Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Got OpUp'd (aka Upgraded)

Hey all! I am new in FlyerTalk and I hope I can blend in very well with most of you frequent flyers.

I was flying CX from SUB-YYZ (ie. transiting in HKG, obviously) sometime back then in September 2008. Surprisingly, me (MPO Silver) and my brother (not even a MPO member) got free (no mileage deducted) Y-J upgrade all the way to Toronto. I was wondering if this happens quite frequently to those MPO member considering my travel route and date. FYI, I always get free SUB-HKG upgrade but never in the HKG-YYZ flight. I talked to the CX staff in at HKIA and requested a seat change because (luckily) me and my brother were not seated side by side. Magic happens, hence the Y-J free upgrade.

Moreover, we will be flying this late December on the 889 flight from YVR-HKG, then continuing on flight 781. I just want to know if there are chances of us being lucky like we were on September. Are the 888/889 flights any busier than the 828/829s?

Thank you!

If we knew the answer to this question we would not be on FT but playing the lottery where ever we are

If we knew the answer to this question we would not be on FT but playing the lottery where ever we are

Well then I guess what I was asking is has anyone experienced the same thing as me? Just want to know what the odds are :p

Oh and btw, is this what's called the operational upgrade?

Thanks

YYZ flights are a special situation for op-up. Low-F/J demand, High F/J Supply and High Y demand with Lower Y supply is making this route very attractive for op-ups. But that will probably not apply to any other long haul markets, certainly not JFK. LAX also saw a drop in Business Class seats with B74J to B74A, so op-ups have been lower. Certainly do not expect op-ups on CX888/889 as it will be very likely that J seats fill up before Y flight.

Thanks for the info. I'd post an update on my Dec flight. :)

888 and 889 is hard for op-ups in normal times. the dec season will ptobably make it even harder so don't expect much. then again, if you're blessed by the upgrade fairies (i have yet to have my blessing)... well that's a different story =)

Yah I guess it's better to keep my hope low for an op-up on 889! I'm going back to YYZ in January though, hoping for another op-up on that flight ^ Unlike most of you, I still can't afford to buy a full J airfare, so the fairies are all I hope for ;)

It is very difficult these days to get F or J seats on the 889/888 even for a revenue booking especially if you are originating ex-YVR to get to HKG. So I wouldn't count too much on getting an op-up.

BTW 829/828 no longer exists.

It is very difficult these days to get F or J seats on the 889/888 even for a revenue booking especially if you are originating ex-YVR to get to HKG. So I wouldn't count too much on getting an op-up.

BTW 829/828 no longer exists.

Oh yeah I just found out about that. So only 826/827 flights are available now to YYZ? Thanks for the info! However does that mean chances of me getting op-upped on the flight to YYZ are getting slimmer? :(

There is only one daily flight to/from YYZ which is nonstop and yes that pairing is only 827/826. I have often witnessed upgrades Y->J and J->F on this route. As a matter of fact the last time I took 827 & 826 many of those in F were bumped from J. But again just because the story going around that the route does op-up often doesn't mean that you'll be one of them. Remember if there are many Diamonds and Gold on your flights (in which there are reasonable amounts on this route), they'd get priority on op-ups over you.

I am well aware of that, that is why I am only hoping for the best of my luck :) Thanks Rejuvenated!

Oh and btw, just checked out your flight schedule, I really wish I was you! :)

Given the answers above, I assume it is time for me to call MPC and request Y seats on board? By request I mean reserving good seats for me and my brother. Any recommendations? What does bulkhead seat mean anyways?

Thanks again!

Given the answers above, I assume it is time for me to call MPC and request Y seats on board? By request I mean reserving good seats for me and my brother. Any recommendations? What does bulkhead seat mean anyways?

Thanks again!

Bulkhead seats are the first row of each cabin. Usually next to exit doors and baby bassinet seats. Please beware that even if you got the bulkhead seat early, the airline can still put you somewhere to another seat because people with infants have priorities.

Eh? Bulkhead seats are the ones with a bulkhead (i.e. a wall) in front of them (and often the place for the baby bassinet). Exit seats are something different. People with infants would never be put in exit seats.

christep is correct. Bulkhead seats have wall in front of them and on the 77As, only the 3-seat middle section has bulkhead seats in economy: 31D, 31E, 31G, 55D, 55E, 55G.

Eh? Bulkhead seats are the ones with a bulkhead (i.e. a wall) in front of them (and often the place for the baby bassinet). Exit seats are something different. People with infants would never be put in exit seats.

Sorry! my bad, I always get mixed up with those! My apologies.

so are exit seats any better than the bulkheads?

so are exit seats any better than the bulkheads?

No bulkhead.

But the exit seats are 'tight' in that they have immovable armrests. So if you have a er, wider width in your hip, you might find it a little harder to get comfortable.

i was in an exit seat for 15 hrs just recently. didn't really notice the narrower seat width. but the exit seats for first section of Y is good for leg room (second section has the slide blocking your feet). and to be honest for a long haul, it's some much needed space.

have my exit seats reserved, hope they don't release it for somebody else :) well i hope to get an op-up still even if the chances are very very thin

Yeah it's weird on the Hong Kong - Toronto flight. I have a relative who doesn't have high status in the MPC but in the past 2 times he has flown this route, he has been upgraded from Y to J. Quite rare for CX and other One World airlines... and he only gets a lot of Asia Miles from using his credit card constantly...

