CHECK IN I was so delayed getting to Terminal 2 of Hongkong International Airport that after checking in, I could only use the time remaining before boarding to get some cash at the ATM machine. The invitation to use the Air France lounge had to fall by the wayside.
BOARDING Passengers in the Economy Class queue at Gate 29 were already submitting their boarding passes when I arrived panting. Since there was no one in the Première (Business Class) lane, I was quickly waved through.
Jackets were hung up and drinks and cold towels were offered. A trolley with various newspapers and publications was wheeled around. Among those I took was the Times of India to catch up on the subcontinent where I was to spend a week.
Departure was delayed by 30 minutes from the intended 7.15pm due to connecting passengers who were still making their way to the aircraft. We pushed off at the new time slot that was announced.
The SEAT 7G in this Airbus A330-200 was located in the second Business Class cabin and in the first row facing a gentleman whose back was to the window. The herringbone seat configuration is similar to that pioneered by Virgin Atlantic. It features a seat cushion width of 35.4 inches at the shoulder and has a seat recline of up to 180º, with the overall length of seat when fully reclined into a flat bed measuring 73 inches.
Conveniences included a laptop power socket and light, as well as more storage space for personal items and a handy ledge to place a coffee cup or glass of water. The IFE system has an audiovisual on demand (AVOD) feature, allowing one to stop, pause and restart programmes at will. All are watched on the large personal screen with noise-cancelling headphones.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? On my next trip using Jet Airways’ Première Class, I will be sure to choose a location further from the bulkhead, and never 7G as every time any of the crew flipped open the curtain between the sections, it always hit my foot, which was annoying. I tried to get used to it but it occasionally set my teeth on edge.
THE FLIGHT I was really looking forward to dinner, having tried the Indian cuisine onboard a stationary Jet Airways aircraft last year during a press sortie, and found it memorable. Yet strangely, when I studied the menu, the Mushroom Lasagne leaped out at me and I ordered it. It was delicious. Then, the scent of chicken curry my neighbour was having wafted over to my space, and I was hooked. The stewardess didn’t seem surprised at my second order – she even beamed when she brought the dish over to me.
Other selections included Mattar Paneer for vegetarians and Wok Seared Shredded Lamb. The Indian entrées had on the side Aloo Capsicum (cubes of potatoes stir fried with cheese and ginger); Rajma Masala (kidney beans cooked with tomatoes) and Jeera Pulao.
Feeling guilty after I had polished off the chicken curry, I refused any dessert (a choice of mango cheesecake, ice cream or Gajar Ka Halwa) and got myself ready for some shut eye. I don’t remember any turbulence along the way, which contributed to a very restful nap.
ARRIVAL The five-hour-and-15-minute flight ended smoothly at Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport now undergoing massive refurbishment. I had last visited Mumbai two years ago, and several areas in the terminal seemed new to me. Hopefully, other airports will follow Mumbai’s example.
VERDICT Outstanding service and a five-star cuisine.
PRICE Return Hongkong-Bombay fare starts from US$1,358.
CONTACT www.jetairways.com
Margie T Logarta
