Cathay Pacific First Class feels a bit like sneaking into the quiet, grown-up corner of Hong Kong at 35,000 feet. The cabin’s tiny, the seat’s huge, the crew clock what you need without fuss. It’s not the newest “suite with a door” in 2026, and there’s no shower or minibar gimmick. But, if you care about sleep, good food and arriving in a decent mood, it still does the job really well.
I’ve flown Cathay First on red-eyes into Asia and long daytime legs home, and this is the version of the truth I’d send a friend before they torch a pile of points. What’s new, what feels dated, how to grab the right aircraft, and when splurging on Cathay First actually makes sense.
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Overview of Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong’s flagship airline and one of the easiest ways to fly to Asia from Europe or North America. The network is built around Hong Kong, so most trips feel straightforward, with smooth long-haul flights into the city and simple onward connections across the region.
First Class only appears on a small part of the fleet now, but when you get it, it’s still a standout experience. The cabin is tiny, the seat is spacious, and the service has that calm, confident feel Cathay is known for. Paired with The Pier First lounge, still one of the best lounges anywhere, it gives you a very polished way to start or end a long-haul trip.
What’s new with Cathay Pacific first class in 2026?
Cathay Pacific first class is in a fascinating spot this year. The airline is upgrading lounges, rebuilding its long haul network and getting ready for a new first class suite on the next generation Boeing 777. If you’ve ever wanted to try the classic Cathay first cabin before it disappears, 2026 is the year to do it.
The current first class suites are sticking around a little longer
Cathay still flies first class on a select group of Boeing 777 three hundred ERs, mainly on routes to London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo. These wide, open suites have been around for a long time, but the service and bedding have been refreshed and they still feel incredibly spacious.
The original plan was to retire this cabin sooner as new jets arrived, but Boeing delays have pushed the 777-9 timeline into 2027. That means the existing first class will stick around for at least another year or two. Personally, I love this window. You’re getting the classic Cathay experience while everything else on the aircraft gradually gets modernised.
I always check seat maps with Cathay because they love a late aircraft swap. Every now and then you’ll see a first class equipped aircraft appear on a route where they aren’t actually selling first that day. If you can catch one of those flights and upgrade or redeem, it feels like winning the jackpot.
Halo Suites are coming, just not this year
Cathay’s working on a brand new first class product called Halo Suites. These are designed for the Boeing 777-9, and will be fully enclosed suites with a much more residential feel. There are hints of double suites for couples and a lot more space per passenger. It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest premium cabin launches of the next decade, but the reality is we won’t see it in service in 2026.
Hong Kong lounges are getting major upgrades
On the ground, Hong Kong is having a big lounge year. The Wing First is closed for renovation and due to reopen around the middle of 2026 with a new design that’s closer to the calm, warm look of The Pier. I’m hoping they keep the cabanas because nothing beats taking a proper bath before a long haul night flight.
While that’s happening, The Deck has stepped up as a temporary first class space. It’s smaller and quieter, and the dining has been refreshed enough that I don’t mind starting my lounge time there if my gate is nearby. When The Wing reopens, doing a little lounge crawl between The Deck, The Pier and The Wing is going to be half the fun of flying Cathay first from Hong Kong.
A new flagship lounge is opening in New York
The Hong Kong to New York route has always been one of Cathay’s most premium heavy markets, and it’s finally getting the ground experience it deserves. Cathay’s moving to the new Terminal six at JFK and opening a dedicated lounge there in early 2026. It’ll follow the same design mood as The Pier and the refreshed Hong Kong lounges. If you fly Cathay regularly from the East Coast, this is going to make a big difference.
Wifi and onboard experience are improving
Cathay has slowly become one of the more generous airlines for inflight wifi. First class passengers already get it for free, and the speeds on long haul flights have been noticeably better lately. I still download anything heavy on the ground, but being able to clear email properly at 40,000 feet while sipping champagne makes me feel far more relaxed when I land. The soft product has been refreshed too. Better bedding, improved menus and more Hong Kong inspired dishes keep the cabin from feeling dated, even if the hard product is older.
Big loyalty changes are coming
If you’re loyal to Cathay, 2026 is the year to pay attention. From January 2027, the status system stops resetting every year. Anything you earn keeps counting toward the next tier, and some points will roll over. There’s also a new top tier coming, Diamond Exec, which will offer things like upgrade passes into first and a dedicated relationship manager. If you fly Cathay first a few times a year, this could end up being one of the most valuable elite tiers in the region.
Award space is still tight, but not hopeless
Cathay first class awards remain rare, but they do appear. I’ve had the most luck either right when the schedule opens or in the last two or three days before departure. If you’re flexible with dates, it’s worth checking partner programmes regularly. Another tip is to book mixed cabin awards. Flying the long sector in first and the short connecting hop in business still gets you the full lounge experience where it really matters.
