Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 542 – Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda – First Time via HKIA & Into Haneda Airport [February 2025]

A few months ago, I took a week-long break from my busy work schedule and flew to Tokyo, Japan. About four months before my trip, I came across an affordable round-trip fare on Cathay Pacific from Manila, Philippines to Tokyo, Japan, with a layover in Hong Kong. My aunt encouraged me to book the tickets, and just a few hours later, we began planning our spontaneous Tokyo getaway.

My relatives and I flew to Tokyo-Haneda with Cathay Pacific, connecting through Hong Kong. In my last flight report, I shared the experience onboard CX930 from Manila to Hong Kong. Today, I will be talking about the connecting flight CX 542 from Hong Kong to Tokyo-Haneda, covering everything from our arrival at Hong Kong International Airport to our late-night landing in Tokyo. Read on to find out how my first transit experience at HKIA and arrival at Haneda Airport went.

In case you missed it, I also flew with Cathay Pacific in December 2023 on both legs of the Manila to Hong Kong route. I wrote flight reports for both sectors, which you can check out: CX 912 from Manila to Hong Kong and CX 901 from Hong Kong 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. 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 my ticket just four weeks before the intended departure date, and the round-trip fare was only USD 235.20. I am not sure of the exact amount in Philippine pesos, as my relatives covered the payment. The fare included all four flight segments: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda (this flight), Tokyo Haneda back to Hong Kong, and finally, Hong Kong to Manila.

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

Considering it was a last-minute booking with Cathay Pacific—a top-tier full-service airline known for its award-winning economy class—this ticket was an exceptional 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 are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Japan for leisure purposes. Those planning to visit Japan as tourists must apply for a visa through the embassy’s official application center, VFS Global Philippines, Inc., which operates in five locations: Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

In addition, the Japanese government requires all incoming passengers to complete immigration and customs procedures via the Visit Japan website. Upon arrival, passengers must present their issued QR codes at immigration and customs for scanning. These QR codes can be obtained up to two weeks before the intended arrival date.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government requires all departing passengers to complete an online departure form and generate a departure QR code through the eTravel website.

Before The Flight

One week before the flight, Cathay Pacific sent an email advising passengers to prepare for their upcoming journey. The airline reminded travelers to review their baggage allowance and ensure their contact details were correct and up to date. They also offered optional services such as paid preferred seating, business class upgrades, and travel insurance.

Two days before the flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific sent another email informing passengers that online check-in was now available for both the Hong Kong and Tokyo Haneda segments. The message also included information about the inflight entertainment system, along with details about onboard magazines and newspapers.

I selected a seat (free of charge) for both flights 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 email with key details, including the departure terminal, flight time, designated check-in counters, boarding time, and assigned gate.

After arriving in Hong Kong, I received an email notifying me that the onward flight to Tokyo Haneda had been delayed by 20 minutes. The airline’s mobile app also reflected the updated schedule. Props to Cathay Pacific for keeping passengers informed, even for a minor change in flight time.

Aircraft & Flight Information

The Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 21.2-year-old Boeing 777-367 aircraft (as of the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in November 2003, the aircraft is registered as B-HNN. It features 42 angle-flat business class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 396 standard economy class seats arranged in a 3-4-3 layout.

Flight CX 542 departed from Hong Kong International Airport at 5:10 p.m., cruised at an altitude of 35,000 feet, and arrived at Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 9:23 p.m. local time. There is a one-hour time difference between Hong Kong and Tokyo. The total flight duration was 3 hours and 13 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TRANSIT EXPERIENCE

Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, my companions and I proceeded to the transfer gates, went through a security check, and headed up to the pre-departure area. We walked directly to Gate 32, which was assigned for our flight to Tokyo Haneda.

The entire transit process took less than 15 minutes, including the brief queues at transfer security. Coincidentally, our assigned boarding gate was right next to the one where we had disembarked from our flight from Manila.

PRE-DEPARTURE

My relatives and I stayed near Gate 32 as we waited for the boarding announcement. We didn’t visit any lounge or get food, as we were still full from the inflight meal served on the previous leg of our journey.

