Oct 29, 2013, 4:27 am
Last edit by: ZZ100
Is it possible to buy a (cheap) upgrade on Cathay Pacific upon check-in?
The short answer is no.
Cathay, as a general rule, does not allow you to purchase last minute upgrades if there are empty seats in Y+, J or F. The only way to upgrade a ticket is to pay the fare difference between your current ticket, and an available fare class in the higher cabins. Note that if your current ticket has restrictions (cancellation fees, non-refundable) these still apply.
There are been stories of people who have been offered cheap upgrades by Cathay, but this is more an exception than a common occurrence.
If I upgrade my ticket using asia miles, do I still earn miles?
Yes, you will earn miles for the original fare class that you booked, not the upgraded cabin.
How do I get a free upgrade / operational upgrade (op-up)?
Cathay Pacific does not upgrade passengers just because there are empty seats in higher classes. Upgrades will only occur where there is overbooking in lower classes.
The order of upgrades when required is believed to be:
I am travelling on an award ticket. Will I still be considered for a free upgrade?
Yes - there are many stories of passengers on award tickets, or who upgraded a class using miles, getting (additional) upgrades.
What happens if the aircraft has 4 or 3 cabins, but is only selling Business and Economy seats?
It is likely if you have Marco Polo status, and to a lesser extent oneworld status, you may be able to sit in either First Class seats (if booked in J) or Premium Economy (if booked in Y) with service of the original cabin. There doesn't appear to be consistency yet as to how these semi-upgrades are allocated. Some people have been able to choose seats in the higher cabin during online check-in, or some will get them on request at check-in. However, there is no entitlement to these seats.
Will I get an upgrade on my Birthday, or for my membership anniversary, or for reaching xx number of lifetime club miles?
Please see this link for members' experience with these kinds of upgrades: Marco Polo Anniversary Upgrades
I want to use Asia Miles to upgrade a BA flight. How do I do this?
As of 22 June 2018, it is no longer possible to upgrade BA flights with Asia Miles.
How do I upgrade a CX flight using miles?
If you already have issued your original ticket:
If you have not made any booking yet, and you want to check availability:
If you don't receive a new e-ticket before departure, call up Marco Polo club to double check if the upgrade has been issued.
The short answer is no.
Cathay, as a general rule, does not allow you to purchase last minute upgrades if there are empty seats in Y+, J or F. The only way to upgrade a ticket is to pay the fare difference between your current ticket, and an available fare class in the higher cabins. Note that if your current ticket has restrictions (cancellation fees, non-refundable) these still apply.
There are been stories of people who have been offered cheap upgrades by Cathay, but this is more an exception than a common occurrence.
If I upgrade my ticket using asia miles, do I still earn miles?
Yes, you will earn miles for the original fare class that you booked, not the upgraded cabin.
How do I get a free upgrade / operational upgrade (op-up)?
Cathay Pacific does not upgrade passengers just because there are empty seats in higher classes. Upgrades will only occur where there is overbooking in lower classes.
The order of upgrades when required is believed to be:
- VIP (Heads of State, Government Bodies, or Canto Pop/Movie stars)
- CX Diamond Plus
- CX Diamond Invitation, Diamond
- CX Gold
- CX management staff on travel duty
- oneworld Emerald
- CX staff on duty nominees , other airline staff nominees, CX staff on personal travel
- oneworld Sapphire
- CX Silver
- oneworld Ruby
- CX Green
- Asia Miles
- Non status
I am travelling on an award ticket. Will I still be considered for a free upgrade?
Yes - there are many stories of passengers on award tickets, or who upgraded a class using miles, getting (additional) upgrades.
What happens if the aircraft has 4 or 3 cabins, but is only selling Business and Economy seats?
It is likely if you have Marco Polo status, and to a lesser extent oneworld status, you may be able to sit in either First Class seats (if booked in J) or Premium Economy (if booked in Y) with service of the original cabin. There doesn't appear to be consistency yet as to how these semi-upgrades are allocated. Some people have been able to choose seats in the higher cabin during online check-in, or some will get them on request at check-in. However, there is no entitlement to these seats.
Will I get an upgrade on my Birthday, or for my membership anniversary, or for reaching xx number of lifetime club miles?
Please see this link for members' experience with these kinds of upgrades: Marco Polo Anniversary Upgrades
I want to use Asia Miles to upgrade a BA flight. How do I do this?
As of 22 June 2018, it is no longer possible to upgrade BA flights with Asia Miles.
How do I upgrade a CX flight using miles?
If you already have issued your original ticket:
- Try upgrading using Manage My Booking on the website (not always successful)
- If self-service doesn't work, try calling Marco Polo hotline to check availability
- If there is availability, you will need to issue the upgrade immediately to secure it. They may give you a few days grace before isssuing the upgrade, but this is now rarely given.