But the CX people's excuse at the airport seems to be - Oh you're a MPC member - let's upgrade you...

But the CX people's excuse at the airport seems to be - Oh you're a MPC member - let's upgrade you...

Which I think is a good thing isn't it? :D

At SFO in March, I overheard (I might have missed part of the conversation) the agent at the next counter told a MPC member that the flight was oversold (probably because of Rugby Seven) and all Club members were upgraded.

As promised before, I would like to keep an update for my 889 flight. Flight was delayed due to the severe weather condition in Vancouver lately (I departed on the 23rd). When checking in at the counter, we did not get op-up'd as the business flight is full. Surprisingly, just minutes before boarding they called up both mine and my brother's name and we got upgraded to J. Can anyone explain how this is possible?

Now we are both at the Pier waiting for our connecting flight which does not depart in another 4 hours.

Thanks!

When checking in at the counter, we did not get op-up'd as the business flight is full. Surprisingly, just minutes before boarding they called up both mine and my brother's name and we got upgraded to J. Can anyone explain how this is possible?Two people who had reservations either no-showed or checked in and then unchecked in, plus economy was overbooked.

... Can anyone explain how this is possible?

..

Don't ask. Just enjoy.

But MPC members have priority over everyone else.. incl other Oneworld elite members sometimes.

As promised before, I would like to keep an update for my 889 flight. Flight was delayed due to the severe weather condition in Vancouver lately (I departed on the 23rd). When checking in at the counter, we did not get op-up'd as the business flight is full. Surprisingly, just minutes before boarding they called up both mine and my brother's name and we got upgraded to J. Can anyone explain how this is possible?


Well, the same thing happened during my HKG-LAX flight in August (peak summer season). They passed the new boarding pass only before boarding commenced.

Don't ask. Just enjoy.

But MPC members have priority over everyone else.. incl other Oneworld elite members sometimes.

Would they give a CX silver priority over OW Sapphire or Emerald? That would be pretty decent of CX to treat its own that way.

hey guys, I want to ask what are my chances of getting an op-up from Y-J on Jan 1st flying to YYZ? CX826
MPC

Thanks!

well yiu i think it probably will have to depend on the number on golds and diamonds/ OW elites on that flight. however, based on the seat availability on that day, it looks like op-up galore to me. pretty full Y, 9 J I C D, 4 F A. wish you luck!

i'm not so lucky. full Y J F (all fare classes) on jan 5. ugly ugly. any idea what happens when all classes are overbooked? what happens to all the overbookings??

edit: oh actually now i check, J and F are quite free. is it because cx probably opened up the saved up seats they had? however i'm still curious to know what happens to the overbookings.

thanks!! yea its basically full from 1st-7th, im wait listed on 7th, but im pretty sure i will not get it lol

In the lounge at JFK and I asked the angel about a potential operational upgrade. She looked at me and said "what's that?", which then made it awkward asking about an upgrade. Oh well, maybe on the return flight...

In the lounge at JFK and I asked the angel about a potential operational upgrade. She looked at me and said "what's that?", which then made it awkward asking about an upgrade. Oh well, maybe on the return flight...

Oh, trust me, she knew what you were talking about, she heard you the first time....

If you had to ask, you won't be entitled. Not with CX anyway. And especially when you're not CX's Marco Polo Club elite members. The 'trick' is to just appreciate it when they give you an op-up. If you have to ask for it, well, you won't get it.

Internal memo throughout CX's check-in desks systemwide highlight this.

FWIW, my cousin in law got op-up on CX841 jfk - hkg on Dec 24. She was green only. I did her OLCI at 48 hours prior with a seq #7.
Seriously, she have been op up 3 time in a row on this route.:D

wow lucky for her!! the op-up fairies must love her then. i'm still hoping for an op-up on my jan 5th leg. but as guy betsy says, be grateful for an op-up, and wait for one, don't ask.

Just finished a round trip on CX 889/888 on the JFK-YVR leg. Didn't get op-uped anywhere although I joined Marco Polo, but wasn't expecting it anyways. Actually, I was not at the gate for the latter boarding and didn't hear the boarding until last call (was at the Priority Pass lounge) so I wouldn't know if they did call me (darn! should have read this thread through more and seen the multiple instances of ug's recently!). I was happy with the flight in general though- the Y seats could use some more padding, but it was nice to not have someone leaning back into you. The food was solid, and much better than I could expect from one of the US carriers. FYI, they said that you could have lounge access as a Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald (which I am not, but my mother is- which is why I asked) on the Canada/US trip, which as far as I know is not SOP for US carriers.

well yiu i think it probably will have to depend on the number on golds and diamonds/ OW elites on that flight. however, based on the seat availability on that day, it looks like op-up galore to me. pretty full Y, 9 J I C D, 4 F A. wish you luck!

i'm not so lucky. full Y J F (all fare classes) on jan 5. ugly ugly. any idea what happens when all classes are overbooked? what happens to all the overbookings??

edit: oh actually now i check, J and F are quite free. is it because cx probably opened up the saved up seats they had? however i'm still curious to know what happens to the overbookings.

