Cathay Pacific gives in to the fashion for 'Light' fares already charged by other airlines. In a letter sent to travel agents in Hong Kong, the Chinese airline said that it would be introducing a new pricing system in the coming months. However, the timetable for these changes has not yet been set.
This change is primarily semantic. The company will be abandoning the "Economy Saver and 'Economy Core' to be replaced by 'Economy Light' and 'Economy Essential'. The term 'Light' will essentially mean a reduction in the checked baggage allowance. The latter, currently 30 kg on the lowest fare, will be reduced to 23 kgonce this pricing system is in place.
On the other hand, in order to attract passengers to a more expensive ticket, Cathay increases baggage allowance on its other future fare classes. Economy Essential (the current Economy Core fare) will see its baggage allowance increase from 30 kg to 46 kg. (i.e. two pieces). It will be accompanied by free seat selection and a cabin upgrade thanks to Asia Miles.
Economy Flex - which retains its current name, will offer the same baggage allowance than Economy Essential. But this fare also offers thea free selection of seats with extra legroom. As well as the possibility of taking an earlier flight if there is availability, and of changing flight without penalty. These same rules also apply to Economy Premium passengers.. At present, the baggage allowance in Premium is 35 kg.
More free baggage allowance for higher fares
Future pricing "Business Light" is more a matter of terminology. This tariff simply replaces the current Business Save tariff. A priori, the advantages associated with this tariff remain. In fact, they have even been improved. Passengers will be able to check in up to 64 kg of baggage, compared with 40 kg at present..
Baggage allowance will also rise in First with a baggage allowance of 64 kg, compared with 50 kg at present. All passengers paying higher fares will benefit from a much lower baggage allowance than the competition...
The e-mail sent by the airline to travel agents in Hong Kong does not specify when these changes will take effect. The change should be gradual and implemented market by market. In principle, these measures will not affect New Zealand and the Americas, due to the different baggage allowances.
