Dec 31, 2018, 9:41 pm
Last edit by: alexj7
CAUTION - TURNAROUND
"One customer did have issues. Wang Guanran, who documents his travels on hktravelblog.com, had his plans to travel to New York on Wednesday cut short when he was prevented from flying by immigration officials in Vietnam... he was detained by Vietnamese immigration officials, who said it was illegal to return to his city of origin while in transit." - Source:SCMP, 2 January 2019
Also https://rapidtravelchai.boardingarea...-direct-turns/
Visa Information: check out the Vietnam visa/VOA thread in the Asia forum. You can get either a visa on arrival where you get the stamp on arrival) or a "looseleaf" visa in advance from a VN Consulate in the US (which allows you to go straight to the immigration queue). There are sometimes lines for the VOA stamp and so the loosleaf approach can save you some time.
Seat Assignments
per NWPlatinum below - Cathay blocks out all seats except for 2D for some reason. I never understood the reasoning behind this but in any event just contact them for a seat assignment and they’ll let you have your choice. They like to block out seats for people with bassinets and babies. But you can usually get 2A, which is the best see if you’re solo traveler. Just say I want seat 2A and I’ll move if requested at the airport (never was asked to move)
Basic Visa Options for US Citizens
1. One month, one entry
2. One month, multiple entries
3. Three months, one entry
4. Three months, multiple entries
5. One year, multiple entries
Everyone needs an e-visa approval before boarding if they will enter the country. (e.g. clear customs). Connecting flights - even on separate tickets - do not require a visa IF IF IF the connecting airline has a counter in the transit area. (The airline may have their own rules.) Going back to the same country is not allowed without clearing customs first.
Expect the visa check at your point of departure. (Computer will flag your ticket.) The actual stamp is received on arrival (in most cases). (There is also the possibility of a visa insert with no need to go to 'visa on arrival'.)
Official Site: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States
Lounge Access (Access Requirements)
JFK - AA Flagship First (F Departure)
ORD - British Airways Club / First Lounge T5 (J / F departures). AA Flagship lounge T3 (logistics in this post)
BOS
SFO - CX Lounge Terminal A (F or J Departure)
YVR - CX Lounge Gate 67
HKG
HAN - Song Hong Lounge (KA) or ACV/NIA Business Lounge (KA)
DAD
Current status:
- Deal is no longer active (can't book this anymore)
Mainstream media coverage:
- Cathay Pacific says it will honour first and business-class tickets sold in error in move that could cost it millions [SCMP, 2 January 2019]
- Cathay Pacific error sees $16,000 flights sold for $675 [The Guardian, 2 January 2019]
- Bloomberg article by Kyunghee Park
- South China Morning Post article by Danny Lee
- Follow up article from Danny Lee SCMP with individual anecdotes and analyst comments.
- Oriental Daily Hong Kong & Macao news article discussing the fare via lens of airline "mismanagement" (Chinese)
Post your trip dates and itinerary here:
Please use (+1) to denote you are in F and can guest someone (or more than 1 person) into the F lounges in HKG.
