On the Ground: The ticket agent was prompt and courteous. Within five minutes of joining the line at Cathay Pacific’s first-class check-in, I was on my way through security. (30/30)
Pre-flight: I lost track of time watching the news in the lounge until a hostess gently reminded me it was time to board. Passing swiftly through the First/Business gate and onto the Boeing 777-300ER, an attendant escorted me to my First Class suite — a generous space spanning three windows and enclosed by a waist-high partition. She hung my jacket and stowed my carry-on in a floor-level compartment, and the lack of overhead bins gave the suite an airy, high-ceilinged feel. She offered a flute of Champagne and presented an embroidered pouch containing indigo-blue Shanghai Tang pajamas and slippers, then walked me through the seat’s features. An ottoman doubles as a guest seat when the bed isn’t deployed. A drop-down armrest expands the seat width and serves as a side table. The fully adjustable seat includes four-way lumbar support and a massage function, and controls operate a pull-out 17-inch TV with premium headphones, on-demand entertainment, 110-volt power outlets for laptops, plus ambient mood and reading lights. (29/30)
In-Flight: Cruising above the clouds, I enjoyed caviar and smoked salmon to start, followed by an aromatic mushroom soup and grilled lamb chops with mustard cream sauce, accompanied by a Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Champ Pimont Premier Cru. The meal service felt indulgent — like having a private dining room in the sky. Afterward I worked on my laptop briefly, then changed into the pajamas and settled in for movies. I sampled a fragrant barbecued duck noodle soup as a snack, then converted the seat into a fully flat bed measuring roughly 36 inches by 81 inches — comfortably large enough for someone six feet three. Cushioned by two pillows and a plush duvet, I slept soundly for six hours and woke to the smell of fresh coffee. With under an hour to landing, I almost skipped the final meal, but a caring attendant encouraged me to eat, reminding me that meals are prepared to order. She meticulously organized my choice of savory chicken. (39/40)
The Experience: After a 15½-hour nonstop flight that left me remarkably refreshed, Cathay Pacific’s first-class product proved as close to perfect as long-haul air travel gets. Passengers connecting onward can also enjoy lounge amenities, including private shower or bath cabanas to freshen up between flights.
Total Score: (98/100)