Economy
Cathay Dragon brought several enhancements to their Economy Class cabin in 2013/2014. New slim line seats provide increased personal space and are designed to maximize both recline and leg and knee room. Moveable headrests provide head and neck support with adjustable wings while a small amenity storage unit provides a unique storage space for small items such as glasses and pens.
Most aircraft will feature personal TV screens at each seat for on-demand entertainment. Passengers can choose from movies, TV shows, children’s programming and general interest shows. Touch screen technology ensures easy system navigation. Other electronic features include a USB port and a 110V power point for continuous use of laptops and other electronic devices. On A320 aircraft, Cathay Dragon will introduce a wireless IFE system allowing passengers to stream content directly to their mobile devices. The rollout of IFE on their A320s will begin in November 2014.
Cathay Dragon economy passengers receive a complimentary meal and beverage. Depending on the destination, many flights will feature a choice of an Asian or western dish as well as a selection of beer, wine and a variety of Chinese teas. For long-haul flights, snacks and sweets, such as Haagen-Dazs ice cream are served.
Business Class
The Business Class cabin features wide seats with ample leg room for maximum comfort. The seat’s fixed shell design ensures that seats in front will not encroach on the space of those seated behind. Other seat features include a six way adjustable head rest, an extra-large tray table for work and for dining and a separate beverage table. Ample storage space allows passengers to keep their laptops, documents and other reading materials within easy reach during the flight.
On-demand entertainment is provided on the 12 inch personal TV screens found at each seat. Guests can choose from over 100 movies, 500 TV shows, and an endless number of games and music selections. For passengers who would like to continue using their laptops or other electronic devices, each seat comes equipped with a USB port and 110V power point. From November 2014, Cathay Dragon will introduce wireless IFE systems on their A320s. This new system will allow passengers to stream entertainment content directly to their tablets and smart phones.
The in-flight meal and beverage service resembles that of a restaurant. Guests may choose a starter and main from the inflight menu where a mix of Asian and western dishes match the local flavours of the route being flown.
First Class
Available on select long-haul routes, the First Class cabin provides an atmosphere of privacy and space. Leather seats situated within their own privacy shell recline to a lie-flat position and large tray tables, an additional side table and personal storage areas all maintain a level of comfort and convenience. Each seat comes equipped with a personal TV screen for on-demand entertainment as well as a USB port and 110V power point.
Meals in the First Class cabin are derived from some of Asia’s top chefs. Served on crockery, meals are individually plated and served to the specifications of the passenger. Real flatware and glassware further enhance the table setting.
Carry-on Baggage
Each passenger, regardless of class of travel is restricted to one carry-on bag. This bag must not exceed the dimensions of 56x36x23cm (22x14x9in). These measurements include handles, wheels and side pockets. A small handbag or backpack, laptop bag or briefcase is permitted in addition to the one carry-on item. Passengers travelling with an infant (under 2) may also bring with them an approved car seat, a small diaper bag and collapsible stroller. Duty free items however will count towards the one carry-on.
Checked Baggage
The free baggage allowance a passenger receives depends on the routing of the flight, class of travel and frequent flyer status. The baggage allowance for travel to all countries other than those in the Americas goes by the weight system. Guests are not restricted on the number of bags they can check, but the total weight of all the bags combined cannot exceed 40kg (88lbs) for First, 30kg (66lbs) for Business and 20kg (44lbs) for Economy. Members of the Marco Polo Club receive an additional 20kg, 15kg and 10kg respectively for Diamond, Gold and Silver levels.
For travel to the Americas, the standard baggage allowances follow the piece system. General baggage rules are shown in the graph below. It should be noted however that any single piece of luggage must not exceed 32kg. Items in excess of this weight will not be accepted.
Sporting Equipment
Equipment that is within the linear dimensions of 158cm or 62 inches in size (L+W+H) may be accepted as part of a passenger’s free baggage allowance. Items exceeding this will be charged an excess or oversized bag fee. Items such as bicycles require specific packing to be accepted for carriage by Cathay Dragon. Details are provided by Cathay Dragon reservations.
Musical Equipment
All musical instruments must be carried in a hard case. Instruments not stowed in a hard case will be denied. Small instruments such as a violin or flute may be carried in the cabin but will count as the guest’s one carry-on item. Musical instruments larger than the permitted carry-on dimensions must be checked. A seat may be purchased for musical instruments provided the booking is made at least 3 days before departure. The booking must be made over the phone with a reservations agent.
Restricted or Dangerous Goods
All sharp items must be placed in checked luggage as they are never allowed in cabin baggage. Additionally, gel and liquid containers packed in carry-on bags must not exceed 100mL in size. This includes such items as toothpaste, shampoo, lotions and shaving cream.
Certain items are considered dangerous and are therefore restricted from flying. Carrying such items in your bag is a punishable offence. Just some of the items restricted from flying include explosives, fireworks, flammable materials, flammable liquids and gasses, toxins, lithium batteries (in checked luggage) and any petrol powered piece of machinery. For specific information on restricted or dangerous goods, ask your Flight Centre consultant who will be happy to provide you with clear guidelines.
Web and Mobile Check-in
Passengers are always free to check-in at a Cathay Dragon ticket counter or with a self-service kiosk upon arrival at the airport. On-line or web check-in however is always the most convenient method. On-line check-in is available from 48 hours to 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure for Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific and some partner airline flights. Passengers may select their seats, print off their boarding pass or have one sent electronically to a mobile device. Once checked in for the flight, the passenger need only drop off their bags at the bag drop-off counter at the airport.
Web check-in is not available for passengers on a booking with 10 or more people, unaccompanied minors or for those on a booking where a payment is outstanding.
Lounges
Cathay Dragon lounges are located across Asia, most notably at its home base in Hong Kong. Passengers have access to a further collection of lounges located around the world thanks to Cathay Dragon partnerships with its global airline alliances.
Lounges are open to First and Business Class flyers as well as elite members of the Marco Polo Club (Silver and above). Features in this secluded terminal retreat include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi and computers with internet access, a business centre and newspapers and magazines.
Marco Polo Club
Cathay Dragon’s frequent flyer program is called the Marco Polo Club. The program is free to join and allows guests to accrue mileage points on Cathay Dragon and partner airline flights. Points can also be accumulated through various hotel and car rental companies.
There are four tiers to the Marco Polo Club: Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Enhanced benefits are enjoyed upon reaching each tier. Increased baggage, lounge entry and upgrades are just some of the perks when reaching Gold and Diamond status levels.
Cathay Dragon’s fleet consists of the following aircraft:
A330-300 (long haul international)
A320 and A321 (short haul and regional international)
