Understanding Cathay Pacific cancellation policy
If you have traveled with Cathay Pacific, you know that this airline usually promises a real nice experience. The Hong Kong flag carrier was distinguished as the 8th best airline in the world at Skytrax’s World Airline Awards in 2023. The Asian carrier is also a certified 5-star airline, specifically recognized for its in-flight entertainment and on-board service.
But what happens if, for some reason, you have to miss your Cathay flight and cancel your booking? In this article, we will briefly discuss the cancelation policy of the Hong Kong carrier and prepare you for what you can expect from the cancelation procedure and the conditions for getting refunded.
How to cancel a Cathay booking
It is fairly easy to call off your reservation: you just have to find the “Manage booking” section on the website or mobile app or contact customer care. Another option is to use the online refund form on Cathay’s website, fill in your personal data and e-ticket number, and wait for a confirmation email that your refund request is being processed.
If your ticket was bought through a travel agency, you will need to contact them since Cathay will not be able to process your request.
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Refund eligibility
If you are a Cathay member, you have 24 hours after you make your flight booking to make a free cancelation. If you haven’t enrolled in Cathay’s loyalty program, the conditions for cancellations and refunds will depend on your flight class. (You will find more information about the membership program in the next section of the article.)
The Hong Kong airline offers 4 flight classes: economy, premium economy, business and first class. Each of them has its own fare rules, so you have to carefully read them before you make a reservation if you think there is a chance you might have to cancel.
Cathay could even refund you for partially used tickets, again, in accordance with fare rules. A ticket will be considered partially used if for example your journey was supposed to have 2 legs and you only got on one of the connecting flights.
Redemption tickets cancelation
As every other major airline, Cathay Pacific has a loyalty program whose members can collect Asia Miles with each Cathay flight (or a partner airline flight). The miles can be then redeemed for flights, upgrades, extra luggage, etc.
If you made a booking with Asia Miles and would like to cancel it, you can get a refund for your completely unused ticket for a $120 fee. Your Asia Miles will be credited back to your account and the airport and fuel taxes will be refunded to your original payment credit card.
How long does it take for a refund to be processed
Once you submit your refund request, Cathay has 7 calendar days to process it. When you will get the money however, depends on your bank and payment service provider. Refunds are always transferred back to the original form of payment: credit card or bank account.
Of course, you should only cancel your booking if you have to give up on your flight altogether. If you still want to travel but at a different date and time, you can simply change your booking on Cathay’s website or mobile app. You should mind, however, that changes are usually subject to additional fees.
Did you have a delayed flight in the last 3 years?
Check your compensation for delayed flights for free!