This Cathay Dragon flight from Danang to Hong Kong was the first leg of the New Year Deal after two enjoyable nights in Vietnam.
We arrived at the gate just as boarding commenced and were among the first people on the plane.
In this post:
Cathay Dragon Economy Class Review – CX5521
Cathay Dragon 5521
Danang (DAD) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Saturday, October 5
Depart: 09:50AM
Arrive: 12:45PM
Duration: 1hr55min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 22A (Economy Class)
After a voluntary seat swap during boarding, I ended up in the first row of Economy Class in Seat 22A. As you can see below the legroom was very good for a regional flight and I had two windows to enjoy the views outside.
We pushed back from the gate on time and the taxi out to the runway was surprisingly interesting as we passed a number of aircraft hangers, some which looked like remnants from the Vietnam War. Interestingly, the runway is shared with the modern day Vietnamese Air Force.
Before long we were rolling down the runway and headed for Hong Kong, with great views over the beaches of Danang as we climbed.
The efficient crew began breakfast service shortly after the seatbelt sign went off, but with lunch waiting at The Pier First Class lounge in Hong Kong I skipped the hot meal and just had the fruit (including more excellent dragonfruit) and a cup of tea.
Spectacular Approach To Hong Kong Airport
Before long the meal trays were being collected and we began our descent into Hong Kong, where passengers on the left side of the plane were treated to an incredible tour of Hong Kong Island and the mountains that give Kowloon its name.
First we flew over Hong Kong Island:
Then turned north and crossed Victoria Harbour into Kowloon. You can see the runway of the old Kai Tak Airport below:
After a few more twists and turns, though nothing compared to the exciting landing at Kai Tak, we landed smoothly at Hong Kong International Airport.
This was my first experience of the North Satellite Concourse, which is connected to the main terminal by shuttle bus. There was quite the line for the buses but it only took about 10 minutes before we were on our way to the main terminal.
Whilst the bus is always going to be an imperfect solution, kudos to the airport management for using buses that are flush with the floor of the terminal so I was able to roll my Rimowa right onto the bus.
Summary
This was a comfortable Cathay Dragon flight which was made special by the incredible views of Hong Kong and Kowloon as we came in to land. In dozens of flights into Hong Kong International Airport this was without question the most scenic.
Trip Report Contents
Introduction – The Cathay Pacific New Year Deal Trip
Review: Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge Sydney Business Class
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class 77W
Review: Silk Air Business Class 737-800
Review: Four Points By Sheraton Danang
Review: CIP Orchid Lounge Danang
Review: Cathay Dragon Economy Class A320
Review: The Pier First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W
Review: Fairfield Inn Manhattan Downtown East
Review: Blue Hill At Stone Barns
Review: Le Bernardin
New York Activities
Review: TWA Flight Centre
Review: AA Flagship First Dining JFK
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W (via Vancouver)
Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Review: The Pier Business Class Lounge
Review: Qantas Business Class 787
Summary – Highlights & Points Earned
