Hi..I've been with Cathay Pacific for a while so far, and I've accumulated over 91,000 points.
I were looking to book a reward ticket, Auckland to Rome, they said 70,000 points are required...at least this is what they advertise on their website.

Well, its IMPOSSIBLE to find any date...from now to the end of this year, for the above route. So whats the point of accumulating points with Cathay?

Yes, I've been placed on a waiting list...but this isnt good enough; I can't wait for a "lucky" lottery call...I have other things to organise...for sure I ve been really disappointed by their reward system....never again!!

Miky

First, I'd remove your membership number from your post.

Your frustration isn't uncommon. But...that's how most reward programs work. If you want the flexibility of being able to book and confirm immediately, you pay cash. If you are willing/able to give up some flexibility in return for not having to shell out hard cash, miles can be spectacular value. If you read around here, you'll find a lot of info on when CX tends to release reward seats that might help you manage your expectations. When are you hoping to travel?

FWIW, I haven't found AsiaMiles to be much better or worse than any other program in this regard -- and that includes redeeming mileage tickets on what are supposed to be premium routes like HKG-JFK. But like all programs, it does reward a certain amount of research on how to get the most benefit out of the miles.

You're looking into a route that is both barely serve by CX.

Try something like AKL-MEL/SYD-HKG-FCO or HKG-LHR-FCO and you will have a much better chance.

As I said, I'm willing to give up some flexibility...thats why I said that i dont mind/care on what day I'll have to fly. Anytime, anyday...I do understand that some flights are already booked bla bla bla...but is possibile that ALL flights from now to the next year, are full booked????

Asiamiles advertise 70,000 points required....I've got 91,000 points....why can't I get what they advertise?

Maybe because lots of like minded people beat you to it. Better you try other options or buy a ticket and use miles for upgrades.

I've had a look...Well I rang AsiaMiles and they had a look. They told me...nothing is available.....
I've been on phone for ages...they have been very nice to be honest, trying to find something......but nothing came up.

They just said that all seats are taken from now to end of year.....only thing to do is waiting list...and pray

So are you telling me that AsiaMiles rewards system is like....a competition? Where you need to be smart, fast and clever to book your rewards?

Strange...I didnt read this on their Website. Next time...I'll read it more carefully where They say that you need to be fast and beat the others !!! lol

Thanks for the advice

Did you ask them to check availability on BA?

Unfortunately, they also note that awards are capacity-controlled.

Really, I'd spend a little more time poring over the information available here on FT. You'll gain a lot of insight into how and when CX tend to release availability and how you could go about maximizing your chances of getting the award you want. Already another poster has given you some advice on alternate routings you can pursue.

FWIW, a waitlist does not spell doom. A lot of us have had success clearing waitlists for awards. Availability does tend to appear closer to flight time, especially if you're traveling in an off-peak season.

No sorry, I didn't ask like that....

I asked in plain english " I've got 91,000 points, you advertise that I can redeem a ticket from Auckland to Rome using 70,000......so can i redeem a ticket please? Anytime? "

Hope you know 70,000 is one-way in Economy.

I feel for the OP. Personally, I do think the advertising is deceptive. Especially if there is no date for a year where there is availability. That is simply un-acceptable.

If I were the OP, I would kick up a fuss on the phone line (when you manage to get an agent again), and do not hang up until you get a confirmed booking using your miles. CX is good that way, the computer used by the frontline says no, but the supervisors or whoever else have a lot of flexibility they can exercise.

You got it in one and by doing some extra homework on here there are many savvy travellers who might help you get what you need. Be grateful you are not in any number of the truly awful FFP that are out there.

Airlines dont block off seats in the hope that someone might use miles to buy the seat, rewards seats are only offered on a first come first served basis on airlines, trains and boats so if you are thinking of expanding your travel plans and joining other programmes I suggest you also budget for a whole case load of anti disappointment pills.

I do agree Asia Miles is quite stingy on reward availability, whereas I can easily find something, with connections, with my UA/AC points. My experience with Asia Miles has been to wait for last-minute availability, checking several times a day starting from 1 month before departure. The waitlist doesn't seem to clear immediately when a reward seat pops up for some reason. Some forumers here have speculated the waitlist clearance happens at set times rather than real-time.

I have an impression Star has far more reward seats available than Asia Miles.

You have 2 difficult segments to find seats. AKL-HKG is only 1 flight a day and HKG-FCO is not even daily. You might need some oneworld partners in your booking to make it work, likely with an extra stop in LHR.

Yeah I know 70,000 is one way only. As I said before I got 91,000 points...I can donate 21,000 points...but the point is that false advertisement.

Nothing at all is available, one way ticket economy, even if you got 70,000 points.