Upcoming Asia Miles Devaluation for Cathay Pacific and Partner Award Flights - from 01 October 2023
Cathay Pacific has just announced and published a brand new award chart for redemption flights on Cathay Pacific as well as partner airlines using Asia Miles - these changes will go live from 01 October 2023 and all redemption bookings made before then will be following the existing award charts (so make sure you lock those flights in now!).
While it is not a complete devaluation per se (since there are some decreases to the number of Asia Miles required), most of the changes are negative to travellers as you will soon need to fork out up to 29% more Asia Miles for redemption flights. As far as I know, Cathay Pacific last revised its award charts back in 2018 so it does seem reasonable that they are doing so right now in 2023 which is almost five years after - they are also giving almost 3 months’ notice which is respectable. Obviously, all kinds of devaluation are not great news for the consumer but it is certainly expected - this is also why you should use your miles as you continue to earn them.
Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific
All of the reductions in required Asia Miles are contained within Economy Class redemption flights to Medium, Long, and Ultra-long destinations. While this may be a slight improvement, the goal of using miles for award flights is typically to experience a premium cabin for much less. Cathay Pacific has hiked up the number of required Asia Miles for all flights in Premium Economy, Business, and First with the exception of Ultra-short routes that are under 750 miles. You used to be able to fly from Singapore to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific in Business Class for 25,000 Asia Miles but you will soon be required to fork out 28,000 Asia Miles from 01 October 2023. If you are using KrisFlyer Miles, you may redeem for a flight on Singapore Airlines in Business Class for 34,000 (Saver) or 50,000 miles (Advantage). There is still value in Asia Miles but they are just worth a little less after 01 October 2023.
Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific
Taking advantage of the current award charts is a good idea as tickets that are issued before 01 October 2023 will following the existing award chart which is cheaper. It is also worth noting that changes to flight dates on, or after 01 October 2023 will not require additional miles provided the award type and itinerary remain unchanged.
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