Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Unpublished Diamond Benefits - Please Post Success

Im thinking of changing my OW alliance partner to CX. I could easily attain Diamond as I fly C/F monthly east coast-SIN (especially calendar yr 2008) and various intra pan-asia flights again C/F. (SIN-SYD, HKG-AKL for example)

Upon confering with the OW forum it came to my attention of frequent Op-Ups from C to F for example and searching the forum I saw scattered info on this but nothing concrete and I really think there should be a thread that would give some sort of frequency updates to this. I would be greatful if some of CX flyers (Diamonds) can perhaps shed some light on frequency of any "unpublished benefits" and the success thereof.

* Op-up - In general, you can be disappointed if you are expecting frequent op-ups. I got more op-ups when I was Silver than now as a Diamond member. It all has to do with loading in the cabins. In JFK-HKG, there are a lot of paid J/F passengers and Diamond members. Neverthesless, Diamond does have priority over Gold for op-ups.
* Mileage upgrade - One of the unpublished benefits of Diamond is the easy confirmation of long-haul upgrades, with the exception of the JFK-HKG route.
However, with the introduction of another flight, it may soon be easier to get mileage upgrade confirmation on that route.

Buggie service at HKG

Award availability not based on actual U/Z/T Class availability but on actual seat availability.

Special priority on the MPO hot line

Extension of tix hotline

Buggie service at HKG

Award availability not based on actual U/Z/T Class availability but on actual seat availability.

Special priority on the MPO hot line

Extension of tix hotline

In fact the last one is extension of deadline not hotline:D. My TA was puzzled once when she said my reservation should be gone (deadline passed) but it was still there. I told her that even if it was gone, I could rebook and get it as long as I had 24 hours notice anyway.

Hmmm ... is that extension of ticket deadline available to Golds too? Because this summer when I had pre-booked a mileage-upgrade (on waitlist) to MNL from JFK, the upgrade on the way to MNL was supposed to expire due to deadline and no waitlist clearance, but it still showed up on my MPC page a day after the deadline and I was able to confirm it even after the deadline passed.

In fact the last one is extension of deadline not hotline:D. My TA was puzzled once when she said my reservation should be gone (deadline passed) but it was still there. I told her that even if it was gone, I could rebook and get it as long as I had 24 hours notice anyway.

Sorry I mean ticket deadline! can't type and watch TV and the same time:D

There is really no reason to enforce a deadline that the passenger can rebook with seat guarantee.:)

Hmmm ... is that extension of ticket deadline available to Golds too? Because this summer when I had pre-booked a mileage-upgrade (on waitlist) to MNL from JFK, the upgrade on the way to MNL was supposed to expire due to deadline and no waitlist clearance, but it still showed up on my MPC page a day after the deadline and I was able to confirm it even after the deadline passed.

Good to know that too ;)

Hmmm ... is that extension of ticket deadline available to Golds too? Because this summer when I had pre-booked a mileage-upgrade (on waitlist) to MNL from JFK, the upgrade on the way to MNL was supposed to expire due to deadline and no waitlist clearance, but it still showed up on my MPC page a day after the deadline and I was able to confirm it even after the deadline passed.
Extension is more of a hit and miss thing. generally if you are nice to the agent they can amend the tix deadline.

However when I called TPE reservation once, the said, because you are DM we can extend to whatever date you want.

There is really no reason to enforce a deadline that the passenger can rebook with seat guarantee.:)

There is EVERY reason to extend this - given D/I class in not in seat guarantee. Also seat preference allocations as well. Also the seat guarantee for econ has been reduced now as well

I thought seat guarantee in Y was in classes YBHKMLV ... have they amended that?

Also, on my summer travel upgrade - I had called MPC to extend the deadline to the point where they couldn't extend anymore. They gave me til Jun 28th for a flight out Jul 1st. But on the 29th it still showed on my MPC page, the only diff being it was confirmed. So it was a pleasant surprise, seeing as it was JFK-YVR-HKG-MNL. All in Upper deck J. Was great.

I thought seat guarantee in Y was in classes YBHKMLV ... have they amended that?

