How Anyone Can Save Up to 90% on Cathay Pacific’s First Class Cabin

June 2016
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The Suite: Six semi-enclosed spaces on B777-300ERs arranged in two rows. No sliding privacy doors, but the cabin imparts such a feeling of spaciousness and privacy that it’s a favorite of many First Class habitués. Each has an 81-inch-long lie-flat bed and a 17-inch-wide TV screen. Experience the Cathay suite in detail.

Routes with First Class

To/From Hong Kong: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York (JFK and Newark), San Francisco, and Vancouver.

Flying Beyond Hong Kong: Many destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East can be added for more miles; cost depends on the region. Find Cathay Pacific’s destinations.

Sky-High Fares Equal Great Mileage Opportunity

Published First Class Fares: Normally $15,664 (from LAX) to $29,225 (from JFK) round-trip to Hong Kong, making this a prime route for using miles.

Mileage Cost: Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles program charges 180,000 miles to Hong Kong from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver; 220,000 miles from Boston, Chicago, and New York.

Sweet Redeem Survey: Cathay Pacific First Class to/from Hong Kong

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It’s Not Hard to Get Cathay Pacific Miles

Transfer Points to Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles: From Amex Rewards, Citi ThankYou, or Starwood.

Best Cathay Partner Booking Opportunity

Alaska Airlines: Just 140,000 miles.

Starwood Points: Transfer to Alaska to bring down the award cost to 115,000 miles (with the 25% transfer bonus) to/from any U.S. city, a savings of up to 36%.

Don’t have any points?

Save 90% with the “Buy Miles to Fly in Style Strategy.”

Via Alaska Airlines: The current purchase bonus is up to 50% (ends June 13), which brings New York-Hong Kong in First Class down to about $2,897 (plus $79 in award taxes).

Alaska Airlines mileage inventory is much less than Cathay Pacific’s own, however, but worth checking, as this game is often about luck—if not flexibility.

Second-Best Partner Booking Opportunity

Japan Airlines: 135,000 to 155,000 miles to Hong Kong round-trip.

Starwood Points: The 25% transfer bonus brings the award cost down from 125,000 to 110,000 miles to/from any U.S. city—a savings of up to 30%.

Japan Airlines mileage inventory is often similar to Cathay Pacific’s own, but always check before committing to transfer or purchase.

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<small>Months in black at least one seat available. <strong>Handful:</strong> Our most recent research shows that award space is available for at least one person about 4 to 8 days during the months indicated in the chart. Worth pursuing if you’re flexible. <strong>Hopeful:</strong> Our most recent research shows that award space is available for at least one person about 9 to 12 days during the months indicated. <strong>Hooray:</strong> Our most recent research shows that award space is available for at least one person about 13 days or more during the months indicated. </small>