I have used the service of Cathay Pacific about 8 times, in the last 1 year and 3 months, the route I Fly on is Bom - Bkk Retrun and BOM - DUBAI Return.
Well always confirm your reservation before flying, although it is not required but always better to be safe, You have an option of online check in 48 hours proir to the flight, the benefit of an online check in is that you can avoid standing in the lines at check in, also you have an added advantage of choosing a seat of your choice, so if you want a window seat, first seat to get better leg room you can reserve it 2 days before flying. Just print your boarding pass, arrive 90 minutes proir to departure and show your passport at the online check in counter at the airport with the print out from the site and collect your boarding pass.
The staff at the Check-In counter is courteous and I have had no problem interacting in any city from where I take the flight, you are allowed 20 kgs for checked in luggage and 7.5 kgs for hand baggage, but they would allow upto 30 kgs and 10 kgs respectively. Always carried a few extra kgs and have not had a problem.
They board the aircraft as per seat numbers, which is quick and systematic. First the pax sitting at the end would board the aircraft followed by the middle and then the first. However business class, first class, one world club and Marco Polo club members can board at their own leisure, In case any person has any disability or is on a wheel chair they will board the aircraft first.
The airhostess are beautiful, mainly from Hongkok, 1-2 of them will be from India, the crew speaks English, Cantonese and Hindi, I Have always travelled on economy.
The flights leave on time generally, at times there is a delay of about 30 Mins, this is because of the air congestion at mumbai airport which leads to the late arrival of the incoming flight, no technical faults as such.
The seats in flight are good, leg room is ok, there is a Tv for every seat, 54 channels in all, comprising of english, cantonese and hindi shows, and a few audio channels. There is also a gps system which tells you where the air craft is headed, at what height, how many kms to destination, what speed, etc.
Once air borne within 15 minutes you are served with drinks, cold drinks, beer and wine for economy, on some routes you are given salted peanuts and a cold towel. There is a headset for every seat, you can request for a blanket if you feel too cold, each seat also has a pillow. The frequency of serving drinks could be increased.
There is a satelite phone on board cost $8.8 per minute, there is a duty free catalog onboard and all major cards are also accepted.
The meals are served after about an hour, you have a choice of veg and non-veg, food is hot and tasty. After which you can opt for tea or coffee. You can also join the marco polo frequent flier program on board or also support a charity.
There is a camera on the base of the plane so you can see the view below, great during take offs and landings.
The pilots are very good, and the landing and take offs are very smooth, the air hostess and persers and really professional. All in all a great airline better than IC, Gulf Airlines, Thai, AI which I have travelled on.
Have a wonderful experience on Cathay
Shawn