Here’s my impressions of my Cathay Pacific flight from Tan Son Nhat International to Hong Kong International:
Getting to the Airport: Ordered a Grab Taxi to get to the airport. Took about 25 minutes to arrive at the airport.
Check-in and Security: There was a short line at the Cathay Pacific check-in, but the wait was short and the experience was smooth. Exit immigration took about 15 minutes. One thing to note with Vietnam: you will want your eVisa available (preferably printed) at entry and exit from the country. I couldn’t find my printed copy in my backpack, so I had to scramble to load it up on my phone to present to the border agent (why they need to see it printed, I have no idea). I missed the entry to fast-track for business class passengers, but late morning security wasn’t too bad and I was through quickly.
Lounge: CX Business passengers are invited to the Le Saigonnais Lounge. For a contract lounge, I would say it was pretty decent. Had s little bit of food there while I enjoyed tarmac views.
Boarding: Boarding started approximately 40 minutes before departure and was very smooth. There was a separate jet bridge for Business class passengers.
Hard Product: In terms of hard product, this flight certainly had the “worst” seat (not counting my 1-hour flight from LAX to PHX to end the trip). This regional 777-300 utilized the Recaro CL5510 recliner seat in 2-3-2 configuration. It’s basically a nice Premium Economy seat. Thankfully the plane was lightly loaded and I had my section of 2 seats to myself. For a regional flight it was perfectly comfortable. I did not utilize the IFE on this flight, as I decided to watch some shows on my iPad.
Soft Product: No surprise, but it was excellent. As is typical for the region, the flight attendants were friendly and attentive. Lunch was provided on this flight; I chose to order the grilled fish fillet with XO sauce. The fish (along with the fruit and prawn appetizer) were all delicious. The drink list was limited, but I did order a glass of the Bordeaux. Of course I also got some ice cream for dessert. A pillow and blanket were also included, and I relaxed the rest of the flight.
Amenities: Being a short-haul flight, there was nothing offered.
Arrival: Arrival was smooth and on time. One cool moment on the arrival was flying by the tunnel connecting HK and Macau. After landing, I quickly went through Hong Kong immigration and (once again) my bag was waiting for me when I got to baggage claim.
Leaving the Airport: I took the AirPort Express to Hong Kong Station, and from there hailed a taxi to get myself to the Grand Hyatt.
Overall: I had debated taking the United flight between SGN and HKG, between having United credit that is burning a hole in my wallet, and it being the only flight between SGN and HKG with guaranteed lay-flat seats in Business. I had decided to switch to the Cathay Pacific flight to get a few extra hours of sleep (the United flight departed at 7am), and I certainly feel like I made the right call, giving up the better hard product for the superior soft product, and the extra sleep make for a happier day overall.
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EJCJQFkdhSsavTY1A