Cathay Pacific Airline Guide

Cathay Pacific travels to 170 destinations in 42 countries across the globe. It is also a member of the oneworld alliance, so your travel options are almost limitless. The airline is based in Hong Kong where it was founded in 1946 by an American and an Australian who came up with the name in the bar of the Manila Hotel. Its main UK airport is Heathrow.

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Check-in

You can check in online if you booked online or if you are a member of the Marco Polo Club or Asia Miles. You can check in online from 48 hours up to 90 minutes before departure and then print out your boarding pass (for selected flights/airports) or pick it up at the airport. If you've checked in online you can also use the Mobile Boarding Pass service and receive your boarding pass directly to your phone. Alternatively you can check in at the airport or at a self-service kiosk, available in some airports.

Luggage restrictions and security

Hand luggage: each passenger, excluding infants, can take one bag on board that measures no more than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22" x 14" x 9"). In Economy class it can weigh up to 7kg (15lb), but other classes have a higher weight restriction. Passengers may also take one additional item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop, as well as their hand luggage bag, free of charge.

Checked-in luggage: for all countries except the Americas, Economy customers can take an unlimited number of pieces of luggage which cannot weigh more than 20kg altogether. If you are travelling to the Americas this increases to two bags weighing no more than 23kg each with maximum dimensions of 158cm (L+W+H). In other classes you will be able to take more baggage.

Families, elderly and disabled

There are good facilities for children and infants including bassinets, a special menu, activity packs and baby-changing tables in aircraft toilets. Children aged six - 12 can travel alone and will be helped in flight and in transit, but you will be charged a fee on some routes. Infants' baggage allowance is 10kg.

Elderly travellers can use the special check-in desk at Hong Kong International Airport to avoid queuing. If you need special assistance, let Cathay Pacific know as far in advance as possible, and at least 72 hours before departure. On flights to or from the US, you can bring unlimited assistive devices and mobility aids free of charge; otherwise you may bring one assistive device and two mobility aids per person.

Selecting a seat

Some passengers may reserve a seat in advance, depending on their fare type, from 180 days up to 55 hours before departure. Otherwise, you can select a seat during online check-in. Extra-legroom seats are assigned for an additional charge to eligible customers on a first-come, first-served basis. These can be requested up to 24 hours before departure by phoning the Cathay Pacific reservations team, or at check-in at airport counters. Economy seats have a pitch of 32".

In-flight food and entertainment

In Cathay Pacific's Economy class you will be served complimentary meals, snacks and drinks with a regional flavour; while in First Class you will receive a five-course lunch or dinner. Orders for special meals should be made at least 24 hours before departure. StudioCX, Cathay Pacific's in-flight entertainment system features a wide range of movies, Asian and Western TV programmes, music, games, newspapers and the airline's award-winning magazine, Discovery. Each passenger has a personal TV screen and programmes are available in a variety of languages.

Pets, sports gear and musical instruments

Apart from service dogs, all pets must travel in the cargo hold. If you are travelling through Hong Kong you will need to apply for an import permit, even if you are only in transit. Sports equipment counts towards your standard checked baggage allowance. Small musical instruments can be transported as standard carry-on luggage if they fit the required dimensions and weight limit; otherwise they must go as checked baggage, or you may be able to book an extra seat for the instrument.

Alliances and air miles

Cathay Pacific was a founding member of the oneworld alliance which comprises 12 airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines and Qantas. Customers can accumulate air miles through the Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles.

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Contact

Call 020 8834 8888 (for UK reservations) or visit www.cathaypacific.com.