The Wing, CX 470, Taoyuen

CX Lounge (The Wing) and Flight 470 -- February 10, 2016

2016 HAL Volendam Asian Adventure

We arrived HKIA at around 3:45PM, by the time we got off the plane at Gate 1 it was close to 4:00. Going through transit and security was easy because of the transit point nearby. Our next flight would leave from Gate 2 which saved us much walking in this huge airport. The Cathay Lounge that we wanted to visit, The Wing, also located in the same vicinity right next to Gate 2. 

The Wing 

The Wing is the biggest and busiest Cathay lounge at HKIA. There were many travelers there that day. We walked all the way to the end of the lounge near the noodle bar area where we found some vacant tables and seemed to be a little quieter.

Noodle bar and Chinese food area

The long boarding line at Gate 3 from the Wing.

The beeper for my order of won-ton noodle, my favorite cream soda, and a couple of Siu Mai.

Cathay's signature won-ton noodle.

Our flight out was delayed for half an hour so we got to stay in the lounge a little longer than planned.

Looking outside the windows kind of satisfied my longings for Hong Kong.

The Wing hanging over gate 2.

Flight CX 470

Boarding was not as bad as I thought. I have read comments about how horrible Cathay handled boarding for business class that they also board all Marco Polo members at the same time, even those of green level. Sometimes the business class line can be longer than the economy line. At least on this day, it did not happen. The problem was when they scanned my ticket, I got the beep again! What now? I was sent to the counter and was told that there was a problem with the sound system on the AVOD at seat 11A. I told them that it was fine, I could do without video on such a short flight. Not sure if they were going to switch seats for me but the plane looked pretty full.

I believe this was an Airbus 330, which is a new 2-class regional plane with 42 angled-flat bed business class seats.

11A and C are bulkhead and designated bassinet location. 

I would hate to work on this route if I were a flight attendant. Such short flight and yet they still had to serve a full meal. The crew seemed to really in action throughout this flight and I must applaud their efforts. When the male crew member came by with the menu, he asked if anyone had told me about the problem with the video just to make sure.

I could still watch whatever was on the screen with the caption, just without sound.

DragonAir is changing to Cathay Dragon.

Getting ready for take off.

Leaving Hong Kong after sunset.

For some reason I did not get many photos of the food served on this flight except the little "New Year Snack Packet" which was a thoughtful treat. By the time we finished the "refreshment", it was time for landing. Actually it was a decent dinner which I ordered the braised chicken with jasmine rice. The chicken was nicely done, tasty and moist but the rice was again a little dried around the bowl. I felt like we have been eating all day!

I did have one picture of the fruit salad and dessert, plus the "New Year Snack" packet for the Year of the Monkey.

Delicacies from the famous Kee Wah Bakery in Hong Kong.

Our plane arrived Taipei on time and the airport was surprisingly not busy at all! There were lines but short enough for us to get through quickly. When we went to the carousel to pick up our bags, most of them were out in minutes.

To get to the High Speed Rail station in Taoyuan, we had to purchase our tickets for the shuttles first. The shuttle took us from the airport to the HSR station where we got our tickets for the 9PM train to Chiayi. Unfortunately, we couldn't get assigned seats but lucked out on some priority seats when we boarded.

Ticket counters at the HSR station Taoyuan.

Waiting for the high speed train to southern Taiwan.

By the time we arrived Chiayi, we were picked up by family members and back to FIL's house. We were ready to hit the sack after a long day of traveling.