CX First Class Suite on the new B777-300ER JFK-HKG
Jan 1, 2008, 3:27 pm
#1
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CX First Class Suite on the new B777-300ER JFK-HKG
Date: Sunday, December 30, 2007
Flight: CX831 JFK-HKG
Duration: 15 hours 31 minutes
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
I had to be in Hong Kong for a New Years party and wanted to spend a few days with friends before the hectic 2008 work Year begins. I was originally booked on the evening flight on CX889 on the 744 (which had the old F class seats), but once my agent informed me that there was an earlier CX flight which would be on the B777-300ER with the new F-class suite, I jumped at the opportunity.
I have never been on CX's new B777-300ER First class cabin, which was introduced only in November and I was looking forward to experiencing the new F suite cabin on the B777.
I have also provided pictures of the trip and the photo links to the various part of this trip in the appropriate sections below:
AIRPORT:
I checked in about 3 hours before the flight at JFK Terminal 7 connecting from YYZ. I really like this terminal because it's small and very easy to navigate. Terminal 7 is primarily used by BA and United, with CX and QF being the other carriers. There were CX signs posted, but the check-in was done by BA staff. I was given my First Class boarding class and was invited to BA's First Class Lounge. BA's Concorde Room was not open at this time. The airport was deserted for a Sunday afternoon (probably due to the holidays) and I noticed on the monitor that several BA flights for the day were showing cancelled.
The JFK BA First Lounge was deserted so I took the opportunity to take some pictures. There was not a lot of decent food in the lounge (other than sandwiches and fruits). I was hungry by this point and decided to have some instant noodle, some sandwiches and chips. I spent the rest of the time in the lounge catching up on emails.
Link to Pictures of BA's JFK First Lounge
Link to Video of the BA JFK First Class Lounge.
FLIGHT:
Boarding was called 30 minutes prior to takeoff and I headed to gate 4. Upon presenting my boarding card to the FA at the door of the aircraft, I was escorted to my Seat 2A. I was welcomed by Tomoko, the senior Purser and one of the two FA's who would be servicing the FC cabin. She informed me that there would only be 2 passengers in First Class on this flight, and I could sit anywhere I like. She suggested that I remain in 2A for the meals and movies, and when I am ready to sleep, she would prepare seat 1A as my sleeping quarter. I accepted her recommendation!
The regular pre-take off formalities kicked into action: newspapers, magazines, drinks, hot towels and greetings from the Customer service director along with the Menu and wine list. I still cannot figure out the what the different clothing colors worn by the FA represent on CX. I think Reds are worn by regular FA, Purples are for First Class, Black is worn by the Customer service director? Anyway, i will ask on my next flight.
I found three things odd on this pre-take off formalities. Firstly, the pre-takeoff drinks were limited to Champagne, Orange juice and still water. I requested Perrier and was told that due to a new rule, they were not allowed to serve anything from the bar other than Champagne, OJ or still water. Secondly, no Macadamia nuts were served. Thirdly, the arm rest had to be in the upright position (apparently this is a new regulation).
FIRST CLASS SUITE:
Cathay calls the new First Class product "Suite" rather than Seat. I had experienced CX's new F class on my HKG-LHR and HKG-NRT flight one month ago on the Boeing 747, and just fell in love with new suite. The new F suite is very comfortable, very wide and private (but yet not too private). I find SQ and Emirates F class suite a little too private/clausaphobic for my liking. On SQ and Emirates, the wall surrounding the suites are too high and I feel I am in a very small room. I like CX's new F Suite because of the open space feel of the suite and cabin, without compromising on privacy. To add to the open feel of the cabin, CX has removed all overhead bin. There is a closet space to put bags in the closet in each suite's located behind the TV monitor. CX's new FC cabin is currently my favorite FC cabin. I haven't tried SQ Suite seats on the A380 so I can't compare yet, but I will definitely try once the SQ A380 does the SIN-LHR run later in 2008.
Link to Pictures of the First class suite on the B777 is located here.
Click here for the video of the FC Cabin.
Link to my comparison report of CX new FC cabin on the B777 and the B747 Aircraft.
SERVICE:
The service level cannot be any better on this flight given that there were only 2 passengers being looked after by 2 Flight attendants.
Shortly after take-off, Lunch order was taken. Although the Wine listed Cuvee William Deutz Brut 1998 as the Champagne for this flight, the FA informed me that they had loaded Krug on this flight so I could not resist. However, I could not finish the bottle. The other passenger as it turns out was the relief pilot and he could not drink alcohol. Pitty
As I was considering the Chinese Favorites for lunch, the FA recommended that I have a Chinese feast - a little bit of everything since they had a lot of food catered for this flight. I accepted, and I was stuffed by the end. I requested smaller portions and for the first time in my life, I had to turn down second helping of Caviar!!! The food was absolutely delicious.
