Cathay Pacific Award Prices Are Going up May 1 — Book Now To Lock in Lower Rates

Updated: March 26, 2026, 9:21am CDT

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Cathay Pacific Business Class Awards Are Getting More Expensive
Final Thoughts

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Cathay Pacific is making a small but noticeable tweak to its award pricing — and if you’ve been eyeing a premium cabin trip to Hong Kong, this is one to pay attention to.

Starting May 1, 2026, the airline will increase the number of Asia Miles required for many long-haul business class awards. The changes aren’t drastic, but they do take a bite out of what’s been a solid sweet spot for transpacific redemptions.

Here’s what’s changing — and why you may want to book sooner rather than later.

Cathay Pacific Business Class Awards Are Getting More Expensive

Beginning May 1, 2026, Cathay Pacific will adjust award pricing across several routes, with the biggest impact on flights between North America and Hong Kong.

Here’s a look at some of the changes (one-way):

West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver): 88,000 to 91,000 miles
East Coast (New York, Boston, Toronto): 115,000 to 119,000 miles

There are a few small decreases on shorter regional routes, but for most U.S.-based travelers, the headline is clear: long-haul business class is getting more expensive.

Cathay Pacific business class cabin on the Airbus A35K — If you’re used to redeeming miles for business class on Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, you’ll soon pay more. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

For example, a San Francisco (SFO) to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER — featuring the airline’s new Aria Suite — will now cost 91,000 miles one-way, up from 88,000.

Screenshot — Image Credit: Cathay Pacific

On the East Coast, routes like New York (JFK) to Hong Kong will jump to 119,000 miles from 115,000.

The increase isn’t huge, but it’s enough to add up — especially if you’re booking multiple seats or planning a family trip.

It’s also worth pointing out that this change is limited to business class awards. Economy, premium economy, and first class pricing are not affected, making this a targeted adjustment rather than a full overhaul of the program.

Hot Tip:

Book before May 1, 2026, to lock in current pricing. Even if your travel dates are later, tickets issued before the deadline will still be priced at today’s lower rates.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a massive devaluation, but it’s another reminder that award pricing rarely stays still for long. Cathay Pacific business class — especially with its newer Aria Suites — is still one of the best ways to use points to fly to Asia, even at slightly higher rates.

That said, if Cathay has been on your shortlist, now’s the time to act. Booking before May 1, 2026, lets you lock in the current lower pricing — and potentially save thousands of miles per ticket — even if your travel is later in the year.