Dragonair International Business Class – Phuket To Hong Kong
Once we exited the lounge we were right at our departure point, Gate 6. After waiting for a 10 minutes the agents called for the business class section to board. Turing left we walked down glass encased corridor, turned right and proceeded down an extended jetway. We entered from the second door on the plane and turned left into the business class cabin.
The Setup: Unforeseen Events
Introduction: Planning for Thailand
Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge SFO
Review: Cathay Pacific International First Class – San Francisco To Hong Kong
Review: The Pier, Hong Kong International Airport
Review: Dragonair International Business Class – Hong Kong To Phuket
Review: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort – Deluxe Seaview Suite
Boat Transfer & Check-in: The Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
Review: Santhiya Koh Yao Yai – Ocean View Pool Villa Suite
Review: Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort
Day Trip: National Marine Park – Koh Hong Archipelago
Final Thoughts & Monkey Business – Santhiya Koh Yao Yai
Review: Thai Royal Orchid Lounge – Phuket
Review: Lux Pay In Lounge – Phuket
Review: Dragonair International Business Class – Phuket To Hong Kong
Review: Regal Airport Hotel – Superior Room
Review: Cathay Pacific International First Class – Hong Kong To Chicago
Review: American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Chicago
Review: American Airlines Domestic First Class – Chicago To San Francisco
Dragonair 215
Phuket (HKT) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Monday, February 1st, 2016
Departure Time: 6:20pm
Arrival Time: 10:40pm
Flight Time: 4hr20min
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
Seat: 17H, International Business Class
It’s interesting how the same plane, same airline, same route (or reserved route) can be so different from one another. That was the case with flight. Our previous flight had been filled with family’s and vacationers, and this flight was with local business frequent flyers, from Hong Kong. As we waited for the plan to prepare for departure the flight attendants frequently engaged several of the passengers around us and talked shop with them about their work and lives. Several flight attendants new exactly what the passenger wanted for a pre-departure beverage.
At our seat the flight crew passed out a substantial in flight blanket, reading material and a light and refreshing pre departure beverage. The airbus A330 wide body business class cabin was big, roomy and in great shape. The seating was in a 2+2+2 configuration. For this flight we were able to snag a window/isle configuration and Susan was happy with having a view on the way out.
I love the seat used in the in this cabin. It’s a pretty smart design and a number of convenient storage spots and cubby holes. The back of the seat is a plastic clam shell that prevents the passengers from reclining into each other’s space. At the bottom (and underneath the chair in from of you) is a huge storage area for your stuff. The center arms combine and make a small drink table between you and your seatmate. Just below that on the side is a neat storage area used for storing flight safety documents and such. There are also 2 iPhone holders on the top of the seat. The newer 6 and 6+ are a little oversized for them. I also like the folding tray table that lets you have a couple different sizes of work/dinning surface depending on what you’re doing.
There was an issue with the incoming flight and we eventually finished boarding and pushed back about 40 minutes late. The captain sounded like he was from Hong Kong and had an English accent. He indicated a smooth flight for the most part and that would should be able to get into Hong Kong close to schedule. Doors closed, we pushed back, and then taxied for take off; all went without issue.
After a 15-minute ascent the flight attendants started working the cabin and took drink orders and disbursed menus. I started with the Champaign which was good. We both had the red curry and it tasted better than it looked. I really enjoyed the duck appetizer upfront and the Haagen-Dazs ice-cream for desert. With dinner I had a glass of red wine after my Champaign. After desert I enjoyed a glass of port to fnish the meal. The flight attendants were always prompt with service items.
After dinner I used the CS studio system and watched an hour of a Japanese science fiction movie. I lasted for an hour through that, and then feel asleep. I awoke on initial descent into Hong Kong. It was late at night and Susan had the windows so I don’t have much to add beyond that, but to include that both decent and landing went without issue.
Same as the Cathy Pacific system
In Summary:
Dragonair does a great job on flights within Southern Asia. Being a part of Cathay Pacific makes the transition into a CX flight painless and the A333 business cabin is open and the updated seats are comfortable and spacious. The food and service were both good with attentive flight attendants. I look forward to flying Dragonair Business Class in and out of Hong Kong again. It’s tough not to love this flight for exactly what it is, a very comfortable way to connect locally in and out of Hong Kong.