Flight Report: PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 592 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Manila – A Taste of PAL’s Regional Widebody Service with a Last-Minute Equipment Swap [February 2025]

Last February, my friends and I flew to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, for a quick 3-day, 3-night trip. We immersed ourselves in the city’s history at the War Remnants Museum, shopped at Ben Thanh Market, hopped between coffee shops, and savored healthy local cuisine at various restaurants. Like all good things, our trip eventually came to an end.

For this journey, we flew with the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. Previously, I shared how our Manila to Ho Chi Minh City flight went and I thought it was a good one. Today, I would like to tell you how we unexpectedly ended up flying the airline’s regional widebody service due to a last-minute equipment swap. Read on to find out what it was like to fly Philippine Airlines’ Airbus A330 on a short-haul flight back to Manila.

Last year (August 2024), I flew to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for five days and five nights. I wrote about this trip, sharing details about our accommodation, itinerary, and day tours. I also listed the cafes and restaurants we visited during the trip. I hope you’ll check out the trip blog here.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines, commonly known as PAL, is the Philippines’ flag carrier. The airline began operations in 1941 and is currently the region’s oldest commercial airline. It is part of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies and is also partly owned by ANA Holdings, the parent company of All Nippon Airways.

Philippine Airlines operates a fleet of nearly 50 Airbus, Boeing, and De Havilland aircraft, serving over 70 domestic and international destinations across Asia, Australia, North America, and the Middle East. The airline has a wholly owned subsidiary, PAL Express, which operates its domestic regional routes. PAL flies out of its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.

PAL is the country’s largest full-service airline, offering a premium experience to its passengers. It provides business class, premium economy, and economy class on most of its routes. Although it is not a member of any airline alliance, it has codeshare agreements with major carriers such as All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air, and many others.

The airline also offers a lifestyle and loyalty program called Mabuhay Miles. It is the only Philippine-based carrier to receive a 4-star rating from the world-renowned air transport rating organization Skytrax. Philippine Airlines is known for its warm and heartfelt hospitality, which is uniquely rooted in Filipino culture.

In October 2024, I flew with Philippine Airlines’ Domestic Comfort Class from Manila to Daraga (Legazpi) via Cebu. It is the airline’s domestic premium economy product. Curious about the comfort class experience? Check out these flight reports: PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 2853 – Manila to Cebu – First PAL Domestic Comfort Class Experience – Was the Last-Minute Booking Worth It? [October 2024] & PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 2927 – Cebu to Daraga (Legazpi) – Domestic Comfort Class Experience on a Turboprop Aircraft [October 2024].

Airfare & Inclusions

In September 2024, I came across a promotional fare to Saigon offered by Philippine Airlines. I told my friends about it and before I knew it, we all had tickets. We got our return tickets for $149.80 or ₱8,478.14, including foreign transaction and service fees.

The ticket included 7 kilograms of carry-on allowance, 30 kilograms of checked baggage, complimentary middle and window seat selection, wireless inflight entertainment, inflight meals on every flight, and the friendly service from the PAL crew.

Although the ticket was still more expensive compared to a ₱1 base fare ticket from rival Cebu Pacific Air, it was affordable for an airline like Philippine Airlines. It may not have been a cheap ticket, but it was definitely reasonable given what was included.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service & a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Philippine passport holders only need to present a valid passport and their eTravel QR code when entering the country. Non-Philippine passport holders may be asked to show additional documents, such as a valid visa or proof of onward travel. Entry requirements vary depending on nationality, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities for the latest information before your trip.

Before The Flight

A week before our flight, Philippine Airlines sent an email offering two optional upgrades: myPAL Upgrade and myPAL Seat Select Neighbor-Free. The first allowed us to bid for a business class seat starting at a minimum amount, while the second let us block the neighboring seat for a fixed fee. The airline sent another business class bidding invitation four days before departure.

Then, 24 hours before the flight, the airline sent another email advising that online check-in was now available. The message also included important requirements and airport reminders for the flight. That was when I found out there was a last-minute equipment swap. Our aircraft was changed from an Airbus A321 to an Airbus A330 widebody. I immediately filled out all the necessary details, chose a new window seat, and checked in for the flight back to Manila, Philippines.

About two hours before departure, Philippine Airlines sent a final email advising that the flight might not have personal entertainment screens. Instead, wireless inflight entertainment would be available onboard, along with instructions on how to use the system.

A massive thank you to Philippine Airlines for keeping passengers well informed about the details of the upcoming flight.

Aircraft & Flight Information

This Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Manila flight on Philippine Airlines was originally scheduled to be operated by an Airbus A321-231 aircraft. Just days before the flight, the airline swapped it for an Airbus A330-343E widebody. This 11.4-year-old aircraft is registered as RP-C8783.

Delivered to the airline in November 2013, the Airbus A330 features 18 lie-flat business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, 24 premium economy recliner seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 267 regular economy seats also in a 2-4-2 setup.

Flight PR 592 took off from Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 9:38 a.m. local time, cruised at an altitude of 33,000 feet, and landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:58 p.m. local time. There is a one-hour time difference between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila, with Manila being an hour ahead. The entire flight lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. This flight is a codeshare with Vietnam Airlines.

In case you missed it, I flew with Vietnam Airlines last January 2023 from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the Airbus A350 business class. I wrote about this trip and I hope you can check it out here.

Airport & Ground Experience

Philippine Airlines operates out of Terminal 2, the international terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

My friends and I arrived at the airport a few minutes after 6:30 a.m. Philippine Airlines has separate lines for business class passengers and status holders, economy passengers who checked in online, and regular economy class passengers.

We lined up for bag drop at 6:37 a.m. and finished by 7:14 a.m. The online check-in line moved slower than expected. After getting our boarding passes, we cleared immigration and security. The entire check-in process took 37 minutes.

ROSE BUSINESS LOUNGE

After clearing immigration and security, I stopped by the Rose Business Lounge for breakfast. I used my RCBC JCB Platinum LoungeKey entitlement to access the lounge.

The lounge offered a good selection of food and drinks, including some local dishes. It was quite crowded during my visit, but I still managed to find a seat.

BOARDING

The boarding process began at 8:49 a.m., starting with business class passengers, status holders, and priority passengers. Regular economy class passengers were then called to board by row.

