Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - LAX Airport Staff discretion on taking earlier flight

Next month I am traveling LAX-HKG.
I have a BC ticket that allows any change. My travel companion has a K class ticket, upgraded to BC with my Asia Miles. K class requires a $150 fee for changes. The flights are confirmed.

We are confirmed on the 1:50 AM flight (CX881). I chose that one to allow plenty connection time at LAX as my companion is arriving to LAX and has to go through US customs.

There is a good chance he will clear and we will be at the CX terminal with plenty of time to make the earlier LAX-HKG flight CX883 at 11:50 PM.

Of course, assuming that there are available BC seats (Right now both flights are widely available), does the LAX staff has the discretion of letting us go on the earlier flight - and if they do, can they do so without collection the $150 change fee for the 2 hour earlier flight?

FWIW - I am Diamond and companion is Silver.

You can standby for an earlier flight in most airports even for tickets that cannot be changed. However, you should note the following:
* LAX is different. The ground staff seems to have limited authority.
* The earlier flight is technically on the previous day. So I do not know if that is considered standing by for an earlier same-day flight.
* The chance is that you need not change the ticket. Otherwise it can be more complicated than just paying USD150 plus the fare difference (e.g., K fare is not available, or change from weekday to weekend).

There is no harm to try. If failed, you only need to spend another two hours in the lounge. After all, it is a little early arriving in HKG for the earlier flight.

Thanks for the feedback. I know it is only two hours, but we are connecting to Bangkok and rather have the extra time at the Hong Kong Airport rather than the one at LAX.

Will see how it goes. I often get the impression that the LAX staff has no discretion whatsoever.

I have had successful experiencing changing from 881 to 883 or 883 to 881 as standby, but it really depends on availability. Just ask at check-in counters.

Thanks. That is encouraging.

CX LAX have the discretion to move you to the earlier flight and espeically if the flight you are confirmed on is full, they will happily move you to the earlier flight and waive the charge......your best option is to take your chances as being a summer month and perhaps a full flight, luck might just go your way........

CX LAX have the discretion to move you to the earlier flight and espeically if the flight you are confirmed on is full, they will happily move you to the earlier flight and waive the charge......your best option is to take your chances as being a summer month and perhaps a full flight, luck might just go your way........

FWIW i remember being quoted a 50GBP charge when i wanted to do the same in LHR though...

Yeah in London they are like that...i've reached many times early enough to take the 20.50 cx 256 and they've told me that i must pay to change....so it's all on the flight traffic.....if it's busy, they will let you, if it's not, they wont......but CX LAX do have the DISCRECTION to change without charge......if they want...

FWIW, I have switched from 883 to 881 on an F award ticket (AA issued) to be on the same flight as a colleague. There were no issues as there was availability and they were not weight restricted. The agent needed to go in the back room (seems like they always do at LAX even for the simplest of changes), but was able to do it.