January:
1/9: KA 294 HAN-HKG - tonykline1947 (+1)
1/10: CX 888 HKG-YVR - tonykline1947 (+1)
1/18: KA 296 HAN-HKG - SOWK
1/19: CX 888 HKG-YVR - SOWK
1/21: KA 227 DAD-HKG - Governator
1/21: KA 227 DAD-HKG - usairchairman (+1)
1/21: CX 840 HKG-JFK - usairchairman (+1)
1/21: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Governator
1/22: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Governator
1/23: KA 220 HKG-DAD - Governator (won't fly this one)
1/23: CX5227 DAD-HKG rbAA
1/23: CX840 HKG-JFK rbAA (can guest at Wing FC or Pier FC as I have 5hrs+)
1/26: CX 227 DAD-HKG - Synd(+1)
1/26: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Synd(+1)
1/29 KA 227 DAD-HKG - miffSC
1/29 CX 846 HKG-JFK - miffSC
1/30: CX 831 JFK-HKG - Synd (+1)
1/30: CX 865 JFK - YVR - HKG - ss2k(+1) can guest someone at JFK Flagship dining (i think)
February:
2/1: CX 220 - HKG - DAD - Synd (+1) - will try not to fly this one
2/1: CX 220 - HKG - DAD - ss2k (+1) - will probably stay in DAD for couple of days if anyone wants to join
2/2: CX865 JFK-YVR-HKG rbAA (can guest at JFK AA FL FC)
2/3 - KA 227 - DAD-HKG - swgsword, Pochama
2/3 - CX 840 - HKG-JFK - Pochama
2/4 - CX 888 - HKG-YVR-JFK - swgsword (+1, also FL at JFK)
2/4: CX5220 HKG-DAD rbAA (tight connection :50 so no lounge time unless I misconnect)
2/10: CX 764 SGN-HKG - zebes
2/11: CX 806 HKG-ORD - zebes
2/15: CX 831 JFK-HKG - usairchairman (+1)
2/15: CX 812 HKG-BOS - AnttiV
2/16: KA 220 HKG-DAD - usairchairman (+1)
2/18 CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura (+1)
2/19: KA 296 HAN-HKG - IncaTrails
2/19: CX 812 HKG-BOS - IncaTrails
2/22: CX 811 BOS-HKG - AnttiV
March:
3/01: CX 807 ORD-HKG - zebes
3/01 CX ### HAN-HKG - billbligh (+3)
3/02 CX888 HKG-YVR (0100) billybligh(+3)
3/03: CX 767 HKG-SGN - zebes
3/03: CX 764 SGN-HKG - zebes
3/04: CX 806 HKG-ORD - zebes
3/05: CX1790 HAN-HKG - dordal
3/06: CX872 HKG-SFO - dordal
3/08: CX 873 SFO-HKG - princesakura
3/11: KA 223 DAD-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/12: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK - SiempreBCNJFK
3/12: CX 865 YVR-HKG - SOWK
3/13: CX 1791 HKG-HAN - SOWK
3/14: CX 5227 DAD-HKG - Hudute
3/14: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Hudute
3/15: CX 5527 DAD-HKG - Frebay (+1)
3/15: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Frebay (+1)
3/15: CX 845 JFK-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/16: KA 228 HKG-DAD - SiempreBCNJFK
3/17: KA 227 DAD-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/17: CX 890 HKG-EWR - SiempreBCNJFK
3/18: CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura (+1)
3/20: CX ### HKG-JFK - tcormier (+2)
3/20: CX 888 HKG-(YVR)-JFK - captainstubing (+1)
3/22: CX 831 JFK-HKG - captainstubing
3/22: CX 840 HKG-JFK - jongesander (+1)
3/25: CX 899 EWR-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/26: KA 226 HKG-DAD - SiempreBCNJFK
3/26: CX 845 JFK-HKG - swgsword
3/27: KA 220 HKG-DAD - swgsword (+1)
3/27: KA ### HAN-HKG - Mauibaby2008
3/27: CX ### HKG-JFK - Mauibaby2008