BOARDING

The ground crew began making pre-boarding announcements at 4:05 p.m. Prior to that, staff walked around the gate area to check passengers’ passports and boarding passes. They later informed passengers to keep their passports, as only the boarding pass would be required during boarding. Boarding gates at Hong Kong International Airport are equipped with electronic scanners and facial recognition systems.

Priority boarding began at 4:15 p.m., starting with business class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy class passengers boarded by groups, based on their assigned seats.

By 4:45 p.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing the entire boarding process in just 30 minutes. The plane pushed back at 4:51 p.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

The Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 21.2-year-old Boeing 777-367 aircraft (at the time of the flight). The aircraft features 42 angle-flat business class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 396 standard economy class seats in a 3-4-3 layout.

According to SeatGuru, each recliner-style business class seat offers a pitch of 45 inches and a width of 21 inches. The seats come with large entertainment screens, a spacious footwell, a side console with remote and seat controls, noise-canceling headphones, and a power outlet.

The economy cabin follows the 3-4-3 layout. Each seat, according to SeatGuru, has a pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.2 inches. Economy class seats are equipped with thick seatback padding, an adjustable headrest, a touchscreen personal entertainment system with a USB port, a foldable tray table with a built-in cup holder, a coat hook, a seat pocket containing the aircraft safety card and an in-flight magazine, and a small stowage shelf beneath the screen. While there are no individual air vents, each seat has a personal reading light and a cabin crew call button. Headphones are provided, and blankets are available upon request.

I selected seat 40A, a window seat in the forward economy section. It offered a great view of the engine during takeoff. Although the seat initially lacked a pillow and blanket, these were eventually distributed before departure. The thick seatback padding made the seat quite comfortable, and with the middle seat unoccupied, both my seatmate in 40C and I had extra space to stretch out. Legroom was generous, and overall, the seat was very comfortable for the 3-hour flight to Japan.

INFLIGHT MEAL

Cathay Pacific serves inflight meals on all its flights. About 30 minutes after takeoff, the cabin crew began the refreshments service, handing out a pack of peanuts and a drink of choice. I opted for a glass of apple juice with the peanuts.

Shortly after the refreshments, the crew distributed the dinner trays. There were two meal options: seafood curry rice and pork with potatoes. Each meal came with a serving of udon, a bread roll with butter, fresh fruit, and a small cup of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. The tray also included metal cutlery, a napkin, a moist towelette, and another drink of choice. The crew followed up with a second drink service, offering coffee, tea, or water.

I chose the pork with potatoes and paired it with orange juice and water. The portion size was just right. While I did not particularly enjoy the pork dish, I found the udon starter to be refreshing—the cold noodle sauce made it a perfect appetizer. The Häagen-Dazs ice cream was also a highlight and made for a satisfying dessert.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s touchscreen entertainment system on their Boeing 777 aircraft offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. It had 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.

I usually just keep the inflight map on for most of the flight, but this time I took the opportunity to watch Oppenheimer on the way to Tokyo Haneda. The entertainment screen was a good size and responsive to touch, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid wireless connectivity on this flight to Tokyo Haneda. 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 under 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 Tokyo Haneda, as the passenger seated in the aisle seat was asleep for the entire duration of the flight.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was just right. There were no particularly memorable moments, but the crew performed their duties professionally and ensured that passengers had a comfortable and smooth journey.

Disembarkation

The plane landed at Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 9:22 p.m. local time and taxied to Gate 147 for disembarkation. Passengers exited the aircraft by section—business class first, followed by those in the forward economy section, and finally, passengers seated in the rear economy cabin.

The entire arrival process, including disembarkation, immigration, baggage claim, and customs inspection, took about an hour. That was reasonable, given how busy Haneda Airport was that evening.

Flight Experience

Overall, my Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda was a smooth and enjoyable experience. The fare was one of the standout aspects—an exceptionally affordable price of USD 235 for a last-minute, full-service flight.

