An Intrepid Traveller Confession

Why I always travel with Cathay Pacific.

by Emcee Go

It’s an exciting time to travel from Cebu these days — a brand new terminal, multiple airline choices and competitive flight pricing. As I write, I am dreaming of the winter markets in Europe, the Festival of Lights in Macau, or walking the holiday festooned Fifth Avenue in New York. Everytime I’m in this mood, my fingers automatically flip thru the Skycanner app in my iPhone, and input far flung destinations, just in case there’s a bargain to be had. This futile process of mental calisthenics that calculates the prices and time schedule always brings me back to the Cathay Pacific website though.

There is much to be said as to why seasoned traveller smartly stick to one airline, or to an airline alliance such as One World or Star Alliance, two of the biggest network of airline partners. My tried and tested preference is One World alliance of which Cathay Pacific is an active member. One World rewards loyal customers with so many perks, depending on current status. The lounge access at most of the major airport terminal worldwide tops the list. This privilege is given to Cathay Pacific’s top tier members of their Marco Polo loyalty club, those in the Gold or Diamond level, mostly travellers who fly more than 3 long haul flights a year in business class.

Lounge access is important for international travellers — more than the excellent coffee or tea, there’s free wifi.

Waiting lounge for the Relaxation Room

Located at the end part of The Pier, there are several sleep-in sofas for a long or quick nap inside the dimly lit and quiet corner.

If you’re transiting for example tru Lima, Peru, going online just to send a short viber text or post one Instagram photo doesn’t merit turning on your data roaming. At One World airport lounges, you are signed in within seconds.

More significantly, the member airlines of One World Alliance have pushed up their standards in the last 12 months. American Airlines, another member airline, renovated and vastly improved their Admiral’s Club Lounge. In major US cities like Los Angeles, Dallas or Miami, they have the Flagship lounges, where travellers are often offered an array of meals that include steak or scallops during meal times.

There are 14 shower rooms inside The Pier, equipped with premium bath products, hair dryer, toothbrush and towels.

This tranquil oasis is manned by tea specialists, and serves artisanal and seasonal tea varieties.

Not to be outdone, Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong hub which currently has several lounges scattered all over the terminal, are becoming destinations on its own. The latest one is The Deck located near Gate 16, while The Wing near Gate 4, The Bridge near Gate 35, have been there for sometime. My favourite though is The Pier, located near Gate 65. Perhaps because of its proximity to the more known First Class Lounge (accessible only to First Class and Diamond Marco Polo members), many people think its only for first class, and so it’s less crowded.

The Pier features Cathay’s signature The Noodle Bar which serves Hong Kong classics, including wonton noodles in a broth, fish ball noodles and a variety of dim sum and buns as well. There’s a food hall, with several hot selections, the usual bar and coffee cart, a tranquil Teahouse. There are 14 shower rooms, and, best of all, a Relaxation Room a quiet nook at the end where you can snooze, hopefully not long enough to miss your flight!

The deli-style Food Hall offers a selection of quick bites, including tapas, salads, sandwiches, fruits and dessert and hot food, all available to order.

Sitting area for the Food Hall

Cathay Pacific chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo affirms that the airline is committed to “investing in experiences that our customers value and consider important is at the heart of our product and service philosophy, and helps us differentiate ourselves from other airlines”.

Cathay clearly exceeds expectations when it comes to its airport lounges in Hong Kong. In most cases, particularly for the high income millinenials, as long as there’s free wifi and a beer, its cool enough. But for savvy business and leisure travellers, this is expected from an airline that has continued raising the bar to make sure its loyal customers continue flying with Cathay Pacific.