OK, here it is. Another airline’s “enhancement” is upon us.
Cathay Pacific Devaluation: The Link
On June 22, Cathay Pacific will change the way we redeem Asia Miles. Economy levels become slightly cheaper (but often not really), while Business Class becomes more expensive. A lot more expensive, in fact.
Of course, North America, as always, is being targeted. Cathay Pacific has found a sneaky way to introduce their “enhancements.” The current Asia Miles award charts charges more than 50% rate for one way redemption, so a Business Class seat between New York (as well as Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago) and Hong Kong costs 85,000 miles for a one way and 145,000 for round trip. Starting June 22, the one way rate will remain, but the round trip will be 170,000 miles, twice the cost of a one way ticket. That’s a 17% price increase.
From what I can see, there are some exceptions. One way in Business from Hong Kong to Narita is going down, from 30,000 to 25,000, while the round trip stays the same (50,000 miles).
Premium Economy is also getting more expensive. Los Angeles to Hong Kong currently costs 48,000 miles one way and 72,000 round trip. The new rates are 45,000 and 90,000 miles respectively — a 25% increase!
Let’s move on to Economy. Cathay claims “we will be able to redeem all Economy Class flight awards with fewer or the same miles.” From what I can see, this is not always the case. In some cases (HKG — SIN, for example), they do reduce both one way and round trip from 20,000 to 10,000 and from 30,000 to 20,000 miles, while in others, they only reduce the one way rates, living round trip levels intact.
Now, Cathay Pacific can brag how it’s charging 50% for one way travel. Sure, just raise the cost of a round trip, and you’re golden.
It’s too early to say if there are any sweet spots in this devaluation.
LAX (SFO) — HKG
One way: Before and after — 70,000 miles
Round trip: Before 120,000 miles, after 140,000 miles
I didn’t find anything regarding the oneworld chart. Hopefully, they will keep it intact for some time. Or perhaps because it’s too late/too early, and I could use some sleep.
Here are the Asia Miles charts before and after the Cathay Pacific Devaluation.
Asia Miles Chart Until June 22, 2018 (click)
Asia Miles Chart After June 22, 2018 (click)
As you can see, they’re removing the last 10,001+ band. so here you go — this is your sweet spot. Fly the living hell out of them for [almost] the same points.
Please, bloggers, let’s make a deal. Anyone who says AGAIN that “it could’ve been worse,” I’ll punch you in the nose.
Seriously.
