Nov 19, 2014, 9:27 am
Last edit by: Prospero
Awards: All Cathay Pacific / CX (Including First and Business Class)
Questions, Availability, Discussion
NOTE: Multiple reports starting in June 2021 that CX is allowing only a 24 hour hold and could cancel reservations not being ticketed beyond 24 hours.
Please feel free to use this thread for questions regarding CX Economy, Premium Economy, First and Business Class award redemption using AAdvantage miles, as well as questions regarding award availability, routings and related issues. Please go to the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Forum to discuss or ask about meals, equipment, service, etc. on CX, as there is an existing wealth of information there - and this is the American Airlines AAdvantage Forum
.
AA Flight award chart for oneworld® and partner airlines
Other related threads that may be of interest:
FT Discrepancy between CX Award Search and AA availability: Discrepancy between QF and CX award search and AA availability
FT How , When to Select CX Seats on CX Award: How / when to select seat on a Cathay (CX) award / flight (consolidated)
FT Cathay Pacific Experience - Seats / Interline/ Baggage FAQs: Cathay Pacific Experience / Seats / Interline / Baggage FAQs
Also, for Rules about awards, see AA oneworld and Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (2015 on).
Expert Advice:
Only "MileSAAver" awards apply to oneworld and AA partners.
Premium Economy seats are not available with AAdvantage awards, may be soon as AA sells Premium Economy Feb 2017.
Be aware that what you see on the BA, JL, or QF sites may not be visible to the AA reservations folks. You may want to note the flight on which the F award seat is shown as "available" on those sites and if the AA agent doesn't see any availability suggest that the AA agent check that specific one again. If the AA agent still cannot see it, thank them, hang up, and call back a little later.
Sometimes CX will make flights available for award booking to CX frequent flyers, but not release the seats immediately for other oneworld frequent flyers. Usually though, the seats, if not taken by CX frequent flyers, are released after a while to other OW programs.
Although CX may release seats for award earlier, AA can book them no more than 331 days prior to departure. The awards that CX does release are available as early as 355 days prior to departure for CX and BA frequent fliers, and sometimes that means the awards you want w AA miles will be snatched up prior to the 331 day mark.
*** AA does not have a set schedule to load flights. They can load it anytime after midnight 331 days out. Most of the time it is within a couple to 12 hours of that. Other times, it can be a full day or a day and a half afterwards, especially on the weekends where there's most variability. Unlike JL award space, it is not a specific time of day.
4Keep in mind that when booking eastbound space to North America that it's one day later in HKG so that space usually becomes available 330 days in advance to North America; this is not always true, since CX has already loaded the availability a month prior to AA - it is just up to AA to load and release the seats on SABRE, so it typically ends up being 330 days out, but not necessarily.
Similarly... if you are trying to book westbound, US->HKG->Somewhere then AA may not be able to book the HKG->Somewhere segment 331 days in advance of the US->HKG flight, if it is still 332 days out in HKG. As it is the flights from US->HKG that are hardest to get, if you find a seat US->HKG at the 331 day mark when it is first available for booking through AA but cannot book the continuation, you can just put that US->HKG segment on hold with AA, then call back the next day when connecting flights will be loaded into the system to try to book the onward flight from HKG.
AA does not charge "YQ" surcharges [what they sometimes call "fuel surcharge"] on CX award segments (BA Avios does), thus the taxes and fees on your "free" ticket on CX or KA are almost always significantly less than for the same routing on BA.
There is a Hong Kong Departure Tax (HK) of $120 HKD (approx $15.50 USD) on every segment departing Hong Kong. Exemptions apply. If your ticket includes this tax and you qualify for an exemption, a refund can be applied for either in person at HKIA landside or via post to Civil Aviation Department. AA charges this tax for children under 12 years of age despite the exemption. In order to obtain a cash refund at HKIA, you will need passenger passport, passenger boarding pass, passenger ticket receipt showing the fare calculation line which will show the HK tax being charged. This receipt can be obtained at any AA counter worldwide including HKIA as well as Airport Express in-town check-in (AA check-in). As the AA counter at HKIA operates only during limited hours, Airport Express in-town check-in would be the the convenient option.
Not all CX flights offer First class; CX Business is markedly different on long haul and regionally configured aircraft.