3/28: CX 766 SGN-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/28: CX 846 HKG-JFK - SiempreBCNJFK
3/29: CX 5296 HAN-HKG - LHG
3/29: CX 872 HKG-SFO - LHG
3/29: CX 807 ORD-HKG - zebes
3/31: CX 767 HKG-SGN - zebes
April:
4/3 CX 845 JFK-HKG - miffSC
4/4 KA 220 HKG-DAD - miffSC
4/6 KA 294 HAN-HKG - frisbfreek
4/7 CX 830 HKG-JFK - frisbfreek (+1)
4/13: KA 294 HAN-HKG - bostonbali (+1)
4/13: KA 294 HAN-HKG - swgsword
4/14: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK bostonbali (+1)
4/14: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK swgsword (+1)
4/19: KA 298 HAN-HKG shek3112
4/19: CX 846 HKG-JFK shek3112 (+3)
4/19: CX 806 HKG-ORD Oshkosh105 (+1)
4/20: CX 807 ORD-HKG Oshkosh105
4/29: CX 845 JFK-HKG shek3112 (+3)
4/30: KA 299 HKG-HAN shek3112 (may change)
4/30: KA 221 DAD-HKG - driveswith (+1)
May:
5/1: CX 888 HKG-YVR - driveswith (+1)
5/1: CX 888 YVR-JFK - driveswith (+1)
5/8: CX 845 JFK-HKG - driveswith (+1)
5/8: KA 221 DAD-HKG - zip10001
5/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - zip10001
5/10: CX 873 SFO-HKG - dordal
5/11: CX5297 HKG-HAN - dordal
5/11: KA 296 HAN-HKG - james_yuen (+1)
5/12: CX 888 HKG-YVR - james_yuen (+1)
5/12: CX 5294 HAN-HKG - dordal
5/13: CX 872 HKG-SFO - dordal
5/13: BA 28 HKG-LHR - driveswith (+1)
5/15 CX865 YVR-HKG - james_yuen (+1)
5/16 KA 299 HKG-HAN - james_yuen (+1)
5/19: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Frebay (+1)
5/20: CX 5224 HKG-DAD - Frebay (+1)
5/21: KA 296 HAN-HKG - AndrewT84
5/22: CX 872 HKG-SFO - AndrewT84
5/24: CX 811 BOS-HKG - IncaTrails
5/25: KA 297 HKG-HAN - IncaTrails
5/28: CX 764 SGN-HKG - JetSetDave
5/28: CX 858 HKG-SEA - JetSetDave
5/30: CX 841 JFK-HKG - zip10001
5/31: KA 224 HKG-DAD - zip10001
5/31: CX 5294 (KA) HAN-HKG maverikbc (+1)
June:
6/1: CX 888 HKG-YVR maverikbc (+1)
6/2: KA 221 DAD-HKG - sgan317 (+2)
6/2: CX 840 HKG-JFK - sgan317 (+2)
6/2: KA 221 DAD-HKG - greendx
6/2: CX 840 HKG-JFK - greendx
6/3: CX 888 HKG-JFK - JALOO5-Flyer
6/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - Mrow (+1)
6/8: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Mrow (+1)
6/8: CX 766 SGN-HKG - Quanh79 (+3)
6/8: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Quanh79 (+3)
6/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - UAPremierGuy
6/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - UAPremierGuy
6/8: KA 221 DAD-HKG - Evianon
6/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Evianon (+1)
6/9: KA 294 DAD-HKG - Frebay (+1)
6/10: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Frebay (+1)
6/10: CX 845 JFK-HKG - UAPremierGuy
6/11: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Evianon
6/12: KA 220: HKG-DAD - Evianon
6/12: CX 841 JFK-HKG - Mrow (+1)
6/12: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Hudute
6/13: KA 299 HKG-HAN - Mrow (+1)
6/13: CX 5220 HKG-DAD - Hudute
6/17: KA 225 DAD-HKG - CruisingAlitiude47
6/18: CX 830 HKG-JFK - CruisingAlitiude47
6/22: KA 294 HAN-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: CX 830 HKG-YVR - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: CX 888 HKG-JFK - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: KA 221 DAD-HKG ZohyeahZ (+2)
