How Much Does Cathay Overbook

I've flown CX regularly for a few years, and never had any issues with overbooking. However on a recent flight from Oz to Frankfurt, both the HKG-FRA and return legs were overbooked.

Travelling in a group of 25 it was a real problem when part of the group were unable to get on the flight to FRA, especially as we departed Frankfurt immediately on arrival.

I've heard (not experienced) stories of airlines in the US offering compensation for pax volunteering to take an alternate flight, however CX did not mention the problem to anyone checking in until they started to bump people, hence someone that may have been willing to spend an extra day in HK never had the chance.

There were apparently up to 20 pax bumped from the flight. Out of interest does this sound like normal CX policy, or more like an issue with an earlier flight??

FWIW we checked in for the late night flight at the airport, so would have been well back in the checkin queue compared to those that did so online or downtown - but I'm sure many tour groups would do the same thing.

All airlines overbook. They do so with the intention of filling the aircraft, and most Y overbooking results in an op-up to J -- so not too many pax complain about this policy. Sometimes events conspire to completely fill flights (sometimes for days at a time).

i have never experienced bumping due to overbooking on CX, especially comparing to such stalwarts as the great continental european airlines, and usually as Number_6 points, when overbook happens there are good chances to be upgraded to J or perhaps F. Having said that, this month there are many trade fairs in HK and in Guangzhou it's Canton Fair time, and that likely accounts for the problem you esperienced.

As said, all airlines overbook. Popular airlines and routes are often worse.

I was on many longhaul CX flights that were overbooked. There were several that even J were booked. I was told that some J passengers had to travel on Y.

When I checked in at SFO, CX did tell the passengers during check-in so that they can be offered compensation (varied) if they chose to give up their seat. I heard them asking nearly everyone - except me, but neither could I get an op-up.

I've had several overbooking experiences with CX.

The most interesting was Sept. 14, 2001 HKG-YVR. (I'm pretty sure it was the 14th - could have been 15th) I was lucky enough to book a mileage ticket on this flight on 9/11 and I turned out to be right - it was the first flight from HKG to north america after 9/11. As you could imagine, many many people wanted on that flight and I was just lucky to have a res. I offered my seat to CX but they were not interested. I flew it.

Another was SFO-HKG a few years back. I think they offered something like US$1000 for an op-down from J to Y plus a ticket refund. I'm pretty hazy as it's been a while but I'm sure there was money - don't bank on my details. They didn't end up needing my ticket.

I'd say maybe 5 - 10% of the time my BP spits back out and CX fishes for my new upgraded BP. (I'm on a slow streak) I suspect most of these are OP related. I'm AA EXP and cross the pacific every month on CX in paid J.

If you fly CX transpacific every month, they know who you are regardless of which mileage plan you are on. CX J are full very often on long haul flights. In your case, overbooking probably benefits you.

I wasn't trying to put any judgement above, just sharing a few observations for the OP. I love CX and think they're the best around.

Actually the popularity of CX hurts more than helps. I often have a hard time buying the reasonable D fares because they're often sold out. When I'm lucky enough to have a seat on an overbooked flight they're often just the 2-class A340s so there's nowhere up to go.

My biggest wish would be for CX to expand capacity to the USA and I'd gladly forgo a few free op-ups. I know I'm smoking crack to think they'd start a SEA flight before ORD or DFW or DEN or countless other larger US cities.

Overbooking does hurt CX in the long run, even though it gives some FFs better op-up chances. It is not fair to the occasional travelers. In fact, a Y seat to me with the next seat vacant is not bad compared with a crowded J. Hopefully with the expansion of fleet later this year, the overbooking situation will improve.

However, flight to SEA,...

Other than by calling CX, is it possible to find out online available seats in Y on CX110 - 09 May from Sydney to Hong Kong? If indeed, seats are oversold.

EF shows F4 A4 J6 C6 D6 I4 Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9 Q9 O9 on CX110 on that day, but again it may not be accurate - hard to believe that SNQO are all 9's. Try booking from a travel agent.

Overbooking does not hurt CX, it contributes to their profitability. It is beneficial to the occasional traveler seekin low priced fares as it makes more discounted seats available. It is unfortunate when they have to involuntarily bump pax but overall the system works for everyone. A larger fleet will not make a bit of difference as CX will continue the practice.

btw I will trade my Y seat wih open middle seat for your J seat any day.

Thank you, you are so considerate. When I had a double op-up last time, my wife took my seat to sit with my 13 yo, and left me in the back with my 11 yo. You are so much more considerate than her.

Interesting thread this. In 24 months as Green MPC I managed one op up and one instant upgrade on points at the airport. In almost a year of Silver with fairly regular short haul Asian trips and one long haul thrown in for good measure, I've not managed a single op up.

A higher tier gives you a better chance of op-up, but lately I have seen J being full more often than Y, in particular for long haul. In these cases, J -> F is easier but Y -> J is difficult, regardless of tier level.

Your chance will come.

Vueling, Spanish LCC airline, guarantee you that the flight will never overbook.
Pretty good for an LCC with no overbooking, says so in their homepage.