This morning I woke up early and checked out of the hotel shortly before 6:00 AM. My flight is at 9:05 AM – so under normal circumstances I would generally be at the airport by then.
I took a quick taxi to the Kowloon airport station (45 Hong Kong Dollars).
The Cathay Pacific check in counter was easy to get to from the drop off area (and the had free carts). It was very pleasant to check in my bags before boarding the airport train, never in my life have I experienced this kind of convenience. You would think British Airways would do this at Paddington for the Heathrow Express.
The train was nice and very quick. I didn’t bother to try to find a plug to charge my phone.
The airport express stopped right in front of the check in counters… As if I was dropped off by a taxi. Very impressive.
I attempted to go through the e-gate, but it couldn’t read my passport. After going through security I went to the first class lounge due to my emerald status on OneWorld even though I was flying the first leg economy.
When I went to board the airplane I was moved from the business class line to the first class line and was first to board the aircraft. Cathay Pacific is my new favorite airline. They treated me like a rockstar last time in business class, but the treatment I got in economy was very impressive. After take off I was dozing and the crew left me an impressive gift of a bottle of water with a nice message ?.
I had an exit row to myself. The tray table even has a flap for holding smartphones. The entertainment was very good. I finished watching Gemini Man and watched Hustlers.
When I arrived in Narita I found that the McDonald’s was outside the secure area, so no purple potato milkshake for me. They also took my bottle of Evian that was gifted to me.
I found my way to the boring American Airlines Admiral’s Lounge. Nothing with salt. The salmon and sushi was very good though.
Now for the most disappointing service I’ve ever had on a plane. No one in business class was served anything to drink after boarding. Then when they did serve drinks they skipped my row (she did give us nuts). The flight attendants did almost nothing on the flight.
I managed to get the airport shuttle despite the traffic.