad to see. Fingers crossed for their future. Fact of the matter is the region needs them to pick themselves back up. The CX competition I think is what keeps the mainland carriers almost decent.

[@simonlucky86]

Secondary spool up noise are the oven galleys switching on…

[@tfft]

Got it! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@604xrp8]

Quite sad to hear this about Cathay. I've been a Cathay Diamond member since 2016 and have always flown them to go back home at YVR from KUL/MNL/HKG. But I haven't flown with them since 2 weeks before the covid lockdown started, mainly due to the crappy connection times, lack of flights, and stupidly expensive prices. I'll most likely lose my status at the end of this year, but doesn't sound like I'll be missing much.

[@tfft]

From my next flight with them, I can say this is likely a totally isolated incident... but yes, in a world where nearly all other airlines are operating as they should be, it's likely not worth gambling with Cathay- enough to achieve status at least- until they're fully "back"... (especially when the likes of EVA, Starlux, China Airlines, ANA, etc are just next door...)

[@woofvault]

You're definitely right. I've had 2 isolated incidents as well with them in the last 2 years, but all and all Cathay is definitely on the right path in restoring its formal glory.

[@mirelurkhomevideos]

weird i flew cathay a few weeks ago and there was boarding and landing music. they played willy wonkas Pure Imagination

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@JeremiahBlues]

On Cathay, Hong Kong cabin crew (and Taiwanese male) tend to be much less professional than any other nationality. The last time I flew Cathay I had a string of wonderful interactions with Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Filipino and Malaysian crews, but the last one involved seat belt with a very unpleasant HK flight purser. Cathay went downhill not because of covid but because the HK government or someone else made them hire a lot of Hong Kong crew and that's definitely not based on merit. I don't remember Cathay having boarding music pre-covid. They only played music during descent (instrumental of Robbie Williams' Feel which was in an earlier ad campaign)

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@yoisnr9524]

Fyi the garuda indonesia is would not call it “retro” livery, is actually garuda indonesias republik indonesia plane for the president jokowi. Yes they have the 737 but i think this one is for long trips like to sfo or amsterdam

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@hilsa68]

my recent flight delhi-hongkong-sydney flight delayed both sectors and two hour delay from hongkong as per pilot was due to rain loading of cargo delayed!!!! absurd

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@ShanderVarianto]

I can assure it's true: the AC is unquestionably hot in T3. The older terminals T1 & T2 have better AC making flying budget airlines to be more pleasant experience. Also based on my fiancé experience in 2023 flying Cathay the service was bad even she says flying with non-Lion Group LCC is better than Cathay. Foods was not good, the flight attendants was not attending and hard to ask for anything

[@nott5555]

I took Cathay flight from Lax to hkg and got the bad experience too. Crews were not professional. Look like someone force them to come to work. I love Cathay but it is time to move on to another air line.

[@tfft]

“Time to move on” is something very common in the comments on this video. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@robertmarton8858]

Generally, and especially on a red-eye, I appreciate the stillness of boarding on Cathay, compared to the hoopla of some other airlines. I would have had a word with the Pursur and had your FA keep clear of you.

[@tfft]

Not much I could have done 10 minutes prior to landing haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@litaumbarani3719]

I thought business class didn’t get that from the cabin crew. My experience was worse in the economy class Hongkong to jakarta last august. The cabin crew was yealled to passanger who seat 2 line infront of me 😢

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@kilantravels]

Oh how the mighty have fallen. And yes, Jakarta and Bali airports are too warm. I don’t remember about the others, I might have to check again the next time I fly domestic.

[@tfft]

Oh god don't even get me started with Bali... my main goal every time I'm there isn't to find a lounge, but rather one of those portable ACs they use near the window lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@fdanieln8759]

Ah Kevin, that's really disappointing to hear about the state of Cathay. My first ever flight was a Cathay 747 YVR-HKG-SGN. My last trip to Vietnam with my kids was Jan 2019 on Cathay, the flight was also Great, and crew so helpful with the kids (we had our 2 plus mh sister's 2). Really hope they can pick it back up again. Unfortunately, with Canada's state of relations with China, I wouldn't fly through HK for the foreseeable future

[@tfft]

**Sits in silence for 40 seconds wondering what I missed...** lol

[@babuahmed3524]

How to select Halal food on Cathy Pacific

[@tfft]

Select a special meal at time of booking.

