REVIEW: Cathay Pacific – Business Class – Bali to Hong Kong (B772)

Cathay Pacific (CX)

Flight: CX784
Class: Business Class
From: Bali (DPS)
To: Hong Kong (HKG)
Duration: 4hr45
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200
Seat: 18K
Status during flight: OneWorld Sapphire
Cost: £1300 for TXL-LHR-SIN-HKG-DPS round trip in Business Class
Date: January 2016

Premier Lounge DPS

After another wonderful week in the Island of the Gods, it was finally time to start heading home.

I love Denpasar airport, the beautiful open design really helps you to cling on to the last remaining shreds of holiday feeling

Kind of puts London Stansted airport into context…

The last time we were in DPS we were flying Garuda to CGK and were able to access their domestic lounge. The time before that we used the really old gate lounges. In the intervening months the brand new Premier Lounge had opened on the mezzanine level, above the duty free shops.

Much like the gate lounges, this new lounge accepted pretty much anybody flying business on a non-Skyteam carrier, plus Priority Pass and numerous other credit card and lounge membership schemes.

Whilst the decor is a massive step up from the previous lounge, overcrowding is still an issue.

The buffet selection was quite sparse with a number of cold cuts and salad options

There were four hot options available too. Made to order pasta was also available from a small serving hatch, located in a far flung corner of the lounge.

Overall not the best lounge and definitely not worth missing any time in Bali for.

Standing by the gate windows was way more fun and far less crowded than waiting in the lounge!

Flight: CX784

Unfortunately the sector between Bali and Hong Kong was not served by a 747 this time, instead we were stuck with a 772, flying the CX regional business class seats – a.k.a. “the asskillers”

The boarding process was very well managed, with business class and OneWorld status holders kept in a firmly policed line which boarded in before Economy. The seats are exactly the same as those which I encountered on my A330 flight between Singapore and Hong Kong (so check that review out if you want to see detailed photos of the however with the 777 being a larger aircraft, this means that there is space for an additional middle seat. This results in the business class cabin having a decidedly unglamorous 2-3-2 configuration.

Our seats: 18H and 18K

Looks a hell of a lot like economy to me.

At nearly 5 hours, this route is really pushing the limits of what is acceptable for business class in Asia. Of course, if a European carrier had installed these seats for short haul it would be considered a market leading improvement!

I love the views from the runway at DPS

A final glimpse of one of my favourite places in the World.

Once we reached our cruising altitude, the crew passed through the cabin for the pre-dinner drinks run. I opted for a glass of the excellent Billecart Salmon Brut, this was accompanied by warm cashews and almonds.

There was no choice of starter offered, we were all given trays comprised of prawns with capers and a small side salad. As soon as I smelled the amazing aroma filling the cabin, I knew I would be eating garlic bread with my meal. I know I’m weak 😀 The Cathay butter dish is quite a nice touch I think.

For the main I ordered the beef fillet with asparagus, peppers and new potatoes. The asparagus was perfectly cooked, retaining a nice initial crunch and not at all stringy.

Even more notable however was the beef. After years of flying BA, I was convinced that a medium rare steak was impossible in business class! “Well done” Cathay!

Kamara went with the Chinese option for her main. It was of a similarly high standard, with crunchy and well seasoned pak choi served alongside a beautifully flaking piece of fish.

When the trolley came around, we both skipped dessert. In another display of mediocre willpower I asked for a selection of cheeses, accompanied my membrillo, apple and Carr’s water biscuits. For Business Class (short haul business class no less!) this is an exceptionally strong offering.

After the meal I tried to get into a movie but couldn’t find anything to hold my interest. Thankfully, the window provided an absolutely captivating show.

The pastel rainbow of an airborne sunset. The last time I would see the sun’s effects on this trip. I would next see our star on my way to the office, in London, the following morning.

Bali III : Return of the Bali