When it comes to airline loyalty programs, Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles stands out as a versatile and rewarding option for frequent travelers. In fact, the program was named one of our best airline rewards programs in Asia.
Offering a mix of distance-based redemptions and a broad network of partner airlines, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles caters to those seeking exceptional value in premium cabin travel. Whether you’re looking to book a long-haul ticket in a premium cabin or even a round-the-world journey, Asia Miles provides unique opportunities to maximize your rewards. In this guide, we’ll break down how the program works, its strengths and weaknesses, and the best ways to earn and redeem Asia Miles.
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Overview of Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program, Asia Miles, rewards members based on the distance flown, cabin class, and fare type. Economy fares typically earn 25% to 100% of flown miles, while flights in premium cabins can earn up to 200%.
Asia Miles is particularly valuable for award redemptions, offering access to Cathay Pacific flights, Oneworld partners like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, and non-Oneworld alliance airlines like Air Canada and Air New Zealand. Redemption rates are distance-based, with excellent value often found on medium-haul and regional routes in business class.
Round-the-world award tickets also present a unique opportunity to maximize miles. The program’s broad partner network and distance-based structure make it a favorite among travelers seeking premium cabin redemptions.
Credit card transfer partners of Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
You can transfer points and miles to Cathay Pacific from these programs at a 1:1 ratio:
It’s also possible to transfer Brex Rewards points to Cathay Pacific at a 3:2 ratio. Transfers from Marriott Bonvoy are at a 3:1 ratio, with 5,000 bonus Asia Miles for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. That means transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points yields 25,000 Asia Miles.
Airline partners of Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
One of the best features of Asia Miles is the lengthy list of airlines you can book flights on using your miles. Along with Cathay Pacific’s own flights, the list includes:
- Air Canada (select flights within Canada only)
- Air China
- Air New Zealand (only flights to and from Hong Kong)
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Austrian Airlines (only select flights between Vienna and Germany or Switzerland)
- Bangkok Airways
- British Airways
- Fiji Airways
- Finnair
- Gulf Air
- HK Express
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- LATAM
- Lufthansa (only on select flights within Europe or between Frankfurt and Hong Kong)
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc (excluding flights to Jeddah and Medina)
- Royal Jordanian Airlines
- S7 Airlines
- Shenzhen Airlines (only flights within mainland China or to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan)
- SriLankan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines (only on select flights within Europe or to Hong Kong)
What we love about Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
There’s a lot to like about Asia Miles. Positives include the ease with which you can build up your balance and the numerous redemption options, whether for a flight or an upgrade.
- Asia Miles offers access to numerous airlines, including Oneworld members like American Airlines and British Airways, and even Star Alliance partners like Air Canada and Air New Zealand.
- Asia Miles provides great value on business and first-class awards, especially on long-haul routes like Hong Kong to North America or Europe.
- The program offers flexible redemption options, including both fixed and distance-based award charts, making it easier to find the right flight.
- Points can be transferred to Asia Miles from popular programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, allowing for easy accumulation.
What we don’t love about Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
No program is perfect, and that’s certainly true of Cathay Pacific. In October 2023, the program made big changes to its award charts, including eliminating its shortest flight band for first class and increasing the price of numerous award tickets. There’s also the issue of finding premium awards to and from the U.S.
- There are limited co-branded credit cards in the U.S. for earning Status Points, making it more difficult for U.S.-based travelers to boost their elite status.
- Availability of premium cabin seats can be scarce, particularly when booking with partner airlines.
- High fuel surcharges can reduce the overall value of Asia Miles when redeeming for partner flights.
- Booking Oneworld multi-carrier awards can be complex, requiring manual distance calculations and interaction with customer service for booking.
Cathay Pacific elite status tiers and how to earn them
Cathay’s loyalty program offers four membership tiers, starting with Green and culminating in the prestigious Diamond level. This program is designed to reward frequent flyers with perks that grow increasingly luxurious as you ascend the ranks. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a globe-trotting executive, the program’s flexibility ensures there’s something for everyone.