[@balddudey321]

That purser obviously lacked training. He made you somewhat uncomfortable, especially when he tried to put your seatbelt on (like, WTF??!!) Anyways, great flight review Kevin! looking forward to your next flight review.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@zakelwe]

"he collected the tray like a newborn horse" ... Best comment ever on a flight review. How the leader of a country impacts a company. Compare Cathay to China Airlines based in Taiwan. Sad. Hong Kong has suffered since leaving the British Commenwealth sadly.

[@tfft]

It's a grace that is rare to experience lol

[@flyhighJJ]

JAL or CX? 😊

[@tfft]

🤔

[@sofaonasock]

Was the flight attendant wearing the uniform?

[@tfft]

…as opposed to, what? Lol

[@cathywalker5613]

Cabin looks grotty.

[@tfft]

Well there's my new word for the day 😅

[@nicholasnopprapun3293]

Being an Indonesian, it is a fact that T3 in Jakarta is warm because of poor airport design and government corruption of them not turning all the AC on

[@tfft]

Yeah I’d put it on poor maintenance. The biggest problem is the system doesn’t remove any humidity at all so even when it is blowing cold, it doesn’t do much. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@yoyoyohk]

Flew with them in both business class and economy few time the past two years and there service were ok, nothing outstanding just very basic. Can’t blame the crew for their minimum effort. Reduced number of crew on each flight so they had to rush like crazy, reduced rest time, shorter trip patterns, most importantly huge pay cut during Covid (Even McDonald’s staff have better pay). Morale are at all time low. Yet CX still can rise ticket prices due to ‘revenge travels’ after three years of travel restrictions. I would choose other airlines over cx unless there’s no alternative.

[@tfft]

Luckily the revenge travel has cooled off quite a bit- especially with mainland carriers starting to back to pre-covid levels.

[@hyderite1]

I have no idea what you're talking about, my experience with CX a few months ago was excellent

[@tfft]

I'm talking about my specific experience, that's what I'm talking about.

[@shamashama9756]

The second "spool-up" noise is most likely coming from the ovens in the galley.

[@tfft]

Oh I didn’t know ovens spooled up haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@normanmcleod7169]

I remember Cathay for their infamous uncomfortable shell seats.

[@tfft]

Ah those have been gone for quite a while. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@streetwalkerseye]

Love your videos but the saphire loung really isn't that impressive. It does not have LOTS of food options. It is by far one of the lounges with the least . But I do agree it is spacious and comfortable, and does look much better than the previous one. However, still a long way to go.

[@tfft]

Yeah, I only said it was so great, in comparison to what it used to be. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ybing]

Being born in HK, I used to only fly them, but now I just avoid CX; their PE ticket from LA back to HK can cost more than a lie flat business with a short stop over at TW… used to be the best now is just expensive and mediocre 😢 Btw, I don’t think HK population reach 11 millions yet, should be still around 7M?

[@tfft]

Yah, I have a note about it in the description (can't change the graphic now...) it was a mistake carry-over from the Jakarta graphic. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ebravo01]

Used to fly CX to Asia from JFK and to MNL. Their pilots, cabin crew, service and lounges were unrivaled. It all began once Air China took a stake in CX. Much like the mainland’s encroachment into HK, CX has declined as it has become more like a mainland Chinese airline adopting their standards. CX was awesome when it was under previous management and a bit more ‘British.’ Interesting if Swire & Sons will let go of this once profitable airline.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@EpicThe112]

The longest flights in their Network to HKG-EWR/JFK and BOS for PVD Brown University are going to have a mixture of crew nationalities from Hong Konger🇭🇰 Taiwanese🇹🇼 South Korean🇰🇷 Filipino🇵🇭 Australians🇦🇺 britons🇬🇧. Knew this because I use to fly EWR/JFK-MNL via HKG. If you compare Any CX🇭🇰 airplanes that have equivalent to PR🇵🇭 fleet CX versions are better than them. Keep in mind it has to compete with the other 5 star carriers in the region from rival alliances which are Star Alliance NH BR🇹🇼 SQ OZ🇰🇷 and Skyteam KE & GA while at the same time feeding fellow Oneworld 5 star carrier JL🇯🇵. Only my father has a Oneworld emerald status just like how he has Star Alliance gold which gave him Access to AC lounge in YYZ🇨🇦. Back then one can do EWR/JFK/LAX/SFO to DVO🇵🇭 via HKG🇭🇰. If you have to choose which version of Safran Cirus seats between DL AA and CX which one will come out on top? A35K A359 wise CX Safran Cirus > PR Vantage XL

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@leigh5152]

I’ve mostly flown CX regionally within Asia and SoPac. Nothing memorable…except one crew that happened to be outstanding. Otherwise… meh…the HKG lounges however are great.

