Is Traveling Business Class Worth It? Yes, Especially If It's This Airline

Travel is its own reward, but there are certain things about it that are certainly stressful and less exciting than others. It often starts with the experience at the airport and inside the airplane itself. Long lines at check-in and immigration, uncomfortable chairs at the pre-departure area, and cramped space inside the plane’s cabin all contribute to taking the fun out of traveling. 

When you travel often enough, you begin to realize that there are certain things worth paying more for, and that includes choosing to fly business class over economy. It’s true that all passengers eventually do fly on the same plane and arrive at the same destination, but, if you can afford it, the benefits of business or first class cannot be overstated. And when it’s an airline like Cathay Pacific, you know that paying more is money well spent.

The new Cathay Pacific lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Aiport Terminal 3 opened in early 2023

Photo by Cathay Pacific.

Here are three things we love about flying business class with Cathay Pacific:

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1| The check-in process

Most people check in to their flight online days before they have to be at the airport. But they are still faced with long lines when they get there for baggage drop-off. At most airlines, including Cathay Pacific, there are dedicated lanes for business class passengers where attendants ensure that check-in is a breeze. In minutes, you’re on your way.

The fully stocked "Pantry" at the First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport

Photo by PJ Cana.

2| The lounge

This is where airlines really step their game up. A business class ticket also gets you an invitation to their business class lounge. At the CX lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, you get to wait for your flight in peace and quiet. There is unlimited food and drinks, complimentary wi-fi, and comfortable couches and chairs where you can choose to read, listen to music, or scroll through your phone before boarding.

Relaxation comes naturally at the CX lounge at NAIA

Photo by Cathay Pacific.

Pro-tip: try the dim sum, wonton noodle soup, and dan dan noodles. You won’t regret it.

On the flip side, if you’re coming from Hong Kong, the CX lounge at the HKIA is truly something else. The Pier Business Class Lounge has an actual Italian station that makes handcrafted pizzas and pastas daily, a hot noodle station (where yes, the dan dan is also available), free-flowing drinks, and quiet areas where you can sit and relax while you wait for your flight.

If you’re an extremely lucky fellow and are flying first class, a separate and even more luxurious first class lounge has a pantry with cakes and cookies, cheeses and crackers, coffee, wine, and champagne, a fully stocked bar where you can grab a drink and perhaps chat with fellow passengers, shower and changing areas, a spa, an area with private daybeds where you can take calls or simply get some rest, and a full-service sit-down restaurant with an a la carte menu that serves everything from elevated burgers and fries to teriyaki chicken and several other fine dining favorites. It’s a lounge experience that’s truly hard to beat. 

Private daybeds at the CX First Class lounge at HKIA

Photo by PJ Cana.

3| The flight

When it’s time, business class passengers get priority boarding. You’re ushered to your seat and are welcomed with a glass of champagne. For long-haul flights, passengers get luxurious bed linen and seats that fully lie flat for a more comfortable experience. The flight from Manila to Hong Kong (and vice versa) is only about an hour and half, and, strangely, you’d wish it was longer if you’re flying on business class. The flight attendants are also extra attentive, ensuring that you're as comfortable as possible throughout the journey.

A sample business class menu presented at the CX Catering Services office in Hong Kong

Photo by PJ Cana.

CX has an entire culinary team dedicated to serving the best to its passengers, and, with what the airline claims is the largest entertainment library in Asia Pacific, the inflight entertainment is second to none. In fact, CX is the winner of the SkyTrax World Airline Award for Best Inflight Entertainment 2023.

Business or first class isn’t for everyone, but for frequent travelers, the entire experience is definitely worth it.