Once a year, I take a solo escape somewhere in the world. No kids. No car seats. No questions about snacks every ten minutes. Just me, a carry-on, and the sweet sound of airport announcements in the distance.

These trips always start with too many possibilities. I make a list, change my mind, and then change it again. First, I look at Nepal. Then I flirt with something completely wild, like Mauritania. Finally, I land on Thailand, because sometimes the best trips are the familiar ones.

Thailand feels like home to me. 

I spent two years living in Bangkok and another three in Chiang Mai, so going back always feels like pressing the reset button. It is familiar but exciting, calm yet chaotic in all the right ways. 

Plus, as any parent will tell you, raising kids is wonderful, but it drains every ounce of energy from your soul. A quiet trip to Thailand feels like hitting “restore factory settings” on my brain.

My first plan is to fly EVA Air’s new 787-10 Business Class on their fifth freedom route between Vienna (VIE) and Bangkok (BKK). It looks perfect, until the booking decides to fall apart at the last minute.

After a few hours of frantic searching, I finally spot a new option: Cathay Pacific A350-900 Business Class, connecting through Hong Kong (HKG) and looking like a seriously comfy way to cross the globe.

The route goes from Zurich (ZRH) to Bangkok (BKK) with a stop in Hong Kong (HKG). It is not the most direct journey, but it gives me a golden opportunity to visit The Pier, one of the best Business Class lounges in the world.

Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s take off.

Award Flight Booking (9/10)

This trip comes together at the last minute. I book the ticket just one week before departure, which feels risky for an international itinerary. 

Finding any Business Class award space that close to takeoff feels like winning the travel lottery, so when I see an open seat – on Cathay Pacific A350-900 Business Class – I jump on it immediately.

For this flight, I use 84,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (currently 88,000 miles in 2025), transferred from American Express Membership Rewards. At the time, Amex is running a 20 percent transfer bonus, which means I only spend 70,000 points out of pocket, plus minimal taxes and fees. 

TPA Pro Tip: If you want to book Cathay Pacific Business Class with points, always start your search on the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles website. Cathay frequently releases more award seats to its own members than to partner programs like British Airways Executive Club, Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, or Qantas Frequent Flyer.

That bonus makes all the difference, and it is a perfect reminder of why timing your transfers can stretch your points balance much further.

Here is the exact itinerary I book:

• Flight Number: CX382
• Route: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) via Hong Kong, Hong Kong (HKG)
• Departure Date: November 26th, 2024
• Departing: 11:55
• Arriving: 06:25 (+1 day)
• Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes

For context, the cash price for this exact route sits just under $4,000 one way. I know that one-way flights almost always price out higher than a full round trip, but still, the redemption value here feels excellent. 

Redeeming 70,000 points instead of spending thousands in cash is a massive win, especially given the last-minute booking.

TPA Pro Tip: If you are leaving from Zurich (ZRH), consider staying at an airport hotel the night before. My favorite option is the Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport, which is directly connected to the terminal. It is only a five-minute walk to check-in, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and Hyatt treats elite members very well.

Business Class Airport Check-In (8/10)

Cathay Pacific operates only one flight per day between Zurich (ZRH) and Hong Kong (HKG), so the check-in feels calm when I arrive. 

The Business Class check-in area is practically empty, which is always a great start to a long-haul journey. I roll up to the counter, and within three minutes the agent has me checked in, boarding pass printed, and bag tagged all the way to Bangkok.

The process is so smooth that it barely feels like an international departure. There is no waiting, no crowd, and the staff are polite and efficient in that wonderfully understated Cathay Pacific way.

What stands out most is the thoroughness of the check-in agent. She takes a moment to explain exactly how to reach my gate, walking me through each step, from security to passport control to the train that connects to Terminal E. 

For anyone who does not fly out of Zurich often, that information is gold.

Security And Immigration

After check-in, I make my way toward security and passport control. It is still early morning, and Zurich Airport is buzzing with long-haul departures to Asia and North America. 

The passport control line looks completely out of control, stretching out the door and almost backing up to the escalators.

For a moment, I feel that familiar travel anxiety start to creep in, but then I remember my secret weapon – my Swiss passport. Since I am traveling alone, I head straight to the automated e-gates, scan my passport, and glide through in seconds while the main line barely moves an inch.

It feels almost unfair, like skipping the final boss fight in a video game. A quick scan, a green light, and I am through.

TPA Pro Tip: Over the last few years, the passport control line at Zurich Airport has grown dramatically. It used to take no more than ten minutes, but now it can stretch to forty-five to sixty minutes during peak hours. If you do not hold a Swiss or EU passport, make sure you build in extra time for any international departure from Terminal E.

