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Home » Travel » Hong Kong » Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong with Hong Kong Airlines

Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong with Hong Kong Airlines

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A new direct flight San Francisco to Hong Kong is now boarding with Hong Kong Airlines! Here’s a look at the flight and a review of the Hong Kong Airlines business class meals, seats and amenities.

Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong First Class with Hong Kong Airlines

I recently traveled to Hong Kong on Hong Kong Airline’s inaugural direct flight from San Francisco International Airport. I’ve flown all over the world, but this was definitely one of the best trips I’ve taken! From design to food to comfort, the flight exceeded my expectations in every way.

That waking up at 39,000 feet feeling. ?? So grateful to be along for the ride for the maiden voyage of the new @hkairlines SF to HK direct flight! ?? #hkairlines #businessclass #discoverhongkong #asideofHK

A post shared by Kelly – San Francisco Foodie (@asideofsweet) on Mar 27, 2018 at 7:17pm PDT

Direct Flight Hong Kong Airlines San Francisco to Hong Kong

It was such a privilege to be a part of the first flight to leave San Francisco International Airport. There was so much celebration and excitement in the air when we arrived at our gate. A representative from the mayor’s office declared March 25, 2018 Hong Kong Airlines Day in the city of San Francisco. It was such a special moment!

On board the festivities continued with selfie opportunities and a chance to hang out with the staff.

Direct Flight Hong Kong Airlines San Francisco to Hong KongDirect Flight Hong Kong Airlines San Francisco to Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Seats Review

A New Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong

I was blown away by the brand new Airbus A350-900 plane we flew on. We were literally the first people to ever travel on it! It’s crazy to think that no one had sat in my seat before me. The plane has 33 business class seats and 301 economy seats but it was still one of the quietest flights I’ve ever been on. There was no constant roaring background noise that you find on so many flights.

I’ve had such bad experiences with layovers I try to fly direct whenever possible. Our flight to Iceland was delayed by four hours and we missed our connecting flight from Seattle to Reykjavik. We lost an entire 24 hours of time in Iceland because of the delay, which was incredibly frustrating! In addition we had to pay for a hotel to spend the night in Seattle. With less left to chance and no time wasted with layovers, finding a direct flight is one of the most important things I look for when planning a travel itinerary.Hong Kong Airlines Planes First Class ReviewHong Kong Airlines Business Class Food Review & Pictures

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Food

Let’s talk about the thing that is usually the worst part of flying – the food. You can tell Hong Kong Airlines has put a ton of thought into their business class menu dining experience. There are dozens of options on the menu and each dish is perfectly plated just like you are dining at a restaurant.

Celebrity Chef Chris Cosetino Collaboration of Hong Kong Airlines

You might recognize a familiar face if you’re a San Francisco foodie! The business class meals for our San Francisco to Hong Kong flight were created by Chris Consentino from Cockscomb and Acacia House fame. If you’re not from San Francisco you might know him as a winner of Top Chef Masters. He’s a big deal and his food is amazing.

I knew we were in for a treat when the meal started with this:

Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Food Review & Pictures

I don’t even normally like shrimp but this salad with shaved Parmesan, sourdough crumbs and kohlrabi was beautifully prepared and super fresh.Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Food Review & Pictures

And panna cotta with balsamic vinegar sauce for dessert! It was so creamy and perfectly sweet.

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Food Review & PicturesBest Luxury Airlines First Class Reviews Hong Kong Airlines

I got to chat with Chris personally for a bit at the gate as he was celebrating his hard work by joining us on the flight! He talked about how he used the same ovens as the flight attends used to ensure the meals would taste delicious even at 40,000 feet.

His Five Spice Aburaage with White Shiritaki Noodles and Vegetables was the best vegetarian entrée I’ve ever had while flying. Look at the color of those vegetables! They were so fresh tasting and flavorful. Can you believe how glossy that auberaage is? I almost couldn’t believe it.Hong Kong Airlines First Class Food Menu Chris CosentinoOn the way home, our food was prepared by another celebrity chef, Hong Kong-based Gabriel Choy, who trained with Gordon Ramsey and has a Michelin pedigree. His sous vide scallop salad was like art on a platter. I couldn’t get enough of those tiny citrus globes. Once you bit into them they burst and there was a sweet liquid inside. If you had told me I was eating dinner at a fancy restaurant at sea level I would have believed you.

Hong Kong Airlines First Class Food Menu Chris Cosentino

Just make sure you save room for dessert:

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Food Review & Pictures

They also have a world-class wine selection that includes tasting notes and suggested pairings. It was great to be able to pick a varietal based on what I had selected for dinner.

