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Cathay Pacific Adds Tiers to Its Premium Award Redemptions

Oct. 14, 2016
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3 min read
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Cathay Pacific Adds Tiers to Its Premium Award Redemptions
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Cathay Pacific is the latest carrier to implement some potentially unwelcome changes to its award redemptions. The Hong Kong-based carrier announced that as of October 12, it will offer an additional two tiers of award options for first and business class on Cathay and Dragonair flights — what it's calling "Priority Awards."

Cathay's Priority Award chart.

For the time being, there are still saver awards, however, with these new tiers, it's possible that these saver awards could eventually start to disappear or become more difficult to find availability for. Here's what a one-way business class and first class redemption would cost you with Asia Miles through the new Priority Award tiers between most US cities and Hong Kong:

Business Class

  • Saver: 85,000 miles
  • Tier 1: 128,000 miles
  • Tier 2: 170,000 miles

First Class

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  • Saver: 130,000 miles
  • Tier 1: 195,000 miles
  • Tier 2: 260,000 miles

What does this mean for the average flyer? Because Cathay is a member of Oneworld and therefore a partner of American Airlines, AA passengers looking to book premium cabin award tickets on Cathay could not find many options in the future — especially given the good availability they're used to seeing. As of now, however, there are no noticeable changes in the standard availability for those who are looking to book through partners.

Cathay's business-class product could soon become more difficult to book.

These new priority awards could potentially have some impact in the future, but as of now, it could still be a good time to book Cathay premium awards, especially if you're looking to book through partners like American and Alaska. These changes shouldn't be a huge surprise, however, as Cathay introduced tiered awards in economy and premium economy in 2014.

Keep in mind that you can also transfer your Amex Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to Cathay Pacific to redeem for these premium-class awards. The new-and-improved Platinum Card from American Express now earns you 5x points on airfare booked directly with the airline, which could put you well on your way to saving up for a premium-class redemption. The card currently comes with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months.

H/T: One Mile at a Time

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.