- In a few days, or longer if they are busy, your miles will be deducted, and you will be emailed a new e-ticket with the upgrade class details on it, and your online booking for your original booking class will disappear.
If you have not made any booking yet, and you want to check availability:
- Call Marco Polo club to check for availability on the flights/dates you want, or check for normal redemption availability on the website.
- Book a revenue ticket in the class of service for which you will be paying. Do NOT do this via the website -- call a CX telephone sales number/travel agent.
- Put the booking on hold.
- Call the Marco Polo/Asia Miles Service Center. Have them book the upgrade and give you a deadline to have the ticket issued. (It's usually about 72 hours).
- Have telephone sales/travel agent issue your revenue ticket.
- Call Marco Polo/Asia Miles back. Give them the revenue ticket number against the PNR and ask them to issue your upgrade.
- In about two or three days, you'll get a new ticket with the upgrade showing.
If you don't receive a new e-ticket before departure, call up Marco Polo club to double check if the upgrade has been issued.
The Ultimate Upgrade Question thread
Jun 19, 2015 | 7:28 pm
#241
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot Am, MU Pt
Posts: 3,092
Jun 20, 2015 | 10:13 pm
#242
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: AA PLAT, UA GOLD
Posts: 46
Question on CX upgrades:
Prospective flight: JFK-SYD via HKG. Want to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business. Total distance flown is 12.6k miles each way, award zone F. The amount of miles required for this upgrade (round trip) would be 55k? I ask to make sure that the layover in Hong Kong doesn't change anything (such as making me book two separate RT upgrade awards for JFK-HKG and HKG-SYD).
Just so that it's easier for you guys: https://www.asiamiles.com/am/en/redeem/charts
Prospective flight: JFK-SYD via HKG. Want to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business. Total distance flown is 12.6k miles each way, award zone F. The amount of miles required for this upgrade (round trip) would be 55k? I ask to make sure that the layover in Hong Kong doesn't change anything (such as making me book two separate RT upgrade awards for JFK-HKG and HKG-SYD).
Just so that it's easier for you guys: https://www.asiamiles.com/am/en/redeem/charts
Jun 22, 2015 | 9:14 pm
#244
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 284
Hello,
I would like to ask whether selecting an exit-row seat will kill your chance of getting an OP-UP? I did recall reading this somewhere on the internet but ain't 100% sure. The reason I asked is that in the past year I have taken about 5 Y trips HKG-LHR and HKG-FRA. The first few times I chose a non-exit row and got upgraded from Y to PEY. The last 2 times I selected a exit-row and did not get an upgrade.
I am curious if this is just a coincidence or what I read from the net is true.
Thanks all.
I would like to ask whether selecting an exit-row seat will kill your chance of getting an OP-UP? I did recall reading this somewhere on the internet but ain't 100% sure. The reason I asked is that in the past year I have taken about 5 Y trips HKG-LHR and HKG-FRA. The first few times I chose a non-exit row and got upgraded from Y to PEY. The last 2 times I selected a exit-row and did not get an upgrade.
I am curious if this is just a coincidence or what I read from the net is true.
Thanks all.
Jun 23, 2015 | 6:48 pm
#245
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Global Again
Programs: OWS IHG Diamond + Accor Plat, Scandic Top Level
Posts: 780
Hello,
I would like to ask whether selecting an exit-row seat will kill your chance of getting an OP-UP? I did recall reading this somewhere on the internet but ain't 100% sure. The reason I asked is that in the past year I have taken about 5 Y trips HKG-LHR and HKG-FRA. The first few times I chose a non-exit row and got upgraded from Y to PEY. The last 2 times I selected a exit-row and did not get an upgrade.
I am curious if this is just a coincidence or what I read from the net is true.
Thanks all.
I would like to ask whether selecting an exit-row seat will kill your chance of getting an OP-UP? I did recall reading this somewhere on the internet but ain't 100% sure. The reason I asked is that in the past year I have taken about 5 Y trips HKG-LHR and HKG-FRA. The first few times I chose a non-exit row and got upgraded from Y to PEY. The last 2 times I selected a exit-row and did not get an upgrade.
I am curious if this is just a coincidence or what I read from the net is true.
Thanks all.
Jun 23, 2015 | 7:09 pm
#246
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 284
Thanks for the info. Then I will continue to select an exit-row seat in the future, and see when my luck kicks in.
Jun 24, 2015 | 9:25 am
#247
Join Date: Feb 2002
Programs: Cathy Pacific Silver, Hilton Honors Gold, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 68
Priority Upgrade Waitlist
I'm flying CX for the first time in mid-July from LAX to HKG. I was granted Silver status via a special invitation email for my company's employees. I booked a flexible fare economy ticket and transferred miles from AMEX and waitlisted for an upgrade to premium economy.