Hong Kong Airlines Planes First Class Review

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Seats Review

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Seats

The Airbus A350-900 seats fully reclined to make a bed, which was so amazing for a 13-hour flight! I loved that there were a bunch of options from sitting up with your feet up to fully lying down.

I didn’t have any trouble sleeping meaning I was ready to see the sights once we arrived in Hong Kong. With spacious lie-flat seats, who has time for jet lag?!

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Food Review & PicturesI also loved that the window seats were singles for extra privacy. The center of the plane had paired seats which would be perfect if you were flying with a significant other.

Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong First Class with Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Amenities

All of the amenities were tucked in the cutest pouch that depicted the Hong Kong skyline designed by Hong Kong based Ricebowl Republic. The kit included an eye mask, socks and ear plugs as well as fancy toiletries from L’Occitane – my favorite! I must confess I took the pouch at the end of the flight – it was too perfect to leave behind. (#sorrynotsorry) I use it every day to keep my work bag organized, and every time I unzip it I smile.

Their over-the-ear headphones were comfortable and stylish. I also appreciated that each seat had both a USB port and a power outlet so I could use my laptop and charge my phone at the same time.

Best Luxury Airlines First Class Reviews Hong Kong Airlines

Also included were slippers, which were great when I needed to go to the bathroom. The bathrooms had fresh flowers in them, which I thought was a nice touch.

Another thing that was obvious was the attention to detail. Even the menus were beautifully designed works of art created by Hong Kong illustrator Victo Ngai.

The service was of course top-notch. The flight attendants were so lovely and professional. They were always checking in to see if we needed anything and didn’t roll their eyes when I asked for my 18th glass of their amazing Golden Tip Red Tea. I actually bought some online when we got home I loved it so much.

Hong Kong Airlines First Class Business Class Lounge Hong Kong

Hong Kong Airlines VIP Business Class Lounge

You now have a reason to get to the airport even earlier than recommended! Hong Kong Airlines just opened a brand new VIP lounge at the Hong Kong Airport. It’s totally futuristic appearing and you can tell a lot of thought has gone in to the design.Hong Kong Airlines First Class Business Class Lounge Hong Kong

We read that the lighting and art are meant to symbolize the streets and skyline of Hong Kong. In contrast, the natural woods and neutral colors make you feel like you’re at home and forest-green walls add a hint of nature.

Hong Kong Airlines First Class Business Class Lounge Hong Kong

And let’s talk about the food. An entire wall of the lounge is dedicated to cuisine from around the world. Whether you are in the mood for miso soup with udon noodles or American comfort food, you’ll find it in the lounge. Make sure you make time to enjoy a beautiful Hong Kong-style milk tea before you board and check out their full cocktail and juice menu.Hong Kong Airlines First Class Business Class Lounge Hong KongBest Luxury Airlines First Class Reviews Hong Kong Airlines

Direct Flight Hong Kong Airlines San Francisco to Hong Kong

San Francisco to Hong Kong Flight Details

Flights leave San Francisco once a day on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays and depart Hong Kong on those days too. Official flight time is 13 hours, although our return flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco was about 11 hours.

Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.

Thanks to Cynthia and Allie for being the best travel partners for this adventure! Thank you so much to Hong Kong Airlines for having me as a guest aboard this flight. Want to see more from the trip? Check out the Hong Kong highlight on my Instagram profile or browse the hashtag #ASideofHK.

P.S. – Traveling to Hong Kong? Pin this post for later!

Direct Flight San Francisco to Hong Kong First Class with Hong Kong Airlines

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May 1, 2018  •  Filed Under: Hong Kong, Travel 6 Comments

Comments

  1. Anna says

    May 1, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Wow! I hate flying but this looks pretty good!

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      May 2, 2018 at 10:37 am

      If you are going to fly, this is definitely the best way to do it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Robert Wilson says

    May 6, 2018 at 11:01 pm

    This is amazing. Love your picture too.

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      May 13, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      Thanks so much! I’m lucky it was a very photogenic experience!

      Reply
  3. Kami Sitiveni says

    May 12, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    Really interesting about all the dish , platings consistency and wine. As a chef it looks sexcy.

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      May 13, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      Yes, their food is totally sexy!

      Reply

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San Francisco Food, Fashion, Travel Blogger

Hi! I’m Kelly. I live in San Francisco with my husband, Pat, and our puppy, Maddie. Here you’ll find recipes, DIYs, style, travel & a glimpse into our adventures. To learn a little more about me, Click Here.

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