Review: Cathay Pacific Shorthaul(HKG>MNL)

Aircraft and Flight

Cathay Pacific also use the 777-300 for their shorthaul Hong Kong to Manila routes but I also believe they use the airbus a330 and new airbus a350. However unlike their longhaul route which incorporates a 4 class cabin, their shorthaul (or this specific flight)only use a 3 class cabin as there is no first class tier or have never seen it in this specific flight.

Hong Kong to Manila is around an hour and a half in flight time.


Cathay Pacific’s shorthaul economy seat on their 777-300 is the same as that of their longhaul economy products (from what I have experienced a few times)  click here

The huge difference between Cathay Pacific’s longhaul and shorthaul is their meals which quiet understandably is reduced from 2 meals (LHR>HKG) into a quick snack bag. This small card bag contains a drink (sometimes water other times juices), a biscuit (usually Anzac cookie) and a pastry (many different flavours). The pastry in itself is very delicious and rightly warm, however although flavours of the pastry will change, if you are a frequent flyer with the airline this could get very boring. The cookie is standard and the drink inside the bag changes without a choice, the crew do not offer any other beverages and I am not too sure if you can request one either. The bag  is nice and convenient, when you are done with your snacks you can put all your rubbish inside so it can be collected later. However if you like little souvenirs this small card bag is nice to keep.


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Premium Economy

The premium economy seat in this route (shorthaul) is also the same product as their longhaul premium economy seat (click here).

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However the biggest surprise is that the meal or snack in this flight was exactly the same as their economy meal. The snack also included the same Anzac cookie, a drink and a pastry which all does the job for this short flight. The small bag the meal comes in is nice and for those souvenir lovers it is nice to keep, otherwise it is very convenient to use for your rubbish until it is collected.


Other than the meals and the exclusion of a first class cabin, I didn’t see much of a difference from their longhaul flights than I have seen on other airlines. This is a good thing in opinion as it gives a seamless journey.


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Review: Cathay Pacific Longhaul (LHR> HKG)

Aircraft and Flight

Cathay Pacific usually use the Boeing 777-300 on their London Heathrow to Hong Kong route but I believe they are also using their new airbus a350. The aircraft incorporates a four tier cabin layout with six first class suites, fifty three flat bed business class, thirty four premium economy and one hundred and eighty two economy seats.  I have only experienced and will write about their economy and premium economy tiers.

London to Hong Kong is around eleven hours in flight time, so two appropriate meals are served depending on the time of flight including snacks such as pot noodles available upon request whenever you please.


Cathay Pacific economy seats have thirty two inches 20170401_104918.jpgin pitch and eighteen inches in width, it incorporates many of the standard amenities other airlines of similar standard embodies. The usual requirements of a table, seat pocket, personal light, air, armrest and entertainment system are built in. However the product that Cathay Pacific applies that I believe is overlooked by other airlines is the cup holder because if you only have a beverage there is no need to pull down the whole tray table giving more space to manoeuvre. Another aspect that I love in this seat is the long amenity holder just under the screen which can hold many of your personal belongings such as phones, tablets, books and many more.  In my opinion this rack is more useful for your personal belongings than your seat pocket. A USB is also built in next to the screen which is another added bonus however the product I always believe is useless in any economy product is the coat hanger because it is used very little and if it is used it is usually not affective and will also affect your leg space. All their products seem very robust and I have never experienced a faulty one.

In this specific eleven hour flight you are served two meals, one just after take-off and the other just before landing with cup noodles and beverages available upon request at anytime of the flight. The meals are not overly amazing but is delicious and does the job. You are given a choice which usually consist of a chicken, fish, beef with either rice, noodles, potatoes and others. A salad, bread, water bottle and bread will be on your tray already but sometimes your desert which is usually a small tub of Haagen Dazs ice cream is given after.  I have to say the food is delicious however pretty small.


