Passengers happy with in-flight treatment

THE absence of striking attendants from Cathay Pacific flights appears to have had little effect on the quality of in-flight service, according to passengers.

Flights from Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and London arrived roughly on schedule yesterday and passengers said there had been no difficulties.

One man returning from Kuala Lumpur, who was told when checking in that the strike was over, had a problem-free flight, while the only complaint of a fellow passenger was on the quality of the food.

Mr Tan Teck-long said the service was ''not so bad'', but the food was ''worse than usual'', even for airline food.

Passengers arriving from Tokyo also reported a trouble-free flight, with Mr Nagrag Shenoy, who is returning to Dubai today, saying it was a relief after his flight to Tokyo last week was postponed.

While the service yesterday was beyond reproach, Mr Shenoy was critical of the airline's handling of the postponed flight and said he was not informed that the flight had been cancelled until he arrived at the airport.

Although he was placed on another flight the following day, he was uncertain of the arrangements until the last minute, with Cathay staff unable to confirm whether the flight would proceed.

''We found it very inconvenient, coming from the hotel to the airport and back again,'' he said.

Long-distance passengers arriving on a non-stop flight from London yesterday experienced no difficulties.

Passengers said they were warned of fewer staff but found the in-flight service up to standard.

''It was excellent service. We were told there were a few less attendants than usual but, in terms of service, I thought it was very good,'' one business passenger said.