Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - hkg-nrt & return in F

I have a question regarding hkg-nrt and back in F. I plan to fly this route in August 09 but want to ensure that I don't get stuck with a last minute aircraft substitution and a consequent downgrading to J (This happened to me this year from hkg-sin - not happy...) According to the timetable there is a choice of 3 flights with F: CX 504 (74A), CX 548 (333) and CX 450 (74A), with the associated return flights. The timings aren't really an issue for me. I recall reading on this board that the one flight guaranteed not to be substituted with a 2 class a/c is CX 450/451 via TPE. Is this still the case? If so I will book it, but I would rather fly one of the non-stops on the proviso that there wont be a last minute a/c substitution. I also have a couple of questions about the jfk-hkg and hkg-jnb, but I will save them for another post.

Any help much appreciated.

Thank you,

Medicus

No guarantees on CX, but I believe that the CX504/451 and CX450/505 combinations are about as guaranteed 747 as they come for regional flights.

Thanks. I'll avoid 520/521.

Medicus

Thanks. I'll avoid 520/521.

Medicus

Given the economic question marks, there is a much higher chance the normal that none of us have any idea what the aircraft used on that route a year out from now will be.

504/505/450/451 have consistently been 747s for many years. But as mentioned, anything is possible with the current economic conditions which may include downsizing in capacity. Though won't be a bad thing if the 747 gets downsized to the 77W.