[@tfft]

The lounge was nice… but I don’t understand why everyone loves them so much. I’d much prefer an SQ lounge. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@leigh5152]

@@tfft I think it depends on which lounge you use. The F Pier Lounge at gate 63 is great (service might leave something to be desired), but it’s overall excellent…when connecting at HKG I don’t think that most realize there’s a transfer security check right next to the gate (but you have to hunt for it). The shower lounges are superb, only nearly matched by Qantas F domestic at Brisbane (yes, domestic).

[@markfellows74]

Very sad. Dropping trays and fiddling with your seat belt is 100% unacceptable. I last flew Cathay around 2017 and it was one of the better flights I’ve ever had. I’m trying them again in 2 weeks SYD-BKK via HK so fingers crossed I get good crews!

[@tfft]

My next flight with them was much better, but in retrospect I wonder if it was so "good" because it was so short and it's more difficult to mess things up with less time haha. Enjoy your trip 🗺️

[@EnzeZhu-n1r]

as a Hong Kong native, Cathay is certainly getting worse. earlier this year people are outraged by their discrimination scandal against mandarin-speaking passengers. it’s a shame that the carrier of Hong Kong is British.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@boris7417]

There is no excuse for this poor service. I hope you have made an official complaint to the CEO of Cathay. I don’t want to see this attendant on my flights cause I fly quite a bit !

[@tfft]

This is my complaint 😉

[@ManualFlying]

It is quite sad the state that CX is in. Both the flight crew and cabin crew are underpaid relative to the industry. The treatment of the crew goes well before covid, well before 2000s. Plenty of coverage of those problems dating back in the 90s. It is just becoming obvious now.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@d3yuen]

Maybe the sick male flight attendant recognized your voice ... uh oh, did Kevin just get patronized and is now a **gasp* a "KZbin Influencer"? The horror! 😮😅😂

[@tfft]

Luckily my KZbin voice and real life voice are not the same lol.

[@brian402]

'WOW" now that was a real experience flying on CX, i reckon that unhealthy flight attendant shouldn't be working in that condition with passengers and other flight crew around him., tray slamming & unauthorised human contact re the safety belt.Never have heard of that happening to a passenger before on a flight, awesome flight review btw✈👍

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@_Tripsandtips101]

Spoiler alert on wifi: I believe you need to pay for it even in business class. Putting this in perspective, SIA is now offering economy class passengers free wifi.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@scaninvage]

16:06 that cannot be real 🤣💀

[@tfft]

I wish I was creative enough to make it up haha.

[@sandyco]

once, somehow my name was not recorded on their business pax list. they served the pre-takeoff drink and hot towel to me. After take off, they started to offer supper to everyone BUT me. as if i was a ghost that went unnoticed. they literally skipped asking what i wanted for supper by walking thru my seat, asking the pax at behind, front and beside me, but not me. They did so while checking on their piece of paper (that perhaps has list of business pax seating but mine somehow wasn't there). until i had to ask them if they serve any supper that they apologized for not offering me supper earlier. D'oh. you couldn't have just skipped a seat on business pax. what am i? an economy pax who slipped to business seat? i complained through email and receive some asia miles for compensation. oh well.

[@tfft]

Weird situation! Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Hudute]

Not the point of the video but I totally disagree with the AC comments. I got a cold because of the insanely strong AC in Indonesia, particularly on trains, planes and in the airports. Might just be me being european, but I hated the cold, particularly in the Plaza Premium lounge and on my Cathay flight out. Oh, and I found the lounge to be a real disappointment with limited food and drink selection (drinks being the only thing not cold enough), a real surprise to hear it used to be even worse.

[@tfft]

To each their own! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jbennison5672]

China Southern were better than Cathay on our recent trip. And the air con was set to Arctic for the entire flight! Kevin, you probably loved being that cold!?

[@tfft]

You can always put on more blankets, but you can't always take off more clothes lol. I love it cold as can be. Thanks for watching 🩴