Premium Economy

Cathay Pacific’s premium economy product is similar to that of their main economy tier but with enhanced comfort. It is in a separate cabin in a 2-4-2 configuration. Firstly their seat have an added six inches in their seat pitch making it a total of 38 inches, the seat is also 1 inch wider than that of economy class making it a total of 19.5 inches.

premium economy

Premium economy gets an upgraded baggage allowance and upon entering the aircraft you are given an amenity kit and a welcome drink which you don’t receive on the main economy cabin. Noise cancelling headphones is given instead of the basic ones and blankets and pillows seem a bit larger.

Majority of the products that are incorporated in economy are also applied in premium economy but with a few added items and characteristics. Firstly there is a footrest applied and a larger recline for added comfort. Furthermore a centre console between each seats is  built for a more personal affect it is also used to incorporate a beverage holder in which there is also an extension if needed. The entertainment screen is 10 inches which is around 1 inch larger than that of the lower class and two charging methods with either a universal or USB socket.

The meals were a little different from economy, firstly you were given a nice menu instead of a boring small card which is a nice touch. You are usually also offered three options, I believe the tray including the bread, salads and condiments is from economy but the main meal is taken from business, but don’t quote me on that because im not too sure.


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Review: Avianca

The Airline

Avianca is Columbia’s flag carrier since 1919 undeFile:Avianca Logo.svgr a different name. The airline which has a fleet of 189, routes into 26 countries throughout the American and European continent.



I used Avianca whilst on my South America trip in a night flight from Lima to Rio de Janeiro.


Aircraft and Flight

My flight from Lima to Rio De Janiero used a small Airbus A319 in a 3-3 configuration. The aircraft did incorporate a business class which was divided using a simple curtain assembly, it looked nice however I cant write about it because I flew on economy.

Firstly I’d like to start off with something I was not too keen on and that was the Cabin crew’s uniform. It had a red cloak styled jacket with a red cloche styled hat which was designed by a famous Columbian designer. The uniform has had many praise from other fellow bloggers, however for me it was too fancy for a flight (my personal opinion).

The economy seats were similar to that of any other standard airline, it had a cup holder, magazine pouch, foldable table, personal light and air. The seat was leather with adjustable headrest which I always appreciate in an aircraft. Furthermore seats had an entertainment system which for some strange reason I didn’t think they had as it was a small aircraft. Come to think of it this flight was the smallest aircraft I know with screens incorporated in it.


Avianca’s entertainment system was (along with ICE of Emirates) one of the most comprehensive and pleasing I have ever experienced. Its program and controls  were very tidy and easy to navigate around in which even the freshest user wont struggle. Firstly the airline’s promotional videos upon boarding, taxiing and before each movies were amazing, short pleasing clips of tourism in South America which makes people want to travel to the destinations in the future. Secondly one thing that I quickly acknowledged that was pretty impressive was the entertainment system’s front, starting or home page whatever you call it. It was easy to use and understand  no matter where you have come from with the upfront choice of languages. Furthermore the division of the adults and children’s menu, I found very plausible. The entertainment catalogue have a comprehensive choice of the latest most notable tv shows, movies and music from Latin America, Europe and the US, so it wont be too difficult for each passengers to be entertained.

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My service in Avianca was simple, it was a night 5 hour flight so  we only got one meal service. The meal was simple with only a few things to eat including a salad, main dish (chicken and rice), bread roll and a sweater bread I can only think is a traditional desert of some kind, obviously including the normal choice of beverages. The meals were delicious but you can taste the simplicity of the dishes, there were no elaborate ingredients and there was very little to eat so it wont fill you if you was very hungry.


After the meal service, as it was a night flight the main lights were switched off or dimmed I can only guess for sleep. Before landing cabin crew gives the relevant immigration cards for ease in arrivals. 


Avianca to me was neutral it had its goods and it had its bad, the biggest positive for me was the entertainment system, a brilliant program with many enjoyable films from western to Latin America, the ease of use was brilliant. The meal for me was a bit of a disappointment it was very simple, small and untidy in its presentation. However ive only flown with  the airline once in a single route so I don’t know its consistency with its other routes. Its a fine airline to fly with and I would definitely try them again.

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Review: JetStar Japan

The Airline

JetStar Japan which started operation on 2012 is the Japanese affiliate of the JetStar group. The Low cost airline which has a fleet of 24 flies 11 Japanese domestic routes but only 4 international flights to Hong Kong, Shanghai (China), Manila (Philippines) and Taipei (Taiwan). JetStar Japan is a joint venture between the Qantas Group, JAL, Mitsubishi corporation and the Tokyo century corporation.

