Cathay Pacific – Premium Economy – is it worth it?

Jane take a look at

http://www.businesstraveller.com/asia-pacific/news/first-look-cathay-pacifics-premium-economy-cabin

or

http://www.ausbt.com.au/the-best-seats-in-cathay-pacific-premium-economy-airbus-a330

This might only be partially helpful (I’ve not travelled in Cathay PE) but I have done a lot in some of the others.

BA – almost always the cheapest and not great. Better in new planes.
Virgin – gone right downhill in terms of food and service
Qantas – brilliant; comfy seats, great food & wine and service.

Air NZ is meant to be good too. Am giving them a go in December…

There’s a bit of a debate about whether PE is worth it. As I am tall, broad-shouldered AND a fat barsteward running a fledgling company then it’s worth it for a less awful long-haul experience. There is still a substantial gap between PE and even the cheapest business class.

If you’re petite and can sleep sitting up I’m not sure it’s worth it.

On the NZ Premium Y, you need to know there are two very different products. On the 777-200, they have a 3-3-3 seating, which for a premium y is pretty poor (compared with BA at 8 abreast for example), and infact the same as their 777-200 economy, wirth a bit more legroom. This aircraft serves the LHR-HKG-AUK route. It does have the same catering as business however.

On the LHR-LAX-AUK route, they use the 777-300, which is far superior I believe, at 2-2-2! Much better than the awful 3-4-3 in Y.

So if you are travelling to/from HK, the CX seating will be far better than NZ.

QF does not ply the LHR HKG any more, but looks good to me.

What premium Y gives you as enough space that you are not fighting the wall, seat in front, or your neighbour, and can exist comfortably. I do not think the BA premium Y seat is that comfy in itself, but the space does make a difference.
From the seat pics posted on this site, I would consider the CX product attractive.

JanePhillips, I have now posted a review of the seat – although it isn’t as detailed as I would like, because I wasn’t the one flying!!

http://www.businesstraveller.com/discussion/topic/Cathay-Pacific-B777-300ER-(four-class-with-Premium-Economy)-Premium-Economy

Hi Jane,

I have only flown CX and BA in premium economy, so can’t compare to QF, NZ or the others. However, here’s my take:

The seats seem reasonably similar, with similar (limited) recline and legroom. For either one, I would invest in a good neck pillow, as the adjustable headrests don’t really stop your head from flopping about – you are pretty much sitting up, after all. The CX seat is supposedly slightly wider, and it did seem a bit roomier. Overall, the seats on both carriers are more similar to the old business class seats from 15 years ago than to current economy seats.

I felt CX dropped the ball in two places:
First, there is no dedicated toilet for the premium economy cabin; you have to queue for the economy toilets. And since they’re located behind you, and behind the privacy curtain, if you’re trying to go pre-emptively when there’s little or no queue, you can’t. You have no idea what the line up is like until you actually get there.

Second, and more surprising for CX, is the meal service. I had read that they were going to use the same catering as J class, but minus the appetizer course and with 3 meal choices instead of 4. Boy was I in for a shock! The service was pretty much exactly like economy: plastic tray, foil covering, plastic cups, plastic bag for cutlery and salt, etc. The food was reasonably good, but it generally is in CX economy anyway. I think you would only consider it an upgrade if you are inclined to argue that Burger King is an upgrade over McDonald’s. I did not find that it was a level of service somewhere between their reasonably good economy service and superb business class service. That was a surprise, and I would think that with the small size of the cabin, they could easily do a better job of the meal and service without additional crew resourcing. My memory of the BA flight is that I was fairly impressed by their service and catering, although I don’t specifically remember what was served.

That being said, you ask “is it worth it?” If your choice is between CX economy and CX premium economy, the answer is a resounding yes. First, the cabin is quiet. There tend to be very few children in PE, and your fellow passengers tend to be more seasoned travellers who are (theoretically) more aware of airplane etiquette – lowering window shades, not hoisting themselves up using the back of your seat, etc. But most of all, you will be avoiding CX’s hideous ‘space shell’ economy class seats that slouch rather than recline. I actually arrived at my destination reasonably well-rested, having been able to catch a few hours sleep even in a recumbent seated position.

If your choice is between CX and other carriers’ premium economy, I would say shop around. Even as a CX loyalist (and Diamond Marco Polo member), I don’t see where they have distinguished themselves from other carriers in this regard, and wouldn’t pay a premium to travel them over other carriers. I would rather spend the extra money on an upgraded hotel, great meal, or fine bottle of wine at the destination.

Enjoy your trip, and do let us know what you decide, and how the experience was!

About the toilet issue – I haven’t been in the CX PE cabin, but I would be very surprised if there isn’t an illuminated sign on the bulkhead indicating where the toilets are (eg “TOILETS AFT”) and whether or not they are occupied. It won’t tell you how long a queue is, of course, and by the time you get there someone may have gone in, but if it is just “TOILETS AFT” rather than “TOILETS AFT OCCUPIED” then that would be the time to go!

To ChrisSmith’s other point about the dreadful economy – about which he is completely correct, by the way – you should check to see which aircraft configuration it is, as CX are rolling out a new economy product with proper recline rather than the dreadful old shellback .seats

The old BA premium Economy (WTP) is not that great and very uncomfortable compared to the super new WTP which is very good! This has much more elegant new interior, luxurious seating, and a new IFE You will get two USB ports and an RCA port, enabling you to use your own personal electronic devices with the in-flight entertainment system and an in-seat power socket compatible with a range of international plug types to power your devices throughout the flight. You will also get a complimentary bar service, juices, teas and coffees, snacks and meals throughout your journey and a Club World meal for your main meal.

However please be aware that the new WTP are only on selected aircraft. Mostly 777’s (all 777-300 is guaranteed but the 777-200 is still being updated), some 767’s but not the 747’s so pick your flights wisely. I know for instance the BA28 from LHR tends to run a 777-300 Also try to avoid middle row seats apparently these seats are estricted because of the electric box under the seat.

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/new-world-traveller-plus/public/en_gb

Also have a look at the link below for current offer by BA for WTP and WT.

http://www.businesstraveller.com/discussion/topic/BA-Launches-Premium-Economy-Stealth-Sale,-from-A-pound-634

Edit

Also by flying BA to HKG you can also transit through LHR and experience the award wininng Terminal 5 designed by Foster + Partners and experince the array of exclusive shops and fine dining at Plane Food by Gordon Ramsay.