Pre-flight communications were efficient and timely, with several updates sent out, including online check-in notifications, gate details, and reminders about baggage allowance. These proactive communications helped ensure a seamless travel experience right from the start.

The transfer at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was impressively easy and hassle-free. We were able to complete the transfer process in less than 15 minutes, including a quick security check, and head straight to our assigned gate. This smooth connection was a big plus and reflected the efficiency of both Cathay Pacific and HKIA.

Despite flying on an older Boeing 777-367 aircraft, the cabin was in great condition. The spacious legroom in economy class made the flight much more comfortable, and the entertainment options were excellent.

Cathay’s inflight entertainment system offered a broad selection of movies, TV shows, and music, which was notably better than the system found on their Airbus A330. The meal service also impressed, with a hot meal, dessert, and multiple drink rounds—all adding to the positive experience.

On the downside, there were no pillows on the seats when boarding, which was a small inconvenience. Blankets were eventually distributed, but having both items available from the start would have added to overall comfort. However, this was a minor issue compared to the overall quality of the flight.

Once again, it was a delightful experience flying with Cathay Pacific. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for future travel, especially when similar great deals come up. I’m also excited to eventually try their Airbus A350s, premium economy, and hopefully their business class as well.

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

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 13 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 542
Route: Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG) to Tokyo-Haneda, Japan (HND)
Duration: 3 hours and 13 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 40A
Aircraft: Boeing 777-363
Aircraft Registration: B-HNN
Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce Trent 892
Age: 21.2-years-old
Delivered: November 2003

This wraps up my recent flight review of Cathay Pacific Flight CX542 from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda. Have you ever flown with Cathay Pacific? I’d love to hear about your experience! Are you planning to book a flight with them for your upcoming travels? If you have any questions about the airline or want to learn more about this route, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond!

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, please consider liking, following, and sharing my social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. This will help increase my reach and keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, and flight reports on this website. Thank you, and I will see you in the next flight report!

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

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 930 – Manila to Hong Kong – A Perfectly Timed Quick Hop to Asia’s World City [February 2025]

In February 2025, I flew to Tokyo, Japan, for a last-minute, week-long break from my busy work schedule. Four weeks before my departure, I happened to come across affordable return flights on Cathay Pacific from Manila to Tokyo Haneda via Hong Kong. I shared this with my aunt, and without hesitation, I was tasked with booking the tickets. In less than four weeks, my aunt and I planned the entire trip, and the Tokyo adventure was set.

We flew with Cathay Pacific from Manila to Tokyo Haneda, with a quick stopover in Hong Kong. This flight report will focus on the first leg of the journey – the Manila to Hong Kong segment on flight CX 930. Read on to find out how my experience with Cathay Pacific went, and why I consider this flight perfectly timed.

In case you missed it, I also flew with Cathay Pacific in December 2023 on both legs of the Manila to Hong Kong route. I wrote flight reports for both sectors, which you can check out: CX 912 from Manila to Hong Kong and CX 901 from Hong Kong 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. 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 just four weeks before the intended flight date, and it cost me only USD 235.20 for a round-trip. I am not sure exactly how much that was in Philippine pesos because my relatives paid for it. This price covered all four flights: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong to Manila.

The economy light fare also included a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance, 23 kilograms of checked luggage, inflight meals, personal entertainment screens, and world-class onboard service on all four flights.

This Cathay Pacific ticket was an absolute bargain, especially considering it was booked just four weeks before the flight dates, and I was flying with one of the world’s top full-service airlines, offering its award-winning economy class product.

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

Regular Philippine passport holders can enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region without a visa for up to 14 days. Anyone staying beyond the visa-free period must apply for a visa to enter Hong Kong.

In my case, since my final destination was Tokyo, Japan, I had to comply with Japan’s entry requirements. Regular Philippine passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Japan for leisure purposes. The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines recently opened the Japan Visa Assistance Center (JVAC), operated by VFS Philippines, Inc. All Japan visa applications are now processed through this center.