To move up the tiers, you’ll need to earn Status Points, Cathay’s currency for tracking your membership progress. Unlike Asia Miles, which can be redeemed for rewards like flights and shopping, Status Points are specifically for unlocking and maintaining elite status. You can earn these points by flying Cathay, its Oneworld partners, or using select co-branded credit cards available in Hong Kong.
The journey starts at the Green tier, which anyone can join for free. As you accumulate points, you’ll move up to Silver, Gold, and finally Diamond. Each tier brings additional privileges, from priority check-in to first-class lounge access. Requalification is required annually to maintain your status.
For example, a premium economy flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hong Kong (HKG) earns 75 Status Points each way. Round trip, you’d bank 150 points—halfway to Silver membership (300 points). A business-class flight from New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) via Hong Kong would net you around 160 points one way, bringing you even closer to the upper-tier status.
But how does this program stack up for U.S.-based travelers? While it offers generous earning opportunities, the lack of co-branded credit cards offering Status Points stateside makes it tougher to earn status without flying. However, if you frequently travel to Asia or can leverage Oneworld partners, Cathay’s program could still offer solid value.
Timeline for earning and requalification
Cathay’s membership tiers are earned and renewed annually. Status Points reset each calendar year, so consistent travel is required to maintain your status. If you achieve a higher status mid-year, your benefits are effective immediately and continue through the rest of the following year. Thus, earning status in the middle of 2025 provides the associated benefits through all of 2026.
Now, let’s break down each tier, the requirements to reach it, and the benefits it unlocks.
Green
Green is the starting point for all members. It’s free to join, and you’ll start enjoying basic benefits immediately, such as:
- Priority online check-in
- Exclusive ticket deals
- Access to more than 800 lifestyle and travel partner rewards
You’ll also be able to use Asia Miles to reserve extra legroom seats. Green members can begin earning Status Points by flying Cathay Pacific or its Oneworld partners.
Silver
Silver membership requires 300 Status Points within a calendar year. Once achieved, you’ll get the Green benefits, plus:
- Lounge access at Cathay lounges worldwide
- Priority check-in and baggage handling
- Bonus Asia Miles when shopping or booking holidays with Cathay
For example, two Premium Economy round-trip flights from the U.S. West Coast to Hong Kong would earn you 300 points—enough to secure Silver status. Requalification also requires 300 points annually.
Gold
Gold membership is yours at 600 Status Points. It includes all Silver benefits, plus:
- Priority redemption for flights, lifestyle events, and travel packages
- Guaranteed seats in economy class on Cathay flights, even on busy routes
- Enhanced lounge access, including Oneworld business-class lounges
A single round-trip business class flight from New York City to Hong Kong earns around 320 Status Points, meaning just two trips would get you to Gold. Annual requalification also requires 600 points.
Diamond
The pinnacle of Cathay Pacific Asia Miles membership, Diamond, requires 1,200 Status Points per year. In return, you’ll enjoy the ultimate privileges:
- The benefits offered to Gold elites
- First-class lounge access, regardless of your ticket class
- Special discounts on miles needed for flight redemptions
- VIP access to exclusive events
Diamond members enjoy unmatched flexibility, including complimentary upgrades and top-priority service. Two round-trip business-class flights from New York to Singapore would nearly cover the 1,200-point requirement.
How to earn Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles can be earned in multiple ways, giving travelers flexibility in building their balance. Whether you’re flying, shopping, or leveraging credit card rewards, building up your Asia Miles balance is straightforward.
- Flying: The simplest way to earn Asia Miles is to fly with Cathay Pacific or its Oneworld and other partners. When checking in, make sure to provide your Asia Miles number.
- Credit cards: For U.S.-based travelers, the Cathay Pacific Visa card is a key tool for earning miles. With a $95 annual fee, the card lets you earn miles from your daily spending. Cathay Pacific is not currently accepting new applications for this card, which may change later this year.
