Using points isn't always easy
The points and miles world is constantly changing, and amid devaluations by airlines and hotel chains, there are additional challenges lurking out there...
Once an awards flight is booked, it's not necessarily immune to changes. With the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, airlines, particularly in Asia have been reducing capacity - Cathay Pacific, in particular, cutting ~30% of its flights globally.
My first intra-Asia connection was to be on Cathay's regional airline, Cathay Dragon, from Hong Kong to Hanoi, Vietnam and due to these cuts in capacity, the once daily flight I had booked was now cancelled. Cathay had rebooked me on a flight the next day, but that would have cascading impacts on the rest of my trip.
Once an awards flight is booked, it's not necessarily immune to changes. With the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, airlines, particularly in Asia have been reducing capacity - Cathay Pacific, in particular, cutting ~30% of its flights globally.
My first intra-Asia connection was to be on Cathay's regional airline, Cathay Dragon, from Hong Kong to Hanoi, Vietnam and due to these cuts in capacity, the once daily flight I had booked was now cancelled. Cathay had rebooked me on a flight the next day, but that would have cascading impacts on the rest of my trip.
Determined to get to Vietnam the same day as planned, I had to look into alternatives. Thankfully, I was able to find a different partner booking through Asia Miles (Cathay's rewards program) on Japan Airlines.
The downside? A ~500 mile/2 hour flight became a ~3500 mile/13 hour detour via Tokyo's Narita airport.
The silver lining? Given the need to travel an additional 10 hours, at least it will be spent comfortably in Business Class. I transferred an additional 45,000 American Express Membership Rewards Points, which appeared in my AsiaMiles account instantly and paid roughly $100 in taxes/fees for an opportunity to experience a new airline and my first flight on a Dreamliner.
This is a prime example of when it pays to have points/miles sitting around in a flexible currency because things don't always go as planned.
If you're interested in building up Membership Rewards points, please use my referral link. The revamped Green card has a great 45,000 point signup bonus right now and comes with a $100 credit towards a Clear membership, $100 in LoungeBuddy credits, and 3x points on travel and dining
If you're interested in building up Membership Rewards points, please use my referral link. The revamped Green card has a great 45,000 point signup bonus right now and comes with a $100 credit towards a Clear membership, $100 in LoungeBuddy credits, and 3x points on travel and dining
