HONG KONG — Cathay Pacific Airways is overhauling its membership program to make loyalty simpler, faster, and more rewarding for travelers. The Hong Kong-based carrier announced a major revamp of its Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond tiers, introducing rollover benefits, a new elite tier, and lifetime rewards.
The new structure will officially launch on January 1, 2027, with a one-year transition period beginning in January 2026. Cathay said the changes are designed to streamline how members earn and retain status while providing greater recognition for frequent travelers.
“We’re evolving our loyalty program to better reflect how people travel today,” a Cathay spokesperson said in a statement. “Our goal is to make progression clearer, the experience more rewarding, and loyalty truly recognized.”
Streamlined Status Progression
Under the revised system, Cathay members will no longer see their Status Points reset to zero upon earning a higher tier. Instead, points will continue accumulating toward the next level, allowing travelers to achieve multiple tier upgrades within the same year.
The shift is aimed at rewarding consistency and removing a long-standing frustration among frequent flyers who often lost progress after crossing a tier threshold.
Additionally, the airline is adopting a standardized membership cycle. Instead of the current rolling qualification periods, all members will follow a calendar-year cycle from January 1 to December 31. Cathay said this uniform approach will give travelers a clearer timeframe to plan trips and track progress toward higher status.
New Rollover and Elite Benefits
For the first time, Gold members and above will be able to roll over up to 50% of their excess Status Points into the following year. This rollover feature provides a head start for retaining or advancing membership levels and rewards those who exceed qualification thresholds.
Cathay is also introducing a new top-tier level, Diamond Exec, available by invitation only to members who earn at least 2,400 Status Points in a single year.
Diamond Exec members will enjoy bespoke privileges, including access to a dedicated Relationship Manager and personalized travel experiences tailored to their preferences.
“Diamond Exec represents the pinnacle of recognition for our most loyal customers,” Cathay said. “It reflects our commitment to delivering an exceptional and individualized travel experience.”
Lifetime Diamond Rewards
Longtime members will also benefit from a new Lifetime Diamond Reward structure. Travelers who have held any Diamond status for five cumulative years can earn one complimentary Diamond membership year for every 6,000 lifetime Status Points earned.
There is no expiration or cap on the number of complimentary years a member can collect, allowing them to claim future benefits whenever they choose.
Expanded First Class Award Availability
Cathay Pacific also released a large batch of First Class award seats between New York (JFK) and Hong Kong (HKG), including dates through September. The award space—bookable exclusively through Asia Miles, the airline’s loyalty currency—offers rare access to the carrier’s flagship long-haul product.
Award alerts from travel site Straight to the Points highlighted extensive availability between March and October, with the most open dates in July, August, and September. Availability covers both eastbound and westbound routes, enabling flexible round-trip options.
Currently, First Class awards cost 160,000 Asia Miles one-way per person, with modest taxes and surcharges. Bookings can be made online or by phone, with agents able to hold seats for up to three days—a useful option for travelers finalizing connections or transfers.
These awards are not available through partner programs such as Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan or American Airlines AAdvantage. However, Asia Miles can be earned or transferred from major credit card partners including American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards.
Lounge Access and Connections
First Class passengers also gain entry to The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong, often rated among the world’s best. Travelers can connect through Hong Kong to destinations across Asia, Australia, or New Zealand, with minimal surcharges on itineraries ending in Hong Kong.
A Simplified Path to Loyalty
Cathay’s redesigned loyalty program represents a strategic effort to modernize its engagement with frequent travelers. By aligning membership cycles, allowing rollover points, and introducing a new elite tier, the airline is positioning itself to compete more effectively in a global market where flexibility and recognition drive customer retention.
With full implementation set for 2027, Cathay Pacific says it aims to make loyalty “simpler — and more rewarding — than ever.”