- Transfer partners: Cathay Pacific’s numerous transfer partners make earning miles easy. With a credit card that earns Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards points, Brex Rewards points, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Points, or Marriott Bonvoy points, you can effectively earn Asia Miles.
- Shopping and travel partners: Asia Miles can also be earned through Cathay’s partnerships with retailers, dining establishments, and travel services. Whether you book a hotel stay with Hilton or Marriott, rent a car with Avis, or even fill up at Shell, your everyday purchases can translate into travel rewards.
Redeeming miles with Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Redeeming Cathay Pacific Asia Miles isn’t complicated.
Cathay Pacific offers four cabin classes: economy, premium economy, business, and first class. Each class offers different levels of comfort, with business and first-class passengers enjoying lie-flat seats, exceptional service, and fine dining.
When it comes to booking with miles, you can use Asia Miles or miles from partner airlines to fly on Cathay Pacific. But the best value often comes from leveraging other programs, such as Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, which offers better deals on certain routes. For example, a one-way flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Seoul (ICN) might cost half the miles when booked through Alaska Airlines rather than Cathay’s own Asia Miles program.
To get the most out of your miles, Cathay Pacific’s distance-based award chart offers affordable options for short-haul flights, starting at 7,500 miles each way. However, booking premium cabins like first class can be challenging due to recent devaluations and difficulty with finding available award space.
Additionally, Cathay doesn’t offer a fixed award chart for partner flights. So, you’ll need to use the airline’s online calculator or call in for some partners. For the best success, be flexible with travel dates and airports, as award availability can be limited—especially for premium cabins.
Cathay does offer a fixed chart for Oneworld multi-carrier awards, which you can use when flying with more than one partner airline. This chart is also used for round-the-world tickets.
How much are Asia Miles worth?
The value of Asia Miles varies depending on how you redeem them. Typically, Asia Miles are worth between 1.2 to 1.5 cents each when used for award flights. The value increases when redeemed for premium cabins like first or business class, where you get more luxury for your miles.
For example, using Asia Miles to book flights in Qatar Airways QSuite or Cathay Pacific’s first class can deliver excellent value, with some round-the-world itineraries costing as little as 170,000 miles for premium cabins. These awards offer the opportunity to experience multiple top-tier airlines at a fraction of the cost.
The value of Asia Miles can vary greatly depending on the distance, airline, and cabin class you’re redeeming miles for. While economy redemptions tend to cost the least, they also tend to offer lower value (around 1 cent per mile). Meanwhile, premium cabins and long-haul flights can stretch the value much further.
As with most frequent flyer programs, the key to maximizing the value of Asia Miles lies in strategic planning—looking for sweet spots like Oneworld round-the-world awards or booking flights on partners like Qatar Airways. However, it’s crucial to account for potential surcharges and fees that may apply, especially when booking flights with partner airlines.
The value of 25,000 Asia Miles
With 25,000 Asia Miles, you can book one-way economy flights within Asia, such as from Hong Kong to Tokyo, or even upgrade to business class on shorter routes. For long-haul flights, like Hong Kong to Sydney, a few extra miles might be needed. Asia Miless typically offer a value of around $250-$350 for economy flights, with business class upgrades potentially worth $500 or more, depending on the route and cabin class.
The value of 50,000 Asia Miles
With 50,000 Asia Miles, you can book one-way economy flights between Hong Kong and Paris or New York. You also can enjoy an upgrade to business class on shorter routes like Hong Kong to Singapore. For long-haul travel, this could cover a one-way economy ticket on routes such as Hong Kong to London or Los Angeles. The value of these miles typically ranges between $500-$700 for economy flights, with business class upgrades potentially worth $1,200 or more, depending on the route and availability.
