Buying an economy class seat but getting a business class spot: Blogger reveals 10 Cathay Pacific routes where you can try your luck

▲ Cathay Pacific A350 premium business class, with seats that recline 180 degrees. (Photo / Reporter Lai Wen-xuan)

Lifestyle Center / Comprehensive Report

Thereis ablogger

who recently shared online a trick for “buying a Cathay Pacific economy class ticket and getting to choose a business class or premium economy seat for free.” He explained that due to Cathay Pacific’s sales model or other factors, some short-haul routes do not sell business class or premium economy seats, leaving them open for economy class passengers instead. He also compiled a list of 10 destinations and reminded travelers to pay attention when booking tickets, as they might get lucky by selecting their seats online.Blogger Baobei Long

recently posted an article pointing out that after research, he found that on certain short-haul routes, Cathay Pacific’s current aircraft models — the A350, B747, and B777 — do not sell business class or premium economy seats due to sales strategies and other factors, leaving those seats available for economy class passengers.

▲ On some short-haul routes, premium business class and similar seats may not be sold due to sales considerations and are instead made available for economy class passengers. (Photo / Reporter Lee Yu-kang)

He compiled a list of 10 destinations: Hong Kong, Hanoi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, Seoul, and Bali. However, starting April 9, Bali’s premium economy seats will begin to be sold. When flying to these destinations, remember to check the aircraft type — you might get the chance to select a business class seat when choosing your seat online, though it’s not guaranteed every day.

He also reminded passengers that since the ticket purchased is still in economy class, check-in, boarding, in-flight meals, services, and free baggage allowances will all remain according to economy class standards. In addition, if the airline changes the aircraft type or for other reasons, you might be automatically reassigned to a regular seat. Cathay Pacific stated that depending on aircraft scheduling, some regional flights may offer temporary two-class or three-class service.