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
Nov 13, 2018, 5:29 pm
#916
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
See etkuo's post above.
Generally speaking if you want an upgrade you pay the fare difference. There is the above-mentioned Upgrade Bid program, but it is very limited and by virtually all accounts, prices seem bizarre and uncompetitive. Most likely your flight won't be available for it, and if it is, you either won't be accepted or the recommended bid amount will be above the fare difference.
Nov 14, 2018, 5:36 am
#918
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YYZ
Programs: CX GO, AC Aeroplan 25K, AMEX PLAT, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Amb
Posts: 464
Yes. If a lower cabin is overbooked CX resort to operational upgrades based on elite status. In fact there are multiple instances reported here (the most recent one being a few posts up) when CX would not release seats for AsiaMiles upgrade all the way up till airport check-in and eventually the same person scores an operational upgrade at the gate.
But again, CX (right or wrong) does not offer cheap upgrades/upsell closer to departure.
But again, CX (right or wrong) does not offer cheap upgrades/upsell closer to departure.
Nov 17, 2018, 5:51 am
#919
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BA
Posts: 55
Hello all. So to cut a long story short.
I originally booked my flight to HKG in July of this year. I called the airline a few times since then to enquire about a paid upgrade, most recently on November 1st which I did not proceed with - it was only a few days later when I checked my booking that I had in fact been upgraded! (I was able to change seats within premium economy cabin and my booking was showing as confirmed). I decided to call the airline on 14th November and it appears that the upgrade was made in error and when the call centre realised this I was downgraded. (I should have said nothing).
My question is - Do I have any argument to make with the airline? I have written to customer relations at CX but I am not holding out much hope. I am tempted to call into their office in Dublin and see where I get. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Feeling very frustrated with the airline and myself.
I originally booked my flight to HKG in July of this year. I called the airline a few times since then to enquire about a paid upgrade, most recently on November 1st which I did not proceed with - it was only a few days later when I checked my booking that I had in fact been upgraded! (I was able to change seats within premium economy cabin and my booking was showing as confirmed). I decided to call the airline on 14th November and it appears that the upgrade was made in error and when the call centre realised this I was downgraded. (I should have said nothing).
My question is - Do I have any argument to make with the airline? I have written to customer relations at CX but I am not holding out much hope. I am tempted to call into their office in Dublin and see where I get. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Feeling very frustrated with the airline and myself.
Nov 17, 2018, 6:03 am
#920
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
Hello all. So to cut a long story short.
I originally booked my flight to HKG in July of this year. I called the airline a few times since then to enquire about a paid upgrade, most recently on November 1st which I did not proceed with - it was only a few days later when I checked my booking that I had in fact been upgraded! (I was able to change seats within premium economy cabin and my booking was showing as confirmed). I decided to call the airline on 14th November and it appears that the upgrade was made in error and when the call centre realised this I was downgraded. (I should have said nothing).
My question is - Do I have any argument to make with the airline? I have written to customer relations at CX but I am not holding out much hope. I am tempted to call into their office in Dublin and see where I get. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Feeling very frustrated with the airline and myself.
I originally booked my flight to HKG in July of this year. I called the airline a few times since then to enquire about a paid upgrade, most recently on November 1st which I did not proceed with - it was only a few days later when I checked my booking that I had in fact been upgraded! (I was able to change seats within premium economy cabin and my booking was showing as confirmed). I decided to call the airline on 14th November and it appears that the upgrade was made in error and when the call centre realised this I was downgraded. (I should have said nothing).
My question is - Do I have any argument to make with the airline? I have written to customer relations at CX but I am not holding out much hope. I am tempted to call into their office in Dublin and see where I get. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Feeling very frustrated with the airline and myself.
I'm not sure how this happened technically speaking (maybe they booked you in PEY when you inquired, but of course it wasn't ticketed, and eventually self-cancelled?) , but anyway clearly you have no beef for something you didn't pay for.
Can I ask how you were planning to pay? Was it the Upgrade Bid program? Or you were just paying the fare difference?
Nov 18, 2018, 11:54 am
#922
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 810
Just wondering if CX ever does op-ups for empty planes? I'm a OWE, and the loads for my flights are showing 9's across the board, 4 days from departure. I'm asking as if there's no chance, I will proceed and order my special meal. I just didn't want that to disqualify me completely from a possible upgrade.
Thank you
Thank you
Nov 18, 2018, 4:41 pm
#923
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Fare difference is very expensive, but you can probably decide at the airport.
Nov 18, 2018, 4:48 pm
#924
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Just wondering if CX ever does op-ups for empty planes? I'm a OWE, and the loads for my flights are showing 9's across the board, 4 days from departure. I'm asking as if there's no chance, I will proceed and order my special meal. I just didn't want that to disqualify me completely from a possible upgrade.
