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Cathay Pacific Introduces Nonstop Service from Dallas to Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific has initiated a new nonstop flight connecting Dallas to Hong Kong.The airline’s business class on the A350-1000 features spacious lie-flat seats, exceptional entertainment options, and an impressive dining experience.This new route operates four times a week, marking Cathay’s longest journey by distance.

On April 24, Cathay Pacific officially commenced flight CX875, the first nonstop service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). This route marks the only direct connection between Texas and Hong Kong, and it stands out as the longest flight in terms of distance within Cathay Pacific’s network. Fortunately, I was able to secure a seat on this inaugural journey.

Cathay Pacific has been providing cargo services to Dallas for over two decades, but April represents the debut of passenger flights to the city. “The U.S. market holds significant importance for us,” stated Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s chief commercial officer, in a conversation with Travel + Leisure. “With Texas experiencing rapid growth, establishing this route makes strong economic sense.”

Renowned for its high-quality service and gourmet dining, I anticipated a special experience onboard. (Spoiler alert: the flight certainly met my elevated expectations.)

I arrived at the airport a few hours early to take advantage of the lounge experience. Thanks to Cathay Pacific’s alliance with American Airlines, business-class passengers were granted access to the Admiral’s Club at DFW. This spacious lounge is well-equipped, offering ample seating, a buffet with fresh food options, and a self-serve bar.

After enjoying the lounge, I proceeded to join the celebratory kickoff events at the gate, featuring speeches, a ribbon cutting, and traditional lion dancers, alongside food and Cathay merchandise. Shortly after the festivities, I boarded the Airbus A350-1000. This modern aircraft is the latest addition to Cathay’s long-haul fleet and is designed with innovative features such as adjustable air pressure to help mitigate jet lag.

Upon boarding, I was welcomed with a refreshing drink while settling into my business-class seat—a plush window cubicle equipped with a lie-flat bed, bedding, slippers, a complimentary bottle of water, and an amenity kit supplied by Bamford. This kit contained all the essentials such as a sleep mask, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, along with thoughtful additions like a relaxing pillow spray and cooling body gel. The suite also featured storage options for my personal items, enhancing the overall comfort.

As we departed just past 11 p.m., I attempted to stave off jet lag by enjoying the exceptional meal service. Cathay Pacific offers a standout culinary experience, featuring popular Hong Kong dishes, including shrimp wonton soup and a much-lauded burger that has captured the attention of many travelers.

I selected the burger, which indeed exceeded the hype—so substantial that it was a challenge to take even the first bite. To accompany my meal, I opted for Betsy Beer, a pale ale crafted specifically to pair well with air travel, alongside a rich double chocolate nougat mousse for dessert. For breakfast, I enjoyed the “Wellness Breakfast,” which included warm pastries, fresh fruit, and chia seed pudding. On the DFW to HKG leg, Cathay collaborates with esteemed Hong Kong eateries Louise and Duddel’s for catering options.

The inflight entertainment also impressed me significantly. Cathay Pacific has received accolades from airline rating organization SkyTrax for its superior entertainment offerings, providing a wide array of movies, shows, and games. I found myself creating a list of must-watch content.

When it was finally time to rest, I utilized the provided bedding kit, which included an additional seat pad for comfort and a cozy, thick blanket. I found the sleeping arrangements quite comfortable and easily adjustable.

As the seventeen-hour journey progressed, I barely noticed the time pass until we touched down in Hong Kong at 5 a.m. local time. After navigating security, I arrived at the Rosewood Hong Kong, where I would typically enjoy beautiful harbor views and a chance to recuperate from the long flight. However, this time I felt remarkably well-adjusted, and I had the choice of either exploring the exquisite hotel or venturing into the vibrant city.

The Dallas-to-Hong Kong route currently operates four times a week, with plans to expand it to a daily service. But Cathay Pacific’s ambitions extend beyond this point. “To us, Dallas is not merely a destination; we view it as a hub to connect to other parts of the U.S. and toward Central and South America,” Lau explained. “This serves as an ideal gateway for our services.”

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