Airport Lounge: Aspire Lounge At Zurich Airport (Terminal E)

Cathay Pacific does not operate its own lounge at Zurich Airport, so Business Class passengers use the Aspire Lounge in Terminal E. It is actually one of my favorite third-party lounges here, and not just because it gets the job done.

For starters, the plane spotting is fantastic. The lounge has large windows that overlook the tarmac and an outdoor seating area, which is rare in Europe. On a clear day, you can sit outside, sip a drink, and watch widebodies from all over the world taxi out to the runway. 

It feels more like an airport café than a sterile waiting room.

And then there is the soup. Normally, this lounge serves some of the best soup in Zurich Airport, which is saying something. Unfortunately, I arrive a little too early to enjoy my favorite combo. 

It is around 10:30 a.m., and the lounge is still in breakfast mode. No soup yet, just the usual morning lineup of scrambled eggs, sliced meats, cheeses, breads, yogurts, croissants, fruits, and baked beans. 

It is standard but satisfying enough for a quick pre-flight meal.

As a side note, despite the early morning hour, the lounge still sets the wine right next to the gummy bears, as if the universe is sending me a very specific message about balance… and unique pairings?

Terminal E Observation Deck

Even though I really enjoy the Aspire Lounge, it is far too nice a day to sit indoors. So I pack up my things and head upstairs to one of the best-kept secrets at Zurich Airport – the Terminal E Observation Deck.

This area is surprisingly unknown, even among frequent flyers. 

Once I get up there, the view instantly reminds me why I love this spot so much. I can see both sides of the terminal, with aircraft parked just meters away. My Cathay Pacific A350-900 sits gleaming in the sun, waiting at the gate like it knows it’s about to take me somewhere far warmer.

The best part is how peaceful it feels. I have almost the entire deck to myself, with nothing but the hum of jet engines in the background. For a few minutes, I forget the chaos of airports and just watch planes come and go.

Before I know it, it is time to board.

Cathay Pacific A350-900 Aircraft Cabin And Layout (8/10)

The Cathay Pacific A350-900 Business Class features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration, which means every passenger enjoys direct aisle access and plenty of privacy. It is one of my favorite layouts for long-haul travel, and Cathay executes it beautifully.

The Business Class cabin is split into two sections. 

The larger Business Class cabin sits at the front of the aircraft with eight rows of seats, while a smaller “mini” Business Class cabin, with only two rows of seats, sits just behind it – tucked between the galley and the Premium Economy section.

I normally prefer sitting somewhere in the middle of the larger cabin, far enough from the galley lights and movement but close enough to feel part of the main cabin flow. On this flight, though, last-minute award booking means fewer seat options. 

I end up in seat 21K, located in the mini cabin, but at least I manage to grab a window seat, which is always my first choice.

To my surprise, I actually end up liking this mini section a lot. It feels calm, private, and almost separated from the rest of the plane. For a solo traveler, it is a perfect little pocket of quiet.

TPA Pro Tip: If you are flying east from Zurich Airport, sit on the right side of the aircraft for the best mountain views. On a clear day, you can see the Swiss Alps stretching out beneath you shortly after takeoff. #windowseat4life

Cathay Pacific Business Class Seat (8/10)

The first thing I notice when I sit down is the design. The seat is upholstered in deep green fabric, framed by soft beige and grey panels, with small red accents in the cubbies and storage areas. 

It feels calm and elegant, almost residential in its style. This is what Cathay Pacific does best – refined without being flashy.

There is no privacy door, but the high shell and the wing-shaped panel beside my head create a nice sense of separation. It feels private without feeling boxed in, which is exactly what I want for a long-haul flight.

Once I settle in, I realize how comfortable the seat really is. 

The padding feels supportive, and the side console gives me a wide surface for personal items. The footwell is large enough to stretch out fully, and the overall space feels open and balanced. 

The armrest on the aisle side is also adjustable. It can move up or down, which turns out to be surprisingly useful. When I lower it, the seat feels more open and spacious. When I raise it, it creates a small privacy barrier that blocks some of the view from the aisle. 

It also makes sleeping more comfortable, giving just enough separation from the rest of the cabin.

All the controls and essentials sit within easy reach on my right-hand side. The entertainment remote, reading light, and seat controls are neatly organized, though the buttons take a moment to figure out. 

Once I learn the sequence, adjusting the seat between upright, reclined, and bed mode becomes quick and intuitive.

Cathay also nails the storage design. 

The main cubby houses a bottle of water, the amenity kit, and a pair of headphones. On the inside of the cubby door, there is a small mirror and a mesh pouch, perfect for keeping glasses or smaller items close by. 

Below the side console, there is another larger compartment, one that impresses me more than I expect. When it is open, it swallows up all the little things I want within reach. When closed, it becomes part of the seat structure, adding extra legroom and making the space feel noticeably more open.

