While lots of airlines proudly show support for “their” Olympic athletes and fly them to the games, Cathay Pacific is taking it a step further. The Hong Kong-based airline (which is also the official airline partner of Hong Kong’s Sports Federation & Olympic Committee) has announced that all Hong Kong Olympic medalists will receive unlimited business class flights for a year, valid to all Cathay Pacific destinations around the globe.
At first I thought “well that’s a convenient time to gift that, since Hong Kong is more or less closed.” Well, the clock for the year of free flights only starts from the time of the first flight, so Olympians can wait until borders reopen and they’re ready to travel to start using this benefit.
I’ve never had aspirations of becoming an Olympian, though if perks like this are included, maybe it’s time to reconsider. Is it too late to pick up curling?
While not at all significant in the scheme of things, I’d be fascinated by the logistics here:
- How will the winners have to book — will they be given a promotional code, will they have to call or email, or what?
- What kind of capacity controls will there be? Will they get last seat availability?
- Will Olympians earn miles for these tickets?
So far two Olympic athletes from Hong Kong have won medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — one person won a Gold medal, and one person won two Silver medals. Here’s to hoping that at least some of the winners really maximize this perk!
(Tip of the hat to @JournoDannyAero)
Cool gesture from my favorite airline of all time (CX). Remember when Delta refused to upgrade the US curling team after they won gold medal?
If they’re smart, they’ll book a one-way to Taipei.
Hong Kong is one of my favourite cities, and what’s happening to there is just sad.
Nice gesture by Cathay Pacific. Two medalists so far with a total of 3 medals. Hong Kong athletes have won a total of 3 medals in previous Olympic games so this year has been their best so far.
Hope the medalists enjoy some business class flights.
Beats the heck out of a cheap plastic ball point or a vinyl tote bag with logo. IOW if you are going to give somebody a gift don't embarrass yourself or your company by going cheap.
I think they'd rather have freedom of speech than a biz seat
Is Cathay Pacific in control of the HK government? Or does whether they get this perk in anyway affect whether or not they have freedom of speech in HK?
Look, the situation in HK sucks, but not everything needs to be about politics.
It's not clear that this offer extends to the Winter Olympics when curling is played. Apparently, air pistol shooting is an Olympic event. Maybe you could train for that.
If you know how tiny the target is you would rethink this and give Ben a slightly easier task...
Oh no, China now trying to kidnap Olympic medalists that bring up it's ethic cleansing in Xinjiang?
@Eric
Not everything has to be political. JFC...
Be nice if Cathay brought back the Dublin flight and Siobhán Haughey could come back here free of charge!
You know as a curler new to south Florida I had that same question - once things open up, you should be able to check out Loggerhead up in West Palm. ;)
It's actually three medals won by two athletes, so far. Hopefully, more HK athletes will add to the medal count.
Two Olympic Athletes - One won two silver medals
This would be nice if the Olympians could fit it into their training regimen, Might be a nice way to retire though.
Would United offer this same perk for all US medalists?!
No way. United is actually dropping its sponsorship after this year.
It’s not too late to pickup curling! Many of the curling athletes are in the 30s and 40s.
Good luck Ben!
I know it's a joke, but he'd first have to pick up a HK permanent residence, which will take 7 years.
@David - Perfect timing for Los Angeles 2028!