Cathay Pacific New Seat Assignment Rules

Cathay Pacific's seat assignment rules have changed in a couple important ways. While this isn't brand new, several Award Booking clients and readers have asked about it, so here are the new seat assignment changes and what it could mean for your next Cathay Pacific first class or business class flight.

All Cathay Pacific Seat Assignments May Be Made 1 Year in Advance

This is the good news. Previously, it was only possible to reserve seats 180 days in advance, so at least now you can select seats at the time you make your booking, rather than having to wait and potentially forget to select them 180 days out.

Note that Cathay Pacific first class and business class award seats can always be assigned in advance. For economy class, you'd need to be on a paid ticket in one of these fare classes: W, R, E, Y, B, H, K, L, M, V.

Cathay Pacific First Class Seats 2A and 2K Cannot Be Assigned in Advance, Unless You Have a Medical Reason

Ok, now for the bad news, concerning Cathay Pacific First Class. Previously, even though seats 2A and 2K were always blocked online, it was possible to call Cathay Pacific and request these seats, with the understanding that you could be moved from the seat if another passenger needed that seat. 

Well, unfortunately, due to some passengers complaining in the few cases where they were moved from either 2A or 2K in order to accommodate another first class passenger who needed the seat, the policy has now changed: is is now impossible to book 2A and 2K in advance unless you are a passenger with a medical need. 

Specifically, these are the two reasons you would be able to book 2A or 2K in advance:

• You're traveling with a baby, and need a bassinet
• You are in a wheelchair