Cathay Pacific has announced a significant overhaul of its loyalty program, and it’s not just tinkering at the edges. There are structural changes which will impact the way members earn and maintain their elite status. In many ways, these changes make things simpler – which is always a good thing. You will have to wait a little while though – the changes come into effect on 1 January 2027.
And if you think that loyalty program changes are always negative, fear not. This set of changes is on the whole positive. I’d almost go as far as saying they make the program “simpler and fairer” :). Ok, Cathay use the phrase “smoother, simpler and better”, and it does seem accurate.
That said, there are a few perks being removed, or moved between levels.
The Changes
The changes to the program commencing 1 January 2027 include:
- Removal of status point resets as you move through levels
- Moving to a calendar year cycle
- Status Point rollovers
- A new Diamond Exec status
- Complimentary Diamond Years
- Removal of mid-status benefits
The end of the Status Points reset
On my first read through the changes, this one jumped out as probably the most significant change. To put it simply, Status Points will no longer be reset to zero when you reach a new tier.
As an example, at the moment, when you hit 300 Status Points you attain Cathay Silver. Your count then resets to zero, and you need to then earn 600 Status Points for Gold. Following the change, once you hit 300 Status Points, you will simply keep accumulating Status Points. As such, you will only need an extra 300 Status Points, rather than the 600 Status Points you need now.
Calendar year membership cycle
Cathay will switch to a calendar year cycle for all its members. As a result, this will see the end of the current rolling 12-month membership period. If you achieve a status in a year. you will be able to keep that status for the rest of the year plus the next year.
This does beg the question of how the transition from a rolling year to a calendar year will work. Cathay have outlined a set of transition rules that will apply over the 2026 calendar year.
- Your current membership (during 2025) will not change, and your current expiry date still applies.
- During 2026, when your status changes (or renews) in 2026, that status will apply to the end of 2026
- On 1st January 2027, your membership status will be determined by the number of Status Points you were able to earn during calendar 2026,
Introduction of Status Points rollover (Gold and above)
If you earn excess Status Points above your current tier, you will have the opportunity to roll over from one year to the next. This applies for Cathay Gold members and higher. In addition, there is a limit of 50% of the Status Points required to earn your status.
As an example, to achieve Gold status you need 600 Status Points. Under the new system, you could rollover up to 300 Status Points into the next year. Basically, it means
- Gold members can rollover 300 Status Points
- Diamond members can roll over up to 600 Status Points and
- Diamond Exec members can roll over up to 1,200 Status Points.
Introduction of Diamond Exec
Cathay will be introducing a new elite level – Diamond Exec. This new status is positioned between the existing Diamond and Diamond Plus levels. The DIamond Plus level can be achieved by earning 2,400 Status Points in the year, will provide the following benefits:
- Oneworld Emerald status
- A dedicated Relationship Manager
- Four single-sector Upgrade Passes
- One complimentary Gold Companion membership for a family member or a friend
Complimentary Diamond Years
This is a interesting new feature for long term Diamond members. If you have maintained Diamond status for at least five cumulative years, you will be eligible for a complimentary Diamond membership year for every 6,000 Status Points earned within your membership lifetime.
There is no limit to the number of these ‘reserve’ years you can earn. Once you have earned them, you will be able to use them at a time of your choosing.
Some things go away
On the downside, there are a few things that are going away. From 1st January 2027, mid-status benefits for Gold and Diamond members will be phased out. Even so, any earned in 2026 will remain valid until their normal expiry (12 months from issue).
These mid-status benefits include things such as business and first class lounge passes and bookable upgrades.
Final Words
Overall, I find these changes to be positive overall. The removal of the Status Point resets, introduction of Status Points rollovers, and the ability to earn Diamond years are significant improvements to the program.
Given more than one years notice, and detailing the way the transition will work helps members develop a strategy for the next year.