By 9:12 a.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing the entire boarding process in just 23 minutes. The plane pushed back at 9:23 a.m. and started taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

This Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Manila flight on Philippine Airlines was operated by an 11.4-year-old Airbus A330-343E aircraft. The cabin features 18 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 24 premium economy recliner seats arranged 2-3-2, and 267 regular economy seats also in a 2-4-2 configuration.

According to the airline’s website, each business class seat offers a pitch of 44 inches, a width of up to 24 inches, and reclines fully flat into a bed. Premium economy seats provide a pitch of 34 inches, a width of 19.5 inches, and an 8-inch recline. Regular economy seats have a pitch of 32 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a 6-inch recline.

All seats are equipped with personal entertainment screens. Business class seats feature 18.5-inch screens, premium economy seats have 13.3-inch screens, and economy seats come with 10.1-inch screens. Business and premium economy seats include USB ports and AC/DC power outlets, while economy seats have USB ports only.

Every economy seat also has an adjustable headrest, a headset, a tray table, a seatback pocket containing the safety card, an individual reading light, and a cabin crew call button. This aircraft does not have individual air vents. Before takeoff, the cabin crew offered blankets to passengers upon request.

I was seated in 57K for this short flight back to Manila. I found the seat spacious and comfortable. With the personal entertainment screen, I am confident I could easily handle a medium to long-haul flight in this seat.

INFLIGHT MEAL SERVICE

Philippine Airlines provides inflight meals on its international routes. On our flight to Manila, passengers were given a choice between two main dishes: beef curry with rice or fish with rice. The meal also included a small pack of dried mangoes, a bottle of water, and a beverage of choice. Meals were served individually rather than on trays and came with wooden cutlery and a napkin. After the meal, the cabin crew made another pass through the cabin, offering coffee, tea, or water to those interested.

I chose the beef option and paired it with a glass of apple juice. The meal was decent, though nothing extraordinary. Like the meal on our Manila to Saigon flight, the main dish was not quite to my liking. I have tried better inflight meals on Philippine Airlines, but I’m still grateful that the airline served a meal on this two-hour flight back to Manila.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

All seats on this aircraft are equipped with personal entertainment screens. Economy class seats feature a 10.1-inch screen installed in front of every seat. At the time of the flight, Philippine Airlines’ entertainment system offered 79 movies, 110 music albums, and 128 television show episodes.

This selection is more than enough for a short hop back to Manila. While the options may not be as extensive as those on Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, or Emirates, they are certainly sufficient for a medium to long-haul flight with Philippine Airlines. The screen was a touchscreen and responded well to input.

One thing to note: the inflight map, which is my favorite feature on any personal entertainment system, was not functional during this flight. How unfortunate.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

At the time of the flight, Philippine Airlines did not offer inflight connectivity on this route to Manila.

LAVATORY

My seatmate was asleep for most of the flight, which allowed me to leave my seat and visit the lavatory.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was adequate, though nothing particularly remarkable or outstanding. The crew did their job well, ensuring that all passengers followed inflight safety protocols and procedures.

Disembarkation

The aircraft touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport ahead of schedule, landing at 12:58 p.m. local time. It then taxied to NAIA Terminal 1 for disembarkation.

The cabin crew announced an orderly disembarkation by row for economy class passengers, but some passengers did not follow this. Most stood up as soon as the seat belt sign was turned off.

Immigration, baggage claim, and customs took around 30 minutes from the time we stepped off the aircraft.

Flight Experience

It was an exciting flight with Philippine Airlines, from the reasonable airfare to the last-minute equipment swap to an Airbus A330 widebody aircraft. Allow me to summarize my flight experience with our country’s flag carrier. The flight had its standouts as well as its misses.

Let us start with the standouts. First, the return airfare was affordable compared to the usual Philippine Airlines fares. It was also reasonable considering it included 30 kilograms of checked luggage, personal entertainment screens, and a hot meal service.

Second, Philippine Airlines was proactive in sending multiple emails to inform passengers about upgrade offers and flight requirements. The airline even sent an email advising that our flight might not feature personal entertainment screens even though it ultimately did.

Third, the last-minute equipment swap worked in my favor, allowing me to experience flying on a widebody aircraft on a regional route. It was a true full-service PAL experience and definitely more enjoyable than flying on a single-aisle plane.

Fourth, props to the airline for serving a hot meal on this roughly two-hour flight back to Manila. Lastly, the personal entertainment screens made a significant difference in the overall flight experience.

Now for the misses. The check-in process took longer than expected, 37 minutes compared to the quick check-in on our Manila to Ho Chi Minh City flight. Second, the cabin did not feature individual air vents. This is a personal preference, but I like having control over the airflow at my seat.

Third, the main beef meal was just okay, nothing special and not quite to my liking. I have had better meals on Philippine Airlines before. Lastly, my favorite inflight entertainment feature, the inflight map, did not work throughout the flight. The aviation geek in me was disappointed not being able to track our journey back to the Philippines.

Despite these misses, I thoroughly enjoyed this flight with Philippine Airlines and will certainly fly with them again in the future. I hope to try their Airbus A350 aircraft next time.

Allow me to provide a summary of this PR 592 flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Manila.

Airline: Philippine Airlines
Flight Date: 25 February 2025
Flight Number: PR 591
Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (SGN) to Manila, Philippines (MNL)
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 57K (Window)
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343E
Aircraft Registration: RP-C8783
Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce Trent 772B-60 Engines
Age: 11.4-years-old
Delivered: November 2013

That wraps up my experience flying Philippine Airlines on PR 592 from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) back to Manila.

If you have recently flown with PAL, I would love to hear about your journey! Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below. For any questions about the airline or this route, you can leave a comment or get in touch via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am always happy to connect and help however I can!

I hope you will check out my previous flight reports with Singapore Airlines, as well as other airlines like Emirates, EVA Air, Qantas, Air France, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Cathay Pacific. I also hope you look forward to more flight reports in the future.

Before you go, I’d really appreciate it if you could like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This helps expand my reach and keeps you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, Hostel of the Day features, and flight reports on the website. Thanks again, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flight Report: PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 591 – Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Economy Value Ticket to Vietnam’s Vibrant City with PH Flag Carrier [February 2025]

It was in September last year when my friends and I came across a reasonably priced return ticket to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with Philippine Airlines. We did not think twice, we booked the tickets right away.