6/22: CX 840 HKG-JFK ZohyeahZ (+2)
6/28: CX 865 JFK-HKG - greendx
6/30: KA 220 HKG-DAD - greendx
July:
7/3: CX 857 SEA-HKG - JetSetDave
7/4: CX 767 HKG-SGN - JetSetDave
7/4: KA 294 HAN-HKG - Majuki
7/4 CX 872 SFO-HKG - princesakura
7/5: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Majuki
7/5: KA 227 DAD-HKG - afirm (+1)
7/6: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK- afirm (+1)
7/7: CX 841 JFK-HKG - afirm (+1)
7/8: KA 224 HKG-DAD - afirm (+1)
7/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - terryversay (+1)
7/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - terryversay (+1)
7/8: CX 872 - HKG-SFO - princesakura
7/9: CX 841 JFK-HKG - JALOO5-Flyer
7/11: CX 873 SFO-HKG - AndrewT84
7/12: KA 297 HKG-HAN - AndrewT84
7/12: CX 845 JFK-HKG - CruisingAltitude47
7/13: KA 220 HKG-DAD - CruisingAltitude47
7/14: KA 221 DAD-HKG - nutty92 (+2)
7/14: CX 840 HKG-JFK - nutty92 (+2)
7/14: CX 1764 SGN-HKG - chitink (+2)
7/15: CX 806 HKG-ORD - chitink (+2)
7/17: CX 840 HKG-JFK - danfl44 (+1)
7/20: CX 865 JFK-HKG zOhYeahz (+2)
7/22: KA 224 HKG-DAD zOhYeahz (+2)
7/25: CX 841 JFK-HKG - danfl44 (+1)
7/27: CX ### JFK-HKG - tcormier (+2)
7/30: KA 221 DAD-HKG - driveswith (+1)
7/31: CX 888 HKG-YVR - driveswith (+1)
7/31: CX 888 YVR-JFK - driveswith (+1)
August:
8/5: KA 225 DAD-HKG - sriegert
8/6: CX 888 HKG-JFK - sriegert
8/6 KA 221 DAD-HKG - aradisc (+1)
8/7 CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK - aradisc (+1)
8/7: KA 221/840 DAD-HKG-JFK Brituchenite
8/9: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Quanh79 (+1)
8/9: CX767 HKG-SGN - Quanh79 (+1)
8/10 CX 840 HKG-JFK - thefilipinotraveler (+1)
8/11 CX 841 JFK-HKG - driveswith (+1)
8/11 KA 294 DAD-HKG - pochi
8/12 KA 225 DAD-HKG - Dancrane (+1)
8/12 CX 888 HKG-JFK - pochi (+1)
8/13 CX 830 HKG-JFK - Dancrane (+1)
8/17 CX 851 SFO-HKG - princesakura
8/17 CX 841 JFK-HKG - pochi (+1)
8/17 KA 297 HKG-HAN - thefilipinotraveler (+1)
8/18 CX 845 JFK-YVR-HKG - swgsword
8/19 KA 299 HKG-HAN - swgsword (+1)
8/19 CX 841 JFK-HKG - Dancrane (+1)
8/20 KA 224 HKG-DAD - Dancrane (+1)
8/23 CX 845 JFK-HKG - sriegert
8/23 CX812 HKG-BOS - paul4471 (+2)
8/24 - KA 220 HKG-DAD - sriegert
8/24 CX1790/VN592 HAN-HKG ritesa (+1)
8/25 CX888 HKG-YVR ritesa (+1)
8/26 CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura
8/27 CX865 YVR-HKG ritesa (+1)
8/30: CX835 JFK-HKG - terryversay (+1)
8/30: CX830 HKG-JFK - JALOO5-Flyer (+1)
8/31: KA297 HKG-HAN - terryversay (+1)
8/30 KA299 HKG-HAN ritesa (+1)
8/30: CX865CX5/220 JFK-YVR-HKG-DAD Brituchenite
8/30: KA/CX ### HAN-HKG-JFK-DCA - GlobalNelson
September:
9/1: CX 766 SGN-HKG - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: AA 192 / CX 7686 HKG-LAX - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: AA 303 LAX-IAD - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: CX 873 SFO-HKG - Majuki
9/1: CX 1791 HKG-HAN - paul4471 (+2)
9/2: KA 297 HKG-HAN - Majuki
9/6: AA 1139 IAD-LAX - quinzinho (+1)
9/7: AA 193 / CX 7685 LAX-HKG - quinzinho (+1)
