Best way to book Cathay fares

[albatross710]

Over the last two years I've done a few flights with Cathay BNE-HKG-MNL/CEB/CRK. With some recent schedule changes they are looking to be the most convenient/shortest way for me to travel in 2017.

I have bought fares in the past year for these previous journeys with prices ranging from $660 - $900 which is the competitive price for these routes. Purchased via their website.

Sitting down to plan travels next Feb, April, July & October the fares range from $1,500 to $6,000 via the CX website.

Using ITA Matrix I can see CX fares slightly better or sometimes not at all. Sometimes I will want an open jaw BNE-CEB, CRK-BNE and the pricing goes haywire. Other times I might try BNE-HKG/HKG-BNE with the intention of using Cebu Pacific to connect out of HKG. That costs more than BNE-HKG-MNL/MNL-HKG-BNE on the same day.

Over time I've worked out the days that will work for me to avoid a HKG overnighter.

My problem is the fares are so diverse and I simply don't understand their marketing/distribution model.

What is the best way to buy CX fares, is this a case of needing to use a specialist CX travel agent?

Alby

 

[JohnK]

I'm not a CX expert but in my experience CX airfares outside of sales are relatively expensive. Best to be ready to book when CC has a sale.

Also as you travel to Philippines quite a lot have you looked at purchasing return airfares ex-MNL?

 

[yohy?!]

The Aussie MPC team can be good for accessing these via phone if you have any MPC level. Failing that Id try the e-service centre to make the booking, don't believe they charge assistance fees and should be able to access more of the fares - the website often filters things out (like upgradeable fare buckets for example).

 

[albatross710]

Thanks JohnK and Yohy?! . I see they did have a special over Christmas but I was on a beach instead.

I am starting to see the need to jumping on their sale fares.

JohnK regarding the ex-MNL fares I did some calculations and can see $100-$150 fare savings on return to BNE. I'm thinking that this level of saving can quickly be eroded when a travel requirement changes over the two three months it will take me to use the full wrapped fare. But, I should revisit as I'm currently booking the next two trips which should fit nicely.

Alby

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Over the last two years I've done a few flights with Cathay BNE-HKG-MNL/CEB/CRK. With some recent schedule changes they are looking to be the most convenient/shortest way for me to travel in 2017.

I have bought fares in the past year for these previous journeys with prices ranging from $660 - $900 which is the competitive price for these routes. Purchased via their website.

Sitting down to plan travels next Feb, April, July & October the fares range from $1,500 to $6,000 via the CX website.

Using ITA Matrix I can see CX fares slightly better or sometimes not at all. Sometimes I will want an open jaw BNE-CEB, CRK-BNE and the pricing goes haywire. Other times I might try BNE-HKG/HKG-BNE with the intention of using Cebu Pacific to connect out of HKG. That costs more than BNE-HKG-MNL/MNL-HKG-BNE on the same day.

Over time I've worked out the days that will work for me to avoid a HKG overnighter.

My problem is the fares are so diverse and I simply don't understand their marketing/distribution model.

What is the best way to buy CX fares, is this a case of needing to use a specialist CX travel agent?

Alby

A few tips....

- Booking in reverse will always be cheaper, and there will be more sales (eg: MNL-HKG-BNE-HKG-MNL)
- Use Hopper app to monitor and plan the best time to buy
- CX has a habit of releasing a sale a day after bad press in Hong Kong. Fortunately, there's a lot lately, which means a lot of sales, especially in premium cabins (although not ex-au)

You will always pay a premium to fly CX ex-Australia no matter what happens. CX enjoys high loads and little competition on AU-HKG.

However, this will change when CX switches to NDC. This will allow for super-customized pricing based on who you are, where you book etc. CX only started exploring NDC last year so I doubt anything will transpire til 2018.

 

[BjJames]

Can you explain NDC? Or point me to a site that does? Thanks.

 

[JohnK]

Can you explain NDC? Or point me to a site that does? Thanks.

NDC is IATA New Distribution Capability. It is basically a new industry standard to facilitate a more efficient airline distribution system. Some 90 airlines will be using new system by 2020.

Google 'NDC airline' and you'll get the IATA links and some articles.

 

[Limewood]

A few tips....


You will always pay a premium to fly CX ex-Australia no matter what happens. CX enjoys high loads and little competition on AU-HKG.
.

Try CNS/HKG/CNS its usually $6000+ in J and only 6.5hr flight!, so I've used AS miles a few times cost was around $1750AUD .

 

[JohnK]

You will always pay a premium to fly CX ex-Australia no matter what happens. CX enjoys high loads and little competition on AU-HKG.

Don't CX have some cheap fares to Europe right now? Cheaper to get to Europe than fly to Asia outside of sales.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Just saw this. If only it could be booked...



https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en...ness-class-to-vancouver-origin-melbourne.html

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Just saw this. If only it could be booked...

Wow nice find!

I can't find any dates under $7K

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Wow nice find!

I can't find any dates under $7K

Seems to just be a typo on the specials page. I couldn't see anything under $7k either

 

[Limewood]

I got excited wanted to book, but none there pity that.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Wow nice find!

I can't find any dates under $7K

I got excited wanted to book, but none there pity that.

It's such a tease. The typo(?) is still listed!

Though, there's currently a sale with Australian East Coast to China for under $3500 in J, which is impressive for CX.