Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Diamond - Now what?

[gvix]

Hello everyone,

I have recently been upgraded to Cathy Pacific Diamond which I believe is equal to OneWorld Emerald. Due to various reasons, I am unlikely to retain it after the 12 months is up (although I will try ).

So, here is my question. How can I make best use of this upgraded status for the next 12 months? Any insider tips and tricks are really appreciated, as I realize all the benefits listed on Cathy's website.

Thanks!

 

[moa999]

fly oneworld as much as possible
Go visit the great oneworld lounges in SYD, MEL, HKG and LHR

 

[k3nnis]

Do you have an AMEX Centurion?

Hello everyone,

I have recently been upgraded to Cathy Pacific Diamond which I believe is equal to OneWorld Emerald. Due to various reasons, I am unlikely to retain it after the 12 months is up (although I will try ).

So, here is my question. How can I make best use of this upgraded status for the next 12 months? Any insider tips and tricks are really appreciated, as I realize all the benefits listed on Cathy's website.

Thanks!

 

[richie9x]

If flying domestically in Australia with Qantas you'll get access to the business lounges at the airports that have them. Slightly better than Qantas clubs.

A lot of benefits you'll only get when flying Cathay or Dragon. So try to fly with them when you can.

You do get anytime access to Cathay operated business lounges no matter who you are flying with. In Australia, Melbourne international terminal is the only one with a Cathay lounge.

 

[yohy?!]

if travelling with CX, look into the Economy Seat Guarantee benefit - this enables you to 'force' CX to release discount economy V class seats to you even on sold-out flights which can save a lot of $$

 

[gvix]

Do you have an AMEX Centurion?

Sorry, No.

 

[gvix]

if travelling with CX, look into the Economy Seat Guarantee benefit - this enables you to 'force' CX to release discount economy V class seats to you even on sold-out flights which can save a lot of $$

Just via the Asia Miles account? Or ringing the helpline?

 

[fairhsa]

Just via the Asia Miles account? Or ringing the helpline?

You can also use a travel agent. Mine does this. Makes all my bookings in V class, but holds them and does not ticket until the day before travel - which is perfect, I can get a "discount economy" seat with almost full flexbility.

There are heaps of benefits of being Diamond, but you need to fly on Cathay or Dragonair to get most of them. Such as, approx 50% chance of an upgrade to biz if you fly in economy; if you are in Economy and don't like the meal, ask nicely and they will give you a biz meal; if the newspaper you wanted to read has run out, ask and they'll get you one from biz; HUGE luggage allowances (no good if you fly from Aus as the dragon behind the screen will still nab you, but flying within Asia you can carry about 20kg as carryone and nobody will bat an eyelid).... Access to the First Class Lounge at HK (none of the others are up to much, but the HK lounges are fab)....