A small water bottle holder built into the armrest rounds out the setup. It is such a minor detail, but on a long flight, it becomes surprisingly useful.

Cathay Pacific Business Class Bed (8/10)

When it is time to sleep, I discover that I need to set up my own bed. At first, I am a little surprised, since many top-tier Asian airlines usually handle that for you. It is not a big deal though; it only takes a minute, and it is something I am perfectly capable of doing myself.

Once the bedding is in place, the seat transforms into a fully flat bed that feels genuinely comfortable. Cathay provides a padded mattress cover, which makes a noticeable difference. The seat itself is already supportive, but with the extra layer underneath, it feels softer and more forgiving.

The footwell is huge, easily one of the most spacious I have seen on any aircraft. The design also helps: the extra space above the storage compartment gives the bed an open, almost oversized feel. Combined with the wide side shelf, it feels like I am lying in my own private little cocoon.

The blanket, however, is on the thinner side. It feels slightly rough to the touch, not scratchy, just not as soft as I prefer. It keeps me warm, but I do notice the temperature runs a bit hot during the night, so I end up sleeping without it for part of the flight.

I manage to get about five to six hours of sleep, which is not bad for a long-haul flight. The sleep itself is not great – but that has more to do with me being a slightly nervous flyer than with the comfort of the bed.

Cathay did not provide pajamas in Business Class for this flight; which is a fairly standard amenity for most top-tier airlines. I am fine with that, but frequent flyers who love a full sleep kit may want to bring their own lightweight sleepwear.

On-Board Entertainment (6/10)

The entertainment screen on the Cathay Pacific A350-900 is a pleasant surprise. It is a large 18.5-inch 4K display, bright and crisp, with sharp colors that make movies look fantastic. The touchscreen is responsive, and navigating through the menus feels quick and intuitive.

The movie selection leans heavily toward Hong Kong and Chinese films, which makes sense given the home base of Cathay Pacific. Thankfully, every title includes English subtitles, so I can still follow along even when the dialogue moves fast. 

The Western entertainment selection is smaller, but there are a few recognizable hits like Deadpool & Wolverine and Despicable Me 4 – perfect for when I want something light to watch before sleeping.

The limited Western content is not a dealbreaker, especially since my main goal on this flight is to get some sleep.

For me, the highlight is the flight map. I am one of those people who can happily watch the route tracker for half the flight. The system provides a detailed 3D display with zoom, angle, and route-tracking options, which makes it easy to check progress or spot which mountain range we are currently flying over.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

Cathay Pacific offers free Wi-Fi for all Business and First Class passengers on the A350-900, which is an incredible perk for a long-haul flight. Once I connect, the portal activates instantly with no signup hurdles or payment screens.

For everyone else onboard, the plans are straightforward – 9.95 USD for one hour or 19.95 USD for the full flight.

During the flight, I run a quick speed test out of curiosity, and the results surprise me. The Wi-Fi peaks at around 58.1 Mbps download and 2.47 Mbps upload, which is easily fast enough for messaging, email, and even light streaming.

A350-900 Business Class Lavatory (7/10)

The Business Class lavatories on the Cathay Pacific A350-900 include all the essentials. The counters are stocked with luxury Bamford toiletries, including body lotion, hand wash, and sanitizer gel. It is a small touch, but it adds that signature Cathay sense of refinement.

The space itself feels a little cramped, especially for a Business Class cabin on a newer aircraft. There is not much room to move around, but everything is spotless and well maintained. I also notice a fold-down changing table for parents traveling with infants, which is a thoughtful addition.

What impresses me most is how consistently clean the bathrooms stay throughout the flight. Every time I stop by, they are tidy, stocked, and smell fresh.

Since I am seated in the mini Business Class cabin, I have access to the smaller lavatory located just steps away. With only eight seats in this section – and just three other passengers in this section – it feels almost private. 

I never have to wait, which is a rare luxury on any long-haul journey.

Cathay Pacific Business Class Amenity Kit (7/10)

There is nothing wrong with the Cathay Pacific A350-900 Business Class amenity kit, but it still feels a little basic. Maybe I just set my expectations too high for an airline with the reputation of Cathay Pacific.

The kit is stocked with all the standard items from Bamford, including a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, lotion, hydrating face mist, and mouthwash, plus a Cathay Pacific–branded sleep mask. The face mist is a standout item – it is refreshing and feels like something I would actually use at home, which earns a few bonus points in my book.

The bag itself is made of leather, and it feels premium, easily the highlight of the entire kit. The only odd part is the mismatch between the high-end case and the more basic contents inside. It is a bit like receiving a designer wallet and finding nothing but spare change in it. 

