Operational Upgrade on CX?
 

I'm booked on a CX segment between HKG and BKK next week (CX 701). The equipment vaires between a 747-400, A-330 and JET (the day I am scheduled to travel) on CX's online schedule/"Airbus jet" on the online booking. Other booking engines (AA, CP and ITN show an A-340 Since J/C class seating starts at row 10, should I wait and not get an assignment and ask for a row 1 or 2 seat at the airport? What's the best way to try to get an upgrade if it is an A-340?

The best way to get an operational upgrade on CX is to have a booked seat and be sure your elite status (if you have it) is recorded on the manifest by giving your FF number when booking.

CX upgrades only when the rear cabin is oversold based on fare paid, as well as their own and other oneworld partner elite status. Selection of those being upgraded will generally be done well in advance of check-in, so rather than risk someone without a pre-selected seat being a no-show, they will move someone with a pre-assigned seat up to J-class first. Without a pre-assigned seat, you will likely end up in the seat of the person who was upgraded.

Have you checked the seating chart on ITN to see how full the rear cabin is? Otherwise, the chances of an upgrade are very slim to none, particularly if you are flying on a discounted ticket. That's been my experience, at least, a couple of times now on CX.

Aircraft change happened quite often with CX.

Right now, some CX's A340 operates as a two class aircraft and the first two row of seats have more legroom. I will ask the check-in agent when you check in at Hong Kong. Ask what kind of aircraft is operating your flight today.

Also, check the fare differences between F and C class in these regional flights. Sometime the difference is really minimal. For example, there is only a USD$50-70 difference between F and J class in its HKG-TPE route. Why not buy the F class ticket!

Anyway, CX changes its aircraft often. If you get the A330 or Boeing 777, there is only J and Y class. Only in Boeing 747-400, you may get a better chance on upgrading to F class.



------------------
Carfield
Menu Scavengers
Inflight food critics

Shareholder & Carfield

Thanks for the tips. I am flying in business class on award so paid upgrades are not an option (or worth it unless i get the points!)

Carfield: I wasn't aware CX flies the A-340s in 2 class configuration unless the aircraft are converted to 3 class for the HKG-YYZ/SFO runs. I will find out next week.

Remember the 3 A340 aircrafts that CX leased from Air China? These are them! And they are being configured in two class only. And inflight staff have also informed me that there aren't that many inflight movie channels to choose from either.

On certain on-line reservation systems, this 2 class aircraft shows up as an A340. If it is the A343, this is the 'regular' 3 class aircraft.

CX only uses their own A343 aircraft between HK and Kuala Lumpur, and it is being operated as 2 classes only. J and Y. The First Class section is reserved strictly for Marco Polo members who can assign in advance. I've asked Cathay staff before if an Emerald member from another airline can do the seat selection in advance and they said no. But they can try on the day of departure.

CX is currently going through an aircraft shortage and that is why their flights to certain destinations for example vary according to days of the week.

They're ordered 3 A330-300 aircrafts and have shown some interest in helping rival Singapore Airlines get rid of their A340's. But that's still very much in the air.

Celestar

Thanks for the info. I guess it will be interesting to see how much CX will be willing to dilute their product (it can't be worse than the 8-across TG 777 a/c) with the leased a/c.

I somehow think CX doesn't know what a/c they will be using on that day yet. I could get seat assignments for CX 504 HKG-NRT 3 weeks later (which is the best seat for a 74B? I have 86C currently).

CX 701 is usually Airbus 330 unless they are doing "aircraft rotation" Usually only 751 on Monday and Friday, 703 Monday and Thursday,and 709 on Thursday have a first class section If you are a 777 you will be at gate 46
If you want leg room on CX 747s then upstairs business class row next to the exits have about 10 feet legroom

I checked in for this lfight at the Central Airport Express station. When asked for seat preference, I asked what a/c it was and it was indeed the A-340 (B-something MY) and got 1C (and this at 9am for a 3pm flight). Asked the senior purser (A FILIPINA) ON BOARDING IF IT WAs an Air CHina a/c and she said yes. You are rioght, there isn;t all that much difference between first and business sections except for seat pitch. I would be disappointed if I had paid a P fare for this flight as far as seat comfort goes.

Trip report to follow.