How can you check this? I am flying back to YYZ on the 15th, how would I check if opup is still possible? Or can anyone check for me please? Thanks

How can you check this? I am flying back to YYZ on the 15th, how would I check if opup is still possible? Or can anyone check for me please? Thanks

I don't subscribe to EF, but I do use the free seatcounter.com. That one right now shows CX #826: Y2, rest of Economy zeroed out. Shows JCDI 9 and FA 4. Looks pretty good for op-up. Though I should warn, these sites aren't always that accurate. I use it just to approximate. Can't speak for EF, but I've flown on flights that looked like this before only to find out that Y is actually about 80-90% full at check-in and so no Y-J op-ups would have taken place.

@G-man82, Thanks that helps. I hope the thing that's shown there is pretty accurate.

Op-up J>F on CX 888 HKG-YVR, the F loads was pretty bad, 2 pilots, 3 upgraded including myself, 1 paid. Does anyone know the sequence status for upgrading? I'm a little lost after CX Diamond plus and Diamond.

First DM+ then DM then they will do One World Emerald then CX Gold

First DM+ then DM then they will do One World Emerald then CX Gold
Are you sure about that? I was on a flight a few months ago where a BA Gold was ahead of me in the queue (he had his card out to use the priority lane, because we both had Y BPs). As a CX Gold, I received a J BP at the BP reader; he didn't.

There's a thread on the newest op-up priority. I believe it goes something like: CX IN > DM+ > DM > CX GO > CX Staff > OW Em > OW Sap > CX Sil > OW Ruby > CX Gr.

There's a thread on the newest op-up priority. I believe it goes something like: CX IN > DM+ > DM > CX GO > CX Staff > OW Em > OW Sap > CX Sil > OW Ruby > CX Gr.

yea that's about right, ow em does not get priority over cx go nowadays. anyone op up on cx826 these few days???

yea that's about right, ow em does not get priority over cx go nowadays. anyone op up on cx826 these few days???

just got back to YYZ on the 15th, got my upgraded business class BP delivered to my arrival gate when i arrived in HKG. I guess the flight was very full.

just got back to YYZ on the 15th, got my upgraded business class BP delivered to my arrival gate when i arrived in HKG. I guess the flight was very full.

i guess op ups happening throughout jan for yyz. J-F for me at the boarding gate on the 5th of this month.

i guess op ups happening throughout jan for yyz. J-F for me at the boarding gate on the 5th of this month.

I assume J-F op-ups are only available for GO or even only DM members? Even if I originally bought J fares, I wouldn't get op-up'd to F as I am only an SL? Is that true?

just got back to YYZ on the 15th, got my upgraded business class BP delivered to my arrival gate when i arrived in HKG. I guess the flight was very full.

Arrival gate? :confused:

deleted

Arrival gate? :confused:

yes! just arrived to HKG from SUB. just as I get out of the plane, I saw one of the cx staffs brought a banner that has some connecting flight number written on it (one of which is CX826 to YYZ and I saw my name below). I asked her why my name was on the banner, and she gave my by business BP right after verifying the name on the BP with my passport.

never seen that? i guess u have, but just dont understand what i mean :)

I've been op-upped 3x between JFK and YVR on CX 888/889....always from H to J. Happened more frequently 1-2 yrs ago, but it does happen. I don't belong to Marco Polo, but I am Emerald on Oneworld. Not sure if that made a difference.

I've been op-upped 3x between JFK and YVR on CX 888/889....always from H to J. Happened more frequently 1-2 yrs ago, but it does happen. I don't belong to Marco Polo, but I am Emerald on Oneworld. Not sure if that made a difference.

yes that does make a difference. ow emeralds used to have more priority over lower tier marco polo members. however, the upgrade priority has since been changed (ie. marco polo now has more priority over ow), and that is probably why you don't get upgraded as often anymore.

I assume J-F op-ups are only available for GO or even only DM members? Even if I originally bought J fares, I wouldn't get op-up'd to F as I am only an SL? Is that true?

nope. not true. i was holding a J ticket on this leg, got the op up to F as a marco polo green. so you technically would have a chance at op up from J-F ^

yes! just arrived to HKG from SUB. just as I get out of the plane, I saw one of the cx staffs brought a banner that has some connecting flight number written on it (one of which is CX826 to YYZ and I saw my name below). I asked her why my name was on the banner, and she gave my by business BP right after verifying the name on the BP with my passport.

never seen that? i guess u have, but just dont understand what i mean :)

I never happened to me, but I normally have several hours if I transit in HKG. I saw agents passing out BPs at arrival gates before, but did not know that some were op-ups. Congratulations!!

yes! just arrived to HKG from SUB. just as I get out of the plane, I saw one of the cx staffs brought a banner that has some connecting flight number written on it (one of which is CX826 to YYZ and I saw my name below). I asked her why my name was on the banner, and she gave my by business BP right after verifying the name on the BP with my passport.

never seen that? i guess u have, but just dont understand what i mean :)

Yep, the OP is right! That's how I usually find out I have been Op-Up'ed on the HKG-MNL flights when I fly JFK-HKG-MNL. I always look forward to the two girls with the banner with my name on it and I hope I see them when I fly in Feb

nope. not true. i was holding a J ticket on this leg, got the op up to F as a marco polo green. so you technically would have a chance at op up from J-F ^

Wow that's great to hear :) I really want to fly F sometimes :p

I never happened to me, but I normally have several hours if I transit in HKG. I saw agents passing out BPs at arrival gates before, but did not know that some were op-ups. Congratulations!!

