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Cathay Pacific Award Cancellation Fees

Currency: Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific charges cancellation fees in USD based on how far in advance you cancel. Marco Polo Club elite members receive significant discounts.

Cancellation Fee Structure

Cabin Timing Fee Elite Benefits Notes
More than 120 days before departure More than 120 days before departure $90 USD Diamond/Gold: Free, Silver: $45 Miles redeposited minus fee
120-90 days before departure 120-90 days before departure $120 USD Diamond: Free, Gold: $60, Silver: $90 Miles redeposited minus fee
89-30 days before departure 89-30 days before departure $150 USD Diamond: Free, Gold: $75, Silver: $120 Miles redeposited minus fee
Less than 30 days before departure Less than 30 days before departure $200 USD Diamond: $100, Gold: $150 Miles redeposited minus fee
No-show No-show No refund All members: No refund Miles and taxes forfeited

Partner Program Bookings

Cathay Pacific bookings through partner programs:

British Airways Avios: BA fees apply (£35-£55)
American Airlines: FREE (no fees)
Alaska Airlines: $125 fee plus taxes forfeited
Qatar Airways: QR fees apply ($150-$250)

Important Notes

  • Changes allowed with the same fee structure
  • Companion redemptions have separate cancellation rules
  • Mixed cabin itineraries use the highest cabin class fee
  • Refunds typically processed within 4-6 weeks
  • 24-hour free cancellation for bookings made more than 7 days before departure
  • Waitlisted segments that don't clear are automatically refunded without fee

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Cathay Pacific have so many fee tiers?

CX incentivizes early cancellations with lower fees. Cancelling 4+ months out costs just $90, while last-minute cancellations cost $200.

Is it better to book Cathay through Alaska Mileage Plan?

Alaska charges $125 plus forfeited taxes, which can be better than CX's $200 close-in fee. However, you lose CX elite benefits when booking through partners.

Do mixed cabin bookings have special rules?

Yes, if you book economy and business class on the same ticket, the entire booking is subject to the higher business class cancellation fee.

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