The short flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok was just enough time to appreciate the Hong Kong Airlines A330 business class product.
After three days of excellent meetings in Hong Kong, it was time to go home. But instead of flying from Hong Kong to Los Angeles my colleague and I had a detour to make…to Bangkok. A 13-hour nonstop flight home became HKG-BKK-HKG-LAX. But it was worthwhile for the deal we got on our tickets.
Unable to check in online, we arrived at Hong Kong International Airport about two hours prior to our flight. We found the business class check-in line deserted and were soon on our way to the American Express Lounge. I’ll review Hong Kong Airlines’ own lounge in a later installment of this trip report.
> Read More: American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong (HKG) Review
As boarding approached I marveled at how beautiful the midfield concourse is at HKG. I love this airport and really enjoyed seeing this concourse for the first time. We boarded about 10 minutes behind schedule, though ended up leaving on time and arriving 30 minutes early. #schedule_padding
Hong Kong Airlines 765
Hong Kong (HKG) – Bangkok (BKK)
Friday, November 16, 2018
Depart: 05:00 PM
Arrive: 07:15 PM
Duration: 3hr, 15min
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
Seat: 16A (Business Class)
I was first onboard and directed to my seat in 16A.
Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class Seating
The 30-seat cabin features 1-2-1 seating in the same configuration as some of the airline’s A350 models. The cabin had dark red carpet and seat covers which looked better in-person than my pictures below. You really cannot complain about this seat on a longhaul flight, let alone a regional flight.
The seat adjustment buttons looked a bit worn, but everything functioned correctly, including all the buttons on the IFE remote control. A power outlet was also available, though it was turned off for a portion of the flight. A snake light proved a better reading light than the overhead light.
I did not sleep on this short flight, but did note the pillow and bedding—purple in color—are a bit of a downgrade from longhaul business class flights.
Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class Dining
Menus were distributed immediately after boarding and orders were taken after takeoff. I like how efficient Hong Kong Airlines is with the execution of meals…like China Airlines, meals are quickly served after takeoff. I once again admired the artwork on the menu.
Prior to takeoff, a choice of water, orange juice, or iced tea:
Dinner began with a warm towel followed by mixed nuts and a choice of beverage. Eyeing the red meat on the menu, I thought about ordering a glass of wine but just stuck to water.
The first course included a small bowl of fresh fruit. Hot bread accompanied it, including delicious garlic and sourdough bread. Dessert was also present on the tray.
For the main course, the choice was between grilled beef tenderloin with green peppercorn sauce and sundried tomato butter or sous vide chicken with soy sauce. I chose the beef and though it turned out well-done, was still tasty.
I picked at the raspberry chocolate mousse for dessert, but only ate about half of it along with a cup of green tea.
Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class Amenities
I figured at least slippers would be provided on the flight and perhaps a whole amenity kit, but no extra amenities were offered.
Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class Lavatory
The lavatory was stocked with a couple L’Occitane skincare products, but otherwise spartan.
Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class IFE
What I found across four Hong Kong Airlines’ flights (with four different business class configurations and four different IFE systems) is that the content was the same on all them. I once again enjoyed the Disney Jazz album and finally beat…after years of a level or two at a time…beat the Caveman game.
There was also an odd warning video about human trafficking played before landing:
Hong Kong Airlines does not offer wireless internet onboard its A330s. Cheap noise-cancelling headphones are offered.
CONCLUSION
I enjoyed the views out the window on this flight tremendously. Here are a few pictures:
Prior to landing, immigration forms and premium lane passes were handed out:
For a 2.5 hour flight, I could not have asked for anything more (other than perhaps a medium rare steak) on Hong Kong Airlines.
I figured the moment I saw beef tenderloin on the menu, it would be another beef review for this flight. Turns out to be both predictable and true.
Indeed. Both he and Lucky have never met a Western dish that they couldn’t resist ordering despite the fact that Asians airlines, for obvious reasons, prepare Asian dishes better.
I don’t like fatty chicken and greasy noodles.
Now now, Matthew. As an American, you’re supposed to hate everything Western. Otherwise you might be labeled one of *them*, you know.
Got in on the whole mistake fare a few months. Flying them to Shanghai in February. Can’t wait!! Great review
“You really cannot complain about this seat on a longhaul flight, let alone a regional flight.”
Actually, you can (at least for long-haul flights). The aisle seats seem really exposed; I’d feel pretty uncomfortable without any semblance of privacy. But, I’d be happy in the window seats, and even the “couple” seats would be fine with the sizable divider.
How much privacy does a person need? Will you spontaneously combust if you make eye contact with a random stranger for a few seconds? Unless you’re spending all your time on a plane watching porn and/or m@sturbating, the whole issue of super privacy is a bit ridiculous.
YOU might not notice/feel people staring/glaring/glancing at you (even while wearing an eye mask), but some (many?) people find it unnerving. Perhaps you’re an exhibitionist or just someone who enjoys being the center of attention? -_-
It’s partly about privacy, but it’s also about personal space. When you’re right next to the aisle, every time someone walks by, it feels as though they’re in your personal bubble (just like in coach). When you’ve paid so much more than economy for the ability to sleep/rest, it’s not very relaxing when you constantly have the sense of someone watching you (ask anyone who’s been in a BA Club World aisle seat).
I mean, why did Matthew choose a seat next to the window if he wasn’t concerned with privacy? There’s a reason why people prefer window seats over aisle seats in staggered configurations…
You’re assuming that you’re interesting enough that people are going to spend their whole flight watching you? Perhaps you’re a paranoid delusionist?
Also, I’m not sure you quite understand the meaning of exhibitionist.
Having a few people walk past you during a flight isn’t the end of the world.