After massive research, I managed to book Cathay Pacific's first class flight to Shanghai (via HK).
I am so excited.
Two years ago I flew to Japan and China in first on Delta (which for international first is not bad at all, I have only good things to say about service. It is nothing like domestic). The flat bed and a "suite" make the flight so enjoyable (not to mention being treated like a human being), for the first time my flights seemed too short!
And now I am lucky enough to score Cathay Pacific, which is one of the best Asian airlines. It is not Etihad or Singapore air, but it definitely among the top few.
Here are some photos from Cathay's website:
The width of the seat is TWICE the size of an economy seat, of course it reclines into a flat bed, there is real bedding, pillow, comforter, luxury pajamas, luxurious amenity kit in a designer bag, spa and pre-flight dinner in the lounge (maybe, my departure time is late). And, of course, flowing alcohol throughout the flight.
I can also use any of these lounges:
http://www.loungebuddy.com/ultimate-guide-cathay-pacific-lounges-hong-kong-international-airport/
there is plently of food and drink in each of them. This is just one:
http://www.ausbt.com.au/cathay-pacific-s-the-cabin-hk
But, have I completely lost touch with reality and paid 16K for one way flight?
Not quite. I got it on a Mile Saver AA miles award - 67.5K in miles. In JULY! On Cathay! (finding that award availability is like mining for gold), and I had to pay about $300 to get to that mileage. That is quite a value in my book ))
Booked my $16,207 one way flight!
February 6th, 2014 at 06:07 am
February 6th, 2014 at 05:18 pm 1391707114
February 6th, 2014 at 05:39 pm 1391708347
That is AWESOME!! Whoot!
February 6th, 2014 at 09:29 pm 1391722192
February 8th, 2014 at 05:05 pm 1391879119