I called a few days later to check on the upgrade status (which of course I knew was still pending). In the conversation, the agent said she would put me on the "priority" waitlist. I had not seen this priority list mentioned anywhere. Any experience on whether it legitimately increases my chances of being able to upgrade?
I called a few days later to check on the upgrade status (which of course I knew was still pending). In the conversation, the agent said she would put me on the "priority" waitlist. I had not seen this priority list mentioned anywhere. Any experience on whether it legitimately increases my chances of being able to upgrade?
Jun 24, 2015 | 11:08 am
#248
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
I'm flying CX for the first time in mid-July from LAX to HKG. I was granted Silver status via a special invitation email for my company's employees. I booked a flexible fare economy ticket and transferred miles from AMEX and waitlisted for an upgrade to premium economy.
I called a few days later to check on the upgrade status (which of course I knew was still pending). In the conversation, the agent said she would put me on the "priority" waitlist. I had not seen this priority list mentioned anywhere. Any experience on whether it legitimately increases my chances of being able to upgrade?
I called a few days later to check on the upgrade status (which of course I knew was still pending). In the conversation, the agent said she would put me on the "priority" waitlist. I had not seen this priority list mentioned anywhere. Any experience on whether it legitimately increases my chances of being able to upgrade?
People like to get upgrades on long haul flights. People would go for US-HKG west-bound flights instead of east-bound ones because of the longer flight time. It is difficult to estimate your chance. The positive side is that most students will have returned to HKG by then.
Jul 3, 2015 | 10:40 pm
#249
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: AC E, SPG, HH
Posts: 46
cxfan, thanks for your insight.
I guess the question I should be asking to people is:
Is it worth the gamble to transfer 27500 points (x3) if the upgrade deadline passes in the hope of upgrade at checkin. Would YOU in poker terms go "all in"
would YOU take the gamble given the following circumstances:
Keep in mind it is for 3 passengers and I am CX Green. These are the flight loads:
CX 829 (Jul 4) YYZ-HKG J9 C9 D2 I0 W5 R3 E0 Y9 B9 H9 K0 M0 L0 V0 S0 N0 Q0 O0
CX 826 (Jul 18) HKG-YYZ J9 C9 D0 I0 W8 R2 E0 Y9 B0 H0 K0 M0 L0 V0 S0 N0 Q0 O0
I am interested in peoples thoughts if they would take this gamble..
I guess the question I should be asking to people is:
Is it worth the gamble to transfer 27500 points (x3) if the upgrade deadline passes in the hope of upgrade at checkin. Would YOU in poker terms go "all in"
would YOU take the gamble given the following circumstances:Keep in mind it is for 3 passengers and I am CX Green. These are the flight loads:
CX 829 (Jul 4) YYZ-HKG J9 C9 D2 I0 W5 R3 E0 Y9 B9 H9 K0 M0 L0 V0 S0 N0 Q0 O0
CX 826 (Jul 18) HKG-YYZ J9 C9 D0 I0 W8 R2 E0 Y9 B0 H0 K0 M0 L0 V0 S0 N0 Q0 O0
I am interested in peoples thoughts if they would take this gamble..
I'm happy to report that I requested "instant upgrade" at checkin tonight and was able to upgrade myself and my 2 family members. It will be my first time in J with CX and I look forward to this long haul transpacific flight.
So in the end, I guess the gamble paid off! Now I just have to see if I can get the return segment
Jul 3, 2015 | 11:42 pm
#250
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Just to update everybody, I decided to take the gamble and transfer over 80000 miles from Amex to Asiamiles in the hopes of upgrade. I called AM every few days to see if that might help my chances to get upgraded off the wait list with no luck. I also frequently checked expert flyer and noticed a few days before the flight (CX 829), everything was zero'ed out. I wasn't sure what that meant, however the deadline passed without a confirmed upgrade.
I'm happy to report that I requested "instant upgrade" at checkin tonight and was able to upgrade myself and my 2 family members. It will be my first time in J with CX and I look forward to this long haul transpacific flight.
So in the end, I guess the gamble paid off! Now I just have to see if I can get the return segment
I'm happy to report that I requested "instant upgrade" at checkin tonight and was able to upgrade myself and my 2 family members. It will be my first time in J with CX and I look forward to this long haul transpacific flight.
So in the end, I guess the gamble paid off! Now I just have to see if I can get the return segment
Best of luck on your return flights, which is another gamble...
Please be noted that if you do the same on the return, you and your family will be charged another 3 x 27500 miles if upgrades clear. However, if the outbound and return are deducted from the same account, there is a possibility (but I am not 100% certain as your redemption is on instant upgrades) that you may be able to get 10000 miles back for each passenger after the trip is over (27500 outbound + 27500 return - 45000 roundtrip = 10000). The unfortunate side is that even if you are successful, you still need another 27500 miles (not 45000-27500 = 17500) per upgrade initially for the return.
