Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 777-300ER New York to Vancouver

I headed down to the gate at around 10:45PM, mainly because I was getting bored of the lounge and was curious to see what was happening in the terminal.

More from OMAAT IATA Summer & Winter Airline Schedules: What Are They, Why Should You Care? Read more

Terminal 7 New York JFK

The departure board said that the flight was departing at 11:10PM, though apparently the crew hadn’t even boarded yet.

Departure board Terminal 7 New York JFK

The flight was departing from Gate 6, which was rather crowded. The ground crew had the queues set up and looked as if they were about to start boarding, though clearly that wasn’t the case.

Cathay Pacific departure gate

Cathay Pacific departure gate

The crew showed up at around 11PM.

Cathay Pacific crew arriving

There was some other “excitement” at the gate. There was a teenage boy by the podium that was surrounded by two airport police officers. I figured he was in trouble or something, though after about five minutes they brought a wheelchair, and then another five minutes later two paramedics showed up with a stretcher. So that seemed to delay boarding even further, as they were blocking the gate with it.

Cathay Pacific 777-300ER

Finally at around 11:15PM first and business class boarding began.

Cathay Pacific 889
New York (JFK) – Vancouver (YVR)
Saturday, March 29
Depart: 9:55PM
Arrive: 12:45AM (+1 day)
Duration: 5hr50min
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 1A (First Class)

I boarded through door two, where I was greeted by the inflight service manager, Mable. She welcomed me aboard by name and introduced me to her colleague, who walked me to my seat in the first class cabin. I was thrilled to find that this flight was being operated by an aircraft featuring Cathay Pacific’s refreshed first class cabin.

This was a project they announced the middle of last year, and so far a handful of aircraft feature the new product, as far as I know. For all the details on the differences between the old and new first class product, check out my previous post comparing the two.

Cathay Pacific’s first class cabin on the 777-300ER still has six seats, spread across two rows in a 1-1-1 configuration. They’re the only airline I can think of with three across seating on their longhaul 777s (Japan Airlines has three seats per row in first class on some of their regional 777s), so it is a very spacious product.

Cathay Pacific first class cabin 777-300ER

When traveling alone I always prefer sitting on the left side of the aircraft. The center seats have a wall to the left of them, which means you have two seats on the left aisle and four seats on the right aisle.

Cathay Pacific first class cabin 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific first class cabin 777-300ER

I had selected seat 1A. So what are the updates with the new first class product?

• The seat is upholstered differently, with a similar though slightly more stylish material, in my opinion
• The surfaces around the seat have been refinished, with more of a glossy wood theme
• Instead of having simple seat controls there’s now a small touch screen control

As I said in the previous post, the new product is virtually identical to the old first class product. I’d say it’s lipstick on a pig, but perhaps the more accurate statement would be that it’s a little bit of extra makeup on an all natural supermodel.

Cathay Pacific first class 777-300ER, seat 1A

Cathay Pacific first class 777-300ER, seat 1A

Cathay Pacific first class 777-300ER, seat 2A

Cathay Pacific first class 777-300ER, seat 2A

Each individual seat has a closet, which I used to store my laptop bag. Then I placed my carry-on underneath the ottoman, where there’s plenty of room.

Cathay Pacific first class 777-300ER, seat 2A

Cathay Pacific first class 777-300ER, seat 2A

Cathay Pacific first class console 777-300ER

The seating and entertainment controls are still located to the left of the seat on the console. The entertainment controls remain the same, while the seating controls are now on a touch screen.

Cathay Pacific first class entertainment and seat controls 777-300ER

I found the old controls to be intuitive, so I’d say that change is a wash. Perhaps it’s a bit more “stylish” to have a screen, though the old buttons worked just fine.

Cathay Pacific first class seat controls 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific first class seat controls 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific first class seat controls 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific first class seat controls 777-300ER

Then behind the console was a storage unit for the headphones.

Cathay Pacific first class seat storage 777-300ER

Once settled in the lovely flight attendant taking care of my aisle introduced herself. Her name was Carrie, and she was phenomenal. You can usually tell with the first interaction how the service will be, and Carrie was one of those flight attendants where I knew right away what to expect.

She was very proper, yet at the same time had a great sense of humor, was constantly smiling, and genuinely seemed to love what she was doing. The last time I took this route the crew was Vancouver based, and Carrie immediately struck me as being Hong Kong based, given how “proper” she was.

So I asked where she was based, and she confirmed that the crew was indeed Hong Kong based. Regardless of whether the crew is Vancouver or Hong Kong based, this isn’t an especially easy flight to work. The crew works the redeye from Vancouver to New York, gets in at 7AM, has the day to sleep, and then works the evening flight back to Vancouver. But she was in good spirits, and when I mentioned she must be exhausted she said “oh no, this one is easy, it’s like a daytime flight based on Hong Kong time.

She asked what I wanted to drink, I asked for a glass of Krug, and she said “right away.”

