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)
Jan 4, 2019, 12:50 pm
#976
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
Really? Look at the inventory. The more filled cabins are clustered around the U.S. holiday weekends (not exactly peak with biz travelers). SFO appears hardest hit of the markets (makes sense -- lots of money in SFO and only 1 CX flight with F per day, which concentrated bookings to 1 flight). For the most part, flights have 1-5 seats for sale in F. There are some days here or there (many around U.S. holidays) where it's F0 and potentially hurting them. Otherwise, they still have the 1-2 seats for sale that they usually sell.
Let's not forget how much space CX dumps to award closer to departure date. In many cases, they've essentially pre-sold those seats rather than waiting out for the last minute. And for cash rather than payment for partner miles. This is not the end of the world for them. Sure is screws up their models, and probably makes them a little less comfortable with the projections than they'd like to be. But the fact that only 1 of 3 flights a day has F from SFO to begin with gives you an idea that they don't really sell much of it. There are empty CX F seats flying in the next few days as a further indication they don't sell out. JFK has 4 flights with F, and most have seats for sale.
I agree. I hope everybody acts this way. But the bottom line is they’re going to go from 2 to 3 person average cabin to a six person cabin full on every flight. It’s not going to be the personal experience you’re used to flying Cathay Pacific first class. And that’s OK given the fare we paid. Just a thought...
Just go out a month for a sample week:
2/3 SFO-HKG F5; JFK-HKG F0, F2, F5, F4
2/4 SFO-HKG F4; JFK-HKG F5, F5, F3
2/5 SFO-HKG F5; JFK-HKG F2, F3, F5, F2
2/6 SFO-HKG F1; JFK-HKG F0, F5, F4, F4
2/7 SFO-HKG F1; JFK-HKG F4, F1, F2
2/8 SFO-HKG F3; JFK-HKG F3, F5, F3, F1
2/9 SFO-HKG F2; JFK-HKG F1, F2, F1, F0
What they should do is offer some incentive to cancel. A lot of folks booked this hastily, and if they offer a cancellation waiver if people cancel in the next week or so, I think some would do this, rather than tying up the inventory.
Jan 4, 2019, 2:07 pm
#977
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Hence my exact point.... I’m not sure what could be sarcastic about what I said? It’s not gonna be the regular personal F experience if you’re use to flying CX F. Staff will also be over worked from EVERY flight being full in F and J and never really getting down time. I actually feel slightly bad for the FA’s who have to put up with all these full cabins of annoying MRers.
I also find the whole scenario interesting and sort of odd. Why did they honor these fares if it’s taking up so much inventory? I just think it’s interrsting they let it fly (no pun intended). All your F inventory to NA is gone in a lot of cases. I assumed it probably put half of the cabin booked but with what I’m seeing it looks like a lot more. Obviously I’m not complaining and I’m happy and excited they honored them, It’s just interesting. They also honored them quickly. Like I said, the whole scenario is interesting.
Being that all these cabins are going to be 80 or 90% frequent fliers, instead of meeting up in lounges, we should have onboard Flyertalk parties.
I also find the whole scenario interesting and sort of odd. Why did they honor these fares if it’s taking up so much inventory? I just think it’s interrsting they let it fly (no pun intended). All your F inventory to NA is gone in a lot of cases. I assumed it probably put half of the cabin booked but with what I’m seeing it looks like a lot more. Obviously I’m not complaining and I’m happy and excited they honored them, It’s just interesting. They also honored them quickly. Like I said, the whole scenario is interesting.
Being that all these cabins are going to be 80 or 90% frequent fliers, instead of meeting up in lounges, we should have onboard Flyertalk parties.
The bottom line is that despite your particular experiences, CX F cabins do go out full at times. And they have to provide an appropriate service for what are often a majority of ultra-premium pax (whether paid F, or Diamonds op-up'ed from J, also paying very high fares). It's 2 crew for 6 pax. And on a 14 hour flight that's hardly going to put a dent in personal service.
