Racing to Fiji: American Airlines vs. Cathay Pacific vs. Fiji Airways
In an exciting and unprecedented journey, Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer from The Points Guy embarked on a unique race from London to Fiji, each taking opposite routes around the globe. Nicky opted for an eastbound flight with Cathay Pacific, while Liam chose to travel westbound with American Airlines, both ultimately arriving in Fiji on Fiji Airways. This adventure not only showcased the contrasting experiences of business class travel but also highlighted the efficiency and comfort offered by different airlines.
Nicky began his journey from Piccadilly Circus, utilizing the London Tube and the new Elizabeth Line to reach Heathrow Airport (LHR). His first leg of the trip was aboard Cathay Pacific’s new A350 Aria Suite, known for its privacy and luxurious amenities, which set the tone for an elite travel experience. After a brief layover at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), where he enjoyed a refreshing shower at The Pier lounge, Nicky continued on Fiji Airways’ A330, characterized by its friendly service and a straightforward hard product. On the other hand, Liam took the premium Heathrow Express train to the airport and started his journey in the American Airlines Admirals Club. He flew on the American 777-300ER, enjoying the comfort of a lie-flat seat and indulging in the airline’s signature ice cream sundae. After a seamless connection at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where he visited both the Flagship Lounge and the Oneworld Lounge, Liam boarded Fiji Airways’ A350, which offered spacious seating and a delightful Pacific Rim dining experience.
After over 24 hours of travel, both travelers arrived in Fiji, with one route finishing approximately 30 minutes ahead of the other. This race not only provided insights into the varying levels of service and comfort offered by different airlines but also engaged the travel community in a fun and competitive spirit. For those curious about who won this epic journey, the results can be found on The Points Guy Departures YouTube channel. This adventure serves as a reminder of the diverse experiences available in the world of air travel, encouraging travelers to explore their options and maximize their journeys.
In The Points Guy’s longest race yet, Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer flew from London to Fiji in opposite directions around the world.
Nicky headed eastbound via Cathay Pacific, while Liam went westbound on American Airlines, with both finishing their journeys on
Fiji Airways
in business class, where they found two very different experiences.
The routes
From Piccadilly Circus in London, Nicky jumped on the London Tube and its fairly new Elizabeth Line to Heathrow Airport (LHR) for a quick stop in his favourite lounge at Britain’s busiest airport, the
Cathay Pacific
First Class Lounge. Meanwhile, Liam took the premium, nonstop Heathrow Express train service. He fueled up in the
American Airlines Admirals Club
.
Related:
Complete guide to London Heathrow lounges
Nicky’s first leg was in Cathay Pacific’s
new A350 Aria Suite
, one of the most private and polished business-class experiences in the sky. Liam flew the
American 777-300ER
, with a lie-flat seat, familiar service and the all-important ice cream sundae.
Connections and Fiji Airways
Nicky connected at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), with time for a shower at The Pier lounge, before flying
Fiji Airways’ A330
, featuring friendly service and a simpler hard product.
Liam cleared Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) quickly thanks to Global Entry. He managed to squeeze in both the Flagship Lounge and the Oneworld Lounge, then boarded Fiji Airways’ A350, complete with spacious seats and its new Pacific Rim dining experience.
The result
After more than 24 hours of travel, both touched down in Fiji, but one route beat the other by roughly 30 minutes.
Find out who won right now on The Points Guy Departures
YouTube channel
.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
