My First Experience Flying Cathay: From Vancouver to Hong Kong

Hello everyone! Recently, I took my very first flight with Cathay after quite a long time. The only time I had flown was on the Hong Kong-Taipei route when I was a child, so this trip was truly a fresh experience for me. Even though I was busy finishing up another article, I decided to share some highlights from this journey.

Booking My Flight

For my Asia travel plans, I needed to be in Hong Kong before heading to Fukuoka and Taipei. Unfortunately, there were no available seats on commercial flights from North America to Hong Kong at the time I needed. So, I opted to book a ticket using cash.

The flight from Vancouver (YVR) was the most affordable option with two departures each day. I chose the 12 PM flight, and the ticket from YVR to HKG was around $4000. After that, I looked for tickets to Fukuoka from Hong Kong, but the prices were steep: $800 for economy and $1700 for business class.

In the end, I decided to book a one-way ticket from YVR to HKG and then connect to Fukuoka, bringing my total cost down to just $3000. Luckily, I discovered AMEX's IAP program, which offered the same itinerary for $2795—a significant saving!

Preparing for the Flight

The night before my flight, I booked a flight from Denver (DEN) to Vancouver so I could have some time to rest and explore the city. I stayed at the Fairmont Hotel right at the airport, which had great reviews and did not disappoint.

The next morning, after a good night’s sleep and a workout, I had an enjoyable day before heading off to Hong Kong. Vancouver Airport is truly a wonderful place with fresh air and comfortable spaces.

The check-in process went smoothly, and the staff was very friendly, helping me update my Alaska Airlines account number for both legs of my journey from YVR-HKG and HKG-FUK.

Airport and Cathay Lounge

YVR is one of my favorite airports. I had a great time at the Cathay lounge, which featured elegant design and a cozy atmosphere.

The menu at the lounge was limited, but I tried a bit of dim sum and wonton soup. The flavors were decent, though perhaps not exceptional. Nonetheless, it was a lovely spot to relax while waiting for my flight.

The Waiting and Boarding Experience

Finally, it was time to board, and the excitement was truly exhilarating. Although there were no separate seats for business class, the boarding process was quite orderly and organized. I felt thrilled to experience Cathay's service for the first time.

The seating in the business class cabin was beautiful and comfortable, boasting perks like phone charging capabilities, a large entertainment screen, and even a map showing the location of the restrooms. I was very impressed with the elegant design of the seats.

In-Flight Experience

The atmosphere on the plane was very pleasant, and the service from the flight attendants was attentive. Everyone was friendly and eager to help. Throughout the flight, I enjoyed watching movies and TV shows with sharp picture quality.

Although there were a few minor delays during the flight, I had some relaxing and satisfying hours. Finally, when the plane landed in Hong Kong, I felt like I had embarked on a memorable journey.

Wrapping Up the Flight

In summary, my flight with Cathay was not just a trip, but a delightful experience. I was completely satisfied with the service and the atmosphere on the plane. If given the chance, I would definitely fly with Cathay again.

Thank you all for following my experience! I hope to have more exciting things to share in the future!

My First Experience Flying Cathay: From Vancouver to Hong Kong