You have only until Oct. 15 to take advantage of one of the best frequent flyer loopholes ever—using Cathay Pacific Asia Miles to get an upgrade or award ticket on American and British Airways for much less than those airlines charge their own customers. Cathay is about to raise the number of Asia Miles required for First and Business Class seats to bring its award chart in line with those of its partners. Plan a trip or two ahead to get the great deal as availability on BA from the East Coast, especially New York, is as rich as it gets.

See First Class Flyer’s analysis of the program and changes in the July, 2007 issue, page 3.

Five more things to note

• If you have Starwood points, go to the Asia Miles website (http://www.asiamiles.com/en/redeem/calculator/flights/1,,140462,00.html) and use the “flight award calculator” before transferring miles. Then compare against the operating carrier’s own award chart.
• Keep in mind that the Asia Miles program uses a flight distance award chart and British Airways uses a zone chart (e.g., London and Paris require the same number of miles to upgrade; Rome will cost you more miles).
• Don’t wait until midnight, Oct. 14, to book. Hong Kong is a day ahead and the deadline is based on 12:01 local time. It’s also getting harder and harder to get through to a reservationist. Book now.
• If you have a hard time getting through to Asia Miles to determine availability for American or British Airways awards, call these airlines directly or go to their websites. AA and BA pull from the same “availability buckets” as Cathay does.
• Last but not least: Before you buy miles or points, check availability and hold the space. Then buy or transfer the miles needed for an award. Purchase miles before you hold a seat and you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.