If you're looking for multiple seats in First on a particular flight but can find only some but not all that you're looking for, take what's available in F, then take the rest of the seats you want on J (if available) on the same flight, and check back periodically to see if an F seat has opened up for award. There is no additional charge (in money, although there will be in miles) to change to an award to a higher cabin of service (e.g., J to F, Y to F, Y to J) as long as the award keeps the same origin/destination airports.
Be aware your award must conform to some rules on a) MPM (Maximum Permitted Mileage - your award routing can not exceed 125% of the most direct routing available); a useful tool is Great Circle Mapper.
The Most Significant Carrier (transpacific usually, CX in most of these posts,) must offer a non-"constructed" fare between your origin and destination (you might find an unconstructed fare between DFW and SIN, but might not from Killeen to SIN).
If you can't pick your CX seats online, either due to them being blocked or you just want to call, you need to first get the CX PNR from AAdvantage at 1-800-882-8880. Then call CX at 1-800-233-2742. Some seats that are blocked on CX website are assignable via AA reservations. Close to departure AA can even assign 2A, 2K.
Note: if the Cathay Manage booking tool doesn't appear to recognize your CX PNR, you need to enter your first name AND middle name, separated by a space, in the "First Name" field.
AAward bookings containing CX flights that are put on hold will be restricted to only 24hrs, not the usual 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the patterns for west coast routes?
Because LAX has 4 daily flights to HKG, it tends to be the easiest option for blocks of 3 or more J award seats. SFO and YVR only have 2 daily flights and even if 5 award seats were initially released at 355 days prior to departure, some of those may be gone by the time the 331 day mark rolls around. If you need 4 or 5 J award seats on these west coast routes, either use Avios to book at 355 days or consider routing through LAX where there may still be availability at 331 days out.
Can I visit my companion in First Class if I'm in Business Class?
"Up-cabin visits" are not permitted per CX policy, though have been granted under special circumstances. But putting crew in the awkward position of being asked to violate policy is generally frowned upon. Down-cabin visits are permitted ex-USA. However, on flights to the USA, down-cabin visits are not permitted and this rule is vigorously enforced.
Posts made in 2017 may be read in ARCHIVE: 2017 AA Awards in Cathay Pacific / CX, KA...
Posts made in 2016 may be read in ARCHIVE: AA Awards on Cathay Pacific (2016).
Posts made in 2015 may be read in ARCHIVE: AA Awards on Cathay Pacific (2015).
Posts made in 2014 may be read in ARCHIVE: Awards: CX / Cathay Pacific / (inc. F and J) - 2014.
N.B. Older posts have been moved and archived to: Cathay Pacific / CX (inc. First and Business Class) award - ARCHIVED.
Questions, Availability, Discussion
NOTE: Multiple reports starting in June 2021 that CX is allowing only a 24 hour hold and could cancel reservations not being ticketed beyond 24 hours.
Please feel free to use this thread for questions regarding CX Economy, Premium Economy, First and Business Class award redemption using AAdvantage miles, as well as questions regarding award availability, routings and related issues. Please go to the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Forum to discuss or ask about meals, equipment, service, etc. on CX, as there is an existing wealth of information there - and this is the American Airlines AAdvantage Forum
.AA Flight award chart for oneworld® and partner airlines
Other related threads that may be of interest:
FT Discrepancy between CX Award Search and AA availability: Discrepancy between QF and CX award search and AA availability
FT How , When to Select CX Seats on CX Award: How / when to select seat on a Cathay (CX) award / flight (consolidated)
FT Cathay Pacific Experience - Seats / Interline/ Baggage FAQs: Cathay Pacific Experience / Seats / Interline / Baggage FAQs
Also, for Rules about awards, see AA oneworld and Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (2015 on).
Expert Advice:
Only "MileSAAver" awards apply to oneworld and AA partners.
Premium Economy seats are not available with AAdvantage awards, may be soon as AA sells Premium Economy Feb 2017.
Be aware that what you see on the BA, JL, or QF sites may not be visible to the AA reservations folks. You may want to note the flight on which the F award seat is shown as "available" on those sites and if the AA agent doesn't see any availability suggest that the AA agent check that specific one again. If the AA agent still cannot see it, thank them, hang up, and call back a little later.
Sometimes CX will make flights available for award booking to CX frequent flyers, but not release the seats immediately for other oneworld frequent flyers. Usually though, the seats, if not taken by CX frequent flyers, are released after a while to other OW programs.