Fast forward to February 2025, we finally took the flight to Saigon and spent a few days exploring this vibrant Vietnamese city.

Today, allow me to share how our Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) flight PR 591 went onboard the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. This flight report will give you an idea of what it is like to fly with PAL on one of their short-haul regional routes.

Last year (August 2024), I flew to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for five days and five nights. I wrote about this trip, sharing details about our accommodation, itinerary, and day tours. I also listed the cafes and restaurants we visited during the trip. I hope you’ll check out the trip blog here.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines, commonly known as PAL, is the Philippines’ flag carrier. The airline began operations in 1941 and is currently the region’s oldest commercial airline. It is part of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies and is also partly owned by ANA Holdings, the parent company of All Nippon Airways.

Philippine Airlines operates a fleet of nearly 50 Airbus, Boeing, and De Havilland aircraft, serving over 70 domestic and international destinations across Asia, Australia, North America, and the Middle East. The airline has a wholly owned subsidiary, PAL Express, which operates its domestic regional routes. PAL flies out of its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.

PAL is the country’s largest full-service airline, offering a premium experience to its passengers. It provides business class, premium economy, and economy class on most of its routes. Although it is not a member of any airline alliance, it has codeshare agreements with major carriers such as All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air, and many others.

The airline also offers a lifestyle and loyalty program called Mabuhay Miles. It is the only Philippine-based carrier to receive a 4-star rating from the world-renowned air transport rating organization Skytrax. Philippine Airlines is known for its warm and heartfelt hospitality, which is uniquely rooted in Filipino culture.

In October 2024, I flew with Philippine Airlines’ Domestic Comfort Class from Manila to Daraga (Legazpi) via Cebu. It is the airline’s domestic premium economy product. Curious about the comfort class experience? Check out these flight reports: PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 2853 – Manila to Cebu – First PAL Domestic Comfort Class Experience – Was the Last-Minute Booking Worth It? [October 2024] & PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 2927 – Cebu to Daraga (Legazpi) – Domestic Comfort Class Experience on a Turboprop Aircraft [October 2024].

Airfare & Inclusions

My friends and I booked our tickets during Philippine Airlines’ seat sale back in September 2024. We scored return tickets for just $149.80 each. My local bank charged me ₱8,478.14, including foreign transaction service fees.

The fare included 7 kilograms of carry-on baggage, 30 kilograms of checked baggage, complimentary middle and window seat selection, inflight entertainment via mobile device, inflight meals on each flight, and the warm, hospitable service of the PAL cabin crew.

While it may not be as cheap as Cebu Pacific Air’s ₱1-base fare promotions, it was still a great deal, especially considering the inclusions, the convenient flight schedules (no red-eyes), and the fact that we were flying with the country’s flag carrier. Philippine Airlines rarely offers fares with this many perks at such a low price.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service & a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Philippine passport holders do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism or business purposes. We are granted a 21-day, visa-free, non-extendable stay. For trips longer than 21 days, a visa must be secured in advance.

Additionally, the Philippine government requires all departing passengers to complete an online departure form and obtain a departure QR code from the eTravel website.

Before The Flight

A week before our flight, Philippine Airlines sent an email offering two optional upgrades: myPAL Upgrade and myPAL Seat Select Neighbor-Free. The first allowed us to bid for a business class seat starting at a minimum amount, while the second let us block the neighboring seat for a fixed fee. The airline sent another business class bidding invitation four days before departure.

Then, 24 hours before the flight, PAL emailed again to notify us that online check-in was open. The message also included travel requirements and airport reminders. I filled out the necessary details and checked in for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City right away.

Around two hours before departure, we received a final email advising that our flight would not have personal entertainment screens. Instead, wireless inflight entertainment would be available onboard, with instructions on how to access the system provided in the email.

Kudos to Philippine Airlines for keeping passengers well-informed about available services and flight updates.

Aircraft & Flight Information

Our Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) flight with Philippine Airlines was operated by an 8.3-year-old Airbus A321-231 aircraft (at the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in November 2016, the aircraft is registered as RP-C9929. It features 12 angle-flat business class seats in a 2-2 configuration, 18 economy extra legroom (also known as domestic comfort class) seats, and 169 standard economy seats, all in a 3-3 layout.

Flight PR 591 departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 7:04 a.m., cruised at an altitude of 34,000 feet, and landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 8:13 a.m. local time. There is a one-hour time difference between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City. The total flight duration was 2 hours and 9 minutes. This flight is also a codeshare service with Vietnam Airlines.

In case you missed it, I flew with Vietnam Airlines last January 2023 from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the Airbus A350 business class. I wrote about this trip and I hope you can check it out here.

Airport & Ground Experience

At the time of our flight, all international flights operated by Philippine Airlines were departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

Philippine Airlines occupies one side of Terminal 1 for check-in and bag drop, with dedicated counters for business class passengers, those needing assistance, and group travelers.

I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3:45 a.m. and immediately proceeded to pay the travel tax. By 3:53 a.m., I had joined the check-in queue and was done by 3:57 a.m., a smooth and efficient process. The ground staff were courteous and professional throughout.

PRE-DEPARTURE

After check-in, my friends and I proceeded through immigration and security. We then spent the rest of the pre-boarding time relaxing at the PAGGS Lounge, which I accessed using my credit cards.

BOARDING

At 6:00 a.m., my friends and I walked to Gate 15 for boarding. At 6:08 a.m., the ground staff made pre-boarding announcements in both English and Vietnamese. Priority boarding for business class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants began at 6:17 a.m.

Regular economy passengers boarded by row. By 6:40 a.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing the entire boarding process in just 23 minutes. The plane pushed back at 6:48 a.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

This Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Philippine Airlines flight was operated by an 8.3-year-old Airbus A321-231 aircraft. It features 12 recliner business class seats in a 2-2 configuration, 18 economy extra legroom seats in a 3-3 layout, and 169 regular economy seats, also arranged 3-3.

