Thursday, July 17, 2008 Cathay Pacific revises baggage allowance, increases flights to high-traffic areas
CATHAY Pacific Airways announced the Free Baggage Allowance (FBA) for Economy Class passengers travelling to North America would be adjusted for tickets issued on or after July 21.
There is no change in the allowance for those travelling in first or business class or for all passengers travelling to other destinations.
The maximum weight allowed for each bag carried by an economy class passenger flying to North America will be revised from 32 kilograms to 23 kilograms (50 pounds), with a maximum of two bags. The same weight allowance applies to infants travelling at 10 per cent of the applicable adult fare and not occupying a seat, though only one bag is allowed.
A flat charge for each bag above 23kg and below 32kg will be US$25 or the equivalent in local currency. Above 32kg, the existing excess baggage charges for each additional piece will apply.
The allowable size for each piece of baggage carried by an economy class passenger to North America remains unchanged at 158cm (62 inches) in any combination of the three dimensions. The three dimensions for infant luggage must not exceed 115 cm (45in).
CX has also announced the first stage of its redeployment of services driven by the continuing rise in fuel prices. The airlines issued a profit warning to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange advising that its financial performance is being “materially and adversely affected” by the high price of jet fuel. The average price paid by the airline in the first half of 2008 was 60% above that paid in the first half of 2007.
Fare increases for first and business class passengers, in the range of 3-15%, on most of its routes to and from Hong Kong, took effect on July 11.
In terms of its flight operations, the airline is working to redeploy capacity to routes where demand is high.
From Oct. 1, the airline will add four more direct flights a week between Hong Kong and Dubai, providing a total of 18 flights each week to this key destination. Each of the four new Dubai flights will continue on to Bahrain.
The airline will also enhance its services to Riyadh, introducing a four-times-weekly non-stop service between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia’s capital city.
CX currently serves the city with four flights a week each routed through Bahrain.
Effective Sept. 16, it will resume the regular winter schedule of 17 direct flights to and from Vancouver each week compared to the current 21. At the same time the Toronto service will revert to a daily non-stop service from Hong Kong, with the three seasonal flights per week routed through Anchorage being discontinued.
Effective from the winter schedule the airline will also reintroduce four additional flights a week to Auckland, turning it into a double-daily service.
