Review: Cathay Pacific CX690 First Class 777-300ER SIN - HKG

Published 18 Jun 2020

CX690-Boeing-777ER-at-Singapore.original.jpg
  • Five cents per point value.
  • Top notch First Class experience, without the bling.
  • Spacious suites, friendly cabin crew, delicious food.

After searching for points seats, we found two First Class seats available on the four-hour direct flight from Singapore to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific on an older Boeing 777-300ER. Cathay Pacific take some criticism for being mediocre. So was this flight amazing or not? Find out as we review Cathay First Class on a regional route like this.

Inside this review

Inside this review

Cathay Pacific B777 300ER [Source: Cathay Pacific]
Cathay Pacific B777 300ER [Source: Cathay Pacific]

Flight details

  • Airline: Cathay Pacific
  • Route: Singapore (SIN) - Hong Kong (HKG)
  • Cabin: First Class
  • When: July 2017
  • Cost: 60,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points transferred from Membership Rewards plus $160 in taxes for a one-way trip 
  • Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
  • Seat number: 2A 
  • Overnight flight: No 
  • Meal included: Yes 
  • Amenity kit provided: Yes 
  • Pyjamas provided: No need
  • In-flight Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Baggage: Carry on

Checking in

Check-in was a breeze with no queue and no fuss. Having arrived with only enough time to check-in and proceed to the gate for boarding, we sadly had to skip the Cathay Pacific lounge at Changi.

Dedicated check-in desk for Cathay Pacific First Class passengers at Singapore Changi Airport.
Dedicated check-in desk for Cathay Pacific First Class passengers at Singapore Changi Airport.
Become a Changi Millionaire?
Become a Changi Millionaire?
Priority boarding for passengers flying First or Business Class.
Priority boarding for passengers flying First or Business Class.
Changi airport puts final security and passport check right at the gate.
Changi airport puts final security and passport check right at the gate.
Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER parked up in Singapore and ready to roll.
Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER parked up in Singapore and ready to roll.
The view out the window at Singapore as we push back.
The view out the window at Singapore as we push back.
Climbing out of Singapore Changi Airport on the way to Hong Kong.
Climbing out of Singapore Changi Airport on the way to Hong Kong.

The suite

The first thing I noticed was the amount of space and privacy to relax and thanks to the cavernous suites in Cathay Pacific First Class. They are extremely wide: you could probably fit two people side-by-side in there. If you've experienced the old Singapore Airlines First Class, this will feel familiar to you. The carpet underfoot is plush and there is oodles of room all around your seat to stow your bags, empty your pockets and hang up a jacket. The seat itself fully reclines, so you can get a good sleep if so desired.

The First Class Cabin has 6 x Open Suites on the Boeing 777-300ER.
The First Class Cabin has 6 x Open Suites on the Boeing 777-300ER.
Open suite (Seat 2D) in the first class cabin.
Open suite (Seat 2D) in the first class cabin.
The mandatory pre-flight orange juice!
The mandatory pre-flight orange juice!
Take in that First Class space.
Take in that First Class space.
The view from a reclined position.
The view from a reclined position.
Total privacy. The only thing missing is a door.
Total privacy. The only thing missing is a door.
Excuse me for a moment while I have a siesta.
Excuse me for a moment while I have a siesta.
Because one window per seat isn't enough.
Because one window per seat isn't enough.
The view of the massive Boeing 777-300ER engine.
The view of the massive Boeing 777-300ER engine.

Lunch

First Class is not just the hard product. What really sets it apart is the top class service. There is a chasm between First and Economy / Premium Economy. It even makes Business Class seem quite ordinary.

There were two cabin crew dedicated to servicing the six First Class seats. I found them to be friendly, considerate, and professional. Compare that to Business Class on this Boeing 777-300ER flight configuration, where there are 53 seats, serviced by around four cabin crew.

While many have complained about Cathay Pacific's rather uninspired food service in Business, lunch in First Class was more like an experience at an upmarket restaurant.

Each suite on the Boeing 777-300ER has an extra little jump seat where a fellow passenger can sit and join you for a meal (much like you can on British Airways First Class). My brother Andy had the window seat 2A and I joined him for coffee after lunch.

Soup for lunch.
Soup for lunch.
Lunch time menu on Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER.
Lunch time menu on Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER.
Extra jump seat in each open suite.
Extra jump seat in each open suite.
Seat 2A on Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER.
Seat 2A on Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER.
Dessert in First Class.
Dessert in First Class.
Watching the clouds below is simple pleasure.
Watching the clouds below is simple pleasure.
Thank you for flying Cathay Pacific.
Thank you for flying Cathay Pacific.
Our Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER parked up at the gate in Hong Kong.
Our Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER parked up at the gate in Hong Kong.

Final thoughts

Should you splash out your hard-won points for a regional flight in First Class? Yes, I thought it was a memorable experience!

Cathay Pacific has drawn the ire from some quarters for being mediocre, but, honestly, this was far better than mediocre! I could have easily spent another 10 hours onboard. It's not just a step up from Business Class. It's a big step up from Business Class in terms of the seat size, seat padding, superior food, and more personal service from the cabin crew.

First Class on Cathay Pacific, especially one of these slightly older Boeing 777-300ER, totally lacks the sparkle and glitz of the leading Middle Eastern airlines. But it is subdued and classy. You will not be disappointed.