CX Redemption in J - HKG to Australia January 2027

[Grunt75]

Just trying to get Asia Miles redemption from HKG back to Australia (Perth ideally) in early January 2027. There's good availability up to 31/12, but nothing from then on. Do I assume, as it's peak season, they won't release any seats anytime soon (except to Diamond holders)?

 

[Montien]

Peak-season award space being tightly controlled is normal for Cathay, and awards are generally loaded up to about 360 days before departure, with additional seats sometimes appearing closer in. If you are not seeing anything yet for January 2027, setting alerts for around 330–360 days before departure (roughly mid‑to‑late February 2026 for late‑January flights) is a sensible strategy.

Separately, Cathay is increasing capacity to and from Australia, including Perth–Hong Kong from late October 2025, with the airline highlighting more than 200,000 seats each way per year on the PER–HKG route. With this extra capacity flowing through 2026, it is reasonable to expect more last‑minute award inventory on PER–HKG than in prior years, especially in the last couple of weeks before departure.

 

[Grunt75]

Peak-season award space being tightly controlled is normal for Cathay, and awards are generally loaded up to about 360 days before departure, with additional seats sometimes appearing closer in. If you are not seeing anything yet for January 2027, setting alerts for around 330–360 days before departure (roughly mid‑to‑late February 2026 for late‑January flights) is a sensible strategy.

Separately, Cathay is increasing capacity to and from Australia, including Perth–Hong Kong from late October 2025, with the airline highlighting more than 200,000 seats each way per year on the PER–HKG route. With this extra capacity flowing through 2026, it is reasonable to expect more last‑minute award inventory on PER–HKG than in prior years, especially in the last couple of weeks before departure.

Thanks so much @Montien

 

[burneracc]

Separately, Cathay is increasing capacity to and from Australia, including Perth–Hong Kong from late October 2025, with the airline highlighting more than 200,000 seats each way per year on the PER–HKG route.

Waiting for aria on this route

 

[elanshin]

I wouldn't worry too much about no seats. It'll show up later most likely.

Heck i redeemed CX178 (aria) where there was less than 6seats left in J for 2 about 1.5 weeks out from travel. (Y was wide open and i had a dummy in Y in case i couldn't find anything better on qff).

 

[Flyer1234]

Waiting for aria on this route

Aria has made its way down a few times already on the evening 77W but not guaranteed. yet

 

[Flyer1234]

Opportunities to fly ARIA suite from Perth again on CX140/171 as it changes back to a 77W for NW26/27 Period OCT25 through to march. Day time flight remains 35G.

 

[elanshin]

Opportunities to fly ARIA suite from Perth again on CX140/171 as it changes back to a 77W for NW26/27 Period OCT25 through to march. Day time flight remains 35G.

Honestly aria looks nice and fancy, but if the old seats got a tech upgrade, I like the existing older seat more. A fair bit roomier.

 

[Flyer1234]

Honestly aria looks nice and fancy, but if the old seats got a tech upgrade, I like the existing older seat more. A fair bit roomier.

I like the techy bits of Aria and the looks of it but I agree it is tighter for space. I quite enjoy the 350 business as a good all rounder works for me on short and long haul sectors.