But if you are considering on board parties, that might be a quick way to put the crew in a difficult position in having to balance your needs with the needs of full-fare F pax who might be wanting to sleep or work on the flight in preparation for whatever they need to do on arrival.
Don't be too concerned about the crew. They will still get their mandated 'down time' (sleeping time) during the flight.
Last edited by LHR/MEL/Europe FF; Jan 4, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Jan 4, 2019, 5:13 pm
#982
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 17
Well... we are close to the 1,000 comments mark...!
Could somebody add me to the wiki?
All in business (I was frantically booking these for $680 that didn’t have time to learn that F was $800. Once I saw F at $1,400 they seemed ¨expensive¨… oh well…)
In any case, as AA EXP / OWE I get into F lounges and perhaps can guest +1?
Visa: already got the e-visa and also a back-up letter for a VOA single entry if the second e-visa doesn’t get processed on time.
I believe I´ll be the first one to fly this that is in the wiki; if there are questions that I could answer, please let me know.
1/06 LGA-DFW-NRT-HAN in AA and JL (SWU cleared woohoo!)
1/08 HAN-DAD in Vietnam Airlines
1/08 CX5223 DAD - HKG J sisifo1/09 CX846 HKG - JFK J sisifo
1/13 CX845 JFK - HKG J sisifo
1/12 CX5220 HKG - DAD J sisifo
1/16 KA227 DAD - HKG J sisifo1/16 CX840 HKG-JFK J sisifo
1/18 CX841 JFK-HKG J sisifo
1/19 KA226 HKG-DAD J sisifo
1/23 KA227 DAD-HKG J sisifo
1/23 CX840 HKG-JFK J sisifo
Could somebody add me to the wiki?
All in business (I was frantically booking these for $680 that didn’t have time to learn that F was $800. Once I saw F at $1,400 they seemed ¨expensive¨… oh well…)
In any case, as AA EXP / OWE I get into F lounges and perhaps can guest +1?
Visa: already got the e-visa and also a back-up letter for a VOA single entry if the second e-visa doesn’t get processed on time.
I believe I´ll be the first one to fly this that is in the wiki; if there are questions that I could answer, please let me know.
1/06 LGA-DFW-NRT-HAN in AA and JL (SWU cleared woohoo!)
1/08 HAN-DAD in Vietnam Airlines
1/08 CX5223 DAD - HKG J sisifo1/09 CX846 HKG - JFK J sisifo
1/13 CX845 JFK - HKG J sisifo
1/12 CX5220 HKG - DAD J sisifo
1/16 KA227 DAD - HKG J sisifo1/16 CX840 HKG-JFK J sisifo
1/18 CX841 JFK-HKG J sisifo
1/19 KA226 HKG-DAD J sisifo
1/23 KA227 DAD-HKG J sisifo
1/23 CX840 HKG-JFK J sisifo
Jan 4, 2019, 6:03 pm
#983
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,548
On the return leg to DAD, I am scheduled to land at 09:00AM. I am debating whether or not I should stay overnight, or take an 11:30AM flight to Singapore on the same day. Do you guys think 2-1/2 hours is good enough to clear immigration/custom and check my luggage for my SIN flight? I don't require a Vietnamese visa and will online check in for the SQ flight.
This is not because I want to skip seeing Da Nang (been there a couple of times). Just wanted to get home to my kids sooner, if it's possible.
This is not because I want to skip seeing Da Nang (been there a couple of times). Just wanted to get home to my kids sooner, if it's possible.
Jan 4, 2019, 6:10 pm
#984
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 515
For anyone looking to figure out positioning, I found some decent fares today that appear to still be alive.