9/8: CX 767 HKG-SGN - quinzinho (+1)
9/7: KA 221 DAD-HKG - ChiefNWA
9/7: CX 840 HKG-JFK - ChiefNWA
9/9: VN592-CX840 HAN-HKG-JFK - Zebranz
9/14: KA296-CX810 HAN-HKG pschafer+1 in J
9/14: CX 851 SFO-HKG - princesakura
9/26: CX 764 SGN-HKG - Phrantic
9/27: CX 806 HKG-ORD - Phrantic
9/28: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Pochama
9/29: KA 220 HKG-DAD - Pochama
9/30: CX ### JFK-HKG - Mauibaby2008
October:
10/01: KA ### HKG-HAN - Mauibaby2008
10/05: CX855-KA299 YVR-HKG-HAN - pschafer+1 in J
10/08 CX5221 - CX890 DAD-HKG-EWR MCI777
10/10 CX841 - CX5224 JFK-HKG-DAD MCI777
10/10: CX865-KA297 JFK-HKG-HAN - Zebranz
10/11: CX 865 JFK-HKG - ChiefNWA
10/12: KA 220 HKG-DAD - ChiefNWA
10/12: CX 873 SFO-HKG - dordal
10/13: CX5299 HKG-HAN
10/15: VN594-CX840 SGN-HKG-JFK - Zebranz
10/16-17: KA221J/CX888A DAD-HKG-YVR-JFK - Shareholder
10/19 CX865 YVR-HKG maverikbc (+1)
10/20 CX1791 (VN) HKG-HAN maverikbc (+1)
10/25: CX/KA ### DCA-JFK-HKG-HAN - GlobalNelson
10/30: CX 831 JFK-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
10/31: CX 721 HKG-SGN - SiempreBCNJFK
November:
11/1: CX 831 JFK-HKG - sgan317 (+2)
11/1: KA/CX ### HAN-HKG-YVR - GlobalNelson
11/2: KA 220 HKG-DAD - sgan317 (+2)
11/4-6: CX865A/KA220J (CX5220J) JFK-HKG-DAD - Shareholder
11/7: CX 807 ORD-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/7: CX841-CX799 JFK-HKG-SGN - Zebranz (changed due to CX Cxl CX845)
11/8: CX 721 HKG-SGN - chitink (+1)
11/8: CX 845 JFK-HKG - nutty92 (+2)
11/9: KA 228 HKG-DAD - nutty92 (+2)
11/11: KA296-CX872 HAN-HKG-SFO - Zebranz
11/12: CX 1764 SGN-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/13: CX 806 HKG-ORD - chitink (+1)
11/17: KA 227 DAD-HKG - Paul5795 (+1)
11/18: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Paul5795 (+1)
11/26: CX 807 ORD-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/26: CX873-KA295 SFO-HKG-HAN - Zebranz (might abandon KA295)
11/27: CX 721 HKG-SGN - chitink (+1)
11/29: KA296 HAN-HKG - JAeX
11/30: CX872 HKG-SFO - JAeX
11/30: KA 227 DAD-HKG-Tennislover9
11/30: CX 846 HKG-JFK-Tennislover9
11/30: CX726 SGN-HKG- stephem (+4)
11/30: CX858 HKG-SEA- stephem (+4)
December:
12/02: HKG-SFO CX872- uclabruin82
12/14: KA 294 HAN-HKG - calcjr23 (+1)
12/15: CX 830 HKG-JFK - calcjr23 (+1)
12/15: CX873 SFO-HKG - Paul5795
12/17: KA226 HKG-DAD - Paul5795
12/18: CX 807 ORD-HKG - Phrantic
12/19: CX 865 YVR-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
12/19: CX 841 JFK-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
12/19: CX 865 JFK-YVR - calcjr23 (+1)
12/20: CX 865 YVR-HKG - calcjr23 (+1)
12/20: KA 295 HKG-HAN - FormallyKnownAs (+1) may abandon
12/20: CX 767 HKG-SGN - Phrantic
12/20: CX 845 JFK-HKG-Tennislover9
12/20: CX857 SEA-HKG- stephem (+4)
12/21: CX799 HKG-SGN- stephem (+4)
12/21: KA 228 HKG-DAD-Tennislover9 (may abandon)
12/21: KA 297 HKG-HAN - calcjr23 (+1)
12/21: CX873 SFO-HKG - JAeX
12/23: KA297 HKG-HAN - JAeX
12/24: CX 873 SFO-HKG - Frebay (+1)
12/24: KA 295 HKG-HAN - Frebay (+1)
12/24: CX 873 SFO-HKG - UCLABruin82
FARES (YMMV) listed alphabetically - F booked into J/A; J booked into I,D,C.