Thank you
Thank you
My wife booked a SFO-HKG flight on E class six days before her flight. There should be plenty of PEY availability. She was op-upped at the gate to business. That was a nice surprise as we were not expecting an overbooked Y/PEY, and she is only a SL. So anything can happen. Flights are sometimes full at last minute.
Nov 18, 2018, 7:21 pm
#925
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 189
After having a very dry spell for the year 2018, I was surprised to be upgraded to J on NRT->HKG on an award ticket, late Oct and again, yesterday, upgraded to J on SIN->HKG on a "N" EY ticket. I was expecting nothing on both trips.
I am currently GO and I appreciate the upgrades. Thank you.
(Audio)
I am currently GO and I appreciate the upgrades. Thank you.
(Audio)
Last edited by Audio; Nov 19, 2018 at 1:32 am
Nov 21, 2018, 9:49 pm
#926
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 409
How to get waitlisted for an upgrade using miles?
Hello. I haven’t tried to upgrade in almost 2 years or so and the website looks slightly different. Previously, I could just go to manage my booking on the Cathay site, click my flights and waitlist for an upgrade with miles. Now when I go to manage my booking, I don’t see any way to click to upgrade with miles. Poking around on the internet, it seems that upgrades need to be processed on the Asia Miles website. But when I click through the upgrade with miles pages, it brings me to a page to redeem for a full award which I can waitlist for, but no upgrade.
I’ve been exchanging DMs with Cathay on Twitter but so far they have been instructing me to click through on Asia Miles which brings me to the same place I found on my own to redeem for a full award flight rather than an upgrade.
Help? Thanks in advance!
I’ve been exchanging DMs with Cathay on Twitter but so far they have been instructing me to click through on Asia Miles which brings me to the same place I found on my own to redeem for a full award flight rather than an upgrade.
Help? Thanks in advance!
Nov 22, 2018, 1:36 am
#927
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Hello. I haven’t tried to upgrade in almost 2 years or so and the website looks slightly different. Previously, I could just go to manage my booking on the Cathay site, click my flights and waitlist for an upgrade with miles. Now when I go to manage my booking, I don’t see any way to click to upgrade with miles. Poking around on the internet, it seems that upgrades need to be processed on the Asia Miles website. But when I click through the upgrade with miles pages, it brings me to a page to redeem for a full award which I can waitlist for, but no upgrade.
I’ve been exchanging DMs with Cathay on Twitter but so far they have been instructing me to click through on Asia Miles which brings me to the same place I found on my own to redeem for a full award flight rather than an upgrade.
Help? Thanks in advance!
I’ve been exchanging DMs with Cathay on Twitter but so far they have been instructing me to click through on Asia Miles which brings me to the same place I found on my own to redeem for a full award flight rather than an upgrade.
Help? Thanks in advance!
Nov 22, 2018, 1:49 am
#928
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Now when I go to manage my booking, I don’t see any way to click to upgrade with miles. Poking around on the internet, it seems that upgrades need to be processed on the Asia Miles website. But when I click through the upgrade with miles pages, it brings me to a page to redeem for a full award which I can waitlist for, but no upgrade.
Nov 22, 2018, 4:06 pm
#929
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 409
Yes, but I purchased less than 24 hours ago (it was ticketed almost immediately, I have the e-Ticket confirmation). I wonder if that might be the problem and I should just wait a few days?
Yes. JFK-HKG R class (looking to upgrade from PE to Business) and HKG-KUL B class (looking to upgrade from Economy to Business, no PE class on flight).
I did manage to bumble my way back to the legacy website and found the button to click for upgrade awards, but it says no booking eligible for upgrade found
Maybe I’ll wait a few more days and if I still can’t manage I will give Cathay a call.
Yes. JFK-HKG R class (looking to upgrade from PE to Business) and HKG-KUL B class (looking to upgrade from Economy to Business, no PE class on flight).
I did manage to bumble my way back to the legacy website and found the button to click for upgrade awards, but it says no booking eligible for upgrade found
Maybe I’ll wait a few more days and if I still can’t manage I will give Cathay a call.
Nov 22, 2018, 5:30 pm
#930
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Vancouver, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong
Programs: CX-DM, Marriott Gold, Fairmont Premier
Posts: 335
My employer will normally only cover the bare minimum flight costs which is usually an economy save ticket. Ticket has already been purchased and issued.
I'm wondering if I'm able to call in and pay the difference to get an economy standard ticket which on my flight is an extra 20 club points.
Does anyone have any experience upgrading this ticket to a higher fair class economy ticket? ie. economy standard or economy flex?
I'm wondering if I'm able to call in and pay the difference to get an economy standard ticket which on my flight is an extra 20 club points.
Does anyone have any experience upgrading this ticket to a higher fair class economy ticket? ie. economy standard or economy flex?