What is Cathay Pacific Cancellation Policy?

Cathay Pacific’s cancellation policy includes a 24-hour risk-free cancellation, fare-specific cancellation policies, and no-show fees by fare type, as well as rebooking options for eligible passengers.

The airline’s cancellation policy, given below, offers an in-depth overview of all classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, with cancellation fees. 

This guide breaks down each aspect of cancellation to help you make an informed decision before you cancel your Cathay Pacific flight. 

What is Cathay Pacific’s 24-hour cancellation policy?

Passengers can cancel the flight reservation within 24 hours of purchase through the Manage Booking tab. The airline offers a full refund for the Cathay Pacific flight booking made directly on the airline’s website, mobile app, or WeChat Mini Program if: 

• Your flight must be reserved more than 8 days ahead of the initial departure.
• Booking was paid in cash or miles, or both.
• The refund request was submitted through the Manage Booking section.
• The Cathay frequent flyer number was added to the booking details.

Certain flight bookings cannot be refunded; these include:

• In case your Cathay Pacific membership number wasn’t added to the booking.
• The name on the Cathay Pacific membership does not align with the passenger’s name in the booking.
• Your outbound flight is within 8 days of purchase.
• Any discounted code was applied to your booking, or you booked a promotional fare.
• Your flight ticket has already been rebooked.
• If the passenger has a split reservation.
• When a refund is initiated through the Cathay Pacific online refund request form.

What is Cathay Pacific’s Cancellation Fee?

Cathay Pacific’s cancellation fee varies with the class of service. The airline charges a cancellation fee for all fares except for Business/First Class flex fares. 

A no-show is charged when passengers fail to board the flight and is in addition to the cancellation fee, as outlined in the table below. 

For Economy Class

Fares	Economy Light	Economy Essential	Economy Flex
Cancellation Fee (after 24 hours)	200 USD	150 USD	100 USD
No-show fees	200 USD	150 USD	100 USD

For Premium Economy 

Fares	Premium Economy Essential	Premium Economy Flex
Cancellation Fee (after 24 hours)	150 USD	100 USD
No-show fees	150 USD	100 USD

For Business Class

Fares	Business Essential	Business Flex
Cancellation Fee (after 24 hours)	150 USD	Free
No-show fees	150 USD	100 USD

For First Class

Fares	First Flex
Cancellation Fee (after 24 hours)	Free
No-show fees	100 USD

How to Cancel a Cathay Pacific flight?

Canceling a flight with Cathay Pacific can be accomplished online through the “Manage Booking” tab, over the phone, or by completing a last-minute cancellation at the airport. 

Option 1: Canceling a Cathay Pacific Flight online

• Go to www.cathaypacific.com or open the Cathay Pacific mobile app
• On the homepage, navigate to the ‘Manage Booking’ option.
• You’ll need your booking reference number alongside the passengers’ last name. Click on Search button to continue.
• From your itinerary, select the specific flight segment that you want to cancel. 
• The system will display the applicable Cathay Pacific cancellation fee based on the fare type. (For eg, for Economy Light fare, it will show 200 USD as cancellation fee)
• If you’re within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, no fee will apply.
• Select the ‘Cancel’ option to confirm your cancellation. 
• Once your booking is canceled, a detailed confirmation email will be sent to your inbox.

The airline refunds will take 7-10 business days for credit cards, and 30 business days for all other payment methods. 

Option 2: Canceling a Cathay Pacific Flight over the phone

If your Cathay Pacific flight booking is not qualified for online cancellation or involves a multi-city or group-passengers itinerary, call Cathay Pacific’s customer service.

Find the customer service number for your region under the “Contact Us” section. Key numbers include:

• Hong Kong: +852 2747 3333
• United States: +1-833-933-2244
• United Kingdom: +44 20 7660 8992
• China: 400 815 2888

Dial the appropriate number, which is mentioned above. Please call during business hours for faster service. Once you’re connected through the agent:

• Please provide your booking reference along with your flight details for verification.
• If you’re an Asia Miles member, please provide your membership number so the airline can waive the cancellation fees.
• Indicate that you’d like to cancel your reservation and clarify whether it’s for a single flight segment or the entire booking.
• The representative will verify your fare type and let you know about any applicable cancellation or no-show fees.
• Review all booking details with the representative and confirm your cancellation.
• A confirmation number will be sent to your email.