- DAD-IAD: ~$1,483 (F)
- DAD-JFK: ~$675 (J) ~$845 (F)
- DAD-SFO: ~$931 (J)
- HAN-BOS: ~$1,120 (J) ~$1,200 (F)
- HAN-IAD: ~$1,000 (J) ~$1,400 (F)
- HAN-JFK: ~$1,324 (J) ~$1,444 (F)
- HAN-SFO: ~$1,240 (F)
- HAN-YVR: ~$768 (J) ~$988 (F)
- SGN-JFK: ~$1,849 (F)
- SGN-ORD: ~$1,115 (F)
- SGN-SEA: ~$1,109 (J)
[Premium Fare Gone]: CX: Vietnam to North America from $674 (J) and $1100 (F)
Mar 7, 2019, 4:47 am
#1816
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
No apology necessary. I was just laying out my experience with Orbitz. Reading some of these comments, it looks like a lot of people are having more luck changing the ticket after they’ve flown the first segment.
Mar 7, 2019, 6:19 am
#1817
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,993
what I think is that CX have limit the amount of A/J mistake fares tickets. So whatever is available for change at minimal cost should be those from “cancelled mistake fare tickets”. So If 10 persons cancelled their mistake fare tickets and 10 slots will appear. Then someone manage to change n left behind new slots. Depending on the no of cancelled tickets, there will be some availability here n there. I think CX will treat this as special A subclass or something similar and separate from the Norma A class.
Mar 7, 2019, 2:25 pm
#1818
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Success story for changing:
I used ExpertFlyer to look up open available seats and found correct booking fare. It took three calls, one to Chase (booked through UR points) - no dice, second to Cathay directly, no dice. Third call I decided to experiment with a stopover. I was able to force a stop over, and it instantly made the availability wide open. All three calls made note of the "special fares" and that changes are "treated different/not possible". It took about ten minutes for the third person to find the dates and price it out, change ended up being $100 + $6 USD.
Original: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD - J class.
New: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD Y class
I was able to force the stopover to retain the JFK-HKG A class, however, this was at the expense of my HKG-DAD going from J to Y. I wasn't even going to follow up with the phone agent about this since he was able to make it work to retain A class on the longhaul, and that was the most important element for me. And this was the first person who made it work. I kept rephrasing it to make sure it wasn't dropping the longhaul to Y, but even looking at updated confirmation it all went through. My stop over will be I think 3 days.
I left on my outbound first leg in late Feb, and my modified date was about 350 days after to my departure, so I was able to push this into early Feb 2020 for me.
AAARRVN8 fare basis. $850ish initial price.
Amusing sidenote: The hold music on the toll free number is so annoying - the repeat in music isn't seamless so you think the agent is getting back on the line..... and then the music starts again. Every time!!
Good luck and safe flights everyone!
I used ExpertFlyer to look up open available seats and found correct booking fare. It took three calls, one to Chase (booked through UR points) - no dice, second to Cathay directly, no dice. Third call I decided to experiment with a stopover. I was able to force a stop over, and it instantly made the availability wide open. All three calls made note of the "special fares" and that changes are "treated different/not possible". It took about ten minutes for the third person to find the dates and price it out, change ended up being $100 + $6 USD.
Original: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD - J class.
New: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD Y class
I was able to force the stopover to retain the JFK-HKG A class, however, this was at the expense of my HKG-DAD going from J to Y. I wasn't even going to follow up with the phone agent about this since he was able to make it work to retain A class on the longhaul, and that was the most important element for me. And this was the first person who made it work. I kept rephrasing it to make sure it wasn't dropping the longhaul to Y, but even looking at updated confirmation it all went through. My stop over will be I think 3 days.
