Originally Posted by QRC3288

1) the FAs only know if you're an op-up or not. Op-ups are usually indicated in the galley map by an up arrow. Cash fares, Asia Miles awards (whether straight or upgrade), and partner awards look the same to FAs on board.

It MAY be possible for the ISM to discern how passengers paid, but in practice I have never once seen this nor seen any difference in service. And fwiw, I've flown F in just about every manner possible: op-up, cash (both F and A tickets), cash upgrade at airport to F from J, Asia Miles straight redemption, Asia Miles upgrade redemption from cash J ticket, and a partner redemption award. The ONLY time I see a difference is if I'm op-upped.

2) there are two variables for treatment on-board: your status, and if you're an op-up or not.

Op-up is usually the last meal choice, and IME it is common that sometimes food choices run out. There is always enough food - no chance someone is going hungry - but simple fact is CX usually doesn't load one of everything, and I believe catering is based on some formula whereby op-ups are not included. As both an op-up and paid pax, it seems almost every CX F flight I see these days something is running out, particularly if the pax are aggressive eaters or the seats are 6/6 full. When I'm an op-up it frequently happens to me. And as a revenue pax a few months ago, I saw the gentleman next to me in 2D not have the steak available, which he wanted. He was a DM, fwiw, but he was the only op-up in the cabin and he was indeed offered last.

For food order, elite status is usually followed. Although food is any time ordering usually the FAs will approach you right after takeoff, and see what you'd like. This is the process they do on elite order. I find that paid/miles DMs are almost universally offered meal choice first. I'm not sure where OWE stacks up, but I recall FAs moving down the status hierarchy to offer meals. Often in F some of many pax don't have status.

Lastly, if you're on a cash J + Asia Miles award, your revenue contribution is undoubtedly higher than the partner redemptions and even straight Asia Miles redemptions sitting in F. Heck, if you're upgrading from a full fare J ticket, you might be giving higher revenues than an A fare or corporate deal cash pax.