Cathay Pacific Devalues Award Chart In October 2023

Cathay Pacific has updated today to say that they will be adjusting their mileage redemption rates as of October 1, 2023. This includes price increases of up to 30% for tickets, particularly in first, business, and premium economy class, and up to 70% for upgrades. Only awards ticketed on or after October 1 will face the increased prices.

A Lowdown of Changes

• Ultra-shorthaul mileage redemptions have not changed – economy still costs 7,500 miles one-way, whereas business still costs 16,000 miles
• Shorthaul mileage redemptions have increased by up to 30% depending on the zone – a flight to Tokyo will now cost 12,500 miles one-way in economy (from 10,000), 23,000 miles one-way in premium economy (from 18,000), 32,000 miles one-way in business class (from 25,000), and 50,000 miles one-way in first class (from 40,000)
• Mid-haul mileage redemptions have increased by up to 30% in premium cabins, though economy tickets are cheaper – a flight to Sydney will now cost 20,000 miles one-way in economy (from 22,000), 38,000 miles one-way in premium economy (from 30,000), 58,000 miles one-way in business class (from 45,000), and 90,000 miles one-way in first class (from 70,000)
• Long-haul mileage redemptions have increased by up to 30% in premium cabins, though economy tickets are cheaper – a flight to London will now cost 27,000 miles one-way in economy (from 30,000), 50,000 miles one-way in premium economy (from 40,000), 84,000 miles one-way in business class (from 65,000), and 125,000 miles one-way in first class (from 100,000)
• Ultra long-haul mileage redemptions have increased by up to 30% in premium cabins, though economy tickets are cheaper – a flight to New York will now cost 38,000 miles one-way in economy (from 42,000), 75,000 miles one-way in premium economy (from 60,000), 110,000 miles one-way in business class (from 85,000), and 160,000 miles one-way in first class (from 125,000)
• In addition, Cathay Pacific has introduced a new “type 2 shorthaul” zone to destinations in Japan, Indonesia, India and Nepal, whereas all longhaul flights between 5,000-7,500 miles have been merged into a single zone

You may have to pay up to 30% more to fly Cathay Pacific business class if you’re going to Japan

Price Increases on Partner Awards

On Cathay Pacific, partner awards usually cost about 5,000-10,000 miles more than tickets on Cathay Pacific metal, and there’s not much indication that this is changing. Oneworld multi-carrier awards (on two or more non-Cathay Pacific airlines) have seen price hikes of up to 40%, especially in business class on routes between 18,000 to 20,000 miles long.

Prices have increased for travel on Qatar Airways with Asia Miles

You can find details on all changes here.

Price Increases for Upgrades

Upgrades are generally hardest hit, with a few examples of changes are as follows:

• Ultra-shorthaul segments are largely unaffected, and even see a mileage decrease – a Taipei – Hong Kong segment now costs 11,000 miles to upgrade from economy to business class, down from 12,500 (that’s a 12% decrease)
• It now costs 22,500 miles (from 17,000) to upgrade from economy to business class on a Hong Kong – Tokyo segment – that’s a 33% increase
• It now costs 42,000 miles (from 25,000) to upgrade from premium economy to business class on a Hong Kong – London segment – that’s a 68% increase
• It now costs 41,500 miles (from 30,000) to upgrade from economy to premium economy on a Hong Kong – New York segment – that’s a 38% increase
• It now costs 55,000 miles (from 35,000) to upgrade from premium economy to business class on a Hong Kong – New York segment – that’s a 57% increase

It now costs 68% extra to upgrade to business class on a flight between London and Hong Kong

Bottom Line

Cathay Pacific is hiking prices somewhat in line with the industry standard, up to 30% for award tickets (on both Cathay Pacific and partner airline flights) and 68% for upgrades. These aren’t ideal for travelers of course, though somewhat reflect the state of the market at the moment. I do appreciate the advance notice that Cathay Pacific is giving, though imagine that award space across the network may be a bit more limited over the next couple of months.

I’m skeptical of Cathay Pacific’s pledge to provide twice the number of award seats in contrast to this change – in fact, twice of zero is still zero, which is what I’ve been seeing lots of lately. The truth is that this just about isn’t enough of a change to deter many travellers from flying Cathay Pacific, given how many travelers have Asia Miles stashed up from a multi-year travel pause due to the pandemic.

Which route are you looking to redeem tickets on now before the award charts devalue?