After Lunch I watched some movies on the CX Studio AVOD entertainment channel, and four hours into the flight, I decided to move to suite 1A where the FA had already made my bed. I slept like at log. The seat was very wide and comfortable.
I woke up 7 hours before landing and despite the huge lunch that I had, I was feeling peckish and so I ordered some snacks: Abalone Congee and Shanghai Crab dumplings. It was wonderful.
Prior to landing into Hong Kong, Dinner was served. Rather than having the dinner menu, I chose to have the Wonton Soup and Pot Rice. The FA recommended the Anqi supreme Ti Guan Yi Chinese tea to go with the dinner!
SUMMARY:
Over I had an excellent flight on the new B777-300ER from HKG-JFK. Although the flight was more than 15 hours, it didn't feel at all long. The service was top notch and I could not be more happy with the new First Class suite!
Flight: CX831 JFK-HKG
Duration: 15 hours 31 minutes
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
I had to be in Hong Kong for a New Years party and wanted to spend a few days with friends before the hectic 2008 work Year begins. I was originally booked on the evening flight on CX889 on the 744 (which had the old F class seats), but once my agent informed me that there was an earlier CX flight which would be on the B777-300ER with the new F-class suite, I jumped at the opportunity.
I have never been on CX's new B777-300ER First class cabin, which was introduced only in November and I was looking forward to experiencing the new F suite cabin on the B777.
I have also provided pictures of the trip and the photo links to the various part of this trip in the appropriate sections below:
AIRPORT:
I checked in about 3 hours before the flight at JFK Terminal 7 connecting from YYZ. I really like this terminal because it's small and very easy to navigate. Terminal 7 is primarily used by BA and United, with CX and QF being the other carriers. There were CX signs posted, but the check-in was done by BA staff. I was given my First Class boarding class and was invited to BA's First Class Lounge. BA's Concorde Room was not open at this time. The airport was deserted for a Sunday afternoon (probably due to the holidays) and I noticed on the monitor that several BA flights for the day were showing cancelled.
The JFK BA First Lounge was deserted so I took the opportunity to take some pictures. There was not a lot of decent food in the lounge (other than sandwiches and fruits). I was hungry by this point and decided to have some instant noodle, some sandwiches and chips. I spent the rest of the time in the lounge catching up on emails.
Link to Pictures of BA's JFK First Lounge
Link to Video of the BA JFK First Class Lounge.
FLIGHT:
Boarding was called 30 minutes prior to takeoff and I headed to gate 4. Upon presenting my boarding card to the FA at the door of the aircraft, I was escorted to my Seat 2A. I was welcomed by Tomoko, the senior Purser and one of the two FA's who would be servicing the FC cabin. She informed me that there would only be 2 passengers in First Class on this flight, and I could sit anywhere I like. She suggested that I remain in 2A for the meals and movies, and when I am ready to sleep, she would prepare seat 1A as my sleeping quarter. I accepted her recommendation!
The regular pre-take off formalities kicked into action: newspapers, magazines, drinks, hot towels and greetings from the Customer service director along with the Menu and wine list. I still cannot figure out the what the different clothing colors worn by the FA represent on CX. I think Reds are worn by regular FA, Purples are for First Class, Black is worn by the Customer service director? Anyway, i will ask on my next flight.
I found three things odd on this pre-take off formalities. Firstly, the pre-takeoff drinks were limited to Champagne, Orange juice and still water. I requested Perrier and was told that due to a new rule, they were not allowed to serve anything from the bar other than Champagne, OJ or still water. Secondly, no Macadamia nuts were served. Thirdly, the arm rest had to be in the upright position (apparently this is a new regulation).
FIRST CLASS SUITE:
Cathay calls the new First Class product "Suite" rather than Seat. I had experienced CX's new F class on my HKG-LHR and HKG-NRT flight one month ago on the Boeing 747, and just fell in love with new suite. The new F suite is very comfortable, very wide and private (but yet not too private). I find SQ and Emirates F class suite a little too private/clausaphobic for my liking. On SQ and Emirates, the wall surrounding the suites are too high and I feel I am in a very small room. I like CX's new F Suite because of the open space feel of the suite and cabin, without compromising on privacy. To add to the open feel of the cabin, CX has removed all overhead bin. There is a closet space to put bags in the closet in each suite's located behind the TV monitor. CX's new FC cabin is currently my favorite FC cabin. I haven't tried SQ Suite seats on the A380 so I can't compare yet, but I will definitely try once the SQ A380 does the SIN-LHR run later in 2008.