According to the airline’s website, each business class seat offers a pitch of 37 inches, a width of 22 inches, and a recline of 6 inches. Economy Extra Legroom seats provide a pitch of 34 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a recline of 5 inches. Regular economy seats have the same width and recline but a slightly smaller pitch of 30 inches.

Every economy seat is equipped with an adjustable headrest, tray table, seatback pocket containing the safety card, individual reading light, cabin crew call button, and personal air vents. This aircraft does not have in-seat entertainment screens. Before takeoff, the cabin crew offered blankets to passengers upon request.

I chose seat 62K, a window seat, on this flight to Saigon. The seat provided decent comfort for the journey, not the best I have experienced but satisfactory. There’s potential for PAL to upgrade their short-haul economy experience.

INFLIGHT MEAL SERVICE

Philippine Airlines serves inflight meals on their international flights. For our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, passengers were offered two main options: beef asado with rice or chicken sausage with hashbrown. The meal also included a small pack of dried mangoes, a bottle of water, and a drink of choice. The food was served individually (not on a tray), accompanied by wooden cutlery and a napkin. After the meal service, the cabin crew made another round offering coffee, tea, or water to passengers who wanted it.

I chose the beef asado with apple juice. The meal was okay, not particularly memorable and a bit too salty for my taste. My friends mentioned that the chicken sausage option was not great either. Having tried better dishes on previous Philippine Airlines flights, this one fell short, but I still appreciate that they serve a meal on this relatively short, two-hour flight.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

The aircraft used for this flight was not equipped with traditional inflight entertainment screens. Instead, the airline offered wireless entertainment accessible through passengers’ mobile devices. To use it, passengers needed to connect to the inflight Wi-Fi and visit the myPAL aero website. Alternatively, they could scan the QR code found on the flyer in the seatback pockets.

The wireless entertainment system provided a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music to enjoy during the flight. It also featured a moving inflight map, although the map itself was not interactive.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Philippine Airlines offers Wi-Fi connectivity on this flight, but it is limited to accessing the airline’s wireless entertainment system. Full inflight Wi-Fi for browsing the internet or using instant messaging apps is not available.

LAVATORY

Seated by the window, I did not get the chance to visit the lavatory during the short flight.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew on this flight were warm and friendly, greeting and serving every passenger with their biggest smiles. They truly embodied the genuine heart and hospitality of the Filipino people.

Disembarkation

The aircraft touched down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport ahead of schedule, landing at 8:13 a.m. local time. It then taxied to the international terminal for disembarkation.

Business class passengers disembarked first, followed by the rest of the economy passengers. Immigration took about 20 minutes, while baggage claim and customs were quick and hassle-free.

Flight Experience

It was another pleasant experience flying with the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. After flying with them to Jakarta, Indonesia last November, I found myself on another PAL flight, this time to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. The flight had its highlights as well as areas for improvement.

Let us start with the positives. First, the return ticket price was not cheap, but it was not too expensive either. As someone who usually flies budget carriers, I found the ₱8,478.14 ticket price reasonable for this two-hour flight. It included 30 kilograms of checked luggage, an inflight breakfast, wireless inflight entertainment, and an overall premium experience.

Second, Philippine Airlines ensured passengers were well-informed about airport and flight procedures. The airline clearly communicated upgrade options and the fact that the aircraft did not have personal entertainment screens, all through timely emails before the flight.

Third, I am starting to prefer NAIA Terminal 1 over Terminal 3. The check-in process at the Philippine Airlines counters took just a few minutes, and both immigration and security had minimal lines. The overall terminal experience was pleasant, despite the limited dining options in the pre-departure area.

Fourth, Philippine Airlines provided a complimentary breakfast service on this short flight. Lastly, the cabin crew were warm, friendly, and professional – truly embodying the “Heart of the Filipino.”

On the other hand, there were a few areas that could be improved. First, both breakfast options were just okay and unfortunately did not suit our tastes. The meal was also served individually rather than on trays, which would have made the service faster and more efficient, like how PAL serves meals on their Manila-Jakarta flight.

Second, the cabin is starting to show its age. I believe it is time for the airline to retrofit some of their aging narrowbody fleet with modern seats and personal entertainment screens.

Despite these points for improvement, I still enjoyed my flight with Philippine Airlines. Will I fly with them again? Definitely – if the price is right and reasonable. I am also eager to try their Airbus A350, which is used on North American routes, hopefully someday soon.

Here is a summary of my Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City:

Airline: Philippine Airlines
Flight Date: 22 February 2025
Flight Number: PR 591
Route: Manila, Philippines (MNL) to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (SGN)
Duration: 2 hours and 9 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 62K (Window)
Aircraft: Airbus A321-231
Aircraft Registration: RP-C9929
Engines: 2 x International Aero Engines V2500
Age: 8.3-years-old
Delivered: November 2016

This sums up my experience flying Philippine Airlines on its PR 591 flight from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam.

If you have flown with PAL recently, I would love to hear about your experience! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any questions about the airline or this route, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I’m always happy to chat and help however I can!

I hope you will check out my previous flight reports with Singapore Airlines, as well as other airlines like Emirates, EVA Air, Qantas, Air France, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Cathay Pacific. I also hope you look forward to more flight reports in the future.

Before you go, I’d really appreciate it if you could like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This helps expand my reach and keeps you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, Hostel of the Day features, and flight reports on the website. Thanks again, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flying 101: CEB SUPER PASS Review – Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

During the pandemic, Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s leading carrier, introduced the CEB Super Pass—a travel voucher product that has grown in popularity over the years. Its appeal reached new heights when the airline released 1,000,000 passes during their most recent Super Pass sale.

Back in 2022, I wrote about the CEB Super Pass and mentioned that it was worth buying, especially if you planned to use it across the airline’s extensive domestic network. Today, I will take a deeper dive into the product. Three years later, is the CEB Super Pass still worth it in 2025? Read on to find out.

Disclaimer: This write-up is not paid for or sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air. It is an independent review by the author.

CEB Super Pass

The CEB Super Pass is a one-time-use voucher that you buy in advance. It lets you book a Cebu Pacific domestic flight anywhere from 30 days to 7 days before your travel date. These vouchers are usually sold during special promos and are valid for a little over a year.

How much is the CEB Super Pass?