Image result for jetstar japan logo


I have only taken this airline once in a 3 hour one way trip from Manila to Osaka.

Aircraft and Flight

I believe all JetStar Japans aircraft are an Airbus A320 and its products inside are very basic and plain such as its seats, tables, lighting and even colour theme. The aircraft wasn’t the cleanest and tidiest ive flown on, I had a window seat and it was very greasy whilst the magazines and leaflets (including safety leaflet) were worn and folded. It is a budget airline so I expected the bare minimum service. Food and drinks needed to be purchased which was understandable for a low cost airlines.


However the thing that surprised me the most and made the flight was its crew, the best ive seen from all carriers ive flown on. Their respect for the elderly was magnificent, and I consistently saw them assist the elderly from their seat and escort them to the toilet in which they would not leave the area until the person is finished which they will then escort them back to their seat. A simple act like that was brilliant and adds many admiration from me.


My single JetStar Japan experience was short and simple. It had what you would expect from a budget/ low cost airline. The biggest positive I witnessed in this airline, is their care and service for the elderly,, it was just really nice and uplifting to see. Other than their service there was not much to be negative or positive about, for travellers with a tight budget this airline is a good choice.

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Review: Emirates Flight (LHR>DXB>LHR)


The majority of flights to and from London uses the Airbus A380. The economy class is usually at the lower level of the aircraft whilst the premium classes are at the second floor. Emirates always boasts multi national cabin crews with many different languages available which is very good for customer service.

Economy Class

The economy class product in Emirates has its characteristics which take them above its competitors. Firstly their seats which are in a 3-4-3 configuration are the same as many of their competitors with a standard recline, leg space, reading light, air and an adjustable headrest. A pillow, blanket and a headphone will already be placed on your seat.


The thing that stands out for me is their Entertainment system named ICE (Information, Communication and Entertainment) which is on all tiers and classes, although different sized screens for the different tiers off course.  Through ICE you can watch the largest collection of movies and shows from many different locations and many different genres. Furthermore you are also able to monitor your flight through different cameras placed on their aircraft and with a advanced flight map. ICE has the best and the most latest movies and shows than any other airlines I have ever been on. Other than ice the seats also incorporate USB chargers, a three point headphone socket and a remote even though their screens are touch screen.


Their service in economy is also desirable, upon arrival passengers are given hot towels, landing cards and kids are given goody bags. In this specific flight passengers are usually given a full meal and a lighter snack, both of which are served at favourable times. You are also able to request  pot noodles and drinks at any time 30 minutes after take-off and 30 minutes before landing.

Emirates have no premium economy class, but is said to be planning to incorporate it in the future to compete with its competitors.

Business Class

The business class product on this flight is special and the reason for returning to this airline almost yearly. Like many modern airlines, Emirates incorporates a convertible  seat and flat-bed product in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each leather seating area is spacious with an amenity section which includes a mini bar, desk, portable device and storages right next to you. Furthermore there is shoe storage under the footrest and even more storage (good enough for laptop bags) next to the window with the standard overhead bins still  built above, making the the seating excessively rich in storage. The seats are set in an alternating configuration whereas the person ahead or behind you is never directly parallel to you. I usually sit in a window seat (me next to the window) whilst the amenities next to the isle giving me a bit more privacy.


Again the entertainment system was special, all of the brilliant functions that were available on economy are available in business, but can be controlled using the extra portable device which each seats have. This portable device can be used to monitor flight progress, adjust the seat, lighting and much more. Furthermore the seats have a 32 inch screen which is one of the largest in the world, you are also provided with noise cancelling headphones, but I always op to use my own.

a380 buisness

The service in business class is also remarkable right from the very start (at the airport), through entering the aircraft and for the duration of the flight. Upon entering the aircraft you are greeted by a flight attendant at the door who will guide you to your seat and along the way to your seat, attendants are cleverly placed throughout the aircraft to assist. Once settled an attendant (if not busy) will approach you and brief you on the features of the seat, service and cabin. Another attendant will go around the cabin offering a choice of welcome drinks such as juices, water or champagne with a brief description of the menu for the flight. You are also given a Bvlgari amenity kit which I believe changes design every 6 months, there is a separate for the kits for the sexes which include basic toiletries such as toothbrush, tooth paste, shave, comb, tissue, a Bvlgari cologne and many more. A great experience, and the flight hasn’t even left the ground.