Additionally, the Japanese government mandates that all incoming passengers complete immigration and customs arrival procedures via the Visit Japan website. Upon arrival, all passengers must present their issued QR codes at immigration and customs for scanning. Tourists can obtain their QR codes up to two weeks before their intended arrival date.

Locally, the Philippine government requires all departing passengers to fill out online departure forms and obtain a departure QR code from the eTravel website.

Before The Flight

One week before the flight, Cathay Pacific sent an email advising passengers to prepare for their upcoming journey. The airline reminded passengers to review their baggage allowance and confirm that their contact details were correct and up to date. They also offered additional services, such as paid preferred seats, business class upgrades, and travel insurance.

Two days before the flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific sent another email notifying passengers that online check-in was now available for both flights to Hong Kong and Tokyo Haneda. The email also included information about the inflight entertainment system, as well as magazines and newspapers available onboard.

I selected a seat (for free) on both flights and checked in online. However, I did not receive a digital boarding pass and was advised to collect it at the airport during bag drop. On the day of the flight, the airline sent a final email with details about the departure terminal, flight time, assigned check-in counters, boarding time, and the designated boarding gate.

Aircraft & Flight Information

The Manila to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 13-year-old Airbus A330-343X aircraft (at the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in February 2012, the plane is registered as B-LAN. It features 39 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 223 standard economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

Flight CX 930 took off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:56 p.m. and landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 2:39 p.m. There is no time difference between Manila and Hong Kong, and the flight duration was 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

Cathay Pacific operates from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

Cathay Pacific occupies one side of Counter E for check-in and bag drop, with dedicated counters for business class passengers, those requiring assistance, and passengers traveling in groups.

I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 8:45 a.m. and immediately lined up to pay the travel tax. I started queuing for check-in at 9:01 a.m. and finished around 9:15 a.m. The ground staff was efficient and friendly.

PRE-DEPARTURE

After check-in, I met up with my relatives, and we all went through immigration and the final security check before spending the rest of the pre-boarding time at A Lounge. I used my Security Bank credit card to access the lounge.

BOARDING

We left the lounge around 11:45 a.m. and walked to our assigned gate – Gate 107. Priority boarding began at 12:00 noon, starting with business class passengers, airline status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy class passengers boarded according to their assigned seats and boarding groups.

At 12:34 p.m., the cabin crew closed the airplane doors, and the entire boarding process was completed in 34 minutes. The plane pushed back at 12:39 p.m. and made its way to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

The Manila to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 13-year-old Airbus A330-343X aircraft (at the time of the flight). It features 39 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 223 standard economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

The business class section follows a reverse herringbone configuration, with each seat offering aisle access. According to SeatGuru, each business class seat has a pitch of 45 inches and a width of 21 inches. The seats also feature large entertainment screens, a generous footwell, a console with remote and seat controls, noise-canceling headphones, and a power outlet.

The economy class section follows the 2-4-2 seating layout. According to SeatGuru, each economy seat has a pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.2 inches. Economy class seats are equipped with thick seatback padding, an adjustable headrest, 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 aircraft safety card and a magazine, and a small stowage space under the screen. The seats do not have personal air vents but include individual reading lights and cabin crew call buttons. Passengers are also provided with headphones, a soft pillow, and a blanket.

I chose window seat 42A for this quick hop to Hong Kong. I particularly liked the thick seatback padding on Cathay’s economy class seats. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a pillow and blanket on the seat, especially considering the flight was under two hours. Cathay Pacific prioritizes passenger comfort.

INFLIGHT MEAL

Cathay Pacific serves inflight meals on all their flights, and despite the flight being less than two hours, the airline served a hot meal on this journey. After takeoff, the cabin crew distributed the lunch meal, which had only one option—pork with steamed rice and vegetables. The meal was served on a small tray, accompanied by a bottle of water and metal cutlery.

