Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo?

[maaz]

We are travelling to and from China on Cathay Pacific on a group tour later this month. The flight from Perth via HK on to Beijing is on Cathay Pacific. Domestically we usually travel Qantas and can make our seat selection prior to travel. I was just wondering if it is worth joining the Marco Polo Club? It would cost US50 each. I am not sure what the difference is with Asia Miles which appears to be free to join. Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

 

[Sdtravel]

Re: Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo

If you are already a Qantas FF member why dont you credit the flights to that? Cathay is a OW alliance partner

Are you planning to fly with Cathay a lot in the future hence why you are considering joining?

 

[wandering_fred]

Re: Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo

The rules for MPC are changing in a few months time. And basic costs will go up.

Asia Miles which accrues the earned mileage/points (but no status) is free. And many of the basic economy fare classes on CX will earn on Asia Miles whereas on QFF be reduced (or zero). Practically speaking you need 10K Asia Miles for "useful things"

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[OATEK]

Re: Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo

Not sure if you are wondering about seat selection as an MPC member, but I don't think it is an included benefit for the base level membership.

 

[Chrizztofa]

Re: Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo

Asia Miles is Cathay's frequent flyer points program (earn / redeem points) while the Marco Polo Club is basically Cathay's status program. As I understand it the fee (giving you "green" level) provides a few benefits in itself - such as designated check-in counters and priority boarding (but not additional baggage, seat selection or lounge access). Crediting flights to the MPC unlocks the ability to progress up Cathay's status ladder much like Qantas.

When the program changes from 15 April, you will need to credit at least 100 club points or pay a fee of USD$100 annually to renew your MPC membership (although in my past experience this is not actually the case - I continue to hold green status despite not crediting flights to the MPC for about 5 years).

So if you think you will obtain use from the benefits the MPC can provide (or are chasing status with Cathay - although I think Qantas would be easier) then pay the membership fee, otherwise it's not worth it.

 

[maaz]

Re: Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo

Thank you everyone for your help on this. I understand the difference now. I will probably just join the free AsiaMiles and see what comes out of it. We have lots of QFF points to use in the future so I will just travel Qantas (and not CP) as a choice until we use them all up.
I was really wanting to be able to choose my seat on the CP flight because I am terrified of being seated in the back/middle seats of the plane.
My next bet is to contact the tour company and ask if I can have any say in the seat selection through them.
Thanks again

 

[yohy?!]

Re: Travelling Cathay Pacific for the first time. Query about joining the Marco Polo

if you have Qantas Silver, Gold or Platinum status you can select exit rows free of charge - would likely need to do this through your tour company/travel agent.