Navigating through Cathay Pacific's cancellation policy

Meta Description: Cancelling a reservation can be hectic, but some airlines have given a proper cancellation policy. Learn the step-by-step Cathay Pacific cancellation policy. 

Thinking about buying a flight ticket only to be overtaken by something in school, sports, family plans, or just a sudden change of heart? That’s okay — plans can change. If your flight was with Cathay Pacific, here’s an easy guide that tells you what to do to cancel and how to get your money back as per the Cathay cancellation policy. 

Cathay Pacific Cancellation Policy: Important Points

When plans change, here is what you should be aware of under Cathay Pacific’s cancellation policy:

• Cancellation Online: If you have a direct booking via Cathay Pacific (website, mobile application, or Customer Care), cancellations can be effected, especially by accessing Manage Booking and clicking on the “Change or cancel your flight” button.
• Travel Agent Bookings: If the booking was made through a travel agent, Cathay Pacific cannot process the cancellation. You will need to directly contact the agent.
• Unused Tickets: Any ticket that is unused can be cancelled and refunded within 2 years of the date on which it was issued. Taxes and fees can also be refunded on unused or partially used tickets.
• Partially Used Ticket: If you have already flown some of the journey, you can cancel the remainder and receive a refund for that portion, less cancellation fees, according to fare rules.

Cathay Pacific refund policy 

There are different situations, so here’s how Cathay Pacific's refund policy usually works.

Unused tickets

If you didn’t use the ticket at all — for example, you never got on the plane — you can usually get a refund. You must ask for it within two years of the date you bought the ticket. Taxes and fees you paid can be refunded, too.

Partially used tickets

If you used part of the ticket — say you flew to one city but didn’t finish the rest — you can still cancel the rest and get money back for the part you didn’t use. The refund policy of Cathay Pacific will be paid back to the same credit card or bank account you used, after they take off any fees that apply.

Reward tickets (Asia Miles)

If you used Asia Miles (Cathay’s reward points) to book a flight, things are a bit different. If the ticket is totally unused, you can cancel, but you’ll usually pay a fee of USD 120 or 17,000 Asia Miles. After you cancel, the miles go back to your account, and the taxes and fees paid with money are refunded to your card.

Cancellation Fee for cancelling a Cathay reservation: 

The Cathay Pacific cancellation fees will depend on the fare option you have booked: 

• If your ticket is refundable, you may get most of your money back after deducting a minor fee.

• If it is a non-refundable ticket, then you may be refunded for the amount if unused, or for taxes and fees if these apply, along with Cathay Pacific cancellation charges.

• For partially used tickets, you’ll pay a fee for the unused part, then get the rest back.

The rule: To know the cancellation fees, check the Cathay Pacific ticket’s fare rules when you buy it. That tells you if the ticket is refundable and how much the fee is.

24-Hour Free Cancellation policy 

If you book directly with Cathay and then change your mind quickly, there’s usually a free Cathay Pacific 24-hour cancellation window. That means:

• When you book through the website, the app, or the WeChat Mini Program, you can usually cancel for free within 24 hours of booking.

• This applies to new bookings made directly with Cathay only.

• So if you mess up or decide you don't want the trip right after you've booked it, you are likely safe.

Time Period to Receive the Refund: 

Typically, it takes about 7 days to process as per the Cathay refund policy, but sometimes it may take a few days longer if:

• Your booking includes a ticket with another airline.

• Cathay needs more information from you (like a new payment method).

• Your bank or credit card company takes extra time to put the money back into your account.

So, the refund might show up later, depending on your bank.

A Few Helpful Tips: 

Here are some tips for the Cancellation Policy of Cathay Pacific: 

• Log in to Manage Booking first if you booked directly. It’s the fastest way.

• Keep proof of purchase, like your email confirmation. You might need it.

• If you used a travel agent, contact them — Cathay can’t handle those bookings.

• Check the fare rules when you buy a ticket. It tells you about cancellation fees and refunds.

• If you used reward points, remember that cancelling might cost miles or fees.

Final Words

Cancelling a flight can feel stressful, but Cathay Pacific makes it pretty simple if you know how. If booked directly, go to Manage Booking.. If you booked with an agent, call them. Remember, the Cathay Pacific cancellation policy is 24 hours for direct bookings, and give your bank a few days to show the refund.

If you keep your confirmation email and check the fare rules when you buy the ticket, you’ll be more prepared. And don’t worry — airlines expect plans to change. You’ve got this!