Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong’s main airline and one of the interesting options for flights to the Far East, Australia and New Zealand. Here’s everything you need to know about fare types, baggage, check-in, seats and connecting in Hong Kong.
Who Is Cathay Pacific?
Cathay Pacific operates from Hong Kong International Airport and connects through it to many destinations in Asia and the Pacific region. It’s a member of the oneworld alliance, so on some routes you can find combinations and partnerships with other alliance airlines.
Operations from Israel may change depending on the situation and the flight schedule. So don’t rely on old information about a direct flight from Tel Aviv: before booking, check whether the route is operating on your desired dates, and if not, which connecting options are actually offered.
Economy Fare Types
Cathay Pacific’s Economy class usually has three fares: Light, Essential and Flex. Each has a different baggage allowance, seat selection options and level of flexibility.
- Light: the basic fare. It usually includes one carry-on bag up to 7 kg and one checked suitcase up to 23 kg, but seat selection and changes may cost extra.
- Essential: usually includes two suitcases of up to 23 kg each and advance selection of a standard seat.
- Flex: usually includes two suitcases of up to 23 kg each, a wider choice of seats and better flexibility for changes.
The binding terms are those shown in your specific booking. On a flight combining another airline, the baggage policy may be determined by the main carrier on the route.
Cathay Pacific Carry-On Baggage
Economy passengers are usually allowed one cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg. In addition, you can take a small personal item, such as a handbag, small backpack or laptop bag, measuring up to 40×30×15 cm, that fits under the seat.
Baggage must also comply with the size limits set by the airline and the space in the cabin. If the flight is actually operated by another airline, check its rules too.
Checked Baggage
Unlike some airlines, even Cathay’s Economy Light fare usually includes one suitcase up to 23 kg. Essential and Flex fares usually include two suitcases, each weighing up to 23 kg.
You can’t combine the weight into one especially heavy suitcase. A single suitcase can’t weigh more than 32 kg. Baggage exceeding the weight, size or number of pieces may incur an extra charge.
Check-In and When to Arrive at the Airport
When online check-in opens depends on passenger status and booking terms. For Cathay club members who entered their membership number in the booking, check-in may open up to 48 hours before departure. For other passengers it may open 24 hours before the flight.
Counter closing times vary between airports. At Ben Gurion, the counter is listed as closing 60 minutes before scheduled departure. On a long flight it’s recommended to arrive much earlier, complete security and drop your bags without stress.
Seat Selection
On the Light fare, advance seat selection may cost extra. The Essential fare usually includes standard seat selection, and the Flex fare may also include preferred seats or seats with extra legroom, subject to availability and ticket conditions.
Passengers with children or anyone for whom sitting together is important should check the seat map right after booking. Even a pre-selected seat may change for operational or safety reasons.
Connecting in Hong Kong
Hong Kong airport is the airline’s hub and allows convenient onward travel to destinations in the Far East, China, Japan, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. When the whole route is on the same booking, baggage is usually checked through to the final destination and the airline is responsible for handling a missed connection caused by a delay.
With two separate tickets you may need to enter the country, collect your bags, check in again and bear the risk in case of a delay. So it’s important to leave a large buffer and check current entry and transit requirements in advance.
Kosher Food on Cathay Pacific Flights
Cathay Pacific offers the option of requesting a kosher meal on flights where special meal service is available. The request must be entered via Manage Booking or customer service at least 24 hours before the flight, and preferably earlier. After booking, it’s recommended to make sure the request appears on all flight segments.
On a codeshare flight or a flight operated by another airline, availability is determined by the actual operator. Pre-ordered kosher food is usually served in sealed packaging with appropriate labeling.
Flying with Children and Infants
Families should check the rules for strollers, bassinets, car seats and infant baggage in advance. The number of bassinets is limited and they’re only available on certain aircraft and seats, so it’s worth submitting a request early and not relying on availability on the day of the flight.
Make sure all passengers’ names match their passports and that all family members are on the same booking, especially when the route includes a connecting flight.
Changes and Cancellations
Change and cancellation conditions are set by the fare. Light is usually the most restrictive, Essential offers more benefits, and Flex is intended for those who need greater flexibility. Even when a change is allowed, you may need to pay a fare difference.
Check the exact terms with Cathay Pacific or with the party through which the booking was made. Before paying, go over the fare rules, the refund policy and how schedule changes are handled.
How to Find Cathay Pacific Flights at a Good Price?
Compare nearby dates and the Light, Essential and Flex fares by final price. If you need two suitcases or seat selection, the Essential fare may be better value than adding each service separately.
Book cheapest with Flight Hunter, where you can compare routes and prices and check which options are available on your dates.
Cathay Pacific FAQ
Is a suitcase included in an Economy Light ticket?
Usually yes. The Light fare includes one suitcase up to 23 kg, but check this in your booking confirmation and on any segment operated by another airline.
How much can I take on board?
In Economy, the allowance usually includes one carry-on bag up to 7 kg and a small personal item. Check the size limits too.
Can I order kosher food?
Yes, on flights where the service is available. Order in advance at least 24 hours before departure and make sure the request was registered.
Does Cathay Pacific fly direct from Israel?
Operations to Israel may change. Check in real time on the airline’s website or a search engine whether there’s a direct route on your desired dates.
The Bottom Line
Cathay Pacific can be an excellent option for flights to the Far East and onward to Australia and New Zealand. Its standout advantage is that checked baggage is usually included even on the Economy Light fare. Before booking, check route operations from Israel, the operating airline, baggage, seats and change conditions.
Main image: Photo by Pixabay.