Thank you! :)

Well, what I experienced was also my first. I thought they only put your name on the banner when you have a tight connecting flight schedule and want to make sure that you are at the boarding gate on time. What happened to me before was that they upgraded me at the departure gate, not the arrival.

Yep, the OP is right! That's how I usually find out I have been Op-Up'ed on the HKG-MNL flights when I fly JFK-HKG-MNL. I always look forward to the two girls with the banner with my name on it and I hope I see them when I fly in Feb

wish you the best luck! :)

I got op-uped from J (mileage upgrade) to F on HKG-LAX last week.

It was great.. my first ever long haul op-up in my 9 years of being an MP member.

I know of someone who got upgraded J (milage upgrade) to F on HKG-SFO two weeks ago, who is a MP Silver.

It does make me wonder what happened to the DMs and GDs on Business Class ...

I got op-uped from J (mileage upgrade) to F on HKG-LAX last week.

It was great.. my first ever long haul op-up in my 9 years of being an MP member.

I know of someone who got upgraded J (milage upgrade) to F on HKG-SFO two weeks ago, who is a MP Silver.

It does make me wonder what happened to the DMs and GDs on Business Class ...

If there were any (like you), they would be op-upped before MPC SLs.

I flew J on several long-hauls last year with no op-ups. At one time I saw J0 C0 D0 I0 on one of them, but still no op-ups. However, I got five consecutive Y->J op-ups on long hauls last year.

I got op-uped from J (mileage upgrade) to F on HKG-LAX last week.

It was great.. my first ever long haul op-up in my 9 years of being an MP member.

I know of someone who got upgraded J (milage upgrade) to F on HKG-SFO two weeks ago, who is a MP Silver.

It does make me wonder what happened to the DMs and GDs on Business Class ...

By mileage upgrade, did you mean you used your Asia Miles? If that is the case, then I think those who used AM are still prioritized over DMs and GDs when it comes to upgrading (given that GDs and DMs are hoping for a free upgrade, with no miles deducted).

CMIIW

He means that he paid for Y, used miles to get to J and then got op-upped to F. This used to happen to me occasionally as well. The fact that you used miles to get to J doesn't affect your priority in the queue for a further op-up.

He means that he paid for Y, used miles to get to J and then got op-upped to F. This used to happen to me occasionally as well. The fact that you used miles to get to J doesn't affect your priority in the queue for a further op-up.

Wow that's really great then! :) This happens only when the economy is very full, correct? I bet it was worth it to use the miles for a two-class upgrade :p

Wow that's really great then! :) This happens only when the economy is very full, correct? I bet it was worth it to use the miles for a two-class upgrade :p

Actually if you can believe it, it was business that was overbooked, therefore the op-up to F. I peeked at the loading sheet and it was 8F/44J/313Y.

Compared to the same "day" last year, when all 3 B744s to LAX leave full, and this year with the reduced capacity, flights are still not completely full.

It does make me wonder what happened to the DMs and GDs on Business Class ...

If there are DMs or GDs on J class (paid or upgrade ticket), they will have higher priority over SL (or OW elites) in J-F upgrade. In HKG-LAX/SFO routes, I think it is quite common that many passengers in the J cabins are OW elites.

I also received J (upgrade ticket) to F op-up three times in the past three years (as MPC Gold). Two times in HKG-LAX and one in SFO-HKG.^

How come op-ups never happen on the LHR route.... :o

They do - my colleague (an ex-Gold, but perhaps only Silver now) is about 50% for the last year on Y-J op ups on HKG-LHR-HKG (3 out of 6 sectors I think). Chances seem to be better on the day flights. On the night flights J fills up first with all the business people.

How come op-ups never happen on the LHR route.... :o

I was wondering why I am lucky enough to always choose the long-haul flights where Y is only 6 seats short of being full, but there is 20% of J empty *sigh* ... well that is the way is always feels.

I never expect an upgrade and have no reason to complain, but it is in the back of my mind that if the plane is full in the back, I might just be lucky enough move towards the front.

Had an odd thing happen the other day boarding a KA flight to PEK. Flight was only about 60% in Y, and maybe 15% in J. Light load. I had seat 28C in Y and had blocked 28A next to me.

When scanning my BP the boarding machine thing went red, as it does when they have a new boarding pass for you there and usually indicates op-up. I thought that was strange, given the extremely light load on the flight. Then, when they handed me my new boarding pass I had precisely the same seat in Y that I did before - 28C. When they gave me the "new" boarding pass I figured there was some mistake because I wasn't sure what the point of giving me a "new" boarding pass was (although I couldn't really think in my mind why they would be giving me op-up either, given how dead the flight was). The gate agents had no idea, I stayed in 28C.

Anyone ever had this happen?

Can I please get an idea of how full the 827 is on May and 826 on August? Thanks a bunch!

Had an odd thing happen the other day boarding a KA flight to PEK. Flight was only about 60% in Y, and maybe 15% in J. Light load. I had seat 28C in Y and had blocked 28A next to me.

When scanning my BP the boarding machine thing went red, as it does when they have a new boarding pass for you there and usually indicates op-up. I thought that was strange, given the extremely light load on the flight. Then, when they handed me my new boarding pass I had precisely the same seat in Y that I did before - 28C. When they gave me the "new" boarding pass I figured there was some mistake because I wasn't sure what the point of giving me a "new" boarding pass was (although I couldn't really think in my mind why they would be giving me op-up either, given how dead the flight was). The gate agents had no idea, I stayed in 28C.

