I have a spare weekend coming up in September and I thought I might go to TPE for a couple of days. The trip is partly motivated by seeing TPE but mostly motivated as a chance to experience CX first class, including the Pier First lounge. I travel J a lot but I've never travelled in F (I mostly travel to Australia which doesn't have F).

I would be booking using Asiamiles.

Anyway, I understand that CX regularly springs equipment swaps on HKG-TPE, and if that happens, I could well be downgraded to J class.

If that happens, what is the situation with:

• cancellation - can you cancel your ticket?
• refunds - if you decide to take the flight, will they refund the points difference or provide some other compensation?
• lounge access - can I still get into Pier First?

I ask because if it turns out that I am going to end up in regional J and have no Pier First access, I might well decide not to go at all. I wouldn't be too upset but I would want a refund.

I checked the Cathay Conditions of Carriage, it looks like involuntary downgrades are entitled to compensation but not a right to cancel. Nothing about lounge access.

I understand that Award bookings can be cancelled for 120USD or 12000 Asiamiles - does CX ever waive this if you cancel after an involuntary downgrade? Some articles online talk about CX offering a standard compensation of 1500HKD - seems it would be cheaper for them to just waive the cancellation fee.