Back in the day, flying Cathay Pacific first class was basically a rite of passage in the miles & points world. At one point, the airline operated 10 flights per day to the United States with first class cabins, with four daily flights to New York alone. Now, in late 2023, the airline often operates…
Continue reading: Which Routes Feature Cathay Pacific First Class?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
How is Business Saver Award availability on CX in general? If available, does it show up on AA.com, or do we have to call AA?
@ Daniel B. -- Unfortunately virtually non-existent on long haul flights, especially with partner programs. Very frustrating!
@Ben - thank you so much for the “Note” box explaining what is updated from the prior post. Much appreciated.
It's not impossible to find space. I'm flying LAX-HKG next month in F redeemed with 110k AA miles back in Feb (about 320 days prior)
The correct answer is Air New Zealand. Booked Auckland to IAH in business class for 75k aeroplan points and then upgraded to the first class seat for only $340 for a 14+ hour flight. No first class service but a pretty good deal.
It's truly a bummer, but I'm glad that I burned my remaining AS miles on an upcoming Starlux flight rather than hold out for CX space.
JFK getting the 777 back at the end of March is perfect timing since that's when the rollout of the Aria Suites (and possibly a new premium economy product) begins.
Interesting. I was trying to find paid Cathay First Class seats out of the US ~2 weeks ago and the ONLY route I could find in February was out of Chicago…
What airline has the most planes still stored from the pandemic shut downs?
Thai Airways?
Emirates?
Carhay?
I see consistent availability on JL using Asia Miles from US gateways in J. But never, never on CX from any US gateway. We gave 600K points on Asia Miles which seem difficult, if not impossible, to use. We had 3x pax to Perth booked for fall 2020; covid had different ideas
Brilliant airline. Surprised Vancouver isn’t on. Maybe more of a leisure than business market?
Likewise, especially because there is lots of connecting traffic through YVR (and had First Class pre-pandemic). My guess would be that Zurich and Vancouver would be the first two destinations for first class once the 7 remaining 777-300’s come back on or the 777-9’s are delivered.
I am not sure why anyone would fly Cathay First let alone Cathay anymore. The service, even as OW Emerald / CX DM member, is just abysmal. The food is horrible, the seat is old, and most importantly, the service has gone down the drain since COVID.
Do you know if they stop offering first class from Hong Kong to the US during certain parts of the year or if they just don't open up super far in advance? I see award tickets through end of March 2025 but nothing in April? Any insights would be great! April doesn't seem too far out to have awards available based on what I have read :/