Anyone ever had this happen?

It happened to me before once too. I think there was an equipment change, but should not affect Y anyway. They did not have a BP printed out for me.

Can I please get an idea of how full the 827 is on May and 826 on August? Thanks a bunch!

You'd probably be flying with all the University students in beginning of May and all school students in August.

ie. May would be more than usual, but not full. August- very full, especially on the last 2 weeks of August.

I'm flying in those months too, maybe I'll see you?

You'd probably be flying with all the University students in beginning of May and all school students in August.

ie. May would be more than usual, but not full. August- very full, especially on the last 2 weeks of August.

I'm flying in those months too, maybe I'll see you?

I would be pleased to :) You're a student too, I assume?

Well as of now I have not book any seat yet, maybe will do it sometime in February. I just checked online yesterday, CX flight at the beginning of May, going back late August was relatively cheap. If I remember correctly it was only $1800 for M class round trip YYZ-HKG-SUB. Hope it does not change that much by then.

Hi. I am a MCP silver and am going to travel in Economy from JFK to HK in April alone. I believe Feb-Apr are not really travel season and thus I don't expect they will overbook any class of my flight. If that is the case, would they do a favor for MCP members by bumping some of them up? I ask because otherwise I might use my miles to get a U ticket instead. Thanks.

Hi. I am a MCP silver and am going to travel in Economy from JFK to HK in April alone. I believe Feb-Apr are not really travel season and thus I don't expect they will overbook any class of my flight. If that is the case, would they do a favor for MCP members by bumping some of them up? I ask because otherwise I might use my miles to get a U ticket instead. Thanks.

no, cx does not do op ups for no reason. it almost always happens as a result of overbooking.

i don't think they will even do it for DM, maybe DM+...

don't get me wrong though i am a lowly silver as well

Thanks for your replies.

Well, then I should consider myself lucky then. In the last two roundtrips I got OP-up three ways, and they were not full fare tickets either. I thought they were generous to their members.

If so, why do not you share your upgrade experiences with others here.
We want to know when and where and how crowded the economy was.

If so, why do not you share your upgrade experiences with others here.
We want to know when and where and how crowded the economy was.

got upgraded to F from a non full fare J ticket. it was a few days after new years. 100% load in all classes, one on the jumpseat. i believe 3 people got pushed up from J (incl me) and about 5-10 from Y. but at the boarding gate, the Y line started building up before the boarding soon sign was even displayed.

If so, why do not you share your upgrade experiences with others here.
We want to know when and where and how crowded the economy was.

Hey.

The first time it was 24 June from JFK to HKG on CX841. I am not sure if the economy was full or not. I guess so. The business was half full. On my trip back on 30 June 2008 on CX840 I was in economy. The second time was on 24th December also from JFK to HKG on CX841. The economy was overbooked. I knew I got OP-up the night before when I checked my status online. The third time was on 3rd January on CX840. The economy was overbooked again and I knew I got OP-up the morning of my departure when I checked my status online. At the airport check-in, I was offered around USD 200 and a upgrade if I take the later flight CX888 but I had a schedule to keep so I just took my upgraded seat on CX840.

Hey.

The first time it was 24 June from JFK to HKG on CX841. I am not sure if the economy was full or not. I guess so. The business was half full. On my trip back on 30 June 2008 on CX840 I was in economy. The second time was on 24th December also from JFK to HKG on CX841. The economy was overbooked. I knew I got OP-up the night before when I checked my status online. The third time was on 3rd January on CX840. The economy was overbooked again and I knew I got OP-up the morning of my departure when I checked my status online. At the airport check-in, I was offered around USD 200 and a upgrade if I take the later flight CX888 but I had a schedule to keep so I just took my upgraded seat on CX840.


Thanks zoneless

I did not know CX overbooked so often.
However, such a long flight, Y and C is totally different(their fares are also totally different).

Kung Hei Fat Choy to everyone here!

Yesterday marked the first time I got upgraded on both sectors (HKG-SUB on 10-Jan; CGK-HKG on 28-Jan), with a mixed M+V class fare. Flights were overbooked as expected, esp yesterday with 80++ Mainland tourists returning home from their New Year holiday. My wife (MPO Green) also got upgraded yesterday, her first op-up as MPO member.

Interestingly, yesterday's CGK-HKG flight had 7 DM members and at least 6 GO members according to the check-in agent. I presume most got upgraded as all 30 seats in J on the A343 were taken up.

So, 2 op-ups as GO (had 8 as SL in 2007/2008, with 5 of them on routes to/from CGK or SUB) and will be expecting more travels until end of Aug 2009.

How come op-ups never happen on the LHR route.... :o

Can't agree more....I've been a regular HKG-LHR-HKG flyer for the last 6 six years and only got one opup....so now I've been flying WTP on BA for a year and a bit....and got opup about 60% of the time (as OW Sapp)...interesting eh?

Can't agree more....I've been a regular HKG-LHR-HKG flyer for the last 6 six years and only got one opup....so now I've been flying WTP on BA for a year and a bit....and got opup about 60% of the time (as OW Sapp)...interesting eh?

This wouldn't happen to be a post from BA marketing to try and subversively get more CX passengers to fly BA? :D

I know both are not long hauls, but I am still wondering what's the odd to get op-up as OW-emerald on those flights.