Also, on my summer travel upgrade - I had called MPC to extend the deadline to the point where they couldn't extend anymore. They gave me til Jun 28th for a flight out Jul 1st. But on the 29th it still showed on my MPC page, the only diff being it was confirmed. So it was a pleasant surprise, seeing as it was JFK-YVR-HKG-MNL. All in Upper deck J. Was great.

Yes, but S Class and other subclass can't be guarantee anymore

There is EVERY reason to extend this - given D/I class in not in seat guarantee. Also seat preference allocations as well. Also the seat guarantee for econ has been reduced now as well

That is indeed a true reason to extend - to keep the seat assignment and for F/A/D/I fares. But in that case, the deadline passed and nothing was done to my reservation. I was not aware of the deadline - my TA forgot to mention to me, but fortunately I had no problem that time.

When you say seat guarantee for econ has been reduced, do you mean that limitation to YBHKMLV that was implemented a year or two ago? I hope they are not restricting that further.

That is indeed a true reason to extend - to keep the seat assignment and for F/A/D/I fares. But in that case, the deadline passed and nothing was done to my reservation. I was not aware of the deadline - my TA forgot to mention to me, but fortunately I had no problem that time.

When you say seat guarantee for econ has been reduced, do you mean that limitation to YBHKMLV that was implemented a year or two ago? I hope they are not restricting that further.

Yes you are right, only YBHKMLV. used to be ALL Econ Class except T.

Sometimes the ticket deadline mech in CUPID plays up so it might not cancel. Also if it is award booking esp upgrade they tend not to cancel out. But never say never!:D

Buggie service at HKG

recently I found that KA is offering this buggie service too (I guess to DM? I was on J ticket, KA-metal KA-code).

people also mentioned the unpublished benefit of getting upgraded to the next class of service on the first CX flight after you RE-qualified for Diamond - though personally I haven't experienced this yet. Is it something quite confirmed ?

Any idea what if just so happen I'm already in J on a 2-class service or F on a 3-class service on that particular flight - am I just out of luck ? or would this one-time upgrade benefit be still available on the next CX flight that I can be upgraded on ? any experience on this ? I'm trying to plan my flights more carefully so that I don't "waste" this.

Im thinking of changing my OW alliance partner to CX. I could easily attain Diamond as I fly C/F monthly east coast-SIN (especially calendar yr 2008) and various intra pan-asia flights again C/F. (SIN-SYD, HKG-AKL for example)

Upon confering with the OW forum it came to my attention of frequent Op-Ups from C to F for example and searching the forum I saw scattered info on this but nothing concrete and I really think there should be a thread that would give some sort of frequency updates to this. I would be greatful if some of CX flyers (Diamonds) can perhaps shed some light on frequency of any "unpublished benefits" and the success thereof.

Remember that it will take 210,000 status miles to make Diamond from a standing start. CX is only major airline to have cooked up a "mileage reset" rule as you hit each tier threshold. First to silver 30K then 0 then to 60K then 0 then to 120K then you are DIAMOND! that is 210,000 status miles. By then BA, AA and JAL have all made you double top tier in their programmes.

Diamond is nice ... but not worth killing yourself in one year to attain. Your flying pattern may get you there .. just. Good luck.

Remember that it will take 210,000 status miles to make Diamond from a standing start. CX is only major airline to have cooked up a "mileage reset" rule as you hit each tier threshold. First to silver 30K then 0 then to 60K then 0 then to 120K then you are DIAMOND! that is 210,000 status miles. By then BA, AA and JAL have all made you double top tier in their programmes.

Diamond is nice ... but not worth killing yourself in one year to attain. Your flying pattern may get you there .. just. Good luck.

Here is the calculation in round trips (JFK-HKG-SIN-HKG-JFK):
* Business:
- To SL: 1.5, from GR
- To GO: 2.5, + 1.5 for SL
- To DM: 5.0, + 1.5 for SL + 2.5 for GO
* First:
- To SL: 1.5, from GR
- To GO: 2.5, + 1.5 for SL
- To DM: 4.5, + 1.5 for SL + 2.5 for GO

If OP flew CX a lot in the past year or so, then comped to a high tier status is possible.