Michael, the other first class flight attendant, served me the champagne. One thing I love about Cathay Pacific is that they consistently bring out the bottle, present it to you, and then pour the glass at your seat. Every single time in my experience, even on a 16 hour flight.

Krug!

Krug is by far my favorite champagne (here are some of the best available in first class on different airlines), and Carrie was extremely attentive in keeping my glass full throughout the boarding process.

Cathay Pacific first class pre-departure champagne

I was also offered a hot towel.

Cathay Pacific first class pre-departure hot towel

Then I was offered an amenity kit, headphones, pajamas, and the menu and wine list.

Cathay Pacific first class amenity kit, pajamas, headphones, and menu

Cathay Pacific recently changed up their amenity kits from ACCA KAPPA to Aesop, though to be honest the differences are very minor, and I don’t think either kit is especially memorable.

Cathay Pacific first class amenity kit contents

The more controversial change, for some, is that Cathay Pacific switched up their pajamas from Shanghai Tang to PYE.

Now I know a lot of people weren’t happy about that change, because Shanghai Tang is undeniably a more recognized brand. That being said, unless I wanted to be a Chinese emperor during the Ming Dynasty for Halloween, I kinda feel like their pajamas weren’t especially stylish. The new PYE pajamas, however, are super comfortable and a bit more stylish, so I actually prefer them. Admittedly they do look a bit like Kim Jong Un’s “signature” outfit, but at least we’re not forced to get his signature haircut as well….

Cathay Pacific first class pajamas

Cathay Pacific first class pajamas

I was also excited to see that Cathay Pacific updated their headphones to Bose noise cancelling ones.

Cathay Pacific first class headphones

Shortly before our pushback the captain came on the PA to welcome us aboard and apologize for the delay. He explained that the inbound plane was late from Hong Kong due to weather there, and then on top of that had to wait for a gate at JFK. Apparently the Qantas plane occupying the gate had a mechanical issue, and was occupying the gate that the plane was supposed to arrive at.

The captain sounded (and looked) American/Canadian, so I’m not sure if he was New York or Vancouver based.

I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll say it again. I always get a bit sentimental (in a good way) with Cathay Pacific pilot announcements. Growing up I really wanted to be a pilot, and I always wanted to fly for Cathay Pacific. What I especially love about Cathay Pacific is how diverse their cockpit crews are. They have pilots based at almost all of their destinations, so when I hear a really professional pilot announcement on Cathay Pacific I get especially happy. Oh well, guess I really can’t complain too much, sitting just one seat behind the captain. 😉

The captain informed us of our flight time of 5hr15min, anticipating we would arrive in Vancouver shortly after 2AM.

At about 11:40PM the door closed (with four passengers in first class — me, a guy behind me, and a couple in seats 2D & 2G) and we began our pushback as the safety demo began to play.

At 11:50PM we made it to runway 4L, where we had a quick and smooth takeoff roll.

Cathay Pacific StudioCX airshow

Cathay Pacific StudioCX airshow

Cathay Pacific StudioCX airshow

While the initial climb out was smooth, we hit some substantial turbulence about 15 minutes after takeoff. As a result the flight attendants had to stay seated for the first 45 minutes of the flight. Cathay Pacific doesn’t make StudioCX (their inflight entertainment system) available until after takeoff, so in this case it was turned on once we reached our cruising altitude, about 30 minutes after takeoff.

At that point I browsed the selection, which was extensive as always. I decided to watch a couple of episodes of Two Broke Girls.

Cathay Pacific StudioCX entertainment

Cathay Pacific StudioCX entertainment

About 45 minutes after takeoff Carrie appeared and apologized for the turbulence and wanted to see when I wanted to eat. “Mr. Schlappig, we are here for you, so whenever you want to eat you let us know.” I wanted to get some sleep, so chose to have supper right away. The other three first class passengers were continuing to Hong Kong, and immediately requested turndown service and slept the whole way, as far as I could tell.

Meanwhile the inflight service manager, Mable, appeared once again to welcome me aboard and wish me a nice flight.

The supper menu read as follows:

And the wine list read as follows (as far as I’m concerned they can stop after the first line):

Service began with drinks and nuts. I ordered a glass of Krug, which was served with cashews. Carrie showed me the bottle, poured it delicately, and finished with “cheers Mr. Schlappig, I hope you enjoy.”

Cathay Pacific first class Krug and nuts

So here’s the deal with Cathay Pacific’s meal service, and it’s what I consistently do — the starter always consists of salmon and/or caviar, which I always eat. Then they usually have a great salad and soup, which I eat as well.

Their main courses just aren’t typically good, in my experience, so I just skip them. On the western menu they always have either beef or pasta — the beef is almost always chewy, while the pasta could come out of a Lean Cuisine box. As far as the Chinese options go, I’ve never found them to be especially good when catered out of the US either.

