Cathay Economy vs BA Economy
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 116
Cathay Economy vs BA Economy
Hello all,
I hope you can help me. I am about to book my first Cathay flight.
I never flew anything else apart from BA (tried all classes including Business and First).
This time I want to stick with a friend who flies in Economy and price conscious.
What I like about BA economy:
*I always upgrade my meal for 15. Meal delivered in proper plates and cutlery, real glass. Delicious food.
-Any similar option on Cathay? I am a fussy eater, do they have western options?
*They are generous with drinks. I always get 2 GnTs without asking and wine with a meal. I have never been refused extra drink if I went to the galley. I also know my limits and never get drunk.
-How would this compare to Cathay?
*There is usually very reasonable airport upgrade options.
-Does Cathay offers good cash upgrade options?
Bonus question: would you recommend Cathay A350 vs BA 787 in economy?
Many thanks for helping me with this!
I hope you can help me. I am about to book my first Cathay flight.
I never flew anything else apart from BA (tried all classes including Business and First).
This time I want to stick with a friend who flies in Economy and price conscious.
What I like about BA economy:
*I always upgrade my meal for 15. Meal delivered in proper plates and cutlery, real glass. Delicious food.
-Any similar option on Cathay? I am a fussy eater, do they have western options?
*They are generous with drinks. I always get 2 GnTs without asking and wine with a meal. I have never been refused extra drink if I went to the galley. I also know my limits and never get drunk.
-How would this compare to Cathay?
*There is usually very reasonable airport upgrade options.
-Does Cathay offers good cash upgrade options?
Bonus question: would you recommend Cathay A350 vs BA 787 in economy?
Many thanks for helping me with this!
#2
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
Hello all,
I hope you can help me. I am about to book my first Cathay flight.
I never flew anything else apart from BA (tried all classes including Business and First).
This time I want to stick with a friend who flies in Economy and price conscious.
What I like about BA economy:
*I always upgrade my meal for 15. Meal delivered in proper plates and cutlery, real glass. Delicious food.
-Any similar option on Cathay? I am a fussy eater, do they have western options?
No pay-up meal but there is always some Western choice available. F&B is very weak at CX compared to most of its peers - don't expect anything, the ex-UK meals in Y are made in Germany and deep frozen for many months before serving...
*They are generous with drinks. I always get 2 GnTs without asking and wine with a meal. I have never been refused extra drink if I went to the galley. I also know my limits and never get drunk.
-How would this compare to Cathay?
You may need to wait for a while as CX = very understaffed; if flying out of LHR, there are many LHR based CX crew who may give you similar 'attitude'/work in similar culture as their BA peers
*There is usually very reasonable airport upgrade options.
-Does Cathay offers good cash upgrade options?
No.
Bonus question: would you recommend Cathay A350 vs BA 787 in economy?
Both are 3-3-3 but the A350 cabin is (quite a bit) wider than the 787. Also, the A350 has excellent IFE and wi-fi
Many thanks for helping me with this!
I hope you can help me. I am about to book my first Cathay flight.
I never flew anything else apart from BA (tried all classes including Business and First).
This time I want to stick with a friend who flies in Economy and price conscious.
What I like about BA economy:
*I always upgrade my meal for 15. Meal delivered in proper plates and cutlery, real glass. Delicious food.
-Any similar option on Cathay? I am a fussy eater, do they have western options?
No pay-up meal but there is always some Western choice available. F&B is very weak at CX compared to most of its peers - don't expect anything, the ex-UK meals in Y are made in Germany and deep frozen for many months before serving...
*They are generous with drinks. I always get 2 GnTs without asking and wine with a meal. I have never been refused extra drink if I went to the galley. I also know my limits and never get drunk.
-How would this compare to Cathay?
You may need to wait for a while as CX = very understaffed; if flying out of LHR, there are many LHR based CX crew who may give you similar 'attitude'/work in similar culture as their BA peers
*There is usually very reasonable airport upgrade options.
-Does Cathay offers good cash upgrade options?
No.
Bonus question: would you recommend Cathay A350 vs BA 787 in economy?
Both are 3-3-3 but the A350 cabin is (quite a bit) wider than the 787. Also, the A350 has excellent IFE and wi-fi
Many thanks for helping me with this!