Here is the calculation in round trips (JFK-HKG-SIN-HKG-JFK):
* Business:
- To SL: 1.5, from GR
- To GO: 2.5, + 1.5 for SL
- To DM: 5.0, + 1.5 for SL + 2.5 for GO
* First:
- To SL: 1.5, from GR
- To GO: 2.5, + 1.5 for SL
- To DM: 4.5, + 1.5 for SL + 2.5 for GO

If OP flew CX a lot in the past year or so, then comped to a high tier status is possible.

Geez, i didnt even know this! so every yr you gotta do 210K for DM?

So far this yr IIRC i did 3 jfk-hkg-sin r/t and one jfk-hkg-akl o/w and o/w mel-hkg-lax-jfkaa all in C except one outbound in F to SIN. Did also separate hkg-sin twice r/t in C/F. I will try to status match using DL PM, AA EXP and SQ PPS/LHSEN I hope for Gold at least.

Geez, i didnt even know this! so every yr you gotta do 210K for DM?.....

No, only the first year. 120K for DM for subsequent years. :)

Buggie service at HKG

This is the second time I've seen this mentioned but I have yet to experience it. Do you need to request it?

Remember that it will take 210,000 status miles to make Diamond from a standing start. CX is only major airline to have cooked up a "mileage reset" rule as you hit each tier threshold. First to silver 30K then 0 then to 60K then 0 then to 120K then you are DIAMOND! that is 210,000 status miles. By then BA, AA and JAL have all made you double top tier in their programmes.

BA also reset as you hit each threshold.

Geez, i didnt even know this! so every yr you gotta do 210K for DM?

So far this yr IIRC i did 3 jfk-hkg-sin r/t and one jfk-hkg-akl o/w and o/w mel-hkg-lax-jfkaa all in C except one outbound in F to SIN. Did also separate hkg-sin twice r/t in C/F. I will try to status match using DL PM, AA EXP and SQ PPS/LHSEN I hope for Gold at least.

To clarify:
* Start with Green. Membership year starts at the time you become a Green member.
* With a membership year, you need 30,000 Club Miles to become Silver. The membership year restarts, and Club Miles is reset to 0.
* Within a Silver membership year, you need 60,000 Club Miles to become Gold. The membership year restarts, and Club Miles is reset to 0.
* Within a Gold membership year, you need 120,000 Club Miles to become Diamond. The membership year restarts, and Club Miles is reset to 0.
* You need 120,000 Club Miles to maintain Diamond thereafter. There is no soft landing in tier level.

So it is not really that bad. If you are flying JFK-HKG-SIN-HKG-JFK every month in J or F, it will take you about 9 months for you get to Diamond. If you are doing that in full fare F every month, you may even become Diamond Plus, and your spouse may even get a spousal Diamond (Diamond Plus is never written anywhere in the public and I am unsure of this unpublished benefit). All I know is that it will probably 10X as costly to become a Diamond Plus as an UA GK/GP.

I'm sure everyone's experiences are different and place different weights on what they perceive as the benefits.

There's no harm in asking for a status match, just don't expect one. You can continue to use your AA EXP card for any OW Emerald benefits while you gain CX DM.

If you don't like what you experience, it's easy to go back to AA EXP via a challenge.

At the end of the day, CX DM is probably the hardest top-tier to attain (and keep) and there are no soft landings. But it is easier to use miles for redemptions with CX and they're more flexible in that they can be used to upgrade other carriers. But the earn/burn rate isn't as good as with AA.

If it helps, I've had status with BA, QF, AA and CX and I prefer CX even though I'm not based in Hong Kong. It isn't all about earning miles.

This is the second time I've seen this mentioned but I have yet to experience it. Do you need to request it?

They hand out automatically at check in. They have a pile of vouchers pre-stamped. in case they forget you can get it at the Wing.

That is why I used the Wing and have not used the pier since I got DM as it is much mroe convenient to turn right after security and then whne I need to head to the gate, use the voucher and they delvier you straight to the gate

They hand out automatically at check in. They have a pile of vouchers pre-stamped. in case they forget you can get it at the Wing.

That is why I used the Wing and have not used the pier since I got DM as it is much mroe convenient to turn right after security and then whne I need to head to the gate, use the voucher and they delvier you straight to the gate

Correction - turn left after security. I have not flown from the far gates on KA recently. The buggy coupons from KA must be something new. Yes, you can get buggy coupons at the Wings - the lounge attendant can do everything a check-in agent does.