Cebu Pacific last sold the CEB Super Pass in November 2024. Each pass was priced at ₱502.88. The base fare was just ₱99 per way, but once you add the airline’s booking fee and VAT, the total came out to a little over ₱500 per pass.

Wondering what all those taxes and fees in your plane ticket are for? Check out this post to learn more.

Buying & Redeeming CEB Super Pass

The CEB Super Pass is a special offer that Cebu Pacific releases from time to time. When it first launched during the pandemic, it was offered twice a year. Later, it became more of a once-a-year thing. The most recent sale happened in late November 2024—and as of now, there is no word on when the next one will be.

Buying a CEB Super Pass (when it is available) is super easy. Just go to the airline’s Super Pass page, log in to your account, and click ‘Buy.’ Choose how many passes you want, enter the name of the passenger each pass will be assigned to, and then proceed to payment to complete the purchase.

Redeeming your Super Pass is just as easy as buying one. First, log in to your Cebu Pacific account. Then select how many vouchers you want to use—one for a one-way flight, two for a round trip. After that, search for your chosen domestic route and look for flights marked with a ★CEB Super Pass tag. Pick your flight, fill in the passenger details, pay any remaining fees, and wait for your itinerary to be emailed to you.

A few things to remember: you can only redeem a Super Pass between 30 and 7 days before your flight. The ★CEB Super Pass flights go live at exactly 8:00 AM, and availability is first-come, first-served. These seats also are not usually offered during peak travel dates.

Is CEB Super Pass still worth it in 2025?

There has been a lot of talk about the Super Pass ever since Cebu Pacific released 1 million of them in November 2024. With that many people holding onto these passes, it has become harder to actually redeem one. In my experience, you need to be ready to book your flight right at 8:00 AM, exactly 30 days before your planned trip. On many routes, the Super Pass slots are gone within the same day.

Back in 2022, I was a big fan of the CEB Super Pass and said it was absolutely worth it. Three years later, I cannot say the same for everyone. Whether it is worth it or not really depends on the kind of traveler you are. For me, it is still a good deal—but that might not be the case for everyone.

If you have a fixed schedule and can commit to booking exactly 30 days in advance, then the Super Pass can still save you money. But if your travel plans are more flexible or last-minute, you might be better off waiting for Cebu Pacific’s ₱1 or ₱88 base fare promos, or even their random seat sales—which are often easier to book and just as affordable.

In the end, the CEB Super Pass is not for everyone. The best approach is to understand how it works and decide if it fits your travel style before buying.

Did you purchase the CEB Super Pass in November 2024? Were you able to redeem any of your passes, or did you encounter difficulties finding a domestic flight that suited your schedule? I’d love to hear about your experience—feel free to share in the comments below! If you have any questions about the product, you can reach me via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I’m always happy to chat and help!

Thanks for joining in today’s 2025 CEB Super Pass review! Before you go, I’d really appreciate it if you could like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This helps expand my reach and keeps you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, Hostel of the Day features, and flight reports on the website. Thanks again, and see you next time!

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 939 – Hong Kong to Manila – A Rowdy Crew on the Final Daily Manila Run [February 2025]

After spending a week in Tokyo, it was time to head home. Just like my flight to Japan, I flew with Cathay Pacific on the way back to Manila, with a layover in Hong Kong. In my previous flight report, I talked about the excellent regional economy service on flight CX549 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong.

Today, I will be sharing my experience on the connecting leg—Cathay Pacific flight CX939 from Hong Kong to Manila. Read on to find out how a rowdy cabin crew disrupted my sleep and spoiled the last few minutes of this final daily flight to Manila.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, commonly known as Cathay Pacific, is Hong Kong’s flag carrier. According to the airline’s website, two ex-Air Force pilots founded the airline in Hong Kong in 1946. Five years later, the airline acquired its rival Hong Kong Airways and gained additional routes to Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. Since then, the airline has expanded to more routes in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. It has emerged as one of the world’s leading airlines and lifestyle brands, connecting the world through Hong Kong.

Today, Cathay Pacific is primarily owned by Swire Group, a diversified Hong Kong-based corporation, Qatar Airways, and Air China. The airline flies to over 80 international destinations using close to 180 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with 60 more in order. It also has airline subsidiaries, namely Cathay Pacific Cargo, Air Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Express, the region’s budget airline. Cathay Pacific is based and headquartered in Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

In case you missed it, I post reviews & features of my flights since June 2019. I’ve covered airlines such as EVA Air, Indonesia Air Asia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Air. All posts about these flights are found under the Flight Reports category.

Airfare & Inclusions

About four weeks before my planned departure, I managed to score a round-trip ticket to Tokyo Haneda for just USD 235.20. I am not exactly sure what that amounts to in Philippine pesos, as my relatives took care of the payment. The fare covered all four segments: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong to Manila (the flight I am reviewing here).

The ticket was under Economy Light, which included a 7 kg carry-on allowance, 23 kg of checked baggage, complimentary inflight meals, personal entertainment screens, and consistently excellent service on all flights.

Considering I booked just four weeks before the trip—and with a reputable airline like Cathay Pacific—I would say it was a really good deal.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Philippine passport holders only need to present a valid passport and their eTravel QR code when entering the country. Non-Philippine passport holders may be asked to show additional documents, such as a valid visa or proof of onward travel. Entry requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities for the latest information before your trip.

Before The Flight

Two days before my flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong, I received an email from Cathay Pacific letting me know that I could now check in online for both the Hong Kong and Manila flights. The email also included details about inflight entertainment, magazines, and newspapers available during the journey.

I selected my seats for both flights (free of charge) and completed the online check-in. However, instead of receiving a digital boarding pass, I was instructed to pick it up at the airport when dropping off my baggage. On the day of the flight, Cathay sent one final email with all the key details—such as which terminal to go to, flight departure time, check-in counters, boarding time, and the departure gate.

Aircraft & Flight Information

This Hong Kong to Manila flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by an Airbus A330-343X, which was 21.2 years old at the time of the flight. The aircraft, registered as B-HLW, was delivered to the airline in December 2003. It is configured with 39 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout and 223 standard economy seats in a 2-4-2 arrangement.

