Is Cathay Pacific Considering New Restrictions on Lounge Access?

After surveying members of its loyalty program last month, Cathay Pacific may be looking to change their lounge access requirements.

Cathay Pacific recently surveyed its frequent flyers to gather feedback on its four-tier loyalty program, the Marco Polo Club, causing rumors to swell that the carrier is considering making changes that would restrict lounge access.

According to a Cathay representative, as reported by the South China Morning Post:

The survey mentioned is part of our continuous efforts to identify customer preferences so that we can best meet their changing needs. No decisions have been taken regarding the findings of the survey.

Currently, unlimited lounge access is available to passengers who achieve Silver, Gold or Diamond status. Proposals gleaned from the survey, however, suggest that Cathay may be considering limiting lounge access to Gold and Diamond status holders. Based on requirements outlined on Cathay’s website, that would mean Silver status holders would need to double their annual Club miles from 30,000 to 60,000, or from 20 to 40 Club sectors, to retain unlimited lounge access privileges.

Cathay Pacific, which was recently named the “World’s Best Airline” by Skytrax for the fourth year in a row, said it is committed to overhauling its brand in order to provide a better experience for its customers. Marco Polo Club members told the South China Morning Post the potential changes would be a “bombshell,” noting that Cathay Pacific has already raised the membership requirements for its Silver tier.

[Photo: Cathay Pacific]