Okay here's the dilemma.

Tried booking the el cheapo $350 fare on CX's website between SIN-HKG return. This fare earns no miles, but qualifies for the 2888 miles for first booking on the 'new' website. There is a lower fare at $288 return but that doesn't even earn the bonus miles.

Anyway, I tried booking it yesterday.. and seats were available. Entered my cc number and it keep rejecting it - saying that the card number is incorrect. I checked it over 4 times, and changed different cards and each time the website kept giving me the same answer. After 30 minutes I gave up.

I tried it again tonight.. and lo and behold, the booking class is sold out! Of course the website is just too smart to figure out that Gold/Diam members get guaranteed seats. No I had to call the MPC centre to find out what to do.

They told me to book it as usual, but choose any other date other than the requested date. When the transaction has ended, call MPC back to change the dates to the one that I want... but only if the fare permits a change... and if it does CX WILL CHARGE YOU THE CHANGE FEE !!! Okay, this does not make sense ... why would I want to do that? Can't I book and let the system hold my seats for me for a 24 hour option? No...

So, basically that's the only answer they can answer me. Either I book it as they suggested and I earn my bonus miles.. or they guarantee the seat for me right away and I get no miles whatsoever.

Oy !