CX844 HKG–JFK: Business Class Midnight Departure to New York
After spotting an exceptional fare as part of Cathay Pacific’s Vantage Pass promotion, I booked a 10-day holiday to New York — my first return since my early post-grad days. This time, I was looking forward to experiencing the city through a different lens: a kind of slow travel that rewards you for taking your time with great food and hospitality. The journey started with Cathay’s flagship long-haul route to JFK.
My Cathay Pacific journey from Hong Kong (HKG) to New York JFK began just past midnight, as I arrived at the airport for CX844, one of the last Cathay and transpacific departures of the night. Check-in and security were fast and uneventful — one of the benefits of flying at this late hour.
Unfortunately, the lounge situation was less ideal. By midnight, both the AMEX Centurion Lounge and Cathay Pacific’s flagship The Pier were already closed, leaving only The Wing open. While technically available until the final departure (in this case, our flight), the atmosphere felt more like closing time at a restaurant than a premium lounge even with still an hour before boarding. Staff were clearly preparing to shut down: first roping off the bakery section, then the beloved Noodle Bar. That said, they did politely offer one last call for food if you asked nicely — a small but appreciated gesture.
Flight Overview
Flight: CX844 Hong Kong International (HKG) → New York (JFK)
Date: Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Aircraft: Airbus 350-1000 (B-LXC)
Seat: 19G (Business Class)
Duration: 15h 8m
Departure: 02:44 (scheduled 02:15)
Arrival: 05:52 (scheduled 06:00)
This flight was operated on the Airbus A350-1000, Cathay’s latest long-haul workhorse. While not outfitted with the new Aria Suite (currently only seen on select London, Sydney, Beijing, and Vancouver routes, with YVR surprisingly as the launch route for North America), the existing business class cabin on the A350 remains a solid product. Personally, I quite like the A350 business class product as it feels more spacious. The cabin is slightly refreshed from the older 777s and benefits from lower cabin altitude pressurization (5,500 feet), which helps make long-haul flights more bearable.
Chaotic Boarding, Smooth Onboard
For U.S.-bound flights, there’s a special passport screening before boarding, so prepare for clogged lines and multiple queues that seem to confuse everyone. Passengers were funnelled into one holding pen before splitting into status and class-specific queues, but there was little signage or direction. Many passengers lined up incorrectly, creating unnecessary confusion.
Once onboard, the mood improved quickly. A welcome drink was promptly offered, and I took the chance to complete the breakfast order card and hung it on the coat hook — although slightly redundant these days as a cabin crew will come take or confirm your order on a tablet. The new in-flight entertainment system on this newer aircraft brings a familiar, Netflix-inspired interface—easy to navigate and a great selection of tv shows and movies.
Late-Night Dining at 35,000 Feet
About 90 minutes after takeoff, meal service began. I had pre-ordered one of Cathay’s Signature Dishes: a lamb shoulder confit in partnership with Michelin-starred French restaurant Louise. Having been underwhelmed by the baked crab shell rice dish on a previous flight, I did my homework and chose the dish with the most amount of praises on FlyerTalk — and this lamb dish did not disappoint. It was rich, well-seasoned, and genuinely enjoyable. My only gripe? I wished for rice instead of couscous, but that’s the Asian in me.
As this was a red-eye flight, Cathay streamlined the meal into a single tray service: no amuse-bouche, no separate starter, no bread basket. Just the main, bread roll, and a quick follow-up for dessert by the crew when cleaning up your tray. I opted for the cheese plate while watching HBO, all part of my anti-jetlag strategy: stay awake for the first half of the flight, then sleep the second half to align with New York’s morning arrival on this nearly 16 hour flight.
In-Flight Rest and Late-Night Cravings: No soup for you!
After about an hour of entertainment, I laid the seat flat with the mattress pad — thin, but just enough to soften the seat and make it feel more like a bed. The pillow was very comfortable, though the blanket while big and generous, was not very breathable and can feel a bit warm after a long nap.
I managed six hours of uninterrupted sleep. When I woke up, there were still seven hours remaining. Feeling hungry, I requested the beef brisket tendon noodle soup, only to be told it had run out — along with the burger. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one with cravings.
Instead, I was offered a freshly warmed egg tart — my first time trying one in-flight. While I’ve missed them on recent long-hauls to London and Vancouver, this one hit the spot: warm, flaky, and surprisingly satisfying at 35,000 feet.
Pre-Landing Breakfast and Arrival in New York
About two hours before landing, the breakfast service began. I had opted for the lighter breakfast option — enough to tide me over before my planned diner visit in Manhattan. (I had dreams of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns waiting for me.)
Touchdown was smooth at 5:52 AM, and we cleared immigration and baggage claim in just under 90 minutes.
CX844 Landing at JFK
By 7:30 AM, we were in an Uber heading to the EDITION Times Square. Amazingly, our room was ready by 8 AM — a rarity in NYC. We dropped our bags and headed to Friedman’s nearby for a hearty breakfast, as recommended by the hotel’s bellhop.
Final Thoughts: A Solid, Restful Transpacific Journey Worth The Money or Miles
Overall, Cathay Pacific delivered a reliable and comfortable business class experience on this 16-hour journey. While service was understandably limited due to the red-eye schedule, the crew were efficient and courteous, offering rest over repeated interaction.
Despite lacking the privacy of the new Aria Suite, I found the A350’s business cabin to be more spacious and practical in some respects. It features better storage and an airy feel — though of course, the Aria’s door and larger screen do offer a premium edge. Each has its strengths, but you’re not missing out by flying this tried-and-true product.
Having the opportunity to fly business class on a nearly 16-hour flight is something I don’t take for granted. The comfort and personal space make a world of difference, especially on ultra-long-haul routes like Hong Kong to New York. I still remember my last time on this route in economy — hours felt like days, and rest was nearly impossible. On this flight, being able to stretch out fully, watch some shows on the IFE, or simply doze off with a bit of privacy made the entire journey far more bearable. And with Cathay now offering complimentary Wi-Fi for business class passengers, passing the time becomes even easier — whether it's catching up on emails, messaging friends, or streaming a series. It’s less about luxury, and more about being able to arrive feeling somewhat human.
Cathay Pacific
Airbus 350-1000 (35K)
Flights: CX844
Instagram: @cathaypacific