In our regular look at airline product, Steve Jones samples the first-class product on Cathay Pacific’s Heathrow-Melbourne-Heathrow route
Cathay Pacific
Heathrow-Melbourne-Heathrow
Check-in After almost keeling over at the Terminal 4 check-in when I found out I did not have the right visa – which was quickly sorted out by helpful and chatty staff – I used the Fastrack system for business and first-class passengers. A hassle-free process, avoiding the congestion of the main entrance to the departure lounge.
On the ground Cathay’s lounge at Heathrow for first and business-class passengers is reasonably comfortable but small and generally a little disappointing. As with most lounges, there was a relaxed ambience created by the sofa-style decor. A TV and the usual array of drinks and snacks were available. However, there was no area for smoking. If you have a 2hr wait at an airport for a flight, I believe smokers should be catered for without being banished to the corridor.
(The lounge, incidentally, will be revamped by the end of the year for use exclusively for first-class passengers).
Aircraft type Boeing 747-400
Seats There are 18 seats in the first-class cabin with a 2-2 configuration. The seat pitch is 62ins with a recline of 16ins (48 degrees) and a width of 21ins. I was not over impressed with the electrical footrest which did not fully extend. But it was generally comfortable and I managed to nod off even though I usually endure sleepless nights on flights.
Food Excellent. Caviar and champagne was served within minutes of sitting down and was in plentiful supply. The Cathay menu is dubbed The Stage of Hundred Dishes with choices from Asia and the West. The lobster and salmon with lobster sauce is worth a particular mention. I would not have been disappointed had this been served in a quality London restaurant. Vegetarians are well catered for.
In-flight service No complaints. Nothing was too much bother and I liked the way the cabin crew addressed passengers by name without referring to a list. I was also asked by attentive cabin crew if I wanted another drink before having to request a refill. Disturbances were kept to a minimum for the night sectors of the journey – no unnecessary announcements. There was a good choice of films and decent sound quality.
Overall impression A commendable service which was hard to fault. Food standards were a plus. The seats themselves could be smarter but, footrest apart, everything worked fine. The Heathrow lounge problems are being addressed.
Check-in
On the ground
Aircraft type
Seats
Food
In-flight service
Overall impression