Although CX may release seats for award earlier, AA can book them no more than 331 days prior to departure. The awards that CX does release are available as early as 355 days prior to departure for CX and BA frequent fliers, and sometimes that means the awards you want w AA miles will be snatched up prior to the 331 day mark.
*** AA does not have a set schedule to load flights. They can load it anytime after midnight 331 days out. Most of the time it is within a couple to 12 hours of that. Other times, it can be a full day or a day and a half afterwards, especially on the weekends where there's most variability. Unlike JL award space, it is not a specific time of day.
4Keep in mind that when booking eastbound space to North America that it's one day later in HKG so that space usually becomes available 330 days in advance to North America; this is not always true, since CX has already loaded the availability a month prior to AA - it is just up to AA to load and release the seats on SABRE, so it typically ends up being 330 days out, but not necessarily.
Similarly... if you are trying to book westbound, US->HKG->Somewhere then AA may not be able to book the HKG->Somewhere segment 331 days in advance of the US->HKG flight, if it is still 332 days out in HKG. As it is the flights from US->HKG that are hardest to get, if you find a seat US->HKG at the 331 day mark when it is first available for booking through AA but cannot book the continuation, you can just put that US->HKG segment on hold with AA, then call back the next day when connecting flights will be loaded into the system to try to book the onward flight from HKG.
AA does not charge "YQ" surcharges [what they sometimes call "fuel surcharge"] on CX award segments (BA Avios does), thus the taxes and fees on your "free" ticket on CX or KA are almost always significantly less than for the same routing on BA.
There is a Hong Kong Departure Tax (HK) of $120 HKD (approx $15.50 USD) on every segment departing Hong Kong. Exemptions apply. If your ticket includes this tax and you qualify for an exemption, a refund can be applied for either in person at HKIA landside or via post to Civil Aviation Department. AA charges this tax for children under 12 years of age despite the exemption. In order to obtain a cash refund at HKIA, you will need passenger passport, passenger boarding pass, passenger ticket receipt showing the fare calculation line which will show the HK tax being charged. This receipt can be obtained at any AA counter worldwide including HKIA as well as Airport Express in-town check-in (AA check-in). As the AA counter at HKIA operates only during limited hours, Airport Express in-town check-in would be the the convenient option.
Not all CX flights offer First class; CX Business is markedly different on long haul and regionally configured aircraft.
If you're looking for multiple seats in First on a particular flight but can find only some but not all that you're looking for, take what's available in F, then take the rest of the seats you want on J (if available) on the same flight, and check back periodically to see if an F seat has opened up for award. There is no additional charge (in money, although there will be in miles) to change to an award to a higher cabin of service (e.g., J to F, Y to F, Y to J) as long as the award keeps the same origin/destination airports.
Be aware your award must conform to some rules on a) MPM (Maximum Permitted Mileage - your award routing can not exceed 125% of the most direct routing available); a useful tool is Great Circle Mapper.
The Most Significant Carrier (transpacific usually, CX in most of these posts,) must offer a non-"constructed" fare between your origin and destination (you might find an unconstructed fare between DFW and SIN, but might not from Killeen to SIN).
If you can't pick your CX seats online, either due to them being blocked or you just want to call, you need to first get the CX PNR from AAdvantage at 1-800-882-8880. Then call CX at 1-800-233-2742. Some seats that are blocked on CX website are assignable via AA reservations. Close to departure AA can even assign 2A, 2K.
Note: if the Cathay Manage booking tool doesn't appear to recognize your CX PNR, you need to enter your first name AND middle name, separated by a space, in the "First Name" field.
AAward bookings containing CX flights that are put on hold will be restricted to only 24hrs, not the usual 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the patterns for west coast routes?
Because LAX has 4 daily flights to HKG, it tends to be the easiest option for blocks of 3 or more J award seats. SFO and YVR only have 2 daily flights and even if 5 award seats were initially released at 355 days prior to departure, some of those may be gone by the time the 331 day mark rolls around. If you need 4 or 5 J award seats on these west coast routes, either use Avios to book at 355 days or consider routing through LAX where there may still be availability at 331 days out.
Can I visit my companion in First Class if I'm in Business Class?
"Up-cabin visits" are not permitted per CX policy, though have been granted under special circumstances. But putting crew in the awkward position of being asked to violate policy is generally frowned upon. Down-cabin visits are permitted ex-USA. However, on flights to the USA, down-cabin visits are not permitted and this rule is vigorously enforced.