Does anyone have experience about those flights?

HKG-TPE almost zero - loads are extremely light now.

NRT-HKG will depend on which flight, whether it's holiday season, and which class you are in (Y or J)? But in the current environment probably slim too.

He means that he paid for Y, used miles to get to J and then got op-upped to F. This used to happen to me occasionally as well. The fact that you used miles to get to J doesn't affect your priority in the queue for a further op-up.

I wonder if this is different at out port, last time when I traveled LAX-HKG, the check-in staff say I will not get op-up because I've used my miles for upgrade.

I wonder if this is different at out port, last time when I traveled LAX-HKG, the check-in staff say I will not get op-up because I've used my miles for upgrade.

CX is not using own staff at LAX, I believe. I don't think what the check-in agent said was true, unless it is LAX-specific.

Of course, there is an unofficial policy not to op-up anyone who asks for it.

It will be interested to see what results get posted for travel over CNY for CX, it cant be long before they really reduce frequency of flights to fill out the planes more

It will be interested to see what results get posted for travel over CNY for CX, it cant be long before they really reduce frequency of flights to fill out the planes more

This is the first year since 2003 (SARS year) that I do not travel at all around CNY.

Hey.

The first time it was 24 June from JFK to HKG on CX841. I am not sure if the economy was full or not. I guess so. The business was half full. On my trip back on 30 June 2008 on CX840 I was in economy. The second time was on 24th December also from JFK to HKG on CX841. The economy was overbooked. I knew I got OP-up the night before when I checked my status online. The third time was on 3rd January on CX840. The economy was overbooked again and I knew I got OP-up the morning of my departure when I checked my status online. At the airport check-in, I was offered around USD 200 and a upgrade if I take the later flight CX888 but I had a schedule to keep so I just took my upgraded seat on CX840.

I do not know how you got the op-up. There are many diamond member out there. Can you share with us on how you get it?

I have no status with CX and I got op-up once for the trip from HKG to SFO becuase they oversold Y class and I happened to check in very late. When I returned from SFO to HKG, I noticed that there are no ticket for the flight I will be flying one day earlier. The next day, I deliberately checked in very late and I was told that there is no seat for me. But 30 mins later, I was given a seat and I guessed that they probably bumped somebody with compensation. I am just curiuos about CX's criteria for selection of the person for compensation package and op-up.

I do not know how you got the op-up. There are many diamond member out there. Can you share with us on how you get it?

I have no status with CX and I got op-up once for the trip from HKG to SFO becuase they oversold Y class and I happened to check in very late. When I returned from SFO to HKG, I noticed that there are no ticket for the flight I will be flying one day earlier. The next day, I deliberately checked in very late and I was told that there is no seat for me. But 30 mins later, I was given a seat and I guessed that they probably bumped somebody with compensation. I am just curiuos about CX's criteria for selection of the person for compensation package and op-up.

Back then, many DMs on the JFK route were bankers who flew F/J, not Y. Of course, F/J got full before Y from time to time.

For CX, late check-in will in fact slightly decrease your op-up chance (but the way outports operate can be different from HKG). Status (CX or other OW) is the most important. In the past, they op-upped passengers with OW status quite easily too, but they seemed to give higher op-up priorities to passengers with CX status lately.

When the Y cabin is full, they will put you on standby. There can be several reasons you got the seat:
* Someone in Y did not show up. When the check-in time closed, they released the seat to you.
* F/J was not full. Someone got bumped to J. They had to process the op-up for the other passenger before they could release the seat for you.
CX would not do VDB or IDB in your case. You did not have a reservation for that particular flight. There was no reason for them to pay anyone to get off the flight.

you cant begin to imagine how quite the flights have been the last two weeks

tylorcl, honestly I don't have any clue about why I got the op-ups, but the scenarios were consistent: a quite full economy class, a quite empty business class, a MPC membership (silver for me) and an early online checked-in. I am not sure if the last point matters, but for the last two trips I went online to check in exactly 48 hours before the departure because I want to select a good seat (see http://www.seatguru.com/). Because the op-ups happened before I got to airport, I don't think how I dressed mattered.

Merging threads...

Thx

Guy Betsy
Cathay Pacific Asiamiles forum moderator

Yesterday CX 107 HKG-AKL from Biz to First. I am One World Saphire. It was part of RTW ticket. I had checked earlier in the day for a seat upstairs on the 747 and at that time it was said Biz was full. There were 6 of 9 seats occupied in First.

Quite a few op-ups going on on our CX255 HKG-LHR by the looks of it yesterday, 2 people moved from J into F prior to takeoff (no idea of their status, just saw them quietly being moved after boarding) then 2 children who had apparently been having problems with non working AVOD moved from Y into J during the night at some stage without their parents.

Kids were quiet and well behaved but did seem to reduce the level of service for everyone else in the J cabin as crew were checking they were ok on each pass and completely missing collecting litter before, tray for quite a while/coffee cups etc after breakfast which got a touch annoying & not really what i would expect from CX in J.

J was maybe 2/3rds full downstairs, no idea about the other cabins.

Last Wed, I also saw one kid being bumped up to J, while her parents were still seated at the back. As a result, one FA had to take care of her personally, while the kid (and her parents) also went to the back (front) frequently.

