The first time I visited Hong Kong, Bali and Singapore I flew on Cathay Pacific Airlines. At that time the Hong Kong Government, (Hong Kong was still under the protection of Great Britain), owned the Airline.
I had to leave Edmonton very early to make my connection in Vancouver. I flew to Vancouver on Air Canada. At this time luggage was check through from Edmonton to Dempensar, Bali. I would have a free stop over in Honk Kong because there was no connection to Bali until the next day.
I was working for West Edmonton Mall, (the largest Shopping Center in the Word), and I was part of the Canadian Delegation. We would be going to an International Trade Show in Bali, (the Show would be in Edmonton the following year), and then to the Convention in Singapore, (that would be in Vancouver the next year).
When I arrived at the check-in Counter there was only one stall open and no lines. That’s because I was four hours early. I was given my tickets and seats all the way through to Bali.
On board the Stewards and Stewards were very nice and continually served drinks all of the time.
On our way to Hong Kong we were served two meals, (dinner and breakfast). We saw one Movie and could listen to variety of music channels.
We arrived in Hong Kong an hour late, (eleven P.M.), and we were waiting by the luggage turnstile when a problem happened. Everyone’s luggage arrived but mine!
On this flight there were ten of us going to Bali, (and then Singapore), for the Convention and International Meeting. We knew were would be staying over night, (each way), in Hong Kong. None of us were staying at the same Hotels.
I filled out the lost luggage form and took the Shuttle Bus to my Hotel. I don’t remember the name of it but it was on the mainland and one block behind the open Market Stalls.
In my luggage in addition to my personal things were 200 broachers of West Edmonton Mall and 2 Uniforms that we were to wear when we were ’working’ at the Show and Convention.
It was early in the morning in Edmonton so I phoned my Husband to have the rest of the Delegates coming from Edmonton, (two days later), to ask them to bring me more broachers.
At 6 A.M. I received a call from a Lady who worked in the Lost Luggage Department. She told me that they had found my luggage ...in Edmonton! Air Canada forgot to put in on board the Plane I took to Vancouver.
I knew that no other Airlines would take luggage from another Airline and my Luggage would arrive in Bali with the rest of the Delegates from Edmonton.
It was February and I was wearing winter cloths. I knew the Women in Bali were petite and I would never find three days of clothing there.
The Lady at Cathay Pacific said that the rule was I could buy personal items, (a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hand shaver....etc.), and cloths for one day. She told we that she was waiving this and putting on my file I could buy cloths and shoes for 3 days.
I had three hours to do this before the Shuttle Bus would arrive to take me back to the Airport.
I literally flew through the open Market and picked up all my cloths, (I always travel with my make-up, perfume, two pair of panties, one bra and bathroom items in my Hand Luggage).
The rest of my flight on Cathay Pacific to Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong and ending in Vancouver was perfect.
THE SEATS:
I was seated in Economy but there was a lot of legroom. The seats were much larger than on Air Canada.
THE MEALS:
We were given two choices of meals, (International and Chinese). I could have pre-ordered Vegetarian, Kosher, Muslim or Hindi if I had wanted to.
The drinks and wine were free on all flights.
THE CREW:
I felt that every Crew Member, (from the people at the Check-in Counters, the Lost Luggage People and the On Board Crew), treated us like we were First Class Passengers.
SOME THOUGHTS:
The people who were traveling with me had been sent ahead to set up all the Canadian Trade Show Booths and the Canadian Bar that we would host through out the Show.
When my luggage arrived I now had 400 West Edmonton Mall Broachers. I guess ’’some one up there’’ knew in advance I would need them as at the end of the Show I had none left, (and had to mail 25 more to People that didn’t receive one).
I would fly Cathay Pacific any chance I could. The only way I can describe this Airline is SUPERB!
©LL2002