I left on my outbound first leg in late Feb, and my modified date was about 350 days after to my departure, so I was able to push this into early Feb 2020 for me.
AAARRVN8 fare basis. $850ish initial price.
Amusing sidenote: The hold music on the toll free number is so annoying - the repeat in music isn't seamless so you think the agent is getting back on the line..... and then the music starts again. Every time!!
Good luck and safe flights everyone!
Mar 7, 2019, 3:37 pm
#1819
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: CHI
Posts: 64
Successfully changed my A tickets for 56 USD directly on CXs webpage. Forgot to take a screenshot of the cost change matrix but this is how it's looking right now. So yes it's possible.. I suggest to put change bot outbound and inbound to get this calendar.. even if you intend to change only one of the flights. I haven't flown the first segment and booked directly on CXs website.
Mar 7, 2019, 3:37 pm
#1820
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 20
Success story for changing:
I used ExpertFlyer to look up open available seats and found correct booking fare. It took three calls, one to Chase (booked through UR points) - no dice, second to Cathay directly, no dice. Third call I decided to experiment with a stopover. I was able to force a stop over, and it instantly made the availability wide open. All three calls made note of the "special fares" and that changes are "treated different/not possible". It took about ten minutes for the third person to find the dates and price it out, change ended up being $100 + $6 USD.
Original: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD - J class.
New: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD Y class
I was able to force the stopover to retain the JFK-HKG A class, however, this was at the expense of my HKG-DAD going from J to Y. I wasn't even going to follow up with the phone agent about this since he was able to make it work to retain A class on the longhaul, and that was the most important element for me. And this was the first person who made it work. I kept rephrasing it to make sure it wasn't dropping the longhaul to Y, but even looking at updated confirmation it all went through. My stop over will be I think 3 days.
I left on my outbound first leg in late Feb, and my modified date was about 350 days after to my departure, so I was able to push this into early Feb 2020 for me.
AAARRVN8 fare basis. $850ish initial price.
Amusing sidenote: The hold music on the toll free number is so annoying - the repeat in music isn't seamless so you think the agent is getting back on the line..... and then the music starts again. Every time!!
Good luck and safe flights everyone!
I used ExpertFlyer to look up open available seats and found correct booking fare. It took three calls, one to Chase (booked through UR points) - no dice, second to Cathay directly, no dice. Third call I decided to experiment with a stopover. I was able to force a stop over, and it instantly made the availability wide open. All three calls made note of the "special fares" and that changes are "treated different/not possible". It took about ten minutes for the third person to find the dates and price it out, change ended up being $100 + $6 USD.
Original: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD - J class.
New: JFK-HKG - A class HKG-DAD Y class
I was able to force the stopover to retain the JFK-HKG A class, however, this was at the expense of my HKG-DAD going from J to Y. I wasn't even going to follow up with the phone agent about this since he was able to make it work to retain A class on the longhaul, and that was the most important element for me. And this was the first person who made it work. I kept rephrasing it to make sure it wasn't dropping the longhaul to Y, but even looking at updated confirmation it all went through. My stop over will be I think 3 days.
I left on my outbound first leg in late Feb, and my modified date was about 350 days after to my departure, so I was able to push this into early Feb 2020 for me.
AAARRVN8 fare basis. $850ish initial price.
Amusing sidenote: The hold music on the toll free number is so annoying - the repeat in music isn't seamless so you think the agent is getting back on the line..... and then the music starts again. Every time!!
Good luck and safe flights everyone!
I tried changing the date online, it seems there is no A fare available without forcing a stopover and forcing a stopover is not possible online.
There are some date available on the inbound with stopover of at least 40hours and very limited outbound date(like less than 5days between now and nov) according to itamatrix.
Tried to change the outbound to 2020 online and the website jumps back to manage booking without error.