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 116
Thanks very much for this.
If I need drink refills I would go to the galley. I like to stretch my legs. And also flying out of LGW not LHR.
But again the question is whether they would say no? Some airlines has adopted a one alcoholic bevarage policy, whilst BA remained generous in this aspect.
I am surprised on your answer with regards to food. I was always under the impression that CX food offering is good
With regards to cash upgrades, do they have a bidding system in place? If yes, what would an upgrade go on avarage? (Eco to PremEco)
Thanks again.
If I need drink refills I would go to the galley. I like to stretch my legs. And also flying out of LGW not LHR.
But again the question is whether they would say no? Some airlines has adopted a one alcoholic bevarage policy, whilst BA remained generous in this aspect.
I am surprised on your answer with regards to food. I was always under the impression that CX food offering is good
With regards to cash upgrades, do they have a bidding system in place? If yes, what would an upgrade go on avarage? (Eco to PremEco)
Thanks again.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
It really depends on the crew. LGW flight is operated by HKG crew, so they are generally pretty easy going - definitely no 'one drink' policy in place here at CX. They will appreciate it if you walk to the galley rather than use the call bell (or better, don't bother them at all - but don't hesitate either if you feel like you have to)
Both London airports are currently not included in the upgrade bid trials so the only way to upgrade would be either to pay the fare difference or to use Asia Miles given the underlying economy ticket is in an eligible fare bucket.
Both London airports are currently not included in the upgrade bid trials so the only way to upgrade would be either to pay the fare difference or to use Asia Miles given the underlying economy ticket is in an eligible fare bucket.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
Hello all,
I hope you can help me. I am about to book my first Cathay flight.
I never flew anything else apart from BA (tried all classes including Business and First).
This time I want to stick with a friend who flies in Economy and price conscious.
What I like about BA economy:
*I always upgrade my meal for 15. Meal delivered in proper plates and cutlery, real glass. Delicious food.
-Any similar option on Cathay? I am a fussy eater, do they have western options?
No upgrade option. Food in Y is pretty standard. It's not really any better or worse than BA, and certainly not as bad as the above posts makes out. However, there will be more of it, and mid flight snacks are better.
*They are generous with drinks. I always get 2 GnTs without asking and wine with a meal. I have never been refused extra drink if I went to the galley. I also know my limits and never get drunk.
-How would this compare to Cathay?
No different. CX crew will happily keep refilling your drinks all flight long. CX crew are more accustomed to the call bell than most but you can still walk to the galley.
Again contrary to the above poster, they are not understaffed onboard, as that would be against regulations
*There is usually very reasonable airport upgrade options.
-Does Cathay offers good cash upgrade options?
No, not on London flights (yet). You must purchase a new ticket. CX does seem to like upgrading BA status holders though, if that applies to you.
Bonus question: would you recommend Cathay A350 vs BA 787 in economy?
A350 every time. Due to the cabin width economy on a 787 is VERY tight, and BA's version has their standard economy seat. CX has a brand new design on the A350.
You do know BA doesn't fly the 787 to HKG?
Many thanks for helping me with this!
I hope you can help me. I am about to book my first Cathay flight.
I never flew anything else apart from BA (tried all classes including Business and First).
This time I want to stick with a friend who flies in Economy and price conscious.
What I like about BA economy:
*I always upgrade my meal for 15. Meal delivered in proper plates and cutlery, real glass. Delicious food.
-Any similar option on Cathay? I am a fussy eater, do they have western options?
No upgrade option. Food in Y is pretty standard. It's not really any better or worse than BA, and certainly not as bad as the above posts makes out. However, there will be more of it, and mid flight snacks are better.
*They are generous with drinks. I always get 2 GnTs without asking and wine with a meal. I have never been refused extra drink if I went to the galley. I also know my limits and never get drunk.
-How would this compare to Cathay?
No different. CX crew will happily keep refilling your drinks all flight long. CX crew are more accustomed to the call bell than most but you can still walk to the galley.
Again contrary to the above poster, they are not understaffed onboard, as that would be against regulations
*There is usually very reasonable airport upgrade options.