How to book Cathay Pacific First Class for less
Dreaming of that champagne-and-caviar seat to Hong Kong without paying five figures for it? With a bit of strategy, Cathay Pacific First Class is still within reach – especially if you’re playing the points game.
Start with Cathay’s own program (Asia Miles / Cathay)
Your best shot at finding First Class award space is usually through Cathay’s own loyalty program, often still referred to as Asia Miles. Cathay tends to make more First Class seats available to its own members than to partners, and award space typically appears many months before departure.
- Log into your Cathay account and use the “Redeem flights” search to look specifically for First Class.
- Because Cathay uses a distance-based chart, you’ll often get the best value on longer flights between Hong Kong and Europe or North America.
If you earn transferable credit card points, you can also move them into Cathay/Asia Miles from several major bank programs, which makes it easier to top up your balance for a big redemption.
Use Oneworld partner miles you already have
If you’re already loyal to another airline, you don’t have to start from scratch. You can sometimes book Cathay Pacific First Class using miles from Oneworld and partner programs such as:
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Alaska Airlines’ loyalty program
- British Airways Executive Club
Cathay is more conservative about releasing First Class award seats to partners, so availability here is rarer than via Asia Miles. But when you do find a seat, the mileage cost can be very competitive.
Time it right: very early or very late
For ultra-premium cabins, timing matters. Cathay often releases one or two First Class seats when the schedule first opens, and/or extra award seats closer to departure if the cabin isn’t selling out. If this is a special-occasion trip, it’s worth checking as soon as flights open for booking, then again in the final weeks before departure if your dates are flexible.
Watch for transfer bonuses to stretch your miles
A great way to bring the effective cost down is to move your bank points into Cathay/Asia Miles when there’s a transfer bonus running. A 20–30% bonus can turn a “maybe” into a “book it now” moment, especially for long-haul First Class.
Don’t ignore discounted cash fares and mistake deals
If your miles are tied up elsewhere, you can still score a deal on a paid First Class ticket. Flight deal services like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) regularly flag business and first class sales, as well as the occasional mistake fare. Their Elite membership focuses on premium cabins, which is ideal if you’re specifically hunting for Cathay First.
Best and worst Cathay Pacific planes for First Class
Cathay Pacific First Class is only available on a small part of the fleet, so the aircraft you choose matters as much as the ticket you book. Pick well, and you’re in one of the most spacious first class seats in the sky. Pick wrong, and you’ll discover there was never any First Class cabin onboard in the first place.
The best aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER with First Class
Right now, Cathay Pacific First Class is found on select Boeing 777-300ERs with a six-seat First cabin in a 1–1–1 layout. If you’re not on one of these 777-300ERs, you’re not getting First. These seats are very wide, convert into fully flat beds, and are arranged to give good privacy in a small, quiet cabin. When people talk about “Cathay First,” this is the product they mean.
When Cathay First isn’t actually First
Many Cathay flights don’t offer First Class anymore. Some 777-300ERs have been reconfigured without First, and all Airbus aircraft (like the A350) are business class only. Before you book, check the aircraft type and seat map. If you don’t see a tiny First Class cabin at the very front with just a couple of rows, there is no First Class on that flight.
What’s next for Cathay First
Cathay is developing a new First Class product for its future Boeing 777-9s, often referred to as “Halo Suites.” These are expected to be more private and more spacious than the current open suites, but they’re not in service yet and won’t be for a few years. For now, if Cathay First Class is the goal, focus on finding a 777-300ER that still has the six-seat First cabin and build your plans around those specific flights.
Ground experience: check-in, lounges and spa
Flying Cathay Pacific First Class starts on the ground, especially if you’re connecting through Hong Kong.
Check-in and priority services
First Class tickets come with dedicated check-in counters and priority lanes for security and immigration at major airports. In Hong Kong, this usually means you’re through formalities quickly and on your way to the lounge with minimal waiting. Trust me – this makes a world of difference.
The Wing, First
The Wing, First is often the first stop for early departures. It sits close to security, with à la carte dining, Champagne, quiet seating areas and private cabanas with deep soaking tubs and showers. It’s a good choice if you don’t have much time before your flight but still want a proper meal and a reset.
The Pier, First
The Pier, First is Cathay’s flagship lounge and the one most frequent flyers aim for if they have time. It’s located further down the terminal. The trade-off is a calmer space, a full restaurant, excellent bar, day suites for napping or working in private, and a more “residential” feel than a typical airport lounge.
Spa and wellness at The Pier
The Pier, First also includes a small spa operated by Thia Wellness. Eligible First Class passengers can book a short treatment, such as a head, neck and shoulder or foot massage, which is ideal before an overnight long-haul. Slots are limited, so it’s worth reserving in advance once you’ve checked in for your flight.
Lounges outside Hong Kong
On routes where Cathay doesn’t operate its own First Class lounge, you’ll usually be directed to a partner or oneworld lounge instead. The exact experience varies by airport, but flying First guarantees lounge access and typically gets you into the best available option on the day.