Link to Pictures of the First class suite on the B777 is located here.
Click here for the video of the FC Cabin.
Link to my comparison report of CX new FC cabin on the B777 and the B747 Aircraft.
SERVICE:
The service level cannot be any better on this flight given that there were only 2 passengers being looked after by 2 Flight attendants.
Shortly after take-off, Lunch order was taken. Although the Wine listed Cuvee William Deutz Brut 1998 as the Champagne for this flight, the FA informed me that they had loaded Krug on this flight so I could not resist. However, I could not finish the bottle. The other passenger as it turns out was the relief pilot and he could not drink alcohol. Pitty
LUNCH Menu:
Caviar, Smoked Salmon and Champagne
Caviar and fine Smoked Salmon with cuvee William Deutz 1998
Starters
Artichoke cream soup
Lobster and mango with lemon olive oil
Main Courses:Chesse and Dessert
Tea and Coffee
Pralines and Cookies
- - - - - - - - - -
SNACKS
831-4113F <N-J/08>
- - - - - - - - - -
Drink List
Juices
Orange, apple, tomato
Soft drinks
Coke Zero, Coke, Coke Light, Sprite, Perrier water, Tonic water, soda water and ginger Ale
Coffees
freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino and caffe latte, regular or decaffeinated
Teas:
Fuding Jasmine silver fur, Anqi sumpreme Ti Guan Yin, Ceylon, Japanese, Hong Kong style milk tea,
Organic selection: camomille, earl grey and peppermint
Hot Chocolate
- - - - - -
WINE LIST:
Cuvee William Deutz Brut 1998
White Wine:
Simi Sonoma Chardonnay 2004
Vaucher Pere Mersault Premier Cru 2004
Red Wine:
Coron Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Chateau Lynch Bages 2001
Port
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Aperitifs and Cocktails
Campari, Martini Rosso, Martini Extra Dry, La Ina Dry Sherry, Harveys Bristol Cream Sweet Sherry, Gordons Dry Gin, Stolichnaya Russian Vodka, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver
Whiskies:
Chvas Regal 12 Years Old, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Canadian Club, Genetleman Jack Bourbon, Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve Single Mailt Whiskey
Cognac: Hennessy XO
Liquers
Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Drambuie, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream
Beer
International selection
CX Signature drinks
Cathay Delight
Pacific Sunrise
Caviar, Smoked Salmon and Champagne
Caviar and fine Smoked Salmon with cuvee William Deutz 1998
Starters
Artichoke cream soup
Lobster and mango with lemon olive oil
Main Courses:
- Grilled New York Steak with baked potato, beans with bacon and vine tomato
- Penne with sun-dried tomato sauce and roasted vegetables
- Chinese Favourites:
- Winter melon with dried scallop and mushroom soup
- Cold plate - Marinated gluten with dried muschroom
- Stir-fried seafood in x.o. sauce OR
- Braised chicken with chestnuts served with stirfried pak choy and carrot, steamed rice
- Cambozola, Taleggio, Manchego, Chaumes
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Vanilla ice cream with butterscotch sauce and pistachios.
- Red beans soup with lotus seeds
- Morello chocolate mousse cake with raspberry sauce
Tea and Coffee
Pralines and Cookies
- - - - - - - - - -
SNACKS
- Wonton in noodle soup
- Chicken tikka with mint yoghurt
- Joe Shanghai crab dumplings served with dark vinegar with ginger
- Hot pot rice with cured meats served with clear chicken soup
- Ice creams
831-4113F <N-J/08>
- - - - - - - - - -
Drink List
Juices
Orange, apple, tomato
Soft drinks
Coke Zero, Coke, Coke Light, Sprite, Perrier water, Tonic water, soda water and ginger Ale
Coffees
freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino and caffe latte, regular or decaffeinated
Teas:
Fuding Jasmine silver fur, Anqi sumpreme Ti Guan Yin, Ceylon, Japanese, Hong Kong style milk tea,
Organic selection: camomille, earl grey and peppermint
Hot Chocolate
- - - - - -
WINE LIST:
Cuvee William Deutz Brut 1998
White Wine:
Simi Sonoma Chardonnay 2004
Vaucher Pere Mersault Premier Cru 2004
Red Wine:
Coron Grand Cru Louis Max 1996
Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Chateau Lynch Bages 2001
Port
Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Aperitifs and Cocktails
Campari, Martini Rosso, Martini Extra Dry, La Ina Dry Sherry, Harveys Bristol Cream Sweet Sherry, Gordons Dry Gin, Stolichnaya Russian Vodka, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver
Whiskies:
Chvas Regal 12 Years Old, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Canadian Club, Genetleman Jack Bourbon, Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve Single Mailt Whiskey
Cognac: Hennessy XO
Liquers
Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Drambuie, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream
Beer
International selection
CX Signature drinks
Cathay Delight
Pacific Sunrise
After Lunch I watched some movies on the CX Studio AVOD entertainment channel, and four hours into the flight, I decided to move to suite 1A where the FA had already made my bed. I slept like at log. The seat was very wide and comfortable.
