Cathay Pacific Airways First Class and Business Class seat
reviews
| |
|
|
| |
|
BUSINESS CLASS : a new seat is being installed in 2007 for long haul aircraft, using the
angled, single pod layout. A full comfort evaluation and testing is yet to be completed, but on
an initial test the seat does appear to have some comfort shortcomings - feeling very narrow, and
quite flimsy in operation, with little personal stowage space, and length can feel constricted for
taller passengers. Score : 7/10
FIRST CLASS : Pod style seats that provide a good standard of overall comfort and privacy.
A widce range of adjustments make the sitting/relaxing positions comfortable, and seat padding
is acceptable (although some older seats now becoming worn). The flat-bed position is very comfortable
and offers a good length and width. Overall score : 8/10 |
|
|
Date: 1 OCT 2007 |
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 |
Cabin: Business Class |
Review: Spencer Barrowes |
|
| |
RATING |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The new flat-bed business seats are a disappointment. Some major issues: Shoulder room and seat
width are terrible (and I'm not very big) and you feel totally boxed. The seats are angled so that you
cannot see out the windows; the new three point belt is very uncomfortable; my TV, although very
large, had a grainy picture; and perhaps most disappointingly, the quality of the materials was poor
and felt tacked together - it really feels like Cathay did this on the cheap. I really hope they re-
think these new interiors, and quick. |
|
|
|
Date: 1 OCT 2007 |
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 |
Cabin: Business Class |
Review: Martin Hunner |
|
| |
RATING |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aircraft was equipped with the new flat beds. My first impression: Very dark cabin, nice looking
seats, a lot of space in the overhead bins. My second impression after taken seat: Narrow seat, my
shoulders touching the walls next to me, very limited view into the cabin, almost no chance to look
outside the window (although seating on a window seat 91A). Legroom is great and you can stretch legs.
Tried the flat bed position shortly but did not like it (feels like your head is lower then your
legs). I do not like the way how the seats are configured (your legs facing the aisle), but if you
are travelling alone, your privacy is guaranteed. IFE is up to date (no touch screen) and shows a wide
selection of movies and music. Nice feature is that on the handset they display your flight no.
routing and remaining flight time. I still more prefer some of the angled and straight build in seats. |
|
|
|
|
|
7 July 2007 |
|
Boeing 747-400 Business Class
RATING:

The business class seat is just OK. Very narrow and there are 3 seats
side by side in the middle section on the lower deck. Only 3 rows of
seats for a total of 21 seats on the main deck. Cabin crew is always
excellent and service is impeccable but the same can't be said for the
seat. I don't mind the angled flat bed except there needs to be more
space for legs and ankles when the seat is folded out flat. Overall a
much better seat than those regional business class seats on A330s and
B777s.
|
Score: 3/5 (review by K Lim) |
|
|
|
|
31 May 2007 |
|
Boeing 747-400 Business Class
RATING:

The new Cathay Pacific flat-bed is out. If you think the old business class seat was awkward, this
one is humanly degrading. It is claustrophobic and makes you feel "sea-sick". I actually now
prefer the old-slanted one.
The new one is narrow (17") like the economy class seat, but worse, because you have two walls
pressed against your shoulders all the way up to your eye level. It is so claustrophobic.
I couldn't read newspaper, do any work, nor relax, because it was so narrow. My
big frame friend also on the same flight complained that he thought the Virgin seat was bad, but
Cathay is worse. The seats are all set diagonally; your vision is tunneled by the narrow tubular cubicle; and the
windows are virtually all blocked by these constricting walls.
I want to have wider seats. Instead I got even less lateral spaces now in business class.
In the economy, at least you could "borrow" extra elbow space from aisles, windows, or gracious
neighbours when necessary. And you can feel whether the plane is going up or down, left or right.
I don't like traveling as if I am in some stuck in some tubular solitary confinement. It would also
feel bizzare to fly with your wife and family but have to sit as if in different narrow bathroom
stalls.
|
Score: 1/5 (review by W Peng) |
|
|
|
|
31 May 2007 |
|
Airbus A330 Business Class
RATING:

HKG-DXB return, flown in Nov 2006 and April 2007: As with sectors to some Australian cities, the
HKG-DXB route is considered "regional" by Cathay Pacific. As such, most aircraft operating this
route are fitted with some of the worst business class seats in the sky. Agree with previous reviewer
for HKG-BNE, CX business class is not worth the money on this route. The worst aspect is that they
charge the same fare as if supplying their full business class product, which they are clearly not. A
disgraceful rip-off.
|
Score: 1/5 (review by Brenton Hayward) |
|
|
|
|
20 November 2006 |
|
Airbus A340
Business Class
RATING:

HKG-BNE a night flight that leaves HKG at midnight. Awful old "sit up an beg"
business seats on this service - and apparently on all CX flights to/from BNE.
These totally uncomfortable seats made all the worse by a business cabin full of
economy upgrades - mostly young student pax who were noisy. Cabin dreary, old
and totally outclassed by other business product on other airlines.
Exceptionally disappointing. Don't bother paying a business fare on CX services
from/to BNE - it is just a total waste of $$ and (like me) you are probably the
only person paying that fare as everyone else is an upgrade.
|
Score: 1/5
(review by Ashley Gordon) |
|
|
|
|
1 June 2006 |
|
Boeing 747-400
Business Class
RATING:
YVR-HKG. Seats 81 A/C in upper deck. Service and meals were impeccable. After
some adjustment with the seats, was able to sleep a solid 8 hours. Refreshment
service was timed just right at about 2 hours before departure.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by Michael Rall) |
|
|
|
|
27 March 2006 |
|
Airbus A330-300
Business Class
RATING:

Flew these seats on three sectors recently between MEL-HKG and HKG-DXB and
return. While the service was fine I agree that this seat is disappointing. It
is shorter, narrower, and I believe slightly more angled down towards the floor,
causing that "slipping" feeling, than the comparable products on QF and SQ. In
particular, as someone around 195cm, I found that there was inadequate room to
comfortably stretch out while trying to sleep.
|
Score:
3/5 (review by Brent Hayward) |
|
|
|
|
13 February 2006 |
|
Airbus A340
Business Class
RATING:

CABIN: Business Class I could not get too comfortable with the lie-flat seats as
I always feel like that I am sliding down my seat. I actually felt more
comfortable with it in a Z position but this kept me from sleeping on my side.
Fortunately, the AVOD was excellent and kept me occupied while I was awake.
|
Score:
3/5 (review by Lincoln Kan) |
|
|
|
|
3 January 2006 |
|
Airbus A340
Business Class
RATING:

Flew JNB HKG and while the service is above par, cannot say the same for the
seats. My feet were constantly bumping against the front partition which made it
extremely uncomfortable. To this is added the slight recline which allows for
sliding during sleep. Recommend they go to full flat.
|
Score:
3/5 (review by Fernando Burgos) |
|
|
|
|
6 October 2005 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class
RATING: 
LHR to Hong Kong in the upper deck of the 747-400, last seats in the cabin. I
was able to sleep uninterupted for 5 hours, when I can usually only sleep in
fits and starts. Lumbar controls were great but maybe more effort could go into
the seat recline positioning which I found difficult to get comfortable with.
Fully reclined I could almost stretch my whole 6ft (180cm) frame out which was a
pleasant surprise. IFE was excellent and would fly and recommend CX without a
doubt.
|
Score:
5/5 (review by Greg Bridle) |
|
|
|
|
5 October 2005 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class
RATING: 
LHR-HKG-LHR CX Business class seat excellent, very comfortable seating positions
and I achieved a good 6 hours sleep in recline position.
|
Score:
5/5 (review by Dave Jiggins) |
|
|
|
|
23 May 2005 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class
RATING: 
A340 offers less privacy than 747 and the first row is facing galley - but this
is no fault of CX and applies to all companies flying A340, A330 or B777. But CX
beds are not surpassed and everything works well.
|
Score:
5/5 (review by Bruno Solnik) |
|
|
|
|
20 May 2005 |
|
Boeing 747-400
Business Class
RATING: 
The New Business seats are super although a few inches more legroom would have
been welcome - my toes kept touching the seat in front when fully reclined,
although it's something to Cathay's credit when a nervous passenger like myself
can still get comfortable and sleep, even through light turbulence.
|
Score:
5/5 (review by Mark Noble) |
|
|
|
|
19 January 2005 |
|
Airbus 340-600
First Class
RATING:

While the seats themselves are indeed comfortable, the A340-600 cabin is not as
pleasant as the 747-400 space. We found the A340-600 cabin cramped, and missed
the privacy offered in the 747 cabin, where you are of course forward of all the
FA activity, including FA's coming to the front of the plane from classes in the
back. When traveling alone, try for the window seats which offer a bit more room
and privacy.
|
Score:
3/5 (review by Ray Soring) |
|
|
|
|
24 November 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class
RATING:

Good lumbar support! It is a very space economical seat. However, the seat
doesn't go all the way down - stops at around 85 degrees. The entertainment is
better than the seat.
|
Score:
3/5 (review by Tommy Cheung) |
|
|
|
|
26 October 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class
RATING: 
Was on flight from YVR to HKG return. Loved the duvets but wish there were a
thin mattress to cover the crevices between the panels that slide to form the
flat bed. Rows 1 and 2 offer the most privacy as there are no middle seats
between you and the other window seat. However all privacy is lost for 2A and 2K
if people decide to do their morning stretches / exercises in the space between.
|
Score:
5/5 (review by Peter Yeung) |
|
|
|
|
11 October 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class
RATING: 
Great seat 2A, plenty of room, food served when you want it, sleeper suit by
shanghai tang (you get to keep it if you ask) and lots of peace/quiet, slept for
6 hours and worked for 4 hours.
|
Score:
5/5 (review by Tony Dry) |
|
|
|
|
11 October 2004 |
|
Airbus 340-300
Business Class

Service is top notch but z seats were not for me. The sensation of "sliding"
disrupted my sleep several times throughout the flight. It's unfortunate that
the 747's are now being refitted these seats. I guess not enough passengers
complained.
|
Score: 3/5
(review by P Yeung) |
|
|
|
|
19 July 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
Business Class

MEL-LHR return. Sloping nature was okay though BA horizontal approach is better
for me. The cabin was spotless, service outstanding and IFE exceptionally good
(especially AVOD). BA's cabin does have a very nice lounge type atmosphere and
privacy was better, with the back to front arrangement very good for people
travelling together. Both products are excellent but I'd probably choose CX over
BA as the seat is wider.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by S Wilson) |
|
|
|
|
28 June 2004 |
|
Airbus A340
Business Class

I thought CX would not be a good sleeper - as I feared I would "slide to the
floor" all night. I can say that I was very pleasantly surprised and extremely
satisfied. I am 6'2" and my feet did just barely touch the base panel in front
of me, which may have prevented sliding, but I got a great night's sleep and the
IFE, food and service were magnificent. It was very comfortable in the upright,
semi-reclined and fully reclined positions.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by W Pepper) |
|
|
|
|
21 June 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class

Flew from YVR-HKG-YVR on the 747. Took the night flight and couldn't have been a
better choice. After take off a quick meal was served and then I got changed to
the sleep suit and took a 9hour nap! Best sleep onboard an aircraft. Seems
like the Flight Attendants we're watching me - not long after I woke up the
Flight Attendant approached me with a orange juice and coffee. With a little
over 2 hours to the flight I used the remaining time on the flight to have
Breakfast, and watch some TV. TV screens we're excellent. I've flown JL, NH, SQ,
QF, and BA using their First service and CX tops it all - wonderful wide seats,
luxurious amenities, and succulent meals.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by D Ng) |
|
|
|
|
18 June 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class