For departure, they will only give you a buggy coupon for departures from gate 40+ (or so...can't remember the exact gate number). But if I'm at those gates, I prefer to use the Pier anyway.

For departure, they will only give you a buggy coupon for departures from gate 40+ (or so...can't remember the exact gate number). But if I'm at those gates, I prefer to use the Pier anyway.

Pier is at the side where Gates 60+ are located. If your departure gate is 60+, I shall suggest Pier. You can use the buggy coupon to go to Pier instead of the departing gate if you desire.

If your departure gate is 40-50, I shall suggest going to the Wing and take a buggy to the gate when ready to board.

Do they offer in reverse? ie from plane to security? I've seen passengers being picked-up in this way before, but perhaps that is only for DM+/IN?

people also mentioned the unpublished benefit of getting upgraded to the next class of service on the first CX flight after you RE-qualified for Diamond - though personally I haven't experienced this yet. Is it something quite confirmed ?

Any idea what if just so happen I'm already in J on a 2-class service or F on a 3-class service on that particular flight - am I just out of luck ? or would this one-time upgrade benefit be still available on the next CX flight that I can be upgraded on ? any experience on this ? I'm trying to plan my flights more carefully so that I don't "waste" this.

I've heard of this also, but not yet benefited from it. One year, i timed it so that my next flight right after requalification would be on Y class flight...but nothing at checkin nor did I get that upgrade at gate.

Not sure if this has anything to do with being Diamond but CX has ocassionally upgraded me and my 3 yr old on full flights (TPE, NRT & LHR).

Not sure if this has anything to do with being Diamond but CX has ocassionally upgraded me and my 3 yr old on full flights (TPE, NRT & LHR).

Well this is to do with the fact that there was a full flight, and being Diamond puts you at the top of the queue to get upgraded for operational reasons.

That is why I used the Wing and have not used the pier since I got DM as it is much mroe convenient to turn right after security and then whne I need to head to the gate, use the voucher and they delvier you straight to the gate

never thought of doing this. i always headed straight to the pier when at afar gate.

do they come pick you up at the wing, or do you walk to the buggy station?

never thought of doing this. i always headed straight to the pier when at afar gate.

do they come pick you up at the wing, or do you walk to the buggy station?

You do have to walk to the buggy station, which is fine by me as I normally want to pick up a few magazines from RELAY.

No buggys on arrival, actually I must say I prefer arrival than dept for the buggy esp you tend to be more tired.

Well this is to do with the fact that there was a full flight, and being Diamond puts you at the top of the queue to get upgraded for operational reasons.

I'm fully aware of the operational upgrade order of priority, but i've been given the impression (from various forums) that airlines (including CX) rarely operationally upgrade small children.

never thought of doing this. i always headed straight to the pier when at afar gate.

do they come pick you up at the wing, or do you walk to the buggy station?

After you exit the Wing from the F side, you take the escalator down to the departure gate level. The buggy station is about 10-20m in front of you.

I'm fully aware of the operational upgrade order of priority, but i've been given the impression (from various forums) that airlines (including CX) rarely operationally upgrade small children.

That what I thought too - that CX's policy was not to op-up any kids below 12. If an op-up occurs, double op-ups are very possible among DM, even GO. The other passenger does not even need to be on the same PNR. Of course, on the other hand, it is also very possible even if the other passenger is on the same PNR, he/she may not get an op-up.

I think we need to clarify the meaning of the term "double op-up". In most cases I have come across it means getting upgraded from Y to F, skipping J. These are non-existence on CX as far as my experience goes. Had it on KA once but that was during an operation mess.

I think we need to clarify the meaning of the term "double op-up". In most cases I have come across it means getting upgraded from Y to F, skipping J. These are non-existence on CX as far as my experience goes. Had it on KA once but that was during an operation mess.

I mean op-ups for 2 (or perhaps more) passengers. I have never had a 2-class op-up on CX. AFAIK, CX will op-up a J passenger to F to make room for a Y to J op-up. That makes more sense and is fairer to those paid J passengers.

If I ever get a 2-class op-up, it will be unlikely that you will see me mentioning that here (unless it is an operation mess like your case:D).

