Cathay Pacific (CX) Award Redemption, Booking and Availability (2019-2022)
Jan 8, 2021, 8:45 pm
#1696
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,533
Question: Looking to book J on CX for 4 people in August; preferred routing would be JFK-HKG-CMB. Obviously this is extremely far out to see if this will actually end up happening, but I'm willing to be optimistic.
1. Should I try and book a flight/timeslot that is currently running (for example the 12:05am flight on Wednesday's) to hopefully hedge my bet?
2. If I were to book another flight (for example the 10:00am out of JFK) and my flight was cancelled, do you think CX would proactively place me on another flight that day with availability even though it is an Alaskan ticket?
I know these questions are impossible to answer with certainty, but I was just curious what you would do if you were in my situation.
Thanks.
1. Should I try and book a flight/timeslot that is currently running (for example the 12:05am flight on Wednesday's) to hopefully hedge my bet?
2. If I were to book another flight (for example the 10:00am out of JFK) and my flight was cancelled, do you think CX would proactively place me on another flight that day with availability even though it is an Alaskan ticket?
I know these questions are impossible to answer with certainty, but I was just curious what you would do if you were in my situation.
Thanks.
2. Yes. If CX cancels, they will likely rebook you on something of their own. This has been my experience with CX bookings via AA, AS, and BA.
3. Price out CMBDOHJFK one-way flights in J, when we went to Sri Lanka it was $2,200 one way (originating in CMB) which made the mileage burn uncompetitive when flying home. Better value to buy tickets. Earned tens of thousands of miles in addition to the savings.
Jan 8, 2021, 8:59 pm
#1697
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Delta GM, Marriott Platinum Premier
Posts: 161
1. Yes.
2. Yes. If CX cancels, they will likely rebook you on something of their own. This has been my experience with CX bookings via AA, AS, and BA.
3. Price out CMBDOHJFK one-way flights in J, when we went to Sri Lanka it was $2,200 one way (originating in CMB) which made the mileage burn uncompetitive when flying home. Better value to buy tickets. Earned tens of thousands of miles in addition to the savings.
2. Yes. If CX cancels, they will likely rebook you on something of their own. This has been my experience with CX bookings via AA, AS, and BA.
3. Price out CMBDOHJFK one-way flights in J, when we went to Sri Lanka it was $2,200 one way (originating in CMB) which made the mileage burn uncompetitive when flying home. Better value to buy tickets. Earned tens of thousands of miles in addition to the savings.
Jan 9, 2021, 4:28 pm
#1698
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,533
People often neglect to realize how inexpensive locally-originating fares are, in the part of the world. I purchased Etihad Apartments from DAR to AUH with a 3-day layover (well, that segment was an A320), and then AUHJFK on the A380 for around $2,300 one-way. Saved me 110k AA points, AND earned me 10x on the purchase (Amex), a cabin bonus, and I believe an Elite bonus on AA. Would have been stupid to spend 110k.
Jan 9, 2021, 4:44 pm
#1699
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,381
I hope it works out. Sri Lanka is stunning.
People often neglect to realize how inexpensive locally-originating fares are, in the part of the world. I purchased Etihad Apartments from DAR to AUH with a 3-day layover (well, that segment was an A320), and then AUHJFK on the A380 for around $2,300 one-way. Saved me 110k AA points, AND earned me 10x on the purchase (Amex), a cabin bonus, and I believe an Elite bonus on AA. Would have been stupid to spend 110k.
People often neglect to realize how inexpensive locally-originating fares are, in the part of the world. I purchased Etihad Apartments from DAR to AUH with a 3-day layover (well, that segment was an A320), and then AUHJFK on the A380 for around $2,300 one-way. Saved me 110k AA points, AND earned me 10x on the purchase (Amex), a cabin bonus, and I believe an Elite bonus on AA. Would have been stupid to spend 110k.
Last edited by eponymous_coward; Jan 10, 2021 at 9:43 pm
Jan 9, 2021, 5:08 pm
#1700
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
Jan 9, 2021, 6:03 pm
#1701
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 112
Can you elaborate on why you do not see much utility for CX in 2021? I was hoping to redeem something on there later in 2021 so curious on what you are seeing.
Jan 10, 2021, 1:22 am
#1702
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 12
I would book CX first with AS before they join oneworld. I feel a devalue coming. Hopefully they would give notice (unlike with the emirates devalue), but I would at least try to get something on the books. I just used the last of my AS points to book two first class tickets.
Jan 10, 2021, 4:43 pm
#1703
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 332
Anyone knows besides using British Avios what other airlines show you good availability on CX? I used BA to check for YYZ-HKG in J. BA shows several J availability but calling Alaska they said they didn't show J seats.
Jan 10, 2021, 4:47 pm
#1704
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,533
Alaska’s inventory isn’t harmonized with OW-partners. There’s no reliable source other than calling.
Jan 10, 2021, 6:18 pm
#1705
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 2,393
The availability that used to match most closely to AS was using the JAL website to search for CX partner only awards (not OneWorld awards). Many times I will start using Qantas but in your case I would suggest going to aa.com and using their award search calendar to filter for YYZ-HKG non-stop in Business/First, then check that against QF and JAL for good measure, then call Alaska to book.
Jan 10, 2021, 9:46 pm
#1706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,381
one system. I don’t expect “normal” for CX’s route network in 2021.
I would argue if they trim routes the ones most likely to go are ones like JNB that are such the extreme value add for AS miles. I would also expect more A350s and less four cabin 777Ws.
Jan 11, 2021, 12:41 am
#1707
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: TK Elite Plus, IC Plat Ambassador, HH Diamond
Posts: 918
BA and AA shows availability which does not necessarily equate to inventory open to AS. Today I was finally able to book SIN- HKG-YVR in J for 11/30 after 4 days of calling in. First day nothing available, 2nd only HKG-YVR available, 3rd day all available but at last stage of booking CX would not confirm. Finally all booked today.
Jan 12, 2021, 9:06 pm
#1708
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 821
So all Alaska issued CX flight start with 027 right? means still free to cancel if book before 03/31, but tax/fees will be deposit to my account with expiry date?
looking to book SYD-HKG(STOP)-YVR, since Alaska release 330 days out, should I book SYD-HKG first and then call in 20 days later to add the 2nd segment? (since it's free change now)
Thanks!
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/ad...dvisories#flex
looking to book SYD-HKG(STOP)-YVR, since Alaska release 330 days out, should I book SYD-HKG first and then call in 20 days later to add the 2nd segment? (since it's free change now)
Thanks!
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/ad...dvisories#flex
- This waiver is valid only for tickets issued by Alaska Airlines, which you can identify by a 13-digit ticket number that begins with Alaska Airlines code "027".
Jan 12, 2021, 9:26 pm
#1709
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: TYO
Programs: AS G75k, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 63
Award changes like what you described is still free. I just booked two awards like what you described recently. Fwiw I would book the entire trip first (all on the same date) and then call in 20 days later and tell them I want to change it to a stopover and tell them the new date.
Jan 12, 2021, 10:09 pm
#1710
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Change fees have flown away but cancellation fees will likely be reinstated after the waivers end.
James