This post will serve to conclude my series of posts from my Cathay Pacific First Class award redemption to Bali. In all it was an excellent experience. Although 95% of my flying patterns is on Star Alliance carriers, I really look forward to the opportunity to get back into Cathay Pacific First Class. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
I’m fortunate to have booked this for 150,000 British Airways miles before their conversion to Avios, so this deal is no longer available. That said, there are a few options to take advantage of Cathay Pacific’s good first class availability and top notch service.
Trip planning
Swiss Lounge at O’Hare and the discovery that we had the cabin to ourselves
Our private cabin from O’Hare to Hong Kong
Flights from O’Hare to Hong Kong, with unplanned stops
Dining in our own private First Class cabin on Cathay Pacific
Initial thoughts after unplanned 24 hours outbound trip to Hong Kong
My actual routing showing unplanned stops in Anchorage and Tokyo
Tea at the Grand Club
Our stay at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Business and arrivals lounge visits at Hong Kong International Airport
Seat 4D on Cathay Pacific 747-400
From Hong Kong to Bali in Business, but seated in First Class
Hyatt Beach at the Bali Hyatt in Sanur
Club King room at the Bali Hyatt
Beachside lunch at The Laguna, a Starwood Luxury Collection property
Executive Suite at The Laguna, Nusa Dua
Back to Hong Kong; Cathay Business Class in a First Class seat
Overnight layover at the Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui
A ride back to HKG was very fast thanks to a cabbie who was in a big hurry.
Qantas First lounge at HKG
First Class Lounges at Hong Kong
Krug champagne, hot towel, amenity kit and Shanghai Tang pajamas. Ready for one more flight in Cathay Pacific First Class.
Cathay Pacific First Class from Hong Kong to Toronto
Best of all on this flight, I found the holy grail of airplane food:
Bali was a lovely place to visit. I think the people may be some of the most warm and welcoming people I’ve ever met. Prices are remarkably cheap for most things, especially food. I suggest bringing sunscreen, since its only for tourists, there is a significant premium. There is also a big markup on imported wine. There are nice beaches, good restaurants, and beautiful sights, both above and below sea level.
Bali is a long way to go from North America for a beach destination, but the combination of features it provides is hard to beat. It is a great place to go on an award redemption. Cathay Pacific was a wonderful way to go, but there are other good options across all the major alliances.
After this trip, I am a huge Cathay Pacific fan. Their service is not remarkable on the ground, but once on board, the in flight service is excellent. I think the First Class suite on Cathay is the most comfortable airplane seat I’ve ever experienced. It is great for sitting, lounging, and sleeping. The entertainment system is good, with oodles of content. The staff is wonderful. I hope to have another opportunity to fly with Cathay Pacific in the near future.