Right after take off you are given more beverages with assorted warm nuts and at this time they will also take your order for dinner service (or whatever you are served in your flight). You will then have plenty of time to relax or roam the Emirates inflight bar lounge. The bar is out of this world, you may order any drinks and nibbles. A friendly bar person is always available and they are open to conversing. The crew at the onboard lounge are very receptive and will allow you to take pictures, go behind the bar and even teach you a few recipes.


At the meal services you are given a fulfilling 3 course meal, the starter and main you ordered earlier and a comprehensive choice of desert. All courses are served separately and you are able to request for warm bread, wine (or other beverages) at any point of the meal although frequent rounds are made by the cabin crew anyway. Your table will be set by one of the cabin crews taking your table out, placing the table cloth and giving the ready set trays including the condiments, salad, butter, cutlery ect. One of best curries I have ever tasted was onboard, I don’t know what the dish was called but it incredible I have never since found any curry like it.


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After meals its time to relax, the seats can be converted into any angle you desire. You are also offered to use duvets if you wish but I always op to just rest on the already comfortable seats.

Finally just before landing you are given towels to freshen up and a ‘Fast Track’ card in order to pass through the airport quicker whether transit or arrivals. Should your aircraft be parked on a stand rather than a gate you will be transferred to the terminal on a special business class shuttle, whereas its interior is amazing all passengers get their own leather seat nobody stands.

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Overall using Emirates into Dubai is an experience not to be missed, it is 6 hours flight that you wish to be a little longer no matter whether travelling economy or business. The airline deserves its premium reputation and definitely has a fan in me, in my opinion a five star airline through and through.

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Review: Emirates Airlines

The Airline

Emirates airline is the flag carrier of the middle east nation of the ‘United Arab Emirates’ and is known to be one of the most prestigious airlines in the world with numerous awards most recently being trip advisors ‘Best Airline of 2017’.


I am most passionate about this airline (I don’t work for this company) due to the many different services I have received throughout many years of flying with the airline. I usually fly Emirates when I to go to the Philippines (usually yearly) and although I could get cheaper flights elsewhere and use staff travel through the airline I work with, I always opt to fly with Emirates.

Please click on each chapter:

  1. Emirates at the Airport.
  2. Emirates Business Class Lounge
  3. Emirates Flight London > Dubai
  4. Emirates Flight Dubai > Manila


In overall conclusion Emirates deserves their prestigious reputation. Whether economy or business they have opted to compete at the highest level and resist the changing market to go cheap on their service and products. All my flights throughout the years have been consistent with very few to little flaws.

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Buisness class (




How do you travel?



Budget/ Low cost Airlines (Flying Cheaply)

ryan air


Spend less money (more for the holiday itself)


Only pay for what you need


food monarch


Less Comfort



No Baggage Allowance


Undesirable Airports


Less protection


Standard/ Premium Airlines (Pay for the experience)



Better products, comfier and more convenient


Meals and giveaways



Higher Standards


Standard Baggage


Choice of classes




More expensive









Review: Cathay Dragon

The Airline

Cathay Dragon (formerly known as Dragon Air) is a subsidiary and sister airline of Cathay Pacific. Just in the past 2 year in 2016, Dragonair went through a rebranding phase, re-naming to Cathay Dragon and giving their livery paintwork the same brush wing logo as Cathay Pacific in order to align the two airlines. However although both liveries have a similar appearance Cathay Dragon is coloured red whilst Cathay Pacific kept its green exterior. The purpose of the rebrand was to align the two companies giving passengers easier seamless connections to each others network, although Cathay Dragon (DragonAir) is still operating as a separate airline.


