Is it even worth it to try to book CX First Class with AS miles?
Feb 7, 2016, 10:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 17
Is it even worth it to try to book CX First Class with AS miles?
My wife and I are planning on taking a trip to Asia either late this year or early next year in first class on AS miles, so I have been reading up on the super long Cathay Pacific-related threads in this forum to try to learn as much as I can. It seems so difficult to find two seats in F on CX (unless you are able to plan your trip a week in advance) that I'm wondering if it is even worth it. I've seen anecdotes about booking in a lower fare class, and hoping that CX releases F seats in the days before your flight, but that seems like it is leaving a lot to chance.
If I am not willing to leave my upgrade to chance, or book my trip just days in advance, does it make sense to try to redeem with CX, or should I just go with EK (who we flew in F back in September and absolutely loved)? I'd really like to fly CX for a new in-flight experience, a much more convenient layover (flying to Dubai first isn't the most direct route), and a new stopover city.
If I am not willing to leave my upgrade to chance, or book my trip just days in advance, does it make sense to try to redeem with CX, or should I just go with EK (who we flew in F back in September and absolutely loved)? I'd really like to fly CX for a new in-flight experience, a much more convenient layover (flying to Dubai first isn't the most direct route), and a new stopover city.
Feb 8, 2016, 12:30 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta DM, AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 567
Why not book EK, and then pay $125 / ticket change fee to switch last minute if CX becomes available?
On a first class ticket that would otherwise cost upwards of $10k, paying that fee would be well worth it if you get a better routing or if you value a new experience.
On a first class ticket that would otherwise cost upwards of $10k, paying that fee would be well worth it if you get a better routing or if you value a new experience.
Feb 8, 2016, 4:17 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Bri1010 You wouldn't like traveling with me - I not only wait for last minute space on LH with my UA miles but have more than once taken an award trip without return flights home 
Good luck ^
This is a very good suggestion. Book something you are happy with and hope to change.
Good luck ^
Why not book EK, and then pay $125 / ticket change fee to switch last minute if CX becomes available?
On a first class ticket that would otherwise cost upwards of $10k, paying that fee would be well worth it if you get a better routing or if you value a new experience.
On a first class ticket that would otherwise cost upwards of $10k, paying that fee would be well worth it if you get a better routing or if you value a new experience.
Feb 8, 2016, 11:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS - MVP75k, Marriott - Titanium, Hertz - PC
Posts: 225
While there is certainly the allure of CX F, I find their J to be more than enough. I would (and am currently doing) book on CX J and hope that F opens up last minute and make the change.
Feb 9, 2016, 5:12 am
#8
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Beaufort, SC
Programs: Delta, Alaska Air, & BA
Posts: 535
Feb 9, 2016, 9:28 am
#9
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,307
The issue here is not if one likes the post. The question asked is clearly answered in the thread the OP claimed to have read. Also, as noted in a reply, the OP effectively answers his own question. He values certainty so he should book now what he can get.
Feb 9, 2016, 2:26 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold LT
Posts: 1,936
I believe that CX does not release more then 1 seat in F any more from North America to Asia. The only exception to that is sometimes at a week before departure or less.
So if you want to fly in F on CX with your wife, and book more then a week before departure the answer is NO.
So if you want to fly in F on CX with your wife, and book more then a week before departure the answer is NO.
Feb 9, 2016, 3:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Feb 9, 2016, 5:47 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
Feb 10, 2016, 10:06 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: LHR, DFW, J Cabins WorldWide
Programs: AA EXP, UA GS, FB Gold, AS MVPG, MR Titanium, VS Gold
Posts: 954
I believe that CX does not release more then 1 seat in F any more from North America to Asia. The only exception to that is sometimes at a week before departure or less.
So if you want to fly in F on CX with your wife, and book more then a week before departure the answer is NO.
So if you want to fly in F on CX with your wife, and book more then a week before departure the answer is NO.
Last week I booked 2 HKG-LAX tickets in F.. for September of this year, and I saw 2 seats in F from SFO on the outbound, and 3 from ORD (ended up with a cheap AA one way so only ended up needing the return)
Feb 10, 2016, 5:25 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Beaufort, SC
Programs: Delta, Alaska Air, & BA
Posts: 535
Feb 13, 2016, 9:16 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: BA Avios, UA MP, AA, Choice, Club Carlson
Posts: 1,096
Agree
Totally agree. I think if you have not tried CX F then totally worth it to try once. But if you don't drink the whole array of liquor or swallow the whole belly of caviar, J is just fine and comfy and enjoyed it last time.