Introduction
The world of travel rewards is overwhelming at times, but it does not have to be overwhelming. Dreams of flying first class seem unattainable for many travelers, but this is no longer the case, at least not between the US and Hong Kong, thanks to the ease in availability of first class on Cathay Pacific. With the right strategy, flying first class is within everyone’s reach-the points now being equivalent to fewer points than needed for its luxury comfort. Let’s look into how you may unlock these very coveted award seats and travel in style.
Current Availability
Cathay Pacific has recently appeared in a shocking series of first-class award seat availability. This happens to be mostly in summer and is highly available, so you’d find plenty of dates to book the flights; for example, in July, if you are traveling from New York or Los Angeles to Hong Kong, there’d be several dates to find options. Availability like this never lasts for long and tends to be taking place within a split second, so grab your seat quickly.
Understand Asia Miles – Asia Miles are air miles that are used to book a first-class award ticket for Cathay Pacific. The award ticket costs about 125,000 Asia Miles for one-way travel. Luckily, Asia Miles can be accumulated from transferable points programs. These include American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Capital One Miles. The existing balances of these programs will potentially allow you to transfer them to Asia Miles, which could open the door to your first-class experience.
The Booking Process
When you’re ready to book, Cathay Pacific’s calendar is your best friend. It conveniently displays availability, making it easier to spot the dates with open seats. Many travelers have found success using this tool to secure first-class seats for two people, which is a significant advantage if you’re planning a trip with a partner. However, not all dates may be available through partner airlines, so booking directly with Cathay Pacific is often your best bet. ### Transferring Points
One important note is that transfer times for points vary. Citi and Bilt Rewards tend to be instant, while American Express and Capital One may take up to 24 hours to post the points to your Asia Miles account. This will help you avoid last-minute cancellations if award availability is limited.
Cancellation Policies and Points Expiration
You must know the rules of Cathay Pacific’s cancellations and how points expire. Asia Miles previously had a three-year expiry; however, now it is 18 months unless there is activity in the account. If you transfer or use points, then your expiry date resets, and you can do whatever you want with your travel plans. But be careful because booking and then canceling may not count as activity, so you may find your points expired.
Conclusion
For many, traveling in first class is on the bucket list. With the recent award availability at Cathay Pacific, it’s the right time to avail of this great opportunity. Learn how to book this and how to use transferable points so that you do not have to break the bank for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The key here is to be fast and be updated so you don’t miss out on such fantastic offers. Happy travels!
