Cathay Pacific review by Coral 2013-08-02

I am a Qantas FF and have travelled many times with Cathay from Perth-Hong Kong return to visit my family. Due to us Perthites being seriously overlooked by Qantas for direct flights to HK now since the Emirates amalgamation, I have opted to fly with Cathay as it is a direct flight and has an excellent safety record. My irritations though, are two-fold with Cathay, in that their Economy seats are uncomfortable, seemingly due to a forward slanting feeling as if I am on a slight angle. I am not sure if this is so but that is what it feels like – uncomfortable – and it is an 8 hour flight. My second disappointment is that during daytime flights, (which I prefer to nighttime flights), the stewards seriously pressure you into closing the window blind, as soon as meals are served. Daytime instantly turns to night and the lights are lowered and staff and passengers alike are creeping around in the dark unnecessarily for most of the trip. I loathe this directive, as I always select a window seat to make sure that I can see the view below and beyond – which at times is most fascinating – and I want to experience the daylight. Why does Cathay do this – could somebody please enlighten me? I have few choices left now, as there are no other direct flights to HK.