Here's another interesting tale of CX Gold (1w-Sapphire) vs CP Exec Plat (1w-Emerald).

Last Thursday, I was travelling SIN-BKK on an economy class ticket. I had prebooked my seat (bulkhead window) so I was not too concerned about showing up at the airport 2 hours prior departure. Besides I had given my CP Emerald card number at reservation.

I arrived at the check-in counter 10 minutes before the counter closed (CX imposes a 40 minute cutoff time for check-in). Gave then my ticket but didn't show my CP Exec Platinum card (since I thought they already have my number in their file). I was then given a sullen look and asked if I wanted an aisle seat. I said I had the seat requested already. No I didn't, they said. No window seats left. No aisle seats in front of plane...only last row. Is that okay? Middle seats only in front . (This was a 747-400 flight). Okay middle seat I mumbled. (I'll survive the 2 hr flight). I asked if they had my frequent flyer number on my reservation. Yes they said. So they know I'm emerald and yet still will only stick me in a middle seat! Then I took out my Cathay Pacific Gold card (1world-Sapphire) and asked that they change mileage credit to this card instead.

Suddenly, the response was...Oh, our apologies. In that case, we can upgrade you to Business Class where you will be more comfortable. Sorry no window seats on upper deck. Aisle okay? (But found out upon boarding that upper deck was half empty so I got my window seat in the end.)

Hmmmm. What does this tell you? CX Sapphire level worked better than CP's Emerald? Do checkin agents favour their own brand first and then others?

I personally would like to keep both cards. I have been a strong supporter of Cathay in the past and know that being a "Club" member does have its priveleges. I was very upset when they merged their operations and I realised that I now have to upkeep my Gold card to retain its benefits AND basically cut into my status points with CP since they both now have the same status accruing partners.

I will retain my CX Gold/Sapphire till end of Nov 2000 at current status levels, which means I don't have to do extra flights till 2000. AFter that I need to accumulate 60K to retain Gold, but that would also mean that I will not be accruing that that 60K into CP's programme. I can just about make it and retain CP's Exec Plat. But that would probably mean giving up AC SuperElite and be satisfied with Elite. Either that or give up Swissair TravelClub altogether.

Or stuff everything , give up flying and get a new job at a monastery. Flyer Talk visitors required.


[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 04-18-99).]