BYO fork? Cathay Pacific asks business class customers if they would bring their own CUTLERY on flights in bid to eliminate wastage
Cathay Pacific has sparked debate among its business class passengers after asking whether they would be willing to bring their own cutlery on flights.
Traditionally, one of the hallmarks of flying business class is the lavish table settings and culinary delights served with fine silverware.
However, Cathay Pacific’s consideration of introducing a ‘Bring Your Own Fork’ policy has left many scratching their heads, with some passengers labeling the idea as ‘ridiculous’.
The Hong Kong flag carrier, known for its contemporary design and luxurious flying experience, is one of only ten airlines to be rated five-star. Skytrax.
A survey was recently sent to members of Cathay Lab, an online consumer community of approximately 10,000 people who provide feedback on customer experiences.
Cathay Pacific has sparked debate among its business class passengers after asking whether they would be willing to bring their own cutlery on flights
One recipient then shared a screenshot of the survey with FlyerTalkan online forum dedicated to aviation.
The survey asked: ‘If you travel business class with Cathay Pacific, to what extent are you willing to contribute to the following sustainable initiatives?’
Respondents were asked to answer four suggested initiatives – including ‘bring your own cutlery set’ – which they could rate on a scale from ‘very willing’ to ‘not at all willing’.
Passengers were also asked whether they would consider bringing a reusable water bottle to refill during the flight, giving used water bottles to cabin crew at the end of the flight or actively collecting water bottles and placing them in a recycling bin at the exit of the flight. to deposit the aircraft.
It is currently unclear how the study results were arrived at and whether Cathay Pacific will pursue the concept, but it appears the idea stems from the airline’s commitment to furthering its sustainability initiatives.
In the forummembers expressed indifference to three of the proposed initiatives, but many drew the line at the idea of bringing their own cutlery on board a flight.
One person wrote: ‘Option 2 is ridiculous. They can certainly offer reusable cutlery’, while another says: ‘Bringing my own cutlery makes no sense to me at all.
‘Bringing my own cutlery makes no sense to me at all. How should I pack used cutlery to take with me? And how many sets do I need to take with me to have cutlery at the different times when food is available on the flight? This makes me cringe.”
The Hong Kong flag carrier, known for its contemporary design and luxurious flying experience, is one of only ten airlines to receive a five-star rating from Skytrax
A third skeptical passenger wrote: ‘How would you even get past security? A stock of ‘non-compliant’ cutlery is confiscated from people who do not know the rules.’
Another wondered: ‘How did Cathay management ever let this get out the door? It could get them a lot of free press, but at what cost?
The embarrassment of claiming to be a premium airline then shows that they might even allow the idea of business class passengers bringing their own cutlery.
A final member even insinuated that the bring-your-own-knife-and-fork proposal is part of a larger scheme to charge passengers, writing: “BYO cutlery. If you didn’t bring anything, we can lend you a set for €2. Just tap your card here.
‘50% or full deposit at the end of your flight upon return of the full cutlery set.’
It comes as a Spirit Airlines passenger recently voluntarily wore a parachute on his back for the entire flight “just in case,” with many people considering this move a “smart” and “good” idea.