I got OP-UP'd from JFK to HKG on flight CX841 from H to J on 2/7 as MP Silver. Flight was totally sold out in Y and when I was boarding they scanned my tix and a little alarm went off. The guy at the gate told me to step to the side and that they'd give me a biz class seat. This was my first flight ever on Cathay Pacific and wow. Biz class on Cathay is better than first class on United. I was quite impressed with the seat, IFE and outstanding service in biz. My flights from HKG to BKK and back were about half full so now op up. I returned to JFK on CX888 on 2/16 and was hoping for an OP-UP after my luck in NY. Unfortunately, I did not get one from HKG-YVR-JFK even though this flight is supposedly easier to get OP-UP's on than the direct HKG-JFK flight. I spoke to the flight attendant on the plane and he said that their were 5 empty seats in Y. I was actually quite disappointed with economy class on CX. The level of service and attitude of the flight attendants was very poor. They do not even give you a bottle of water for the 11 hour flight to YVR (and do not let you carry any water on the plane in HKG) or 6 hour flight from YVR to JFK. When I requested one the flight attendant said they do not have any and that I could refill my tiny plastic cup in the rear of the plane from the water in the tank of the plane (not even bottled) ew. I use to fly Thai Air JFK-BKK in Y before they ended the service and they would give everyone in Y a bottle of water. I thought Cathay Pacific was supposed to be better than Thai Air?...not in my opinion. Overall I had a good experience on CX but I will probably look elsewhere for my next tix to Asia when flying in Y. If you have 12K to spend on a biz ticket these days than I would recommend CX.

Very lucky to have been upgraded with only a Silver status. Not the norm for sure.

I got OP-UP'd from JFK to HKG on flight CX841 from H to J on 2/7 as MP Silver. Flight was totally sold out in Y and when I was boarding they scanned my tix and a little alarm went off. The guy at the gate told me to step to the side and that they'd give me a biz class seat. This was my first flight ever on Cathay Pacific and wow. Biz class on Cathay is better than first class on United. I was quite impressed with the seat, IFE and outstanding service in biz. My flights from HKG to BKK and back were about half full so now op up. I returned to JFK on CX888 on 2/16 and was hoping for an OP-UP after my luck in NY. Unfortunately, I did not get one from HKG-YVR-JFK even though this flight is supposedly easier to get OP-UP's on than the direct HKG-JFK flight. I spoke to the flight attendant on the plane and he said that their were 5 empty seats in Y. I was actually quite disappointed with economy class on CX. The level of service and attitude of the flight attendants was very poor. They do not even give you a bottle of water for the 11 hour flight to YVR (and do not let you carry any water on the plane in HKG) or 6 hour flight from YVR to JFK. When I requested one the flight attendant said they do not have any and that I could refill my tiny plastic cup in the rear of the plane from the water in the tank of the plane (not even bottled) ew. I use to fly Thai Air JFK-BKK in Y before they ended the service and they would give everyone in Y a bottle of water. I thought Cathay Pacific was supposed to be better than Thai Air?...not in my opinion. Overall I had a good experience on CX but I will probably look elsewhere for my next tix to Asia when flying in Y. If you have 12K to spend on a biz ticket these days than I would recommend CX.

You became MPC Silver without flying CX? There are not too many people like you. Anyway, I am glad you got an op-up.

CX does not pass out bottle water to Y passengers in general, with the exception of Gold members and above. They do not carry enough bottle water for all passengers. KA, on the other hand, passes out bottle water to every passenger. I have no idea why and why not.

I was Gold on Thai and got CX to do a status match to silver because Thai ended their service from JFK. I miss the A340-500 which had very generous leg room and a pretty small Y section which lead to very good service.

Got upgrade from award Y class to J class from Taipei to Hong Kong with CX461 on Jan. 27. on B777-300ER aircraft.

Very lucky to have been upgraded with only a Silver status. Not the norm for sure.

I've been silver for 3 years now (unable to get any higher :o), and been upgraded 3 times on long haul flights. Two of which are on HKG-YYZ route, one on YVR-HKG. I know YYZ seems to be easy on op-ups but not YVR for sure (I was really lucky I suppose).

Very lucky to have been upgraded with only a Silver status. Not the norm for sure.

agree. just goes to show how much cx is suffering from last yr's loss and the recession. no op up flying 888 and op up flying on direct flight with silver status. wonder what will happen if things get worse through this yr...

Very lucky to have been upgraded with only a Silver status. Not the norm for sure.

I got a few long-haul and short haul op-ups when I was SL, but all were x-HKG.

There are probably still enough people flying certain routes, but in lower cabins instead.

I got a few long-haul and short haul op-ups when I was SL, but all were x-HKG.

There are probably still enough people flying certain routes, but in lower cabins instead.

Yup....experienced the same things...2 LH op-ups (HKG-LAX and HKG-LHR) and quite a number of SH op-ups last year when I was SL. As far as I remember, only 3 were not ex-HKG (CSX-HKG, CGK-HKG (twice)). CGK and SUB routes are still packed this year. Perhaps one reason why they add the frequency of CGK to 3 times on some days beginning Mar/Apr this year. Frequency to SUB used is also added to 6 times a week.

They do not even give you a bottle of water for the 11 hour flight to YVR (and do not let you carry any water on the plane in HKG) or 6 hour flight from YVR to JFK.

It is the policy of TSA (not CX) that does not allow you to bring a bottle of water on any US-bound flight. If you take CX flights to other countries (except US and Australia), you can take bottle water to the flight, as long as it is purchased after the security check.

