sxc

Cathay has put out this "Fly (worry) free" message out on their social media platforms. To the layman, it makes it sound like you can buy a ticket today, and if you need to change your dates, you won't have to pay a cent. Of course, in the fine print, it says that fare differences are still applicable. Imagine the horror of your everyday traveller who ends up getting charged potentially huge fare differences, when those people don't understand the concept of applicable fares.

It's a really cynical ploy to try and get people to part with their money now to help prop up the airline, and then charge them again down the road.

And then below in a section that needs to be revealed, in language that means nothing to the casual traveller:
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...ut-charge.html

tfung

Would have been better if this promotion includes free cancellation for full refund as well on any flights booked with this promotion.. But it seems that is not the case...

TravelNYC

Anyone know how this would be apply to a Premium Econ (E booking class) ticket? In the past I've been able to make changes for the $100 change fee and no fare difference assuming E fare class was available for the dates I want to change to. I could be wrong but I'm interpreting this "promo" as simply a waiver of the $100 change fee and historically if E class didn't charge fare difference that wouldn't apply here.....but what to I truly know. Thoughts??

walkup

The promotion makes perfect sense. If one buys a cheaper ticket with restrictions then it is quite obvious that any rebooking would be for an equivalent ticket complying with the conditions entered into at the time of booking. The promotion to make changes to one's booking without rebooking charges very helpful planning forwards. I wouldn't be anticipating too many problems. My experience so far with Cathay in the current period has been quite positive.

SilverChris

To a reasonably seasoned traveller, sure. But the average joe who can't tell the difference between a 33P and a 77H is going to get an unpleasant surprise when the fare difference is charged. To them it's still money coming out of their pockets to change a ticket, contrary to what CX seemed to be offering through this promo.

ernestnywang

You are right - only the change fee penalty is waived. If there's a fare and tax difference, you pay for it. If there isn't, you don't need to pay anything.

blandy62

yes they only waive the change fee but all other ticket condition remain valid, that's the catch

sxc

And let’s say things start getting relaxed in say October - CX isn’t going to be running a full schedule so flights are going to be more expensive due to lack of supply. So fares could end up significantly more expensive when it comes time to changing your flights.

percysmith

There really isn't much incentive to lock in now; viz, the possibility the ticket cannot be flown at all.

sxc

But......no change fees!!

percysmith

Keeping my money in my wallet = no change fees too.

blandy62

And if the fare difference is big and people don't wish to pay that difference, they are left with either flying at the original date or pay a cancellation fee!

walkup

So then, speculating about what some may or may not read about Cathay Pacific which may or may not do. If we might just stick to some facts on the ground, my experience is that Cathay have been helpful getting flights changed and don't expect any change in that over the sales promotion. In fact, any flexibility re bookings is welcomed, particularly now I am thinking about making a booking departure for the end of the year.

walkup

If one makes a ticket booking in a particular class and type, there is no reason to expect any change in price if rebooking an equivalent ticket. And no rebooking fee. That is the offer.

walkup

That depends on one's flexibility re when to fly. If the offer is in place for my planned outward and return dates, I will probably take current BC prices listed if available. Need a bit of wriggle room on the return date so will need to wait a bit.