This video compares what it is like to travel with Cathay Pacific in Business Class and Premium Economy focusing on the long haul product. Firstly, Premium Economy is only available on planes fitted with the long haul product and all Airbus A350s. Business Class is available on all flights, but if you fly in Business Class on a short haul flight and are unlucky enough to be on a plane with a regional configuration, you will be sitting in what is essentially a larger version of a Premium Economy Seat.

Separate check in and boarding lanes are provided for Premium Economy and Business Class passengers. Premium Economy passengers can use the Business Class lanes if they are at least at Oneworld Ruby member. Business Class passengers can also clear immigration and security through the Fast Track if there is one at your airport. Business Class passengers can use the lounge for their class. Premium Economy passengers do not have lounge access by default, they must be at least a Marco Polo Club Silver member, a frequent flyer member of another Oneworld airline at the Sapphire level or redeem a lounge pass or Asia Miles.

Premium Economy seats are essentially wider and more spacious versions of Economy Seats with a small table on the armrest for drinks and snacks. If you fly in Business Class, you will sit in a fully reclinable seat inside a way larger independent compartment in a herringbone arrangement. Shortly after you are seated, you will be given a welcome drink. You get to choose between fruit juice and water served in a plastic cup in Premium Economy. In Business Class, welcome drinks are served in glasses and you can also have champagne or one of Cathay’s own signature drinks.

The Premium Economy menu needs no introduction – it is just a pieces of folded cardboard. You will have 3 choices of main course to choose from for dinner and can choose between a western breakfast and Chinese breakfast. The Business Class menu resembles a newspaper and you can either have a full meal or just a quick bite for dinner. Your breakfast can be preordered by filling in the card provided.

Premium Economy class meals are served in a similar way as in Economy Class, with everything in a single tray. However, you are often served the main course in Business Class. The dessert usually consists of a small tub of ice cream and a small bar of packaged chocolate. Business Class meals are served in proper plates and bowls and a tablecloth will be laid on your table. You can also enjoy a plate of cheese, a proper dessert and a piece of chocolate with a choice of 4 flavours.

When it is time to sleep, you can fully flatten your Business Class seat but not in Premium Economy. You are also provided with a mattress pad to cover your seat and a pair of sandals.
When you make up, it is time to brush your teeth. The Business Class amenity kit comes with a larger tube of toothpaste compared to the one for Premium Economy and a small amount of mouthwash to fully freshen up, along with some rejuvenating products.

Breakfast in Premium Economy is served in a similar way as in Economy Class, but with higher quality food. Business Class breakfasts are on par with your typical mid to high end restaurant, with a large plate of fresh fruit accompanying your main course and a wider selection of drinks including smoothies and of course, Hong Kong Style Milk Tea.

If you would like to try these classes out, I will suggest travelling during low seasons and look out for sales. Otherwise, you can use your Asia Miles to get an upgrade.

свернуть