YYZ-DFW-ICN OW for $1,500 ish
YVR-HKG RT for $2,200 ish
HKG-LAX/DFW/JFK-Mexico OW for $1,100 ish
YYZ-DFW-ICN OW for $1,500 ish
YVR-HKG RT for $2,200 ish
HKG-LAX/DFW/JFK-Mexico OW for $1,100 ish
Jan 4, 2019, 6:21 pm
#985
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Just off the Main Line
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT 2MM, DL Lifetime GM 2MM, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, HH Diamond, IHG Amb Diamond
Posts: 881
Jan 4, 2019, 7:10 pm
#986
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Jan 4, 2019, 7:13 pm
#987
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
I mean, I thought this mistake fare probably took away half their inventory, but with these full cabins it makes me wonder just how much inventory was taken to NA? I guess it wasn’t enough to cancel the tickets? Makes me wonder if you’ll actually get the real full F Cathay experience, or they’ll water it down, and if they’ll run out of bubbly and cavier. I have to imagine the employees are gonna be so over worked as the service is usually so personal in F I don’t think there will be time for any of that. Just how much inventory did this take from their first class? Could this be a warning sign they’re phasing F out? It’s all kind of a strange situation. This is definitely the mileage run of the century.
Frankly I find all these efforts and the whining of people who usually never fly First either paid or on miles to now maximize their experience to the fullest a bit disgusting. You got a rt First ticket for one grand so everybody who is worried about how many people are in the cabin or if they have enough attention from the crew should just sit down, shut up and sip their champagne for gods sake.
Jan 4, 2019, 7:14 pm
#988
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: SPG Platinum, Marriott LT Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Platinum Pro, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 215
I want to remind everyone to double check their reservation, to make sure it's active.
Orbitz canceled my reservation without telling me. No email, text, phone call. In fact, 2-3 days later i still have no contact from Orbitz or CX.
Long story short, I made a couple of bookings for my wife because i wasn't sure what her schedule is like (she needs to take care of her pregnant sister), and she eventually decide on one. Orbitz claimed that they canceled my booking due to duplicate bookings (it's not). After 2 ~4 hours phone calls with Orbitz, several calls to Cathay, they are giving me conflicting information.
In the past 48 hours, Orbitz has told me:
1) Orbitz ticketing team canceled it due to duplicate booking (it's not)
2) At the end of a 4 hour call, their manager said I canceled the booking (I didn't, i took good notes on which ones i canceled).
3) At the end of another 4 hour call, the other manager said Cathay canceled the ticket (CX said they didn't)
So at this point i'm not sure how to proceed anymore. I did go over Cathay's legal document: https://www.cathaypacific.com/conten...baggage-en.pdf, and unlike UA and AA's, nowhere does it state Cathay or travel agency hold the right to cancel "duplicate" bookings.
And I actually canceled before they did.
Orbitz canceled my reservation without telling me. No email, text, phone call. In fact, 2-3 days later i still have no contact from Orbitz or CX.
Long story short, I made a couple of bookings for my wife because i wasn't sure what her schedule is like (she needs to take care of her pregnant sister), and she eventually decide on one. Orbitz claimed that they canceled my booking due to duplicate bookings (it's not). After 2 ~4 hours phone calls with Orbitz, several calls to Cathay, they are giving me conflicting information.
In the past 48 hours, Orbitz has told me:
1) Orbitz ticketing team canceled it due to duplicate booking (it's not)
2) At the end of a 4 hour call, their manager said I canceled the booking (I didn't, i took good notes on which ones i canceled).
3) At the end of another 4 hour call, the other manager said Cathay canceled the ticket (CX said they didn't)
So at this point i'm not sure how to proceed anymore. I did go over Cathay's legal document: https://www.cathaypacific.com/conten...baggage-en.pdf, and unlike UA and AA's, nowhere does it state Cathay or travel agency hold the right to cancel "duplicate" bookings.
And I actually canceled before they did.
Jan 4, 2019, 7:22 pm
#989
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
Long story short, I made a couple of bookings for my wife because i wasn't sure what her schedule is like (she needs to take care of her pregnant sister), and she eventually decide on one. Orbitz claimed that they canceled my booking due to duplicate bookings (it's not). After 2 ~4 hours phone calls with Orbitz, several calls to Cathay, they are giving me conflicting information.
No wonder there was no inventory anymore when some people make tons of tentative bookings just to cancel them a few hours later.
If some bookings were overlapping then Orbitz/CX could have seen these as duplicates. Hard to say but IMHO you screwed yourself royally by not being able to narrow down at least one proper date, make a booking and stick with it.