Long-haul on a 747-400 has a higher level of service than intra-Asian services,
with the addition of amenity kits, duvets, Shanghai-Tang sleep suits, eye masks
and slippers. The seats are the same on all aircraft, but the 747-400 cabin is
much more spacious, with the addition of the bar in the nose of the aircraft.
The best First Class product in the sky - roomy, comfortable, spacious, clean,
cool, contemporary, stylish, elegant and luxurious. The privacy screen, single
seat pod styling, large television screen which extends for easier viewing, plus
Audio/Video on demand with noise cancelling headsets means you are completely
able to control your immediate environment
|
Score: 5/5
(review by A Solum) |
|
|
|
|
11 June 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class

Comfort was excellent on the upper deck. Easy to get a good night's rest. Seats
were spacious in width and pitch. Excellent audio/video with noise cancelling
headphones.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by R Vigman) |
|
|
|
|
7 May 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
First Class

If you want a comfortable Flat-bed experience with superlative service, CX First
is the place to be. The seat is much more spacious than the BA First seat. The
armrests fold down to give you more room and there's no annoying closet between
1A and 1K so you have tons of legroom. In the flat-bed position, it's the most
comfortable seat in the skies.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by David Dorrell) |
|
|
|
|
31 March 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
Business Class

When I did try to get some sleep from LHR to HKG, I could barely do so as I
constantly felt as if I was going to slip down the seat to the floor and I
needed to support myself with my feet always pressing against the foot rest (or
the floor, I can't quite remember which). Given the way the seat is built, I
have doubts I would actually slip down the seat but psychologically while
actually sitting in it in the 'lie-flat' position, it sure feels that way and
it's hard to shake it off, however one tries in one's head to figure out the
unlikelihood of slipping. And what a terrible feeling it is - feet pressed
against the floor and the brain constantly at work instead of getting some
well-needed rest. Non-lie-flat positions were perfectly comfortable, though.
|
Score: 1/5
(review by Lionel Choi) |
|
|
|
|
23 March 2004 |
|
Airbus A340-600
Business Class

These seats are excellent. Despite the seats angle aims towards the floor when
in its flattest mode, the fabric actually provides lots of grip preventing you
from slipping off. Although it would be better if the bed was parallel to the
floor. It provides much more width than BA Club World, plus the fact you don't
have to sit face to face with a complete stranger makes the experience far more
pleasant.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by Stephen Suen) |
|
|
|
|
22 March 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
Business Class

I found the new business class seats on Cathay Pacific to be excellent. The
seats are perfect and got a very good night's sleep. Simply fantastic
experience.
|
Score: 5/5
(review by John Gunn) |
|
|
|
|
3 March 2004 |
|
Airbus 340-600
First Class

Great when flat and ready for sleep, especially with drop down arms, but
oh so hard to sit on. I've sat on softer park benches! These chairs feel like
they have mere millimetres of padding and after a few hours you really start to
notice it. Thank goodness it was a night-time flight and I was able to sleep
much of the way.
|
Score: 3/5
(review by Sean Linkson) |
|
|
|
|
22 January 2004 |
|
Airbus 340-600
First Class

Soft seat with leather trim around the edges. Easy recline into flat bed using
simple electronic controls on armrest. Very comfortable and a lot softer than
the original bed seats installed on the 747-400s (which incidentally are being
improved with installation of the New Business Class). Best night's sleep ever!
|
Score: 5/5
(review by Anne Steele) |
|
|
|
|
8 January 2004 |
|
Boeing 747-400
Business Class

Not as comfortable as they appear. The fact that the sleeper seat is not
entirely flat makes it difficult to sleep without having the sense of slipping
off the seat. It's very uncomfortable. The best position will be in the "Z"
shape as suggested by the airline. However, what is the use of suggesting a
lie-flat bed when there isn't really one in the business class cabin? Even
though a drastic improvement over their old business class seats. There still is
room for improvement.
|
Score: 3/5
(review by Cliff Kwok) |
|
|
|
Cathay Pacific Seat Reviews
|
1 |
2 |

|