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During my time off this summer, I traveled to Taiwan to visit family, sight-see, and of course eat as much as my limited time and stomach space allowed. The trip was only 11 days long, which actually meant I really only had 9 days to explore since nearly 24 hours are spent on either end of the trip on flight travel time.

My journey from New Jersey to Taiwan consisted of a 15-hour flight to Hong Kong, a brief 3-hour layover, and another short flight to Taipei. I flew with Cathay Pacific for the first time and was pleasantly surprised, even though at baseline I enjoy long flights. I love how gargantuan the planes are (my row number was in the mid-60’s and I still wasn’t at the very back of the plane!), the free movies, and I actually really enjoy the in-flight meals served on international flights. It’s something about the anticipation as you smell the food trolley approaching, and the cute packaging of all the separate food items into adorable little boxes and trays (I’m a sucker for cute little boxes). I still do think that Japan Air has had the best flight food of all the airlines I’ve experienced so far, but Cathay Pacific was not bad by any means!

Look at that menu! I opted for the “Asian option” for all meals, of course.

Snack option were also a pleasant surprise- unique crisps, chocolate, and ramen!

Another thing I noticed about Cathay Pacific was that even my basic Economy seat reclined much more than any other airplane seat I’ve experienced (all coach, of course…maybe one day I’ll be living that First Class life). It reclined almost 1 foot, I’d estimate about triple the reclining distance compared to other flights! I definitely had objectively restful sleep on the flight, which is saying something considering the very kick-happy child in the row behind me.

I also enjoyed my layover in HKE, and I daresay if my time in Taiwan weren’t already so limited I would have wanted a longer layover on my way there. The Priority Pass grants access to a good number of airport lounges across the world- it was a perk on a credit card that I initially planned to cancel but never did as I loved it too much. The airport lounges in Asia far outperform their American counterparts, so I always make sure to take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy a lounge when I’m on this side of the globe!

My flight landed in HKE before 6am, so I also opted for a shower to freshen up after my 15-hour flight. Water pressure was on point.
After my shower, it was breakfast time!

The the tables have outlets (USA-compatible outlets, so no worries if you left your adapter in your checked bag) and good lighting so you can get some work or leisure reading done.

In much too short a time, it was time for me to head off for my next flight. Lounges make flying so much more enjoyable, give them a shot next time you have a layover or long flight coming up! I got my Priority Pass through a credit card perk, but you can also buy a day pass on the day of if you just want to try it out.

Do you guys share my love for long flights?