Mar 7, 2019, 8:06 pm
#1821
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska Airlines MVP Gold
Posts: 300
On the CX website you must indicate you're changing both the inbound and outbond flights.
Mar 7, 2019, 8:25 pm
#1822
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 139
Success story for changing:
Third call I decided to experiment with a stopover. I was able to force a stop over, and it instantly made the availability wide open. All three calls made note of the "special fares" and that changes are "treated different/not possible". It took about ten minutes for the third person to find the dates and price it out, change ended up being $100 + $6 USD.
Third call I decided to experiment with a stopover. I was able to force a stop over, and it instantly made the availability wide open. All three calls made note of the "special fares" and that changes are "treated different/not possible". It took about ten minutes for the third person to find the dates and price it out, change ended up being $100 + $6 USD.
Mar 8, 2019, 7:45 am
#1823
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: EUG BKK
Programs: Zero Status Nexus
Posts: 432
Tried to search but I couldn't find anything specific to Cathay. My questions is will it raise a red flag at CX if I drop my last segment, which is HKG-SGN and book a CX award using BA miles to Manila (HKG-MNL)? If I book my award flight departure AFTER my HKG-SGN departure time, I should be ok, right? Much appreciated, thanks!
Mar 8, 2019, 7:56 am
#1824
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 85
By drop, do you mean go online and cancel that leg and pay the fee? Or, just not show up. I have been calling trying to get a stopover in HKG but they just laugh and tell be it will be $25,000 and that if I just don't show up for the HKG - HAN flight, they will come looking for me in the airport. I have been thinking about just not going on the next leg, and then just buying a ticket to wherever I want to go from there, hadn't considered trying to get there with a CX ticket. Presently, my plan is to finish the leg to HAN and then buy a ticket back to HKG.
Mar 8, 2019, 8:52 am
#1826
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,993
Tried to search but I couldn't find anything specific to Cathay. My questions is will it raise a red flag at CX if I drop my last segment, which is HKG-SGN and book a CX award using BA miles to Manila (HKG-MNL)? If I book my award flight departure AFTER my HKG-SGN departure time, I should be ok, right? Much appreciated, thanks!
Now, if you are in Hong Kong... and before your last segment you fall ill for a bit, it would be best for everyone if you did not get on that last flight to SGN. Really, think of others!
And of course later, having missed your important meeting in SGN, and you felt better. it would make sense to just fly to your next meeting in MNL.
Mar 8, 2019, 3:04 pm
#1827
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,048
I am currently booked in an A class ticket. Assuming I am willing to downgrade to business class in order to change dates, what class availability do I look for on Cathay? Is it J or C?
Mar 8, 2019, 3:19 pm
#1828
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold and hotel status through their credit cards as needed :)
Posts: 268
Tried to search but I couldn't find anything specific to Cathay. My questions is will it raise a red flag at CX if I drop my last segment, which is HKG-SGN and book a CX award using BA miles to Manila (HKG-MNL)? If I book my award flight departure AFTER my HKG-SGN departure time, I should be ok, right? Much appreciated, thanks!
Mar 8, 2019, 4:27 pm
#1829
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SFO/DFW
Programs: AC*SE, A3*G, AA-EP, UA*S,
Posts: 289
I did the add stopover option as iletired suggested. Changed dates on the JFK-HKG, added 8 day stopover on HKG-DAD. Was priced immediately for $115 and completed in about 3 minutes, kept A and J class for both segments. Called CX directly and said they can change it if you have already flown the outbound.
Mar 8, 2019, 7:35 pm
#1830
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 609
We have the same question as we are considering making flight two (SFO-HKG, HKG-HAN) a mileage run and not fly segment two. Best flight back to US is on CX with our AS miles 15 hours later on the same day. Wondering if it is crazy to consider this especially if we no show to the HKG-HAN flight that AM. Any data points?
do you have a surplus of AS miles? Mine took about 9!days to credit. Someone else mentioned it took 8 days for theirs to credit. just as a data point.
What is is the code to find AS reward seats on EF? What is First class reward bucket and business class bucket?
Thanks.