Jul 5, 2015 | 8:16 am
#251
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: HKG
Programs: CX DM, SPG Pt, Le Club Accor GO, Shangri-La GC Jade
Posts: 1,327
Congratulations!
Best of luck on your return flights, which is another gamble...
Please be noted that if you do the same on the return, you and your family will be charged another 3 x 27500 miles if upgrades clear. However, if the outbound and return are deducted from the same account, there is a possibility (but I am not 100% certain as your redemption is on instant upgrades) that you may be able to get 10000 miles back for each passenger after the trip is over (27500 outbound + 27500 return - 45000 roundtrip = 10000). The unfortunate side is that even if you are successful, you still need another 27500 miles (not 45000-27500 = 17500) per upgrade initially for the return.
Best of luck on your return flights, which is another gamble...
Please be noted that if you do the same on the return, you and your family will be charged another 3 x 27500 miles if upgrades clear. However, if the outbound and return are deducted from the same account, there is a possibility (but I am not 100% certain as your redemption is on instant upgrades) that you may be able to get 10000 miles back for each passenger after the trip is over (27500 outbound + 27500 return - 45000 roundtrip = 10000). The unfortunate side is that even if you are successful, you still need another 27500 miles (not 45000-27500 = 17500) per upgrade initially for the return.
Jul 5, 2015 | 9:57 am
#252
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Global Again
Programs: OWS IHG Diamond + Accor Plat, Scandic Top Level
Posts: 780
Jul 5, 2015 | 10:06 pm
#253
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 22,114
Hi,
a bit new to CX. I am wondering about my chances for an Award Upgrade from PE to J for 3 people on YYZ-HKG (round trip) Jul 4 and Jul 18 respectively.
I am but a lowly CX Green member. I checked expertflyer which shows J9 for both flights. The flights are a few weeks away and I've been told that my waitlist deadline is Jun 27th.
Asiamiles CSR won't give any indication of chances for upgrade or length of wait list.
This is my first time waitlisting for this type of upgrade. I haven't moved any miles yet unless the upgrade clears (plan to move from AMEX points), but not sure what the chances are. What if the deadline passes? Is upgrade after this still possible with points? in that case, I would have to have the points ready to go I'm assuming. I notice that some people say calling in repeatedly may increase chances. Is there anything I should say to them in particular which may help my chances?
Just don't want to move points to Asiamiles if not necessary.
a bit new to CX. I am wondering about my chances for an Award Upgrade from PE to J for 3 people on YYZ-HKG (round trip) Jul 4 and Jul 18 respectively.
I am but a lowly CX Green member. I checked expertflyer which shows J9 for both flights. The flights are a few weeks away and I've been told that my waitlist deadline is Jun 27th.
Asiamiles CSR won't give any indication of chances for upgrade or length of wait list.
This is my first time waitlisting for this type of upgrade. I haven't moved any miles yet unless the upgrade clears (plan to move from AMEX points), but not sure what the chances are. What if the deadline passes? Is upgrade after this still possible with points? in that case, I would have to have the points ready to go I'm assuming. I notice that some people say calling in repeatedly may increase chances. Is there anything I should say to them in particular which may help my chances?
Just don't want to move points to Asiamiles if not necessary.
Jul 8, 2015 | 6:04 pm
#255
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: AC E, SPG, HH
Posts: 46
Congratulations!
Best of luck on your return flights, which is another gamble...
Please be noted that if you do the same on the return, you and your family will be charged another 3 x 27500 miles if upgrades clear. However, if the outbound and return are deducted from the same account, there is a possibility (but I am not 100% certain as your redemption is on instant upgrades) that you may be able to get 10000 miles back for each passenger after the trip is over (27500 outbound + 27500 return - 45000 roundtrip = 10000). The unfortunate side is that even if you are successful, you still need another 27500 miles (not 45000-27500 = 17500) per upgrade initially for the return.
Best of luck on your return flights, which is another gamble...
Please be noted that if you do the same on the return, you and your family will be charged another 3 x 27500 miles if upgrades clear. However, if the outbound and return are deducted from the same account, there is a possibility (but I am not 100% certain as your redemption is on instant upgrades) that you may be able to get 10000 miles back for each passenger after the trip is over (27500 outbound + 27500 return - 45000 roundtrip = 10000). The unfortunate side is that even if you are successful, you still need another 27500 miles (not 45000-27500 = 17500) per upgrade initially for the return.
I am wondering how long it takes for miles to post to my account from the inbound YYZ-HKG. The second leg HKG-SGN did post already (from the same date).
Perhaps this has to do with the the fact that the ticket was upgraded from PE to J (HKG-SGN was not upgraded). Does anybody know how long this delay will take since it will affect the calculation of how many Asiamiles I need to transfer over if it doesn't post in time.