Posts made in 2017 may be read in ARCHIVE: 2017 AA Awards in Cathay Pacific / CX, KA...
Posts made in 2016 may be read in ARCHIVE: AA Awards on Cathay Pacific (2016).
Posts made in 2015 may be read in ARCHIVE: AA Awards on Cathay Pacific (2015).
Posts made in 2014 may be read in ARCHIVE: Awards: CX / Cathay Pacific / (inc. F and J) - 2014.
N.B. Older posts have been moved and archived to: Cathay Pacific / CX (inc. First and Business Class) award - ARCHIVED.
AA Award: Cathay Pacific / CX availability, etc. (2018-2022 archive)
Nov 15, 2019, 7:57 am
#1231
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,335
Thank you seawolf for the detailed explanation. You have me convinced now .
I guess I'm just disappointed that it's that much harder to score F and even J seats with CX than it was just a few years ago. But what you're saying definitely makes sense for the airline from a long term perspective.
. I guess I'm just disappointed that it's that much harder to score F and even J seats with CX than it was just a few years ago. But what you're saying definitely makes sense for the airline from a long term perspective.
Nov 15, 2019, 5:36 pm
#1232
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Thank you seawolf for the detailed explanation. You have me convinced now .
I guess I'm just disappointed that it's that much harder to score F and even J seats with CX than it was just a few years ago. But what you're saying definitely makes sense for the airline from a long term perspective.
.I guess I'm just disappointed that it's that much harder to score F and even J seats with CX than it was just a few years ago. But what you're saying definitely makes sense for the airline from a long term perspective.
I haven't flown CX in F for a few years. How hard is it to snag a single seat F award now? And do I need to book ahead or is last minute still the way to go?
Nov 15, 2019, 5:43 pm
#1233
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,773
I absolutely do:
Assuming the former, I think CX is practicing is very sinister.
They rather fly seats empty, rather than filing seats at unsatisfactory prices.
Scalpers do that.
I was lucky enough to get a 7/7 Wong Tze Wah Saturday night seat, without paying scalpers. I received assistance from a hongkongcard.comer who trades on the side and basically is a version of Flash Boys when it comes to trading tickets and iPhones.
I was surprised to see a few but noticeably groups of empty seats.
He confirmed they were scalped seats - the scalpers letting the seats go empty rather than letting fans pick them up for a pittance like grAAber last-minute redemptions.
I perfectly understand this from a CX economic point of view - this is an attempt to eliminate demand leakage https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...e#post25913898 . A monopolistic supplier (show organiser, slot hog airline) can do that.
They rather fly seats empty, rather than filing seats at unsatisfactory prices.
Scalpers do that.
I was lucky enough to get a 7/7 Wong Tze Wah Saturday night seat, without paying scalpers. I received assistance from a hongkongcard.comer who trades on the side and basically is a version of Flash Boys when it comes to trading tickets and iPhones.
I was surprised to see a few but noticeably groups of empty seats.
He confirmed they were scalped seats - the scalpers letting the seats go empty rather than letting fans pick them up for a pittance like grAAber last-minute redemptions.
I perfectly understand this from a CX economic point of view - this is an attempt to eliminate demand leakage https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...e#post25913898 . A monopolistic supplier (show organiser, slot hog airline) can do that.
Nov 15, 2019, 5:44 pm
#1234
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,773
They have. It's called married segments, even for redemption seats.
Nov 15, 2019, 6:22 pm
#1235
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 2,393
If you want a partner F award booking near window open (far ahead) is best. Last minuted CX partner F is a fools game today.
Nov 21, 2019, 7:09 am
#1236
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
I am flying tomorrow MIA-JFK-YVR on an award ticket in F. I was able to check in for my AA flight and get a boarding pass, and I have my CX PNR, however on both the CX website and the app I am not able to generate a CX boarding pass despite showing I am checked in. It tells me I need to go to the airport check in counter. Any ideas or experience here?
*edit* I was able to print out a boarding pass on AA.com, so hopefully that will be all I need. If anyone here has experience of the same or otherwise, I would appreciate knowing.
*edit* I was able to print out a boarding pass on AA.com, so hopefully that will be all I need. If anyone here has experience of the same or otherwise, I would appreciate knowing.
Last edited by HiAperture; Nov 21, 2019 at 7:17 am
Nov 21, 2019, 7:34 am
#1237
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,438
I am flying tomorrow MIA-JFK-YVR on an award ticket in F. I was able to check in for my AA flight and get a boarding pass, and I have my CX PNR, however on both the CX website and the app I am not able to generate a CX boarding pass despite showing I am checked in. It tells me I need to go to the airport check in counter. Any ideas or experience here?