Shortly after that she set my table and served me the appetizer. The appetizer consisted of cured gravlax and smoked salmon tartar. It was delicious. For what it’s worth, Cathay Pacific usually serves caviar and Balik salmon on their longhaul flights, but doesn’t have caviar on the Vancouver service.

Cathay Pacific first class supper starter — cured gravlax and smoked salmon tartar

I was also offered a bread basket, which consisted of two rolls, pretzel bread, and garlic bread.

Cathay Pacific first class bread basket

Next I was served the clam chowder, which was great as well.

Cathay Pacific first class soup — New England clam chowder

And then a Caesar salad with truly jumbo prawns. Yowzers!

Cathay Pacific first class salad — Caesar salad with jumbo grilled prawns

And lastly I had the dessert, with was a raspberry yoghurt cake. I’m never all that impressed by Cathay Pacific’s desserts, but this was one of the better ones. They do usually do a nice job on the presentation, at least.

Cathay Pacific first class dessert — raspberry yoghurt cake with raspberry coulis

The service throughout the meal was phenomenal from Carrie, and I really enjoyed the food I did have.

We hit quite a bit of turbulence towards the tail end of the meal service, about 90 minutes into the flight, so it had to be suspended for a few minutes. Maybe I’m just really unlucky, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a smooth Cathay Pacific flight. Maybe it’s just the routes I fly them on…

I have a theory. Clearly they do this intentionally to control their hot beverage costs. Hot beverages can’t be served when the seatbelt sign is on, so by strategically planning turbulence around the tail end of the meal service, surely they’re saving a lot of money on Hong Kong milk tea that they’d otherwise have to serve. 😉

Anyway, after dinner I quickly headed to the lavatory while Carrie made my bed.

The first class lavatory has been updated with the refresh as well, and while it’s not huge, it has a sleek design.

Cathay Pacific first class lavatory

Cathay Pacific first class lavatory

Cathay Pacific first class lavatory

Cathay Pacific first class lavatory toiletries

When I returned to the seat my bed was made, and there was a tray with pralines, a hot towel, and a fresh glass of Krug waiting for me. There was also a bottle of water.

Carrie appeared and said “Mr. Schlappig, I figured you wanted one more glass of Krug before you sleep. Please have a nice sleep, and if you need anything just push the call button and I will appear right away.” I jokingly asked “how did you know I wanted another glass of Krug?” and she responded “it’s our job to read your mind.”

I told her in advance that I’d love a cappuccino before landing if possible, as there’s no way I’d wake up without some caffeine.

Cathay Pacific first class bed 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific doesn’t have the most private seats, as they’re not fully enclosed or anything… but my gosh, they may just have the best beds in the sky. The seats don’t feel confined since they’re not “enclosed,” but at the same time they’re sufficiently private so that you don’t feel like you’re being watched. They’re huge as well, and they have top notch bedding. They definitely have one of my favorite beds in the sky.

Cathay Pacific first class bed 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific first class Krug and pralines

Cathay Pacific first class bottled water

I fell asleep with a bit over three hours to go to Vancouver, and woke up to the captain’s announcements 30 minutes before landing (they always make it 30 minutes out, as they finish the announcement with “cabin crew, 30 minutes till landing”).

Cathay Pacific StudioCX airshow

Cathay Pacific StudioCX airshow

As soon as I woke up Carrie appeared with a cappuccino and hot towel and asked how my sleep was.

Cathay Pacific first class pre-arrival cappuccino

As we began our final descent I headed to the lav to freshen up and change out of my pajamas.

Cathay Pacific StudioCX airshow

Our descent was smooth, and despite some really gusty crosswinds we must have had what was one of the most gorgeous touchdowns I’ve ever had on runway 8R.

Cathay Pacific nose camera

I watched the nose camera all the way to the gate, as it never ceases to amaze me how well pilots taxi on the center line.

Cathay Pacific nose camera

Cathay Pacific nose camera

We made it to our gate in Vancouver at around 2:15AM, and I hurried towards immigration, ready to get to a real bed. As usual, Canadian immigration was an adventure.

Vancouver arrivals hall

Bottom line on Cathay Pacific first class

Just phenomenal. Cathay Pacific doesn’t really shine in just one category, but rather all around — they’re one of the most “solid” all around airlines out there, in my opinion.

I’ve flown Cathay Pacific first class dozens of times before, but Carrie was one of the best flight attendants I’ve had. Cathay Pacific’s different crew bases come with different reputations. Ask a San Francisco based flight attendant what they think of their Hong Kong based counterparts and they’ll likely say they’re arrogant. Meanwhile ask a Hong Kong based flight attendant what they think of their San Francisco based counterparts and they’ll likely say they’re not polished.

Carrie was just perfect. Her service was poised and over the top, yet at the same time she did so in a way that seemed personable and sincere.

Cathay Pacific continues to have one of the best seats in the sky, whether it’s the “refreshed” product or not.

The food on Cathay Pacific remains good though not great. On longhaul flights I especially love their snack menu, which is usually almost better than the regular menu.

I love, love, love Cathay Pacific!