Cathay Pacific fare classes explained
Every fare class (RBD — reservation booking designator) on Cathay Pacific, what it means for award booking, and which classes are most useful to know.
Fare classes by cabin
First
| Class | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| F | First revenue | Standard revenue first |
| A | First award | Asia Miles + partner award first; great Alaska sweet spot |
Business
| Class | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| J / C / D | Business revenue | Various revenue business |
| I | Business award | Asia Miles + partner award business |
Premium Economy
| Class | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| W / R | Premium economy revenue | Various revenue PE |
| N | Premium economy award | Award PE inventory |
Economy
| Class | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Y / B / H / K / M / L / V / S / N / Q / O | Economy revenue | Various revenue economy |
| X | Economy award | Award economy |
Award fare classes you should care about
For award booking, these are the Cathay Pacific classes that show inventory:
A (first)I (business)N (premium eco)X (economy)
Notes
Cathay's partner award classes (A, I, N, X) determine availability for Atmos Rewards, AAdvantage, BA Avios, and Asia Miles redemptions. Cathay First (A class) is the sweet spot via Alaska at 70K one-way.
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