-Does Cathay offers good cash upgrade options?
No, not on London flights (yet). You must purchase a new ticket. CX does seem to like upgrading BA status holders though, if that applies to you.
Bonus question: would you recommend Cathay A350 vs BA 787 in economy?
A350 every time. Due to the cabin width economy on a 787 is VERY tight, and BA's version has their standard economy seat. CX has a brand new design on the A350.
You do know BA doesn't fly the 787 to HKG?
Many thanks for helping me with this!
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 116
Thanks for all the answers! Even more helpful.
Flying to Phuket either on CX A350 via HK, or BA 787 via KL.
Another question if you don't mind.
I can't seem to figure out how to book prem eco outbound and eco inbound.
Is there an options for this at all I wonder?
Many thanks!
Flying to Phuket either on CX A350 via HK, or BA 787 via KL.
Another question if you don't mind.
I can't seem to figure out how to book prem eco outbound and eco inbound.
Is there an options for this at all I wonder?
Many thanks!
#8
#10
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold
Posts: 1,073
Let me share my experiences on BA and CX. I once was very hesitant of flying CX Y as I am used to BA WT. Earlier this month I had no choice but to do CX343 HKG-LGW and I was very impressed with it.
1. As it is an A350 it felt very fresh and new. Even though I booked in the day of departure, as an OWE I got an exit row all by myself. Doubt this will happen on BA
2. IFE has a lot of content, like much more than BA's highlife entertainment
3. Status really come into play. I was offered a bottle of Evian water and greeted by a CC, addressing by my surname and asked to find her for help etc.
4. I was VERY HAPPY to have first choice on meals. Don't know about breakfast as I was sleeping then. I was served dinner even before SPMLs. Because of this I was able to sleep early. I heard the food is not good (and experiences it first hand) in J but it was actually not bad. For breakfast, just after I woke up a CC walked past collecting trays and asked if I wanted to eat. I just love the proactive service there.
5. They have snacks, which is awesome. They have fruits, peanuts, even noodles. Unlike this British airline who though there is no need for these things
6. LGW arrivals is very fast to go through. No queue by the time I arrived and CX do priority bag tagging very well and bag was in the by as j arrive.d
1. As it is an A350 it felt very fresh and new. Even though I booked in the day of departure, as an OWE I got an exit row all by myself. Doubt this will happen on BA
2. IFE has a lot of content, like much more than BA's highlife entertainment
3. Status really come into play. I was offered a bottle of Evian water and greeted by a CC, addressing by my surname and asked to find her for help etc.
4. I was VERY HAPPY to have first choice on meals. Don't know about breakfast as I was sleeping then. I was served dinner even before SPMLs. Because of this I was able to sleep early. I heard the food is not good (and experiences it first hand) in J but it was actually not bad. For breakfast, just after I woke up a CC walked past collecting trays and asked if I wanted to eat. I just love the proactive service there.
5. They have snacks, which is awesome. They have fruits, peanuts, even noodles. Unlike this British airline who though there is no need for these things
6. LGW arrivals is very fast to go through. No queue by the time I arrived and CX do priority bag tagging very well and bag was in the by as j arrive.d
#11
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
3. Status really come into play. I was offered a bottle of Evian water and greeted by a CC, addressing by my surname and asked to find her for help etc.
4. I was VERY HAPPY to have first choice on meals. Don't know about breakfast as I was sleeping then. I was served dinner even before SPMLs. Because of this I was able to sleep early. I heard the food is not good (and experiences it first hand) in J but it was actually not bad. For breakfast, just after I woke up a CC walked past collecting trays and asked if I wanted to eat. I just love the proactive service there.
4. I was VERY HAPPY to have first choice on meals. Don't know about breakfast as I was sleeping then. I was served dinner even before SPMLs. Because of this I was able to sleep early. I heard the food is not good (and experiences it first hand) in J but it was actually not bad. For breakfast, just after I woke up a CC walked past collecting trays and asked if I wanted to eat. I just love the proactive service there.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 116
#13
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold
Posts: 1,073
#14
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Jerusalem
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,281
#15
Suspended
Join Date: May 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: A3, TK *G; JL JGC; SPG,Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,952