Flight CX939 departed from Hong Kong International Airport at 10:30 p.m. and arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:16 a.m. There is no time difference between Hong Kong and Manila. The total flight time was 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TRANSIT EXPERIENCE

After arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, I made my way to the transfer area, went through a quick security check, and headed up to the pre-departure zone. Our flight to Manila was assigned to Gate 66, so I went straight there.

The whole transit process, including the short lines at security, took less than 20 minutes.

PRE-DEPARTURE

I waited near Gate 66 until the boarding call. I did not visit any lounge or grab a bite to eat, as I was still full from the meal on my flight from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong.

BOARDING

The ground crew started pre-boarding announcements at 9:30 p.m. Priority boarding began at 9:35 p.m., starting with business class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy passengers boarded by groups, based on their seat assignments. All boarding was done through Hong Kong International Airport’s facial recognition system.

The process took a while because the flight waited for connecting passengers arriving from Auckland, New Zealand. By 10:13 p.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing boarding in 38 minutes. The plane pushed back at 10:19 p.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

This Hong Kong to Manila flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 21.2-year-old Airbus A330-343X (at the time of the flight). The aircraft features 39 lie-flat business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, and 223 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration.

The business class follows a reverse herringbone design, with every seat offering direct aisle access. According to SeatGuru, each business class seat has a pitch of 45 inches and a width of 21 inches. Amenities include large entertainment screens, a spacious footwell, a console with remote and seat controls, noise-canceling headphones, and a power outlet.

Economy class seats are arranged 2-4-2. Each seat has a pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.2 inches. They come with thick seatback padding, adjustable headrests, a touchscreen personal entertainment system with a USB port, a foldable tray table with a cup holder, a coat hook, a seat pocket containing the safety card and magazine, and a small storage space under the screen. While there are no personal air vents, each seat has an individual reading light and a cabin crew call button. Passengers receive headphones, but pillows are not provided; blankets are available upon request.

I was seated in aisle seat 44G, located in the forward middle section of economy. The thick seatback padding helped compensate for the lack of a pillow on this short flight to Manila. Overall, the seat remained comfortable despite the missing amenity.

INFLIGHT MEAL SERVICE

Cathay Pacific serves inflight meals on all their flights, and even though this flight was less than two hours, a hot meal was provided. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin crew served dinner, which had only one option—char siu chicken rice with steamed vegetables. The meal came on a small tray, accompanied by a bottle of water and metal cutlery.

Once the meal service was finished, the crew quickly collected the used trays. The entire meal and clean-up process was completed within 30 minutes of reaching cruising altitude.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s entertainment system on the Airbus A330 offers a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music. While the choices are not as extensive as those on their Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft, the lineup is suitable for short-haul flights like this one to Manila. The system also includes a moving inflight map that shows the aircraft’s exact location and flight details.

I did notice that some TV shows had incomplete episodes. Additionally, the inflight map on the screen at seat 44G did not work for the entire flight. With no other option, I turned off the screen and tried to get some sleep.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid Wi-Fi on this flight to Manila. First Class passengers, Business Class passengers, and Diamond members receive complimentary access, while all other passengers must pay to use the service. The lowest option is a messaging pass with 30 MB of data for USD 3.95. One hour of access costs USD 9.95, and a full-flight pass is available for USD 12.95.

I chose not to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was just under two hours. Although the airline’s rates are comparable to industry standards, I did not find it necessary or worth the cost for such a short flight.

LAVATORY

A few moments before landing, I visited one of the lavatories in the middle section and found it to be spotless. It was stocked with tissue rolls, liquid hand soap, and small bottles of hand sanitizer and moisturizer.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was a major downside for me. While they greeted passengers during boarding and made sure everyone followed safety protocols, the dinner service felt rushed. Everything happened so quickly that I had to hurry to finish my meal.

What bothered me even more was what happened just before landing. The cabin crew member assigned to our section was quite rowdy while waking up the child sitting next to me. He kept shouting, “Boy, boy, wake up!” loud enough to wake me from my own sleep. He did not say “excuse me” or apologize for disturbing anyone. I am sure this was a one-time incident, but I still feel it was not handled properly.

Disembarkation

The aircraft touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:16 a.m. and taxied to Terminal 3 for disembarkation. Passengers exited by section—business class first, followed by those in the forward economy cabin, and finally, those seated in the rear economy section.

Immigration was quick, and the baggage arrived about 20 minutes after touchdown. The whole process went smoothly, likely because the terminal was not busy at that hour.

Flight Experience

It was a good final leg with Cathay Pacific on their Airbus A330. What really stood out was the price—we paid just USD 235.20 for a four-leg journey, with layovers in Hong Kong both ways. That fare included 23 kg of checked baggage, inflight meals, and entertainment on all flights. Flying a world-class airline at that price? That is definitely a steal!

The whole transit experience in Hong Kong was smooth and efficient. Getting through security and heading to the gate was quick, and the facial recognition boarding system made getting on the plane hassle-free.

Onboard, I appreciated the hot meal served despite the flight being less than two hours. The seats were comfortable with thick padding, and the lavatory was spotless and well-stocked, which always adds to the comfort during the flight.

Of course, there were a few downsides. The lack of pillows and personal air vents made resting a bit less comfortable. The inflight entertainment had some issues too—the moving map did not work, and some TV episodes were incomplete. The biggest drawback was the rowdy behavior of the cabin crew near the end of the flight, which disturbed my rest and that of a nearby child.

Despite these minor issues, I would still happily fly Cathay Pacific again, especially on their long-haul routes and aboard their newer A350 aircraft. Their overall service and value make them a reliable choice for future travels.

Here is a summary of this flight from Manila to Hong Kong onboard Cathay Pacific:

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 19 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 939
Route: Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG) to Manila, Philippines (MNL)
Duration: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 44G
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343X
Aircraft Registration: B-HLW
Engines: 2 x RR Trent 772B-60
Age: 21.2-years-old
Delivered: December 2003

That wraps up my review of Cathay Pacific Flight CX 939 from Hong Kong to Manila. Have you flown with Cathay Pacific before? I’d love to hear about your experience! If you’re thinking of booking a flight with them or have any questions about the airline or this route, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I’m always happy to chat and help however I can!

I hope you will check out my previous flight reports with Singapore Airlines, as well as other airlines like Emirates, EVA Air, Qantas, Air France, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines. I also hope you look forward to more flight reports in the future.

