Cathay Pacific Transforms Loyalty Program With Calendar-Year Membership, Status Point Rollovers, and Exclusive Diamond Exec Tier for Frequent Flyers

Published on October 16, 2025

Cathay Pacific is introducing a comprehensive overhaul of its loyalty program, designed to deliver a simpler, more rewarding experience for frequent flyers. The airline announced that the changes will be fully implemented on January 1, 2027, with a one-year transition beginning in January 2026, giving members ample time to adjust to the new structure.

A More Streamlined Approach to Membership

The restructured program eliminates the practice of resetting Status Points after tier upgrades. Members will now retain all earned points toward the next level, enabling multiple promotions within a single year. This change is intended to reward consistent travelers and make achieving higher tiers more seamless.

Additionally, Cathay Pacific is standardizing the membership cycle to align with the calendar year, running from January 1 to December 31. Previously, members followed individualized rolling cycles, which could create confusion in tracking progress. The new approach provides a clear, consistent timeframe for earning points and planning travel.

Rollover Points and Greater Flexibility for Frequent Flyers

Gold members and above will now be able to roll over up to 50% of surplus Status Points into the following year. This feature allows frequent flyers to maintain or enhance their status more easily, ensuring loyalty is recognized and rewarded. Travelers can now enjoy greater flexibility and benefit from their accumulated points without losing progress at year-end.

Introduction of Diamond Exec and Lifetime Rewards

Cathay Pacific is also introducing an elite Diamond Exec tier for members who earn at least 2,400 Status Points in a single year. This invitation-only level provides a dedicated Relationship Manager and bespoke travel services, offering the airline’s most frequent flyers a personalized and exclusive experience.

In addition, a lifetime rewards system will recognize long-term loyalty. Members who have maintained any Diamond status for at least five cumulative years can earn complimentary Diamond membership years for every 6,000 lifetime Status Points earned. There is no limit to the number of years a member can collect, allowing travelers to redeem rewards when most convenient.

Expanded First Class Award Availability

Alongside the loyalty program changes, Cathay Pacific has opened up a substantial number of First Class award seats on its New York (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG) route. These awards, available for two passengers on multiple dates through September, can only be booked using Asia Miles, the airline’s proprietary rewards currency.

The release provides rare opportunities to access Cathay Pacific’s flagship long-haul cabin, with peak availability during July through September. Each one-way award is priced at 160,000 Asia Miles per passenger, with minimal taxes and surcharges, making this a highly attractive option for premium travelers seeking comfort and flexibility.

Booking and Points Transfer Options

First Class awards are limited to Asia Miles bookings and are unavailable through partner programs. However, travelers can earn Asia Miles through transfers from major credit card programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards, ensuring broad accessibility for those seeking to redeem premium awards.

Luxury Lounge Access and Convenient Connections

Booking a First Class award grants access to Cathay Pacific’s top-tier lounges, including The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong, widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Travelers can also use Hong Kong as a stopover or continue onward in Business Class to destinations across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, paying only minimal government taxes for stopovers.

Availability Highlights

• JFK–HKG: Multiple dates in March, April, July, August, and September
• HKG–JFK: Extensive dates from March through September

Seats can be booked directly online or via phone, with agents able to hold reservations for up to three days, offering flexibility for travelers coordinating complex itineraries.

Looking Ahead

Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program overhaul and expanded First Class award availability demonstrate a significant evolution in its approach to rewarding travelers. By simplifying status progression, introducing rollover points, launching an elite Diamond Exec tier, and providing more premium award options, the airline is aligning its offerings with the demands of modern frequent flyers.

With full implementation planned for 2027, the redesigned program promises a smoother, more rewarding, and highly flexible experience, reaffirming Cathay Pacific’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and recognition to its loyal travelers worldwide.