I find the buggy coupon to be pretty useless since the wait for the buggy is usually so long that it is faster to take the train. My experience with the buggy is that once you get to the podium, it takes another 5 minutes to get on the buggy. Might as well take the train since it is every 2 minutes. Of course, I am the type who gets to the airport 30 mins before flight time so time is of the essence.

I find the buggy coupon to be pretty useless since the wait for the buggy is usually so long that it is faster to take the train. My experience with the buggy is that once you get to the podium, it takes another 5 minutes to get on the buggy. Might as well take the train since it is every 2 minutes. Of course, I am the type who gets to the airport 30 mins before flight time so time is of the essence.

Obviously you haven't been at HKG duringpeak time the APM are so crowded and it might require 2 waits before you can get on a train. Also after the train you still have to walk a fare bit (if you are at the gates near the Pier).

I think it is a good option and 5 minutes is hardly a problem, also you can have a quick browse through the shops once you register with the podium.

If time is the essence I will go for the buggy.

What peak time are you talking about? I have been at the airport at all hours of the day and probably goes through the HKG airport 3 to 4 times a week. Since they increased the frequency of the shuttles, I don't recall having to wait even once. You might not be able to get into the middle compartment but you can certainly get on.

Time it next time using both the shuttle and the buggy. I have done that before and decided the shuttle is quicker.

What peak time are you talking about? I have been at the airport at all hours of the day and probably goes through the HKG airport 3 to 4 times a week. Since they increased the frequency of the shuttles, I don't recall having to wait even once. You might not be able to get into the middle compartment but you can certainly get on.

Time it next time using both the shuttle and the buggy. I have done that before and decided the shuttle is quicker.

With luggage and also the fact you might be at a high 60s gate, the buggy is definitely the more efficient and civilised way to get to the gate.
Also if you tell them urgent, usually the give you priority.

Buggy is an unpublished DM benefit. The passenger can always choose to decline it. I used that and I also declined before, depending on whether I liked to take a walk that day.

[QUOTE][That what I thought too - that CX's policy was not to op-up any kids below 12. If an op-up occurs, double op-ups are very possible among DM, even GO. The other passenger does not even need to be on the same PNR. Of course, on the other hand, it is also very possible even if the other passenger is on the same PNR, he/she may not get an op-up./QUOTE]

Dear CXFan (not sure whether I've mastered the quote bit of replies), the Ieuan family (myself + wife and 10 and 8 year old daughters) got upgraded on holiday from Y to J for HKG-BKK leg of AKL-HKG-BKK. Very nice it was too although I had to warn everyone not to get used to it. I think I'd just qualified for Gold after a hiatus of several years after leaving HK. Was very pleasantly surprised. Were met on arrival at CLK by groundstaff who gave us the new boarding passes.

Dear CXFan (not sure whether I've mastered the quote bit of replies), the Ieuan family (myself + wife and 10 and 8 year old daughters) got upgraded on holiday from Y to J for HKG-BKK leg of AKL-HKG-BKK. Very nice it was too although I had to warn everyone not to get used to it. I think I'd just qualified for Gold after a hiatus of several years after leaving HK. Was very pleasantly surprised. Were met on arrival at CLK by groundstaff who gave us the new boarding passes.

That was indeed a nice surprise - even for a short leg - four including kids. Congratulations!^

Technically you could only take one guest to the Wing/Pier, even all received op-ups. I am wondering - did CX allow all of you in a lounge?

I suppose now you are a CX fan too!

Dear CXFan,

I've been a CX fan for a while too :)

I had to use Asia Miles for one person to take the whole family in. Six or Eight thousand from memory but they were going to expire in the next couple of months anyway. They only charged me for one due to the age of the children. It would have been churlish to quibble.

I made a reservation for my girlfriend who is CX Gold, however between the two of use each other assumed that the other had paid for for the ticket, the reservation was made 3 months prior to departure. As it turns out neither of us paid for the ticket, but she was still issued a boarding card at the airport and allowed to board the aircraft. It was not until the aircraft was about to close its doors that she was told to bring her hand luggage and 7 year old child to door one and told to deplane. How CX system could let a small problem like this become a massive problem? after much calling around she was aloud to re board. HOW can CX systems allow this to happen?