Before you go, I’d really appreciate it if you could like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This helps expand my reach and keeps you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, Hostel of the Day features, and flight reports on the website. Thanks again, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 549 – Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong – Excellent Regional Economy Class Service Out of Japan [February 2025]

Last February, I flew to Tokyo, Japan for a week-long break from my busy work schedule. I traveled with my relatives and spent time with my cousins visiting theme parks and other kid-friendly attractions. We flew with Cathay Pacific to Tokyo Haneda from Manila, transiting through Hong Kong.

Over the past few weeks, I have shared my experiences on our Cathay Pacific flights — CX930 from Manila to Hong Kong and CX542 from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda. If you have not seen those posts yet, I hope you will check them out.

Today, I will be sharing the first of our two return flights to Manila: Cathay Pacific flight CX549 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong. Let me take you through this excellent regional service between Japan and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, commonly known as Cathay Pacific, is Hong Kong’s flag carrier. According to the airline’s website, two ex-Air Force pilots founded the airline in Hong Kong in 1946. Five years later, the airline acquired its rival Hong Kong Airways and gained additional routes to Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. Since then, the airline has expanded to more routes in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. It has emerged as one of the world’s leading airlines and lifestyle brands, connecting the world through Hong Kong.

Today, Cathay Pacific is primarily owned by Swire Group, a diversified Hong Kong-based corporation, Qatar Airways, and Air China. The airline flies to over 80 international destinations using close to 180 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with 60 more in order. It also has airline subsidiaries, namely Cathay Pacific Cargo, Air Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Express, the region’s budget airline. Cathay Pacific is based and headquartered in Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked  luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

In case you missed it, I post reviews & features of my flights since June 2019. I’ve covered airlines such as EVA Air, Indonesia Air Asia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Air. All posts about these flights are found under the Flight Reports category.

Airfare & Inclusions

I booked the ticket four weeks before the intended flight and got it for only USD 235.20 roundtrip. I’m not exactly sure how much that was in Philippine pesos, as my relatives paid for it. The fare covered all four segments of the trip: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong (this flight), and Hong Kong to Manila.

This Economy Light fare included a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance, 23 kilograms of checked baggage, in-flight meals, personal entertainment screens, and excellent onboard service across all legs of the journey.

Considering it was booked just four weeks in advance, this was definitely a great deal—especially with a quality airline like Cathay Pacific.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Passengers connecting through Hong Kong International Airport only need their onward boarding passes upon arrival. However, those who plan to clear immigration and visit the city must comply with the territory’s border requirements. Philippine passport holders are allowed to enter Hong Kong for tourism or business without a visa for up to 14 days.

Since my onward destination was the Philippines, I needed to follow the country’s entry protocols for arriving passengers. Philippine passport holders are only required to present a valid passport and an eTravel QR code upon arrival. Non-Philippine passport holders, on the other hand, may need to present additional documents such as a valid visa or an onward departure ticket. These requirements can vary by nationality, so it’s always best to consult the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date entry information.

Before The Flight

Forty-eight hours before the flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific sent an email notifying passengers that online check-in was now available for both the Hong Kong and Manila segments. The message also included information about the in-flight entertainment system, as well as details about onboard magazines and newspapers.

I selected my seats for both flights (free of charge) and completed the online check-in process. However, I did not receive a digital boarding pass and was instructed to collect it at the airport during bag drop. On the day of departure, the airline sent a final reminder email with key details, including the departure terminal, flight time, designated check-in counters, boarding time, and assigned gate.

Aircraft & Flight Information

The Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 10-year-old Boeing 777-367(ER) aircraft (as of the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in March 2015, the aircraft is registered as B-KQW. It features 6 lie-flat First Class seats in a 1-1-1 layout, 53 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 34 angle-flat Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 arrangement, and 201 standard Economy Class seats in a 3-4-3 layout.

Flight CX549 departed from Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 4:09 p.m., cruised at an altitude of 38,000 feet, and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 7:40 p.m. local time. There is a one-hour time difference between Tokyo and Hong Kong, and the total flight duration was 4 hours and 31 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

Cathay Pacific operates out of Terminal 3 at Tokyo Haneda International Airport.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

I arrived at the airport just before 1:00 p.m., printed my boarding pass and luggage tag at the check-in kiosks, and lined up for bag drop even before the counters opened. Cathay Pacific’s check-in counters at Tokyo Haneda International Airport open exactly three hours before departure. The counters are organized by class and frequent flyer status—Economy and Premium Economy bag drop, Business Class and Oneworld status holders, and First Class.

For this flight, the check-in counters opened right on time at 1:00 p.m. I finished queuing by 1:12 p.m. and completed the bag drop process at 1:13 p.m. The staff member at the counter was friendly and greeted me with a warm smile.

PRE-DEPARTURE

After check-in, I cleared security and immigration and headed straight to the SkyHub Lounge. My RCBC JCB Platinum credit card granted me complimentary access. The lounge featured cozy seating areas, beautiful views of the tarmac, and a wide selection of drinks. However, it did not offer any food or snack options.

After spending an hour working in the lounge, I stopped by the duty-free store and bought Royce chocolates along with other Japanese staples before making my way to our assigned boarding gate.

BOARDING

Our assigned boarding gate for this flight was Gate 142, the farthest gate on the left side of the terminal.

Priority boarding began at 3:20 p.m., starting with First Class passengers, Business Class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy Class passengers boarded in groups according to their assigned seats.

By 3:46 p.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing the entire boarding process in just 26 minutes. The plane pushed back at 3:50 p.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

The Boeing 777-367(ER) used on this Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong flight has 294 seats spread across four cabin classes.

According to our friends at SeatGuru, the six lie-flat First Class seats offer a pitch of 81 inches and a width of 36 inches. The 53 lie-flat Business Class seats feature a pitch of 81 inches and a width of 21 inches. All First and Business Class seats come with large personal entertainment screens, pillows and blankets, a side console, noise-canceling headphones, and aisle access for every passenger.

The 53 Premium Economy seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, provide a seat pitch of 38 inches and a width of 19.5 inches. These recliner seats include larger-than-average personal entertainment screens and footrests.

