Review: Cathay Pacific A350-900 Premium Economy

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Oct 31 2023, 8:53 am

We review Cathay Pacific on the A350-900 in Premium Economy from London Gatwick to Hong Kong. We have also reviewed Cathay Pacific A350 Premium Economy Singapore to Hong Kong, and Cathay Pacific Business Class on the A350.

The A350-900s Airbus planes were put into circulation on Cathay Pacific’s routes in 2016. This plane’s premium economy seats are slightly narrower than in other CX plane types (18.5 inches versus 19.5 inches) but with greater seat pitch (40 inches versus 38 inches). Cathay Pacific features in our top 10 best airlines for longhaul Business Class, Cathay First Class On Boeing 747-400 and Cathay Pacific First Class On Boeing 777-300.

This flight leaves from the South Terminal of London Gatwick. Once onboard, your jacket is taken, and you are offered a glass of sparkling wine, juice, or water. Flight time from Gatwick to Hong Kong is 10 hours 55 minutes.

The legroom in the premium economy cabin is very good, and the central armrest is wide. The seat is designed in shades of dark blue with brown leather on the arm and headrests, and a cushion is provided for extra back support. There is a small drink shelf that slides out from under the central armrest, a seat-back cubby hole that fits a phone and other sundries, and a small drop-down shelf for a tablet. There is also a dimmable reading light next to the headrest, and the 12.1-inch touchscreen monitor is excellent, with video, music, and games options.

The seat reclines with an extendible footrest, making sleeping much easier than in normal economy class. An amenity kit is provided containing an eye mask, socks, earplugs, and a toothbrush.

Best Seat In Premium Economy on Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy has its own cabin section, with 28 seats in a 2-4-2. See the seatplan. As the cabin is not near either toilets or a galley, noise is not an issue, so all seats are good in this cabin. I always prefer the 2’s on either side, which I can share with my partner. One gets the window, and one gets the aisle.

Cathay Pacific A350-900 premium economy Food

Twenty-five minutes after takeoff, the drinks trolley and menu are distributed. White and red wine is offered, as well as spirits, beer, and soft drinks. Lunch is served soon after. The seared chicken fillet with sautéed baby spinach, herb polenta gallenti, and pesto rosso is very good. (other main choices on this flight were beef tenderloin in black pepper sauce or a vegetarian cheese agnolotti with rocket cream sauce.)

Breakfast is fruit and yogurt, plus a choice of prawn, chicken, and egg noodles, or omelet, bacon, sautéd mushrooms, tomatoes, and Lyonnaise potatoes.

This is an excellent, award-winning premium economy product with a great seat, decent entertainment, and good service and food. Wi-Fi is available on Cathay Pacific’s A350s. Wi-Fi costs $9.95 USD for one hour, $12.95 USD for six hours, and $19.95 USD for the whole flight.

Find out who tops the list in our top 10 best Premium Economy airlines in the world, and have a read of our other Cathay Pacific Business Class flight reviews and my First Class reviews.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.