Still, it looks sharp and makes for a nice travel souvenir.

Cathay Pacific Business Class Food And Beverage (8/10)

One of the things I always look forward to in Business Class is the meal service. On Cathay Pacific, the catering has a long-standing reputation for being elegant, flavorful, and distinctly Asian – refined without being overcomplicated.

Pre Departure

Before departure, the crew offers a choice of drinks, and I go with a glass of champagne. It is crisp and refreshing, but I will admit I am a little disappointed there is no signature or specialty drink on offer. I always enjoy when airlines add something fun or local, like a special mocktail or regionally inspired welcome drink. 

Still, bubbles are never a bad way to start a flight.

Main Meal Service

Shortly after takeoff, the crew begins the lunch service. There are no nuts or small snacks before the meal, which surprises me a little, but the crew gets straight into setting tables and serving starters.

The first course is a smoked duck breast with a lentil, leek, and fennel salad. It is small but full of flavor, a perfect way to start. 

Next up is a celery and fennel soup. It tastes wonderful, although it arrives a little cold, likely because of a short delay during some mid-flight turbulence. Honestly, I cannot fault the crew – they heat it, then have to pause the service for safety, which is completely fair.

For the main course, I choose the braised beef brisket with port wine sauce, served with shallots, broccoli, and sweet potato purée. The beef falls apart perfectly with each bite. The broccoli has a subtle spice I cannot quite identify but love, and the sweet potatoes are creamy and slightly sweet. Even the garlic bread, though a touch firm, pairs nicely with the sauce.

Dessert is simple but satisfying – Häagen-Dazs ice cream and a selection of chocolates. Classic choices done right.

All-Day Dining

Midway through the flight, I test out the all-day dining menu, which includes Cathay Pacific favorites like noodle soup and their signature beef burger. The burger has a Swiss twist on this route, topped with Gruyère cheese – a fun nod to the departure city.

I go with the noodle soup, which takes about twenty minutes to prepare but is absolutely worth the wait. The broth is rich, though a little mild until I add chili paste, which instantly gives it the kick I want. 

Be warned: the whole packet brings serious heat, so go easy if you are spice-sensitive. 

It is so good that I end up ordering a second bowl later in the flight, which the crew serves with the same smile as the first.

Breakfast Before Landing

A few hours before arrival, the cabin lights come up for breakfast service. I choose the full Western option, which includes fresh fruit, warm pastries, scrambled eggs, pork sausage, spinach, tomatoes, hash browns, and of course, orange juice. 

The meal is hearty and hits the spot after a long flight, but I do notice a few small details missing – no salt, pepper, or jam for the pastries. Not a dealbreaker, just a small oversight on an otherwise excellent service.

By the time I finish breakfast, the sky outside begins to glow. The sun rises as we start our descent into Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific Staff And Service (9/10)

I could sit here and describe how amazing the service on this flight is, but I think a short story says it better.

Midway through the flight, I press the call button because I want another serving of the delicious soup. I barely have time to glance at the screen before a flight attendant appears beside my seat. It takes maybe ten seconds, and that is me rounding up.

She apologizes for keeping me waiting. I laugh, because if that was considered a delay, then the rest of the service world has a lot to learn. It is such a small moment, but it captures what sets Asian airlines apart – genuine attentiveness that feels effortless, never forced.

Throughout the flight, the Cathay Pacific crew moves quietly through the cabin, refilling glasses, adjusting window shades, and checking in on passengers with subtle smiles. No one ever needs to ask for much, because they anticipate it before you even realize you want something.

It is this level of consistency that reminds me why the Cathay Pacific Business Class service has the reputation it does. Every interaction feels polished and personal, even on a busy flight.

Final Thoughts

As the wheels touch down in Hong Kong (HKG), I feel that familiar mix of exhaustion and excitement that only a long-haul flight can create. This one has been a genuinely enjoyable journey from start to finish.

The Cathay Pacific A350-900 Business Class absolutely holds its own. The seat is thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and full of smart details. The service is exceptional – polished, attentive, and almost telepathic at times.

If I had to nitpick, the blanket could be softer, pajamas would be a “nice to have,” and I would love to see Cathay bring back a more distinctive welcome drink. But those are small details in an otherwise stellar product.

As I gather my things, I can already feel my energy shift. I am looking forward to finally trying The Pier lounge, a place I have heard so many glowing reviews about.

Even more so, I cannot wait to land in Bangkok. I have a packed itinerary, a few food adventures already planned, and incredible stays lined up at both the Park Hyatt Bangkok and the St. Regis Bangkok.

For now, though, it is off to the lounge for a hot shower and another bowl of noodles – because if Cathay Pacific has taught me anything, it is that there is no such thing as too much noodle soup.

Kevin Zanes