After the meal service, the crew collected the used trays. The entire meal and clean-up process was completed within 30 minutes after the seatbelt sign was turned off. The crew did not offer a second round of drinks; instead, drinks were available on demand.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s entertainment system on the Airbus A330 offers a decent selection of movies, television shows, and music options. While the choices may not be as extensive as those available on their Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, they are sufficient for shorter flights like this one to Hong Kong. The system also features a moving inflight map that shows the flight’s exact location.

Unfortunately, I was not able to enjoy the entertainment as my system was faulty. It crashed a few times and only worked intermittently, displaying the inflight map, which was functional. Additionally, prior to landing, the cabin crew announced that connecting gate information would be displayed on the screens. However, these details were nowhere to be found.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

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

I did not bother connecting to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was less than two hours. The airline’s rates are in line with industry standards, but I did not feel it was worth it for short flights like this one.

LAVATORY

I did not visit the lavatory during this short flight to Hong Kong.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was quick and efficient. The meal service felt a bit rushed, but this was completely understandable given the short duration of the flight. I also noticed the crew made several rounds to check on passengers and see if anyone needed anything.

Disembarkation

The plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 2:36 p.m. and taxied to Gate 30 for disembarkation. Passengers disembarked by section, with business class passengers exiting first, followed by the front economy class passengers, and finally, those from the rear economy class section.

I did not clear Hong Kong immigration. Instead, I walked to the transit area, cleared security, and proceeded to the departures hall for my connecting flight to Tokyo Haneda.

Flight Experience

It was another wonderful flight experience with Cathay Pacific. While not perfect, it was certainly a great one. Allow me to share both the standouts and the misses of this flight.

Let us start with the positives. First, the return fare from Manila to Tokyo Haneda via Hong Kong was both affordable and valuable. I secured the return ticket for just USD 235.20, only four weeks before the flight, and enjoyed all the amenities and perks of flying with a full-service airline. It was a win.

Second, Cathay Pacific ensured that all passengers were well-informed, from ticket inclusions and the opening of online check-in to flight boarding times and assigned gates. The airline sent multiple emails and mobile notifications with these details. Third, the schedule for CX 930 is perfect for a trip to Hong Kong. There is no need to arrive too early at the airport, and you can head straight to hotel check-in once in Hong Kong.

Fourth, Cathay Pacific’s economy class seats are comfortable, thanks to the thick seatback padding and adjustable headrests. I hope they do not remove these features in the future. Fifth, the airline served a hot meal with a bottle of water on this quick (less than two hours) hop to Hong Kong.

Lastly, Cathay Pacific has now equipped their Airbus A330 aircraft with Wi-Fi connectivity. I flew the same aircraft type back in December 2023, and there were no inflight connectivity options at that time. Kudos to Cathay Pacific for rolling this out to their A330 regional aircraft.

As mentioned earlier, this flight was not without its misses. First, the entertainment system on my assigned seat (42A) kept crashing. I ended up using it only for the inflight map instead of the usual movies or music. Second, the connecting gate information, which the crew announced would be available on the inflight screens, was nowhere to be found.

Lastly, this is not really a “miss,” but it is something I missed on this A330 aircraft: individual air nozzles. The cabin had a centralized air conditioning system, leaving the seats without individual nozzles. I prefer having my own air vent so I can adjust it and ensure continuous air circulation at my seat.

Nevertheless, it was another lovely flight with Cathay Pacific. I will always consider flying with them, especially when there are great deals like this one. I am also looking forward to trying their Airbus A350s, premium economy, and, hopefully, their business class product.

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

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 13 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 930
Route: Manila, Philippines (MNL) to Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG)
Duration: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 42A
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343X
Aircraft Registration: B-LAN
Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce Trent 772B-60
Age: 13-years-old
Delivered: February 2012

This concludes my recent flight experience with Cathay Pacific from Manila to Hong Kong on flight CX 930. Have you flown with Cathay Pacific before? How was your experience with the airline? Are you considering booking with them for your next trip? If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to leave a comment below or send an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond!