*edit* I was able to print out a boarding pass on AA.com, so hopefully that will be all I need. If anyone here has experience of the same or otherwise, I would appreciate knowing.
*edit* I was able to print out a boarding pass on AA.com, so hopefully that will be all I need. If anyone here has experience of the same or otherwise, I would appreciate knowing.
Nov 21, 2019, 7:44 am
#1238
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
OK, so worst case I will show up to the gate early and see if they want to exchange my AA printed ticket for their stock, and verify my passport. I will verify with the Flagship check in desk at JFK, I am sure as you said I am not the first to do this!
Nov 21, 2019, 8:52 am
#1239
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,438
Just arrive at MIA 5 mins earlier than you planned and stop by the AA check-in desks, they will be able to fully check you in all the way. Otherwise you will still have to stop by the gate at MIA for passport verification anyways.
Nov 21, 2019, 9:29 am
#1240
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
Forget about Flagship Check-In at JFK, that is landside outside security and for AA anyways (not CX). No reason to go out there.
Just arrive at MIA 5 mins earlier than you planned and stop by the AA check-in desks, they will be able to fully check you in all the way. Otherwise you will still have to stop by the gate at MIA for passport verification anyways.
Just arrive at MIA 5 mins earlier than you planned and stop by the AA check-in desks, they will be able to fully check you in all the way. Otherwise you will still have to stop by the gate at MIA for passport verification anyways.
Nov 21, 2019, 9:48 am
#1241
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 15
Does anyone have any tips/ info about CX/KA releasing award space to partners around Chinese New Year?
I've looked into HKG-PEK in mid-January and AA's availability calendar of CX shows an intentional block (by CX I imagine) for the week before and the week after CNY. I suspect this is purposeful since there's *abundant* availability up through and after the blacked out dates.
In response, I checked AsiaMiles to see if CX was 'saving' space for their own customers & their availability suggests this is the case. Does anyone have any experience with CX dropping the protective block for partner redemption? Is there a timeframe where I can expect them to do this or would it be very last min (week/ day of)?
I've looked into HKG-PEK in mid-January and AA's availability calendar of CX shows an intentional block (by CX I imagine) for the week before and the week after CNY. I suspect this is purposeful since there's *abundant* availability up through and after the blacked out dates.
In response, I checked AsiaMiles to see if CX was 'saving' space for their own customers & their availability suggests this is the case. Does anyone have any experience with CX dropping the protective block for partner redemption? Is there a timeframe where I can expect them to do this or would it be very last min (week/ day of)?
Dec 10, 2019, 8:49 pm
#1242
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 57
Has anyone booked 1 J + 1 F in hopes a 2nd F becomes available ? Currently have 2 J booked for me and Mrs. don’t want switch 1 to F then another one doesn’t become avail and we end up not in the same class/ sitting near each other. While potentially all J awards get filled as well not able to switch back.
there is currently 1 F award on my travel day
there is currently 1 F award on my travel day
Dec 10, 2019, 8:59 pm
#1243
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,533
Has anyone booked 1 J + 1 F in hopes a 2nd F becomes available ? Currently have 2 J booked for me and Mrs. don’t want switch 1 to F then another one doesn’t become avail and we end up not in the same class/ sitting near each other. While potentially all J awards get filled as well not able to switch back.
there is currently 1 F award on my travel day
there is currently 1 F award on my travel day
Dec 10, 2019, 10:05 pm
#1244
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,335
Has anyone booked 1 J + 1 F in hopes a 2nd F becomes available ? Currently have 2 J booked for me and Mrs. don’t want switch 1 to F then another one doesn’t become avail and we end up not in the same class/ sitting near each other. While potentially all J awards get filled as well not able to switch back.
there is currently 1 F award on my travel day
there is currently 1 F award on my travel day
.Exactly my thoughts. And usually we were on different sleeping/dining schedules so besides for just a couple of times dining together we mostly ate solo anyway.
Dec 11, 2019, 7:35 am
#1245
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NYC,Connecticut
Programs: AA , Marriott Titanium
Posts: 102
Booked wife and I in J class on CX JFK to HKG in hopes F will open up for at least one of us. Is CX flying with empty F class? Tricks to getting F class?