Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Sign of watered-down DM benefit?

At check-in this morning, 8:30 a.m., Thursday. There are 6 manned First-Class check-in counters. In the past (based on my own limited anecdotal experiences) there are always at best 2 people working with others standing there trying to look pretty and smiling at people walking by. Now, this morning, when I got there all 6 stations are in processing, and then there are 3 more people ahead of me!!! There seems to be a floor man running around like a headless chicken apologizing to us for having to wait, and then run to each station to see the progress. After roughly 5 minutes wait it's my turn. Biz class counters are all full too.

A sign of CX throwing away DMs?

At check-in this morning, 8:30 a.m., Thursday. There are 6 manned First-Class check-in counters. In the past (based on my own limited anecdotal experiences) there are always at best 2 people working with others standing there trying to look pretty and smiling at people walking by. Now, this morning, when I got there all 6 stations are in processing, and then there are 3 more people ahead of me!!! There seems to be a floor man running around like a headless chicken apologizing to us for having to wait, and then run to each station to see the progress. After roughly 5 minutes wait it's my turn. Biz class counters are all full too.

A sign of CX throwing away DMs?

Or perhaps there is a problem with their system again. :td:

At check-in this morning, 8:30 a.m., Thursday. There are 6 manned First-Class check-in counters. In the past (based on my own limited anecdotal experiences) there are always at best 2 people working with others standing there trying to look pretty and smiling at people walking by. Now, this morning, when I got there all 6 stations are in processing, and then there are 3 more people ahead of me!!! There seems to be a floor man running around like a headless chicken apologizing to us for having to wait, and then run to each station to see the progress. After roughly 5 minutes wait it's my turn. Biz class counters are all full too.

A sign of CX throwing away DMs?

Seasonality?

This happens every now and then and usually during peak hours. I’ve experienced it a couple of times a year since I became DM in 2005. The wait can be up to ten minutes but the staff are always profusely apologetic. It really doesn’t bother me since the wait time is significantly shorter than J or Y. I don’t believe it an indication of the dilution of DM benefits but rather the fact that it’s my misfortune to arrive at the same time as a raft of First, DM and oneworld Emerald members. Also, in my experience, if there’s a delay in check in at the F counters that is usually a very good indication that security and immigration (even using the e-channel) are going to be a nightmare. So rather CX putting on more staff at the F class check-in to cope with infrequent congestion I’d rather they strong arm the airport authorities and pay for F and DM security and immigration fast track facilities.

So there are *more* people on the check-in counters, and it takes you 5 minutes before you get to the front of the queue. I'm not really seeing the world falling apart here?

It wouldnt be FT if someone like this wasnt complaining about not been swept off their feet and carried to the plane like true royalty. The fact that when the F & C check ins are not busy they will pull a bunch of people from Y lines to help speed things up, seems to me a lot of people with status forget they too once had to stand in line and wait their turn.

As a OW Emerald (AA EXP), I use First Class check in counters even when I travel Biz on CX... that might clog up the queue. Used it last Thursday July 5 [was on F award] at about noon and there was no wait (it was pretty empty)

It wouldnt be FT if someone like this wasnt complaining about not been swept off their feet and carried to the plane like true royalty.

I don't think that's the gripe. It's the Amex DMs again:

A sign of CX throwing away DMs?

So there are *more* people on the check-in counters, and it takes you 5 minutes before you get to the front of the queue. I'm not really seeing the world falling apart here?

^ - I guess it is a love - hate relationship what CB has with CX :p

At check-in this morning, 8:30 a.m., Thursday. There are 6 manned First-Class check-in counters. In the past (based on my own limited anecdotal experiences) there are always at best 2 people working with others standing there trying to look pretty and smiling at people walking by. Now, this morning, when I got there all 6 stations are in processing, and then there are 3 more people ahead of me!!! There seems to be a floor man running around like a headless chicken apologizing to us for having to wait, and then run to each station to see the progress. After roughly 5 minutes wait it's my turn. Biz class counters are all full too.

A sign of CX throwing away DMs?
What class were u travelling on what class do u purchase normally?

I don't think that's the gripe. It's the Amex DMs again:

U expect CX to treat u guys seriously on the AMEX issue with stupid complaints like this?

Talk about running outta sheet to talk about.

I have to say, considering the things I could say about CX, check in and perceived snubs to elites probably isnt up there I'm afraid.

I have to say, considering the things I could say about CX, check in and perceived snubs to elites probably isnt up there I'm afraid.

+1

Another Amex DM gripe...:) unbelievable!

I think I will call and write Slosar congratulating him what a great strategy it is. Someone PM me his contact info. I think it's time to start a thread like the sticky advocating praise for this Amex promo:)

Another Amex DM gripe...:) unbelievable!

I think I will call and write Slosar congratulating him what a great strategy it is. Someone PM me his contact info. I think it's time to start a thread like the sticky advocating praise for this Amex promo:)

Well, over-crowded lounges, long gate-lines, long check-in lines, more "First Class" baggage (meaning longer wait at luggage pick-up), those are all the published benefits that DM cares about right? And we all know how all the unpublished benefits are watered down too.

So this thread isn't a gripe about "no big deal", it's a reflection of how throwing away DMs have watered-down benefits. Many of you may have the sheep mentality that we should kowtow to CX at whatever they throw at us, or compare CX to an inferior airline and just be thankful CX isn't them. But those sheep mentality are exactly why major corporations can get away with watering down benefits and not take loyal pax reflections seriously. I can see Slosar say it in his meeting now: "But these are just a few loud mouths, most DMs love the idea of having more AmexDMs in their midst"

Well, over-crowded lounges, long gate-lines, long check-in lines, more "First Class" baggage (meaning longer wait at luggage pick-up), those are all the published benefits that DM cares about right? And we all know how all the unpublished benefits are watered down too.

So this thread isn't a gripe about "no big deal", it's a reflection of how throwing away DMs have watered-down benefits. Many of you may have the sheep mentality that we should kowtow to CX at whatever they throw at us, or compare CX to an inferior airline and just be thankful CX isn't them. But those sheep mentality are exactly why major corporations can get away with watering down benefits and not take loyal pax reflections seriously. I can see Slosar say it in his meeting now: "But these are just a few loud mouths, most DMs love the idea of having more AmexDMs in their midst"

Before u justify yourself what class were you travelling and what class do you normally purchase. What is your annual spend?

I'm closing this thread now cos it's not really going anywhere other than possible flaming, accusations and the like.

Thank you!

Guy Betsy
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles forum co-mod