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, please consider liking, following, and sharing my social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. This will help increase my reach and keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, and flight reports on this website. Thank you, and I will see you in the next flight report!

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

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Food Edition – A 9-Day Culinary Adventure [November 2024]

Late last year, I embarked on a 9-day trip around Seoul—my first visit in 9 long years. It was a memorable journey with friends who had overlapping schedules, making the experience even more special.

Over the past few days, I have shared some of the must-visit places from our trip: Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, Insa-dong, Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, Hangang Park, Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, Nami Island, Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, Seoul Forest Park, Seongsu, Starfield COEX Library, and, of course, our base in Hongdae.

Between exploring these iconic sights, we indulged in a variety of delicious meals and street food. While I am not a food blogger, I could not resist sharing some snapshots of the local dishes we devoured. And yes, I did miss capturing some of the classic street foods like tteokbokki (rice cake), gimbap (rice roll), bungeo-ppang (fish pastry with red bean paste), sundae (blood sausage), and odeng (fish cake). Promise, I had them—I just forgot to take photos.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Gyeran-ppang

Gyeran-ppang, or egg bread, is a popular street food across South Korea. This oblong-shaped, fluffy bread is topped with a whole egg, making it both savory and satisfying.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a rice bowl topped with a variety of vegetables, a fried egg, and sometimes meat (typically beef), all mixed together with gochujang sauce. My friends and I opted for the vegetarian version at a cozy local restaurant near Changdeokgung Palace.

Chimaek (Chicken & Beer) + Soju

Chimaek, the perfect combo of crispy fried chicken and cold beer, is a beloved treat in South Korea. We enjoyed this pairing with a bottle of soju at Two Two Fried Chicken, located near Myeong-dong Station.

Hangang Ramyeon & Chicken

One of the best experiences in Seoul is enjoying hot (overpriced) ramyeon and fried chicken by the Hangang River. At Yeouido Hangang Park, we prepared our own ramyeon from the machines and paired it with BHC Chicken.

Dak-galbi

Dak-galbi is a spicy, stir-fried chicken dish with vegetables and rice cakes, often enhanced with kimchi, cheese, and noodles. We savored this flavorful dish during our day tour to Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, and Nami Island.

Samgyeopsal

A trip to Seoul would not be complete without samgyeopsal, the iconic Korean BBQ. On our last night in the city, we visited a local restaurant that was a filming location for a popular drama. We enjoyed grilled pork belly and beef, along with unlimited side dishes.

Jjajangmyeon & Tangsuyuk

Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish topped with a savory black bean paste sauce, diced pork, and vegetables. We paired it with tangsuyuk, a crispy sweet-and-sour pork dish. We had this combo for dinner at Hong Kong Banjeom 0410 in the Hongdae area.

Chicken Burger

Our tour guide highly recommended Mom’s Touch for the best chicken burger in South Korea. My friend and I decided to give it a try, and while the chicken burger was good, we thought it was just okay. We opted for the set meal, which came with fries and a drink.

Jokbal

Jokbal, braised pig’s trotters (pork feet), is a traditional Korean dish known for its rich flavor and unique texture. It is usually served with lettuce, kimchi, dipping sauces, and sliced garlic, and often paired with soju. However, we tried it with makgeolli (fermented rice wine) for a different twist. We enjoyed this dish for dinner at a local jokbal restaurant near Seongsu Station.

Galbi-jjim & Mandu

Galbi-jjim is braised beef short-rib dish cooked in a savory sauce, and mandu are Korean dumplings. We had both for lunch at Gangnam Myeonok Restaurant’s Myeong-dong branch. The combination of tender beef and delicious dumplings left us full and satisfied.

That wraps up our 9-day culinary journey through Seoul! From street food to traditional dishes, we experienced so much more than just the city’s sights. Be sure to try these dishes and street foods on your next visit—there is still so much more to taste, and I cannot wait to go back!

