Now I've your attention...

Got this spam from CX... Not exactly sure it's a good deal, to be honest, unless you just happen to have the right ticket at the right time...


A free upgrade to First Class when you book Business Class
Fly from London with Cathay Pacific Airways from now until 31st August to Asia, Australia or New Zealand and get a free upgrade to the world's leading First Class* when you buy a Business Class ticket from Cathay Pacific Airways.

Simply purchase one of the eligible fares in Business Class from Cathay Pacific on 020 8834 8888 or from your travel agent who can arrange the upgrade for you.

To upgrade your Business Class Ticket
If you make the reservation directly with Cathay Pacific on 020 8834 8888 we can confirm your upgrade, subject to availability at the time of booking. If booking through a travel agent ask them to contact Cathay Pacific on 020 8834 8866 to upgrade your booking. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Book your free upgrade now! And don't miss out on our latest offers at www.cathaypacific.com/uk

*Skytrax 2004 and World Travel Awards (WTA) 2004


Terms and Conditions apply


Offer Conditions:
- For London to beyond Hong Kong travel: The upgrade offer is valid against a full published 'J' or 'J2' Business Class return from London to Asian, Australian and New Zealand destinations on Cathay Pacific Airways operated services.
- For travel between London and Hong Kong: The offer is valid against a 'J', 'J2' and CAPRT Business Class return from London to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific Airways operated services.
- Upgrade to First Class is possible only when seats in the specific subclass 'A' are available at the time of your call.
- The upgrade offer is valid for travel from now until 31 August 2004. All return travel must be completed by 30 September 2004.
- The offer is valid for travel on all flights except CX254 & CX251 during the validity period provided an agreed 'J', 'J2' or CAPRT fare is available.
- Travel must be booked in 'J' class or 'C' class if CAPRT fare used, for the whole itinerary.
- To upgrade the booking contact Cathay Pacific reservations on 020 8834 8888 or email [email protected] quoting the booking reference / locator and this upgrade offer.
- Tickets must issued in 'J' class at the full 'J' or 'J2' published fare or 'C' class if the CAPRT for LON-HKG fare is used.
- Tickets must be booked and paid for in the UK. Tickets must be issued in the UK.
- Frequent flyer and loyalty programme points/miles awarded for Marco Polo Club, Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club and any other applicable frequent flyer/loyalty schemes in which Cathay Pacific Airways participates, will be awarded at the fare level paid i.e. Business Class not First Class.

So much for A inventory being available LHR-HKG this summer (for purchased A tickets such as OWE).

We had this offer on our corporate deal from LHR to HKG before Christmas. It does seem targetted at the lower season for premium travel, but it is a pretty sad state of affairs for First class travel if CX are having to make offers like this.

Well yes but I guess CX gets substantially more money for a full fare J ticket than they do from segments on an AONEx...

Another comment. Here are some sample prices:
LON-SYD
J2 USD 9459
AAP USD 9483 (must reserve 28 days in advance)

So if you book more than 28 days in advance and there is A inventory available, you would probably seat yourself in F class both ways, rather than settle for just one way in F. CX is not giving out much here.

FYI, If you book for a certain ethnic Chinese travel agent in London, you can get "A" class fares from LHR, MAN, NCL, EDI, GLA, ABZ (UK sectors on BA "D" class) to either HKG/Online Asian Destinations or to Australia for only slightly more than GBP 4000 (USD 7500) with no advance purchase needed. For Business Class ("D" class all the ways), it is only about GBP 2300 (USD 4300).