The value of 100,000 Asia Miles
With 100,000 Asia Miles, you can book a round-trip economy class ticket from Hong Kong to destinations in Europe or North America, such as London or San Francisco. This amount of miles also opens the door to business-class flights on shorter routes, like Hong Kong to Tokyo or Singapore. The value of 100,000 miles typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 for economy tickets, while a round-trip business class flight could be worth $3,000 or more, depending on the route and time of booking.
The best Asia Miles redemptions
Asia Miles offers a range of exciting redemption options, providing excellent value for travelers looking to book flights with Cathay Pacific and its partners. Whether you’re aiming for an upgrade, a long-haul flight, or a quick getaway, understanding the best ways to use your Asia Miles can help maximize their value. Below are some of the top redemption options, why they stand out, and how to book them.
Long-haul flights in business class
Cathay Pacific’s business class is known for its excellent service and comfort, especially on long-haul flights. With 100,000 Asia Miles, you can secure a round-trip business class seat from cities like Hong Kong to North America or Europe. These flights, which can easily cost over $3,000 if booked with cash, represent some of the best value for Asia Miles, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Use the Cathay Pacific website or the Asia Miles portal to search for availability and book directly with miles. Flexible dates will give you the best chance to find seats.
Short-haul flights in first class
For a luxurious experience without the hefty mileage cost, short-haul first-class flights within Asia are a top choice. With around 25,000-35,000 Asia Miles, you can book a first-class seat on routes like Hong Kong to Tokyo or Singapore. These flights offer exceptional comfort and service, often on planes with private suites or fully lie-flat beds.
You can search for available routes through the Asia Miles website and book directly. Make sure to book early to secure the best seats.
Upgrades to business or first class
If you’ve already booked an economy class ticket, Asia Miles can be used to upgrade to business or first class. This is one of the best ways to enjoy a premium experience without paying full fare. For example, upgrading from economy to business class on a long-haul flight may only require 50,000 to 75,000 miles, depending on the route.
For these awards, contact Cathay Pacific’s customer service or use the Asia Miles website to check availability for upgrades. Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to seat availability, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Round-the-World Awards
If you follow the rules on the number of stopovers permitted and include a flight on Cathay Pacific, round-the-world awards can provide excellent value and flexibility. They’re also a bucket list item for many travelers.
To book, you’ll use the Oneworld multi-carrier award for pricing. Find each flight segment you want, and write down the date and flight details. Add up the distance of each flight to find the total distance, then use that to determine the total price. Once you have all of the details, call Cathay Pacific to book over the phone.
Tips for using Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
If you’re sitting on a pile of Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, it’s time to make the most of them. While the program offers great value for flights with Cathay and its partners, navigating the ins and outs of redeeming them can be tricky. To ensure you’re maximizing your miles and getting the best bang for your buck, here are a few tips to keep in mind when booking with Asia Miles:
Book early to find availability
Availability can be limited, especially for premium cabins. Booking your flights as early as possible is key. The earlier you plan, the better your chances of snagging those coveted seats on long-haul flights or upgrading to business or first class. Remember, Cathay Pacific often releases award seats months in advance, so it’s wise to jump on these when they become available.
Be flexible with dates
Flexibility is your friend when using Asia Miles. Award availability fluctuates, and some dates may be blocked off for higher-demand routes. Try adjusting your travel dates to find better availability or lower redemption rates. Mid-week flights tend to offer more options, and flying during off-peak times can also save you miles.
Consider Oneworld multi-carrier awards
If you’re looking to fly to multiple destinations with one booking, the Oneworld multi-carrier award can provide great value. For around 170,000-230,000 miles, you can experience a round-the-world trip in premium cabins with several top-tier airlines. This is perfect for bucket-list trips, and it costs much less than booking each flight individually.
Use Upgrades Wisely
If you already have a flight booked, consider using your Asia Miles to upgrade to business or first class. This is often the most cost-effective way to enjoy a premium experience without breaking the bank. Short-haul flights typically require around 25,000-50,000 miles for an upgrade, making it a solid option for travelers seeking a more comfortable journey.
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