The 201 regular Economy seats are arranged in a 3-4-3 layout, each offering 32 inches of seat pitch and 17 inches of width. Economy seats are equipped with thick seatback padding, adjustable headrests, touchscreen personal entertainment systems with USB ports, foldable tray tables with built-in cup holders, coat hooks, seat pockets containing the aircraft safety card and in-flight magazine, and small stowage shelves beneath the screens. While individual air vents are not available, each seat features a personal reading light and a cabin crew call button. Headphones are provided, and blankets are available upon request.

I selected window seat 66K in the rear Economy section during online check-in. I intentionally chose this seat to have a chance to see Mount Fuji on the flight back to Hong Kong—and I did. The seat’s thick padding and adjustable headrest made it comfortable, and the legroom was decent—perfect for a short-haul flight like this. Blankets were provided by the crew to those who wanted them.

INFLIGHT MEAL SERVICE

Cathay Pacific serves in-flight meals on all its flights. After reaching cruising altitude, the cabin crew went around distributing peanuts and drinks to all passengers. I opted for a glass of apple juice to go with the peanuts. The flight encountered several periods of turbulence, which caused the snack and meal service to be temporarily suspended a few times.

About three hours before landing, the crew began the dinner service. Special meals were served first, followed by the regular options. There were two meal choices: baked fish with Japanese rice and penne pasta with mushroom sauce. Each meal came with a smoked ham salad, a bread roll with butter, fresh fruit, and a small cup of Häagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream. The tray also included metal cutlery, a napkin, a moist towelette, and a second drink of choice. The crew later followed up with a second drink service, offering coffee, tea, or water.

I chose the fish with rice option, pairing it with apple juice and water. While I am not usually a fan of fish in airplane meals, I found this dish quite tasty. I also enjoyed how the smoked ham salad complemented the main course. Cathay Pacific never fails to be consistent with its branding by serving Häagen-Dazs ice cream on their flights.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s touchscreen entertainment system on their Boeing 777 aircraft offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. It has noticeably more content than the system found on their Airbus A330 aircraft. One standout feature is the interactive inflight map, which displays the aircraft’s real-time location throughout the journey. It also includes a nose camera that passengers can view during the flight.

I finished watching Oppenheimer—which I had not been able to complete on our HKG-HND flight—during this journey back to Hong Kong. Aside from that, I kept the inflight map open most of the time. About an hour before touchdown, the entertainment system also displayed all connection information on the screens.

Cathay Pacific’s personal entertainment screens on the Boeing 777 are a decent size. They are fast, responsive, and easy to navigate. While the earphones provided may not be the best quality, they do the job well enough.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid wireless connectivity on this flight to Hong Kong. First Class passengers, Business Class passengers, and Diamond members receive complimentary access, while all other passengers must pay to use the service. The lowest tier is a messaging pass with 30 MB of data, priced at USD 3.95. One hour of access costs USD 9.95, and a full-flight pass is available for USD 12.95.

I chose not to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was just over four hours. While the airline’s rates are in line with industry standards, I did not find it necessary or worth the cost for a short-haul flight like this.

LAVATORY

I did not visit the lavatory during the flight to Hong Kong, as the passenger seated in the middle seat was asleep for the entire duration of the journey.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew assigned to our area were warm and pleasantly chatty. They served meals with genuine smiles and attended to passengers’ needs in the friendliest way possible. Throughout the flight, they also made sure everyone followed the protocols from boarding to disembarkation.

Disembarkation

The plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 7:40 p.m. local time and taxied to Gate 69 for disembarkation. Passengers exited the aircraft by section—First Class and Business Class passengers disembarked first, followed by those in the forward Economy section, and finally, passengers seated in the rear Economy cabin.

I exited the plane and proceeded to the transfer area, cleared security, and walked straight to the assigned gate for my onward flight to Manila, Philippines.

Flight Experience

It was another excellent regional service with Cathay Pacific from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong. What stood out most was the fare—we paid only USD 235.20 for a four-sector trip with layovers in Hong Kong both ways. The ticket included 23 kilograms of checked luggage, in-flight meals, and entertainment on all flights. Talk about flying a world-class airline for such a low fare!

Cathay Pacific ensured all passengers were well-informed with timely emails and mobile app notifications about online check-in availability, assigned check-in counters, and boarding gates at Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Although I waited in line for just over 10 minutes, the bag drop process at the counter took less than a minute. The ground staff showed the same efficiency during boarding, completing the process for a fully booked Boeing 777-300ER in under 30 minutes.

The inflight experience on this Cathay Pacific flight truly felt world-class. From the thick seatback padding and spacious legroom to the extensive entertainment options, tasty fish main course complemented by smoked ham salad and Häagen-Dazs ice cream—the airline ensured passengers enjoyed every moment. The friendly cabin crew assigned to our section also made the flight more pleasant.

That said, the flight was not without minor drawbacks. The aircraft lacked individual air vents in Economy Class—a personal preference of mine—and pillows were not provided on this 4.5-hour flight. The cabin temperature also remained warm from boarding until we reached cruising altitude.

Nevertheless, it was still a great flight with Cathay Pacific. I will keep them in mind for future travels, especially when similar great deals come up. I am also excited to eventually try their Airbus A350s, Premium Economy, and hopefully Business Class as well.

Here is a summary of this flight from Manila to Hong Kong onboard Cathay Pacific:

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 19 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 549
Route: Tokyo-Haneda, Japan (HND) to Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG)
Duration: 4 hours and 31 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 66K
Aircraft: Boeing 777-363(ER)
Aircraft Registration: B-KQW
Engines: 2 x GE GE90-115BL2
Age: 10-years-old
Delivered: March 2015

That’s a wrap on my flight review of Cathay Pacific Flight CX549 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong. Have you flown with Cathay Pacific before? I would love to hear about your experiences! If you are considering booking a flight with them for your next trip, or if you have any questions about the airline or this route, please leave a comment below or get in touch via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am always happy to chat and help!

I hope you will check out my previous flight reports with Singapore Airlines, as well as other airlines like Emirates, EVA Air, Qantas, Air France, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines. I also hope you look forward to more flight reports in the future.

Before you go, I’d really appreciate it if you could like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This helps expand my reach and keeps you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, Hostel of the Day features, and flight reports on the website. Thanks again, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.