Of the major Asia-based airlines, Cathay Pacific business class is on par with the best of the best. Cathay Pacific is based in Hong Kong operating a hub out of Hong Kong Airport (HKG). Asia Miles is the Cathay Pacific loyalty program that allows you to redeem miles to book Cathay Pacific, Oneworld airline alliance, and Cathay Pacific partner airline flights.
Cathay Pacific has one of the best loyalty programs you can use to book Oneworld Alliance flights. In addition to Cathay Pacific, other top Oneworld Alliance programs to consider using are Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club, and Iberia Plus.
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Credit Cards Points to Earn to Book Cathay Pacific
American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy partner with the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles program. This means the credit card points that you earn can be transferred directly to Cathay Pacific to book award flights.
Amex points transfer to Cathay Pacific in 48 hours at a 1:1 ratio. Capital One Miles transfer to Cathay Pacific in 5 days at a 1:1 ratio. Citi points transfer to Cathay Pacific instantly at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott points transfer to Cathay Pacific in 5 days at a 3:1 ratio. As you can see, the transfer ratios and transfer times are all across the map depending upon the credit card program that you utilize.
US to Hong Kong Routes
Cathay Pacific flies nonstop between Hong Kong (HKG) and Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO). Stay tuned for additional routes to be added in the future. Previously, Cathay Pacific flew nonstop to Washington-Dulles (IAD).
Cathay Pacific Travel Dates
All of the dates below show award space for at least three people.
Boston (BOS)>Hong Kong (HKG)
- May: 4, 9, 23
- Jun: 6
- Jul: 5, 6, 11-13, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26
Hong Kong (HKG)>Boston
- Jun: 27
- Jul: 4
Chicago (ORD)>Hong Kong (HKG)
- May: 1-5, 10, 11, 24, 25
- Jun: 6, 7, 12, 20-22, 26, 27
- Jul: 4, 7, 11-25
Hong Kong (HKG)>Chicago (ORD)
- May: 4, 17, 24, 25
- Jun: 1, 7, 15
- Jul: 4, 5, 12, 14, 21, 26
Los Angeles (LAX) > Hong Kong (HKG)
- Jun: 5, 9, 15, 19, 21, 23, 28-30
- Jul: 1-14, 18, 20, 22-26
New York (JFK) > Hong Kong (HKG)
- May: 2-14, 16-20, 23-31
- Jun: 1, 6-11, 13, 14, 17-23, 26-30
- Jul: 3-26
Hong Kong (HKG) > New York (JFK)
- May: 1, 3-6, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29-31
- Jun: 1, 2, 4-14, 17-24, 26-30
- Jul: 1-3, 5-16, 18-22, 24-26
San Francisco (SFO) > Hong Kong (HKG)
- May: 1-5, 7-13, 15, 22-25, 28, 30, 31
- Jun: 1, 6, 7, 13, 15, 19-24, 26, 27, 29, 30
- Jul: 2-26
Hong Kong (HKG) > San Francisco (SFO)
- May: 5, 12, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, 31
- Jun: 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 20, 21, 28
- Jul: 5, 6, 8, 11-13, 15, 18, 20-22, 25, 26
How to Book Cathay Pacific with Points
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: 50,000 miles
- American Airlines AAdvantage: 70,000 miles
- British Ariways Executive Club: 108,250 miles (west coast) – 154,500 (JFK/ORD)
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 70,000 miles (west coast) – 85,000 miles (central, east coast)
- Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: 80,000 (ORD/SFO/LAX) -85,000 miles (JFK)
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: 104,500 (SFO) 119,200 miles (JFK/ORD/LAX)
Alaska Airlines is the clear winner to at 50,000 miles to book a one-way Cathay Pacific business class flight. Next up is American Airlines at 70,000 miles. An added benefit of booking with American Airlines is that the airline will allow you to hold your award flight for up to 5 days. Cathay Pacific at 70,000-85,000 miles is an option if you only have access to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
Cathay Pacific Point Transfer Partners
- Amex – British Airways, Qantas
- Brex – Cathay Pacific, Qantas
- Capital One – Cathay Pacific
- Chase – British Ariways
- Citi – American Airlines (temporary), Cathay Pacific, Qantas
- Marriott – Alaska Airliens, American Airliens, Cathay Pacific, British Arirways, Japan Airliens, Qantas
Cathay Pacific Business Class FAQs
Is Cathay Pacific business class lie flat?
Cathay offers a lie flatbed with 400-thread-count Bamford linen on long-haul flights.
Do Cathay Pacific provide Pyjamas in business class?
Pajamas are not offered in Cathay Pacific business class.
What is the difference between premium economy and business class on Cathay Pacific?
Premium economy offers a full-length leg-rest, a retractable armrest, a seat that reclines to nine inches, and a seat pitch of 40 inches. You also have access to a 12.1″ entertainment system with a dedicated mobile/tablet and your own power outlet and USB port. In comparison, Cathay Pacific business class has a lie-flat seat, an 18.5” personal TV, and a second 4.3” video handset.
Is Cathay Pacific better than Emirates?
Emirates first class is generally considered better than Cathay Pacific while one could argue that Cathay Pacific business class is better than Emirates business class.
Conclusion on Cathay Pacific Business Class
By earning American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy points, you can book Cathay Pacific business class. Simply transfer the points earned to your Cathay Pacific account. With nonstop flights to five US cities, it’s fairly easy to find Cathay Pacific business class award space. All in all, Cathay Pacific offers a fantastic way to fly transpacific to Asia using credit card points.
Have you flown Cathay Pacific Business Class? What other business class flights do you want to book? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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