Have you tried any of these dishes before? Which one is your favorite, and which one would you always make sure to have when in Seoul? If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! You can also check out other posts about this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

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

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Seoul Forest Park, Seongsu & Starfield COEX Library [November 2024]

In November 2024, my friends and I flew to South Korea for a quick break from our routine lives. We were there on overlapping schedules, but I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights. I had visited Seoul in 2014 and 2015, and I was ecstatic to finally revisit the city after 9 long years.

In my previous posts, I shared where we had been during the trip, including Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden, Insa-dong, Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, Yeouido Hangang Park, Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, and Hongdae. We also took a day tour to visit Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, and Nami Island. Today, I will share the last few places we visited—Seoul Forest Park, Seongsu, and Starfield COEX Library.

Read on to find out why you should include these three places in your next visit to Seoul.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Plane Ticket

My friends and I scored affordable return tickets during Cebu Pacific Air’s ₱1 base fare anniversary sale in early March 2024. We paid ₱4,329.30 each for a round-trip ticket from Manila to Seoul (Incheon). The ticket included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance for each leg of the journey.

We added prepaid baggage both before and during the trip. For the Manila to Seoul sector, I added one 20-kilogram checked luggage allowance, and for the Seoul to Manila leg, I added two 20-kilogram checked luggage allowances. Including the baggage fees, I paid a total of ₱7,409.30 for the round trip.

This type of return fare is only available once every few months, so we were lucky to snag such a low-ticket price. I would like to thank Cebu Pacific Air for offering their ₱1 base fare sale to all Filipinos. The airline has made it possible for millions of Filipinos to travel both domestically and internationally at such affordable fares.

Accommodation

I spent 9 days and 8 nights in Seoul, which overlapped with my friends’ stay. During this time, we all decided to stay at the same place, choosing Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in the lively Hongdae District. For the first 4 nights, we booked a family room with a full bed, two single beds, and a balcony. After some friends returned to Manila, we moved to a twin room with bunk beds for the remaining 4 nights. My share of the 8-night stay was ₱13,243.97, which I thought was a great value, especially since we enjoyed private rooms and free breakfast every morning.

I also featured Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of my recent Hostel of the Day posts — make sure to check it out here.

Going Around Seoul

During our trip, my friends and I used a T-money rechargeable card for all our public transportation. We initially thought about getting the Climate Card but decided against it due to our varying schedules and plans. In October 2024, we received a complimentary T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC. Those of our companions who did not already have one purchased theirs at the Airport Station.

Seoul Forest Park

Seoul Forest Park is a large, popular park known for its ginkgo trees during autumn. It is a favorite among locals and has also become a popular tourist destination. The park is located next to SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies.

Nearest train station: Seoul Forest Station of the Bundang Line (Exit 4)

Seongsu

Seongsu is home to both local and international fashion brands and has become one of Seoul’s most vibrant shopping destinations. The area is filled with boutiques, shops, pop-up stores, cafés, and restaurants.

Be prepared to queue for your favorite brands, especially on weekends. My friend and I visited on a Saturday, and the streets were packed with people either waiting in line for their favorite brands or hopping from one shop to another.

Nearest train station: Seongsu Station of the Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exit 4)

Starfield COEX Library

Similar to the Starfield Suwon Library, the Starfield COEX Library is located inside the Starfield COEX Shopping Mall. This two-storey library houses thousands of books that visitors can freely read while relaxing in the open spaces provided. It is the first Starfield Library in Seoul.

My friend and I visited on a Sunday afternoon and found the library to be crowded with visitors. I recommend avoiding weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.

Nearest train stations: Samseong Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exit 5) or Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9 (Exit 7)

What do you think of Seoul Forest Park, Seongsu, and Starfield COEX Library? Are these places on your list for your next Seoul visit? Have you been to any of them before? What was your experience, or are you considering visiting them in the future? I would love to hear your thoughts!

If you have any questions or want more details, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am always happy to respond! Stay tuned for more posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts from this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

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

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market & Hongdae [November 2024]

Last November 2024, I flew to Seoul, South Korea, for the first time in 9 years. I went there with my high school friends, whose schedules overlapped, and we enjoyed the cold weather and the beautiful autumn scenery. I had previously visited Seoul in November 2014 and November 2015, so this time, I did not feel the need to rush around to see everything. Instead, I took things slow and savored every moment in the city; I even had a few work days during the trip.