Option 3: Cancel Your Cathay Pacific Flight at the Airport

You can cancel your flight at a Cathay Pacific ticket counter up to 3 hours before the scheduled departure. 

This method is best suited if you have a last-minute change in travel plans or are facing a flight disruption. 

• Check airport signage for the Cathay Pacific check-in or ticketing counter.
• Have your booking reference number, e-ticket, passport, or other identification handy.
• Speak to a Cathay Pacific staff member and state that you want to cancel the reservation.
• Provide your booking details for verification.
• The representative will let you know if any cancellation or no-show fees apply.
• Approve the cancellation after reviewing the terms and fees.
• You will receive a confirmation receipt or reference number via email.

What is Cathay Pacific’s Refund Policy?

Your eligibility for a refund on a Cathay Pacific flight depends on the fare rules, when you cancel, and the terms of your booking. Here is the detailed breakdown:

Refundable fares: Business Class Flex and First Class Flex fares qualify for a full refund provided passengers cancel the reservation up to 3 hours before departure. 

Non-refundable fares: Economy Light and Economy Essential offer a refund, and are subject to a Cathay Pacific cancellation fee. The details about the fee are mentioned in the above section. 

Refunds for airline-initiated cancellations: If Cathay Pacific cancels or delays a flight by at least 3 hours or more, you’re eligible for either of the one:

• You will receive a full refund to the same payment method used at the time of booking.
• Rebooking on the next available flight in the same cabin class

Refund for the reservation booked with Asia Miles: For bookings made directly with Cathay Pacific, cancellations within 24 hours are free if booked at least eight days before departure.

• Passengers will get a refund for miles and taxes, cancellation is processed ia Manage Booking or customer service. 
• Outside the 24-hour window, a 120 USD fee (or 17,000 miles) applies for tickets booked with rewards.

How much is the Compensation for Flight delays and cancellations with Cathay Pacific?

Cathay Pacific offers compensation for flight delays of three hours or more, cancellations without rebooking, or denied boarding due to overbooking.

The policy aligns with the EC Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from or arriving at EU airports.

Flight delay compensation: If your Cathay Pacific flight arrives at your final destination 3 hours or more late due to reasons within the airline’s control, you may be eligible for compensation.

Compensation amounts for flight delays vary by distance as given in the table below:

Flight distance	Compensation
Up to 1,500 km	275-325 USD
1,500–3,500 km	435-450 USD
Over 3,500 km	650-675 USD

You might not qualify for compensation if:

• Cathay Pacific flight delays occur due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
• Flight delays are less than 3 hours.
• Flights are not covered by EU regulations.

Compensation for flight cancellations: If Cathay Pacific cancels your flight and does not offer a suitable rebooking option, you may be entitled to compensation. Provided:

• The cancellation is within the airline’s control 
• You received the cancellation notice less than 14 days ahead of the flight.

Just like flight delays, cancellation compensation is calculated according to the flight distance:

Flight distance	Compensation
Up to 1,500 km	275-325 USD
1,500–3,500 km	435-450 USD
Over 3,500 km	650-675 USD

Passengers will not qualify for compensation if:

• Cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances
• If the new flight you’re rebooked on departs between 2 and 4 hours after the original flight

Denied boarding: If a passenger is denied boarding because of overbooking, compensation will be offered only if passenger:

• Holding a confirmed reservation and a valid travel document
• Passengers checked in on time.

Compensation for denied boarding includes:

Flight distance	Compensation
Up to 1,500 km	275-325 USD
1,500–3,500 km	435-450 USD
Over 3,500 km	650-675 USD

Cathay Pacific’s cancellation policy caters to all fare types across Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares. The cancellation fee structure ranges from 200 USD for Economy Light fare to free cancellation for Business/First Class Flex fare. Whether you’re rebooking, claiming a refund, or exploring your options due to flight disruptions, understanding each aspect of its cancellation guidelines ensures a smoother travel experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)