As I arrived into Jakarta (30 minutes late due to holding pattern) a Oneworld/Cathay Pacific representative was at the gate to meet me and escort me through flight connections to the lounge. He then told me he would bring me a boarding pass from the Cathay desk whilst I relaxed. I really don’t like giving my passport to someone I’ve never met on the other side of the world, alas the thought of going to get it myself after two long haul flights was even less appealing so I conceded and sat in the lounge whilst I made a quick call home to update my Wife on where I actually was in the world.
The lounge was a bit smelly, dirty and hot. A true reflection of the Airport itself if I’m honest. Within 15 minutes the gentleman came back with my boarding card and passport, once he did I ventured out of the lounge to the gate as boarding would commence in 20 minutes and the lounge was in no way somewhere I was happy to stay in any longer.
Once at the gate the announcement was made soon after and I boarded into the Business Class cabin of the A350. The first time I fly an aircraft is usually something special. Whilst the cabin was lovely and the layout favourable it wasn’t all that distinguishable from a Dreamliner.
I took my seat at 12A, no idea why the first row begins at 12A but it does, the layout is 1-2-1 with the reverse herringbone seating offering space and privacy.
The flight today would be just over 4 hours, we were departing at midnight so I was offered a late supper menu and toothbrush etc with a welcome drink of champagne.
Once in the air I opted for one of Cathay’s signature cocktails the Pacific Sunrise, refreshing and smooth.
The starter was garlic bread and a seasonal berries plate
To follow was lamb shoulder
Then a marble cheesecake
Finished off with a cheese plate and Campari
The service on this flight was courteous and not intrusive, night flights are very difficult to gage for crew as they are dealing with so many passengers on different agendas.
The seat itself gives excellent privacy for night flights, however if you didn’t want to sleep the tv screen was large and noise cancelling headphones were also provided in the cupboard in the suite.
As we approached Hong Kong I was ready for a complete refresh, my intention is to head straight for the cabanas in the First Class lounge where I can have a new shirt pressed, a bubble bath and a light spa treatment…..3 flights complete – my body says it’s time for a recharge before heading to Tokyo.
I made use of the inflight front camera to watch the wheels touchdown…pretty cool!
Up In The Air Today 