Dragon Air ‘s Old livery design



Hong Kong > Hanoi (Noi Bai)

We have used Cathay Pacific in many occasions  but taking Cathay Dragon (or Dragonair) last year in October from Hong Kong to Hanoi was a first. There were many similarities to the service but each had their own personality.

Aircraft and Flight

Although still operating as two separate enterprises, sister companies Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon gives the impression that they are under one strong brand. Even their website is now housed under one domain and furthermore Cathay Dragon uses the same facilities such as check-in (in Hong Kong airport) and lounges as Cathay Pacific’s.


Getting on the aircraft was easy there was no delays and it was pretty empty (it wasn’t peak season) staff was also very friendly and allowed me to move seats once boarding was complete. The staff had similar uniform as that of Cathay Pacific, they wore the same red blazer (or looked the same) with the brush wing logo but their shirts were different as Cathay Dragon sported a black and red shirt whilst Cathay Pacific wear a white shirt with their logo printed across their shirt. The Cabin again was similar of that of their sister company, a touch screen IFE (entertainment system), USB charge point and more alike (however i believe it has since been modernised). The food was simple, it was only a short fli20171022_190752.jpgght so I weren’t expecting anything heavy. There were very nice fresh fruits, water, cookies and a rice meal. Soft drinks, tea and coffee is also served afterwards.

The flight was nice and comfortable, there was a little turbulence but that cant really be avoided. Blankets were available upon request and headphones were placed on our seats before boarding for our use. Again their staff was very nice and professional, they attended to my every needs and although it was late night they didn’t look tired and they were still full of energy


My flight with Cathay Dragon was very satisfying, it wasn’t too expensive and still had the feel of a luxury airline well deserving to carry the Pacific Groups name. Honestly I didn’t even know ‘Dragonair’ as a company let alone as a subsidiary of the Cathay Group, the rebrand in my opinion has been successful, I now know the company and the level of standard they regard. Although I’ve only been on the airline once I’m still very intrigued if they are consistent with other routes. Overall I am very happy flying with this airline and wouldn’t mind to fly with them again in future travels.

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DragonAir rebranding (


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Old Dragon air livery (

Review: AirAsia Zest

The Airline

AirAsia Zest is formerly known as300px-AirAsia_Zest_Logo.svg Zest air and Asian Spirit.  The name AirAsia Zest is a rebranded name for the airline Zest air after Airasia strategically joined in alliance with one another. The airline is another of Philippine’s budget/ lowcost airlines which flies domestically and internationally as Airasia. Stats from 2016 states the airlines has a fleet of around 20 airbus aircraft flying throughout the country.


Just like Cebu Pacific Air, I have also used this airline a few times domestically around the Philippine islands. I still remember when Airasia Zest was still the former Zest air, nothing much has changed but the uniforms and A/C colours which do well to give a luxury feel, even for a low cost airline.


At the airport

Airasia Zest bases at Manila NAIA airport terminal 4, a very small domestic terminal. It is a one floor building that only really consists of 3 rooms  Check-in, Security and the Gates. There are not much shops and restaurants in this terminal.

Aircraft and Flight

AirAsia Zest is a budget/ low cost airline which in my opinion shows  a little more luxury than its competitors. Firstly the staff uniform shows that the airline means business, rather than just a plain t-shirt (which other low cost airlines have) AirAsia Zest have a formal white shirt (black for men) complete with a red blazer and a decent skirt (black trousers for men), the same as its partner company and name sake ‘AirAsia’. Furthermore the seats are complete with the standard magazine pouch and foldable table with the legroom similar to its competitors. Food and drinks are available for purchase, they vary from cold snacks and also hot meals all a bit more expensive than your retail price. The cabin was always clean and I have never experienced anything to be out of the ordinary.



Overall I am very happy with Airasia Zest as a company to travel as it just enhances your low cost airline experience. The airline varies in price, it just depends when you book and how busy the flight is. Flying domestically I like to fly the cheapest possible as it is only approx. 1- 1.5 hours flight around the different areas of the Philippines, not much to care about the flight experience. However if AirAsia Zest and its competitors were equal in price, I would edge to fly AirAsia Zest due to their little improvements into their cabins and staff standards.

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