In early 2020, I flew from Vancouver to New York in the new Cathay Pacific First Class. As one of my last international flights in 2020, this flight was memorable for many reasons. I’ve flown in Cathay’s Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabin several times between Vancouver, New York, and Hong Kong, but this was my first flight in the newly enhanced Cathay Pacific First Class cabin. While the Cathay Pacific new First Class suites will roll out once the airline begins flying the Boeing 777-9 (expected in 2021), the soft goods and other amenities have already received a significant update. Learn more about what you can expect when you fly award-winning Cathay Pacific First Class.
First Class Cabin and Seats
Cathay Pacific First Class, configured in a 1-1-1 seating arrangement, offers an exclusive experience for a maximum of six guests on a Boeing 777 aircraft. As one of the smallest First Class cabins, the service in Cathay Pacific First is personal and attentive.
Located at the front of the airplane, the generous First Class open suites reportedly offer the largest First Class seats in the sky. At 91 cm wide (36 inches) and with a pitch of 206 cm (81 inches), there is lots of room to spread out and maximize physical distancing. Each Cathay Pacific First Class suite includes an additional seat for a shared meal or a visit with friends or family.
When it’s time to rest, the seat converts to a fully flat bed complete with a thick mattress, 600-thread-count Bamford linens, and cozy pillows.
New Cathay Pacific First Class Amenity Kit and Organic Pajamas
The Cathay Pacific First Class amenity kit is a long-time favourite. In the new amenity kit, Aesop products have been replaced with luxury English skincare items from Bamford. The new First Class amenity kit includes balancing tonic (along with cotton pads), moisturizing cream, eye cream, and lip balm. Another amenity I love is the real face clothes in the Cathay Pacific First Class lavatory. It’s such a treat to wash-up with an actual face cloth.
The Cathay Pacific pajamas, slippers, and eyeshade, designed by Hong Kong-based PYE, are made out of 100% organic cotton. I’m grateful that these comfortable and stylish pajamas are still offered as part of the newly enhanced First Class experience. I always find a way to squeeze the gorgeous sleepwear into my carry-on bag before I disembark. The colours change with the season, and I’m keen to update my collection once I can safely travel again!
Cathay Pacific First Class Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity
Complimentary WiFi is available in the First Class cabin on select flights, and handy outlets and a USB port keep devices charged. The Cathay Pacific in-flight entertainment system is excellent. The First Class open suite includes an 18.5 inch HD definition TV screen and a video handset so you can easily access entertainment from the comfort of your seat or bed. Visit the Cathay Pacific website to find out what is playing on an upcoming flight.
First Inflight Dining and Drinks
First Class passengers are offered Pre-flight Deutz Cuvée ‘William Deutz’ Champagne and warm, salted nuts while getting settled into their open suite.
It’s a short flight to New York (less than 5 hours), so there isn’t much time to eat and drink. I often mix international and Chinese menu items when I fly with Cathay Pacific regardless of the destination. On the Vancouver to New York flight, I ordered the flavourful lemongrass and ginger carrot soup, followed by shrimp wonton noodle soup.
Delicious Jing teas, Hong Kong-style milk tea, and espresso drinks are available to passengers in the premium cabin. In addition, red wines, white wines, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages are available throughout the flight. When I fly from Vancouver to Hong Kong (a 15-hour flight and early morning arrival), I like to order a Pacific Sunrise. This delicious cocktail is made with Champagne, Drambuie, and citrus zest. Cheers!
Cathay Pacific Lounge Vancouver International Airport
Cathay Pacific operates one lounge at the Vancouver Internation Airport. This cozy lounge offers a noodle bar, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and snacks. On occasion, the Champagne in the self-serve bar is replaced with Prosecco. I prefer Champagne and staff have poured a glass when I’ve asked.
The Cathay Pacific Lounge is open to First and Business Class travellers as well as certain Marco Polo club members.
Travel Tips Cathay Pacific First Class
- Download the complimentary Cathay Pacific app to check-in and choose your seat before you fly.
- The most private First Class seats on the Boeing 777-300 are 1A and 2 A. The two centre aisle seats (1D and 2D) face the window seats (1K and 2K).
- Asia Miles members can use points to purchase seats in Cathay Pacific First. Or, Asia Miles members can use points to upgrade to First from a purchased seat in Business Class.
Have you flown Cathay Pacific? You might enjoy reading about flying Cathay Pacific Business Class and Premium Economy.
I’m not travelling internationally while the world is in the midst of a global pandemic. But that doesn’t stop me from dreaming! How about you?
Cover photo credit Cathay Pacific.
