As an avid supporter of Hong Kong Airlines, I looked forward to their third major milestone event of the year, which is their inaugural A350 flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, which is their first North American city (after the Vancouver Inaugural and the receiving of its first A350). Given the positive experience I had in Vancouver back in the summer for the inaugural Vancouver to Hong Kong flight, this Hong Kong to Los Angeles inaugural flight was basically a major letdown, as there was really not much going on to celebrate the new flight, other than a few minor decorations and a gift bag. The increased security measure became the focus, as the staffs were obviously not familiar with the requirements. Training is lacking, and I was caught at a pretty bad situation, which had me gone through check twice – one with the increased measure and the second minor one. I will explain more in detail for those who will have to put up with this chaos for the next few weeks, as staffs get familiar with this requirement. I am sure that there will be tweaks here and there. First, I am very impressed with A350 seats, which are much wider than the A330 suites, and although only the first three leased A350s (B-LGA to B-LGC) has these seats, they are comfortable. The seats are also wider and I slept well for six hours. Second, there was finally some attempt changes on the first main meal service with nicer appetizer, a new soup course, and a larger redesigned casserole dish for main course (still no individual platting). Of course, there is a new local celebrity chef, Gabriel Choy. Unfortunately, all these new items really distract the crews. While they were still pretty good, they were not as personable and warm as the inaugural Vancouver flight. The crews were more focused on all the new catering and service items. Some of these issues were expected and I was sure that things will be resolved down the road. Therefore, I will give this trip report the label, “work in progress,” and Cathay Pacific has nothing to worry about yet. For enthusiasts, if you want a good HX inaugural experience, I recommend doing the opposition direction, like from San Francisco to Hong Kong.
December 18, 2017
HX 68 Hong Kong to Los Angeles Lv1200 Arr0815 Airbus A350-900 B-LGC
Full Album link:
http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/Ca...sInaugural2017
Booking:
I discussed this Z fare issues before, so I am not going to repeat it again. Basically, all these discounted fares sold by HX on these new long-haul flights featured these “Z” class, which is actually their mileage redemption booking class, and you could not earn any miles. My original plan was to do a quick roundtrip, but with no mileage earning, I was not going to do with it. In the end, I refunded the original ticket and found a J class ticket from Taipei to LAX via Hong Kong, which is still reasonably priced, and I will earn miles. However, HX eventually released a bunch of discounted fares. Hopefully they fix the Z tickets by now, but please check the fare codes before confirming any tickets. Please also be patient and Hong Kong Airlines, especially business class, is not a particular sold out item. They are still pretty disorganized and their website is a total mess. So, you don’t have to rush to get a seat on the inaugural flight.
[I was just told that Z fares will earn 80% mileage beginning January 1, 2018. It was still relatively cheap but better than nothing! If CX can give 100% to I and Z, HX should be able to do so.]
A quick word about mileage accrual, since I will post it on flyertalk. One of the weakest points about HX is that they have zero American airline partners. You can only earn points on Fortune Wings Club, which is their parents’ company mileage program. It is important for HX to codeshare with airlines like Alaska and JetBlue, which will enhance their North American flights. It will be nice to have earn miles on Alaska and/or JetBlue while flying HX. It is not an urgent issue but something HX needs to think in long term about connectivity in North America, and how to attract American passengers too. You can rely on your Asian base solely.
Check-in (Transit Desk Experience):
My day started at Taipei and yes, the staffs were aware of the new flight to the US. However, they were unable to provide any security interviews. They were able to check my bag through to LA but I had to go through the transit desk in Hong Kong for my onward flight to Los Angeles. Fast forward to Hong Kong a few hours later, Hong Kong Airlines uses the Midfield Concourse for all its flights, and are also agents for a few airlines, such as Jet Airways (of India). The transit desk area was huge with separate priority lines, but the problem was only three lanes were opened. No one was enforcing the queue, and there were lots of passengers coming from other low-cost carriers using the Midfield Concourse, such as Hong Kong Express, Scoot, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia, who attempt to check in here, despite not allowed. The desks were busy, as there were two Jet Airways’ Boeing 777 flights departing midday. The agents were pretty indifferent, unlike those agents in the main check in area. They were basically unhappy to deal with these Jet Airways’ passengers and did not bother to hide their distaste.
Of course, they were a bit friendlier, once they saw a Cantonese speaking passenger flying business class. However, it was also their first US flight. There was a staff, who doubled as a security agent, and did the interview. Since I am a US citizen going home, it was straightforward. At the same time, they were also not familiar with the need to highlight the passengers’ name. Honestly, I did not know what the right procedures are. In the end, I was sent to the secondary line once, and then being pulled away at boarding checkpoint, I had to redo the interview and went through another primary check. Hong Kong Airlines, in anticipation of lots of connecting US passengers and a second SFO flight, needs to open up a queue specifically for US flights in the transit area. It was unacceptable, but since it was the first day, I let it pass, but in the long run, it will not work.
Lounge:
Club Autus is the name for Hong Kong Airlines’ second lounge, as well as their main lounge in the Midfield Concourse. I did not take too many pictures this time, but will rather share with you my experience in November, when it was quieter. Basically, it is a much nicer place to hang out with better food options, as well a full noodle bar, and I like the view provided by the lounge. The only different this time is that there are some blocked areas for invited guests, and the VIP wing is also opened for invited guests. The staffs were put in their best behaviors today but to give them credits, their lounge staffs are generally personable and helpful. I really like their “Satay Beef Noodle Soup” for breakfast, which is really unhealthy but a local favorite. Hong Kong style “egg” pancakes are unfortunately not available till after 12pm. HX needs to change this rule because all the US bound passengers will miss this local favorite.
Here is the album link:
http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/Ca...7-18/ClubAutus
Boarding:
I headed to gate 219 once around 10:25am. I snapped a few pictures of B-LGC, and unfortunately, the lighting did not work for my benefit.
There was absolutely nothing going on. I asked the security staff about their opening time and he said he did not know and HX had not informed him that information yet. Then I decided to just go to the lounge. One of the lounge staffs told me that there would be some celebration there, so I foolishly believed her and returned to the gate at 11am.
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