Of course, it will be much better if every passenger can receive a bottle water in flight. However, I really do not think CX will do that, not because of the cost of water, but the cost of fuel for carrying the extra water on a long-haul flight.

post deleted

It is the policy of TSA (not CX) that does not allow you to bring a bottle of water on any US-bound flight. If you take CX flights to other countries (except US and Australia), you can take bottle water to the flight, as long as it is purchased after the security check.

The interesting part is that you can purchase water after the security point and board a flight in US (domestic or international), but you cannot do the same for a US- or Australia-bound flight in HKIA.

Um, I think we are drifting away from the topic.

They do not even give you a bottle of water for the 11 hour flight to YVR (and do not let you carry any water on the plane in HKG) or 6 hour flight from YVR to JFK. When I requested one the flight attendant said they do not have any and that I could refill my tiny plastic cup in the rear of the plane from the water in the tank of the plane (not even bottled) ew. .

As a oneworld elite pax when flying on coach, I usually get a bottle of water when the FSM or lead purser comes by to greet me. On one occasion when I was not offered one, I asked and got one.

As a oneworld elite pax when flying on coach, I usually get a bottle of water when the FSM or lead purser comes by to greet me. On one occasion when I was not offered one, I asked and got one.

I never receive a bottled water from FSM when they come to greet me in coach on HKG-LAX/LAX-HKG routes. I wonder if they only give it to OW Emerald?

As a DM that has just just got off LHR-HKG yesterday, I was not offered a bottle of water when both the ISM and FP came to greet me. There was an interesting observation here, the ISM did not bother to greet the GO across the aisle. Anyway, I walked into the galley after my meal and was met with a completely blank face from the BC. Only the FP who had greeted me came rushing afterwards to offer me two bottles. That was very much appreciated.

Other than that, it was the best Y flight I've ever had. I was addressed by last name and given meals before everyone else.

It is the policy of TSA (not CX) that does not allow you to bring a bottle of water on any US-bound flight. If you take CX flights to other countries (except US and Australia), you can take bottle water to the flight, as long as it is purchased after the security check.


More the reason they should offer bottles of water to US bound passengers that request them. If they are that cheap then I would happily pay for a bottle of water on the flight 16 & 1/2 hour flight.

They've chosen not to give out bottles of water in Y for elites unless they ask for it. It seems to me as a measure to cut cost. I've noticed that the size of my entree has become smaller, the cup noodles have also gone down in size, the ham and egg sandwich snack has gone, and so has the (really nice) pretzels that have been replaced by poppan crackers.

As we're drifting OT, perhaps GB could cut out some of this thread make it into a new topic with the heading "Benefits in Y for elites"?

They've chosen not to give out bottles of water in Y for elites unless they ask for it. It seems to me as a measure to cut cost. I've noticed that the size of my entree has become smaller, the cup noodles have also gone down in size, the ham and egg sandwich snack has gone, and so has the (really nice) pretzels that have been replaced by poppan crackers.

As we're drifting OT, perhaps GB could cut out some of this thread make it into a new topic with the heading "Benefits in Y for elites"?

Yes, a new thread on this is good. Perhaps it can be edited into the FAQ some day. Sometimes the FPs or ISMs will give water to elites in Y without being asked, and sometimes don't.

Like some CX regulars and I have posted here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cathay-pacific-asia-miles/923159-cx-what-you-call-airline-wow.html), it's a matter of consistency (or the lack of it).

Did you receive the luggage tag while checking in at HKG? Hmm, will see in a few days' time... ^

I flew 880 last sunday and was given Evian without asking.

Oh I also received the OW 10th anniversary luggage tag. Which I didn't care for, but it was a nice gesture.

Would you mind sharing with us where / how you get the luggade tag. I am really interested in getting that and will be flying CX two weeks from now. May I know which cabin were you in, and was it a special gift because you are an EM?

I flew SFO-HKG two weeks ago and did not receive a luggage tag. I flew HKG-PVG (on CX) and PVG-HKG (on KA) and did not receive it.

They've chosen not to give out bottles of water in Y for elites unless they ask for it. It seems to me as a measure to cut cost. I've noticed that the size of my entree has become smaller, the cup noodles have also gone down in size, the ham and egg sandwich snack has gone, and so has the (really nice) pretzels that have been replaced by poppan crackers.

As we're drifting OT, perhaps GB could cut out some of this thread make it into a new topic with the heading "Benefits in Y for elites"?

So all the nice touches that make CX so special are cut. Should probably not have my usual special meal next time in Y to get more op-up escape chances. ;)

Do they have Soda or Tonic water... Just kinda have to get the CO2 out of it then...

Also just wondering if a SIN-HKG flight what are the likely hood of getting OPs. I'm just a Qantas FF Bronze member.

Do they have Soda or Tonic water... Just kinda have to get the CO2 out of it then...

Also just wondering if a SIN-HKG flight what are the likely hood of getting OPs. I'm just a Qantas FF Bronze member.

Almost none.

See the CX FAQ on how CX chooses op-ups.

And guys....please keep all this water talk out of this thread..

Elites. Non elites. Oy ! Just ask if you need one!

Got co-up from Y to J on a code share (AA) flight from NRT to HKG.

Was told by the GA that the flight was over-sold. The food in J of CX is 100 times better than AA.