Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Nice Surprise - OpUp to F on BKK-SIN

My wife and I were traveling on AA award miles in J on an itinerary including LAX, HNL, SFO and BKK in June.

We were quite (and pleasantly) surprised to be told we had been upgraded to F on our final flight - CX 713, BKK-SIN on 24 June.

The personal service was excellent, as was the Johnny Walker Blue and the Champagne. However the quality of the lunch was poor (inedible fish and beef) - the attendant knew this in advance of picking up our plates, and apologized and said that this would be written up.

Too bad we couldn't have scored the upgrade on HKG - LAX...oh well.

I'm always impressed that CX does the occasional op-up on award bookings. It happened to my wife and I as well a couple of years ago, and it was the long haul, HKG-LAX.

SO, what was the reason for op-up? Was J class all full?
I flew CX713 from BKK-SIN a month ago. Myself and gf were the only 2 on upper deck business class!!! So, I thought this segment is usually quite empty or at least not full enough for op-up..???

The check-in agent said the flight was overbooked; I didn't wander around the plane to check, although F only had a couple of empty seats.

CX has been very generous to me, on one trip from LHR-SYD and return I was upgraded on 3 out of 4 sectors. ^ It obviously pays to be a high tier OW card holder as CX seems to go out of their way to please these people in my experience. And so I give CX my business whenever I can in return.

My first CX flight ever was a BA award from Vancouver to HKG in 2004.
Before I even checked in, I was approached by the YVR station MGR and opuped to F. No status on any OW carrier. (not that she would have known. I think she chose me out of the line based on my attire..)

CX has been very generous to me, on one trip from LHR-SYD and return I was upgraded on 3 out of 4 sectors. ^ It obviously pays to be a high tier OW card holder as CX seems to go out of their way to please these people in my experience. And so I give CX my business whenever I can in return.


Perhaps it their conscience for being the worst providers of Business and First Award seats in OneWorld. Well maybe they are OK if you dont mind waiting until 48 hours before.