I've just run into this issue signing up a relative. Phone number already taken, etc

After the usual frustrations with the Vera virtual assistant, called CX then selected "other" got put through very quickly to a revenue desk in India, then when they realised this wasn't a sale, was transferred. Got Manila, and - without wishing to tempt fate - having explained the situation and been put on hold a couple of times (couple of minutes each, but all forewarned), they have created a ticket for manual override & manual sign-up. Supposedly on "high priority". But yes, need to talk to a human to sort out.

20-odd minutes.

And I know I've been critical of CX of late, but - assuming all goes smoothly - this could be my first "good CX experience" for a while.

UPDATE: Spoke too soon. The back office people who should have been sorting this out have sent us back to square one! Relative now likely unable to get a Cathay account. Will update if/when resolved!