Onboard comfort: seats, sleep, Wi-Fi and amenities
Cathay Pacific First Class is one of those products that doesn’t try too hard. It just gets the important things right. If you’ve never flown it before, the consistency and calmness of the cabin really stand out.
Seats and layout
With only six seats in a 1–1–1 layout, the cabin feels spacious the moment you walk in. I always recommend choosing a window seat if you can. The privacy is excellent, and you get the best balance of openness and seclusion. The seat itself is wide enough that you never feel boxed in, and there’s plenty of room for dining, working, or just spreading out your things without feeling cluttered.
Bed and sleep quality
If you care about sleep, Cathay First is one of the few cabins where I can confidently say you’ll get real rest. When the crew makes up the bed with the mattress pad and proper bedding, it feels closer to a hotel setup than an airline seat. The cabin stays quiet, the lighting is soft, and because there are so few passengers, there’s very little movement or noise during the night.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
The in-flight entertainment system is reliably excellent. There’s lots of Hong Kong and Asian content you won’t find on other airlines, plus a wide selection of Western films and TV. I’d still recommend bringing your own downloads if you’re particular about what you watch, but Cathay provides everything you’d expect for a long flight. Wi-Fi is available on most First flights and is generally stable enough for messaging and browsing.
Amenities and overall service
Cathay’s approach to First Class service is quietly confident. You’ll get premium skincare, comfortable loungewear, and all the essentials you need, but the real standout is the crew. They’re attentive without hovering, and they have a good instinct for when to step in and when to let you settle into your own rhythm.
Dining and drinks in Cathay Pacific First Class
Cathay Pacific keeps First Class dining straightforward and high quality. You can eat whenever you like, which is especially helpful on overnight flights. I usually order the main meal after takeoff and then focus on sleep.
Menus mix Western dishes with Hong Kong favourites, and the local options are often the standouts. If there’s a Cantonese main or a double-boiled soup on the menu, it’s usually worth choosing. Caviar is often served as a starter. Between meals, you can order from a small anytime menu. The noodle dishes or dim sum tend to be the best choices if you want something light before sleeping or before landing.
The drinks list includes a premium Champagne and a solid lineup of wines and spirits. It’s curated rather than flashy, but the quality is consistent. If you have a particular drink in mind, ask early. With only six passengers, popular bottles don’t last long.
Cathay Pacific First Class vs other airlines
Cathay Pacific First Class sits in an interesting spot among global first class products. It isn’t the most over-the-top option in the market, but it’s one of the most consistent and comfortable, especially if you value space, privacy and a calm cabin over flashy design.
Compared with airlines like Emirates or Singapore Airlines, Cathay’s current First Class feels more understated. You won’t find onboard showers, suites with doors or over-the-top decor. What you do get is a very wide seat, an easy sleeping setup, excellent crew and one of the best ground experiences in Asia thanks to the Pier First lounge.
Against competitors like ANA or JAL, Cathay holds its own for service and dining, though the hard product is older than ANA’s newest first class suites. The major advantage Cathay still has is its lounge network in Hong Kong, which is genuinely a highlight of the trip.
The biggest gap is that several airlines now offer enclosed suites with sliding doors, while Cathay’s First Class remains open. This doesn’t affect comfort much, but travellers who specifically want a “private room” feel may prefer airlines with newer hardware.
If you choose Cathay First Class today, you’re choosing it for the combination of space, service and lounges rather than cutting-edge seat design. It’s a strong premium experience, but not the flashiest one in the sky – at least until Cathay rolls out its new Halo Suites.
Is Cathay Pacific First Class worth it in 2026?
For me, Cathay Pacific First Class is still one of the most comfortable and reliable ways to fly long-haul to or from Asia in 2026. The seat isn’t the newest on the market, but the combination of space, quiet, and genuinely good service makes the overall experience feel effortless in a way many newer “flashier” products don’t.
What really makes it worth it, in my opinion, is how relaxing the whole journey feels. The Pier First lounge in Hong Kong is still one of the best places in the world to start a trip. If you like calm spaces, proper food, and a chance to reset before a long flight, it’s hard to beat. And once you’re onboard, the cabin stays so quiet and low-key that you almost forget you’re on a commercial flight.
The one thing you do need to be aware of is timing. Cathay’s next-generation First Class, the Halo Suites, won’t be flying until 2027 at the earliest. So if you book Cathay First in 2026, you’re getting the current 777-300ER version. As long as you know that going in, it’s still a very solid product, especially if you value comfort over novelty.
Personally, I think Cathay First is worth booking if your priorities are space, rest, great lounges and smooth service. If you want the absolute newest enclosed suite in the sky, you might prefer to wait for the next iteration. But for a calm, comfortable, genuinely premium trip, the current Cathay First still delivers.
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