I woke up 7 hours before landing and despite the huge lunch that I had, I was feeling peckish and so I ordered some snacks: Abalone Congee and Shanghai Crab dumplings. It was wonderful.
Prior to landing into Hong Kong, Dinner was served. Rather than having the dinner menu, I chose to have the Wonton Soup and Pot Rice. The FA recommended the Anqi supreme Ti Guan Yi Chinese tea to go with the dinner!
DINNER
Starter
Fresh seasonal fruit
Main courses:
Herb roasted chicken with brioche stuffing, ratatouille and balsamic jus
Rainbow beef with stir-fried kailan and steamed rice
Seafood congee
Dessert
Fruit tart
Tea and Coffee
Pralines and Cookies
In order for us to serve you better, all meal orders have to be finalized at least 45 minutes prior to landing.
Starter
Fresh seasonal fruit
Main courses:
Herb roasted chicken with brioche stuffing, ratatouille and balsamic jus
Rainbow beef with stir-fried kailan and steamed rice
Seafood congee
Dessert
Fruit tart
Tea and Coffee
Pralines and Cookies
In order for us to serve you better, all meal orders have to be finalized at least 45 minutes prior to landing.
Over I had an excellent flight on the new B777-300ER from HKG-JFK. Although the flight was more than 15 hours, it didn't feel at all long. The service was top notch and I could not be more happy with the new First Class suite!
Last edited by ACfly; Jan 1, 2008 at 6:21 pm Reason: Added the video
Jan 1, 2008, 3:30 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Programs: AA Platinum 1MM, AC SE*100k, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,353
how do I post Videos?
Anyone know how I can post videos? I took some videos of the F cabin...
Also, anyone know how I can change the title? I misspelled JFK.
Also, anyone know how I can change the title? I misspelled JFK.
Last edited by ACfly; Jan 1, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Jan 1, 2008, 5:01 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2000
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Posts: 4,124
Jan 1, 2008, 8:16 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SEATTLE, WA USA
Programs: UAL, AA, AS, CX
Posts: 1,973
Great Report - I had the chance to sit in F briefly on the LHR-HKG flight was booked in J but seeing the new seats the FA allowed me to try out F just before landing.
Though I would like to know....if the overhead bins are gone then will a standard 22" rollaboard fit in the personal closets? And are those head pillows whilst seated permanently there or removeable?
I see SQ is saying seat 3A on the A380 is the only one with 3 windows but looks like most of CX F suites get 3 windows. I still think I prefer the 744 layout of F on CX with the new seats vs. the 777
Though I would like to know....if the overhead bins are gone then will a standard 22" rollaboard fit in the personal closets? And are those head pillows whilst seated permanently there or removeable?
I see SQ is saying seat 3A on the A380 is the only one with 3 windows but looks like most of CX F suites get 3 windows. I still think I prefer the 744 layout of F on CX with the new seats vs. the 777
Jan 2, 2008, 7:42 am
#13
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
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Jan 2, 2008, 12:41 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: HKG
Posts: 333
A very comprehensive and interesting trip report. You being the only passenger in that compartment, really felt like heaven did it? Was the seat very comfortable at all to sit on during meal times, watching the screen or when you're just realxing? How was the seat comfort with the new Suites in comparison to their current First Class seats which date back to 1999?
I agree with you on the Emirates Suite and the Singapore Airlines Suites (A380), which they feel very confined by the high walls. This is just the perfect First Class Suite to be in and ANA's First Class seat is a close behind in comparison, especially when privacy is a concern.
This is probably one big wake up call for British Airways for them to get a bigger First Class seat, as their seat is really wearing out after nearly 12 years of service.
I agree with you on the Emirates Suite and the Singapore Airlines Suites (A380), which they feel very confined by the high walls. This is just the perfect First Class Suite to be in and ANA's First Class seat is a close behind in comparison, especially when privacy is a concern.
This is probably one big wake up call for British Airways for them to get a bigger First Class seat, as their seat is really wearing out after nearly 12 years of service.