In my previous posts, I shared details about the places we visited on this trip, including Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden, Insa-dong, Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, and Yeouido Hangang Park. I also shared photos from the Klook day tour we took, which included a visit to Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, and Nami Island. Today, I will take you through Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, and Hongdae.

Keep reading to find out if these places pique your interest and if you would be keen on visiting them.

Plane Ticket

In early 2024, my friends and I got lucky and snagged a ₱1 base fare return ticket during Cebu Pacific Air’s anniversary sale. Initially, we paid ₱4,329.30 for a return ticket, which included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance.

Months before the flight, I added 20 kilograms of checked baggage each way and paid an additional ₱1,980. While in Seoul, I bought a lot of things, which prompted me to add another 20 kilograms of baggage allowance, bringing the total to 40 kilograms. This additional baggage cost ₱1,100. In total, the return ticket with baggage came to ₱7,409.30. Such a steal!

Affordable tickets like this are difficult to come by, especially given the airline’s popularity during ₱1 base fare sales. I still want to thank Cebu Pacific Air for consistently offering this kind of promotion and helping every Filipino fly to their destinations with such low fares.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Accommodation

My friends and I traveled to Seoul on overlapping schedules, so we decided to stay in just one accommodation—Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. We spent the first 4 nights in a family room (1 double bed and 2 single beds) with a balcony. After the other 4 friends returned to Manila, my friend and I moved to a twin bunk room. Both rooms included private toilets and showers, along with a complimentary simple breakfast every morning.

My share for both rooms over the entire 8-night stay was ₱13,243.97. I consider it a great deal, especially since we had the room to ourselves and it included a private toilet. On top of that, the property’s location was just a few meters from the metro station and the bustling Hongdae district.

I wrote about our stay and experience at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of the latest Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check out the write-up here.

Going Around Seoul

My friends and I used the rechargeable T-money card for all our transportation during the trip. Seoul offers a few unlimited pass options, but none of them suited our itinerary. There were also days when we used our train cards only twice; in fact, there was even a day when we did not use them at all.

We received a free T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC in October 2024. Our companions, who did not have a T-money card, bought theirs at the Airport Station.

Starfield Suwon Library

Starfield Suwon Library is located inside the Starfield Suwon Shopping Mall. Spanning four floors, the library has become a popular photo spot since its opening in early 2024. I visited this library with a friend who was in Seoul for a quick layover.

 

Nearest train station: Hwaseo Station of Seoul Subway Line 1 (Exit 1)

Dongmyo Flea Market

Dongmyo Flea Market is a local market known for its vintage goods and secondhand items. The market has just about everything you need and want—antiques, vinyl records, leather jackets, clothes—you name it. Some of these items are even offered for as low as ₩1,000.

The market is open daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends. It is closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Please note that most stalls close before sunset, so it is best to visit early, or while the sun is still up.

I went there on a Saturday afternoon and was surprised by the number of people visiting. The flea market was packed, but it still had some interesting items.

Nearest train station: Dongmyo Station of Seoul Subway Lines 1 & 6 (Exit 3)

Hongdae

Hongdae is a vibrant cultural neighborhood near Hongik University. The area is famous for its urban art, artisan shops, trendy cafes, indie music stores, and local clothing boutiques. It is also well-known for its buskers and street performers, who perform on the streets to gain exposure and hone their skills. Additionally, Hongdae is famous for its lively clubbing scene, with several nightclubs and party spots. Many people refer to Hongdae as the go-to area for young and energetic individuals.

Nearest train stations: Hongik University Station of Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exit 9) or AREX Airport Railroad (Exit 3)

What do you think of Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, and Hongdae? Would you include these places in your next Seoul visit? Have you been to them before? What was your experience? Are you considering visiting them in the future?

If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to leave a comment below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts from this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

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