The Cathay Group has chosen to evolve and update its frequent flyer programme. Time to dig in a little.
The new changes go into full effect from 1st January 2027, with them tapering in from 1st January 2026 as a transition period begins :
Major changes include
- Status Points will no longer reset to zero after achieving an upgrade, allowing members to attain multiple status upgrades within a single year, potentially. This allows a seamless journey up the status ladder and ensures all earned Status Points contribute towards the next milestone.
- Standardised Membership Cycle: the group is transitioning from a personalised cycle to a yearly cycle, running 1 January to 31 December each calendar year for all members.
- Status Points rollover: Gold members or above can now carry over the excess Status Points to the next year, up to 50% of the number of Status Points required to earn the attained status..
- Diamond Exec – a new elite status unlocked: Cathay is introducing Diamond Exec for members who earn at least 2,400 Status Points within a single year, providing valued members with a personalised and elevated travel experience. This includes a dedicated Relationship Manager to address their specific needs and a comprehensive suite of bespoke privileges – all designed to elevate their journey to new heights of comfort and convenience.
- Complimentary Diamond membership year: Members who have maintained any Diamond status for a minimum of five cumulative years throughout their membership tenure are now eligible to earn a complimentary Diamond membership year for every 6,000 Status Points accumulated within their membership lifetime, with no expiry date nor limit to the number that a member can earn. Members can claim the complimentary Diamond membership year whenever they need it the most, securing their status even during years with reduced travel and giving them greater flexibility to enjoy benefits at their own pace.
A little more detail
If you’re a Cathy member, it’s time to start reading the announcement and FAQ www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/membership/programme-update/smoother-simpler-better-programme-2027.html.
Those who are hit by the transition should head to https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/membership/programme-update/programme-transition-2026.html.
Remember, the devil is always in the details.
Status from 2026 to 2027. You’ll need to earn the following status points:
Milestone benefits for Green and Silver members will continue to be offered – but there will be some rebranding going on. Further details to be announced.
Worked examples
Cathay provides the following examples. These have been posted verbatim from https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/membership/programme-update/programme-transition-2026.html#tab-item_1760596196124:
Silver Member
Ms. Wong currently holds Silver status, with membership expiring on 31 August 2026.
Current membership period: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2026
If Ms. Wong earns 250 Status Points between 1 September 2025 and 31 December 2025, and 350 Status Points between 1 January 2026 and 15 May 2026 (i.e. a total of 600 Status Points during her membership period), her membership will be upgraded to Gold. Status Points will be reset to zero according to the current programme terms and conditions. Ms. Wong’s membership will be upgraded as Gold.
New membership period: 16 May 2026 – 31 December 2026
Ms. Wong’s new membership period as a Gold member will begin from 16 May 2026 to 31 December 2026.
On 1 January 2027
Ms. Wong’s membership status for 2027, starting on 1 January 2027, will be determined by the Status Points earned between 1 January and 31 December 2026. What’s more, these Status Points will also qualify for the Status Points rollover under the enhanced membership programme, giving her a better headstart.
Therefore, if Ms. Wong earns 400 Status Points between 16 May 2026 and 31 December 2026 (i.e. a total of 750 Status Points during 2026), she will continue to be a Gold member starting on 1 January 2027, with 150 Status Points rolled over to 2027.
Gold Member
Current membership period: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
Ms. Wong earns 400 Status Points between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2025, and 300 Status Points between 1 January 2026 and 30 June 2026 (i.e. a total of 700 Status Points during her membership period).
New membership period: 1 July 2026 – 31 December 2026
Ms. Wong’s membership will be renewed as Gold. Status Points will be reset to zero according to the current programme terms and conditions, and the new membership period will be valid until 31 December 2026.
On 1 January 2027
Ms. Wong’s membership status for 2027, starting on 1 January 2027, will be determined by the Status Points earned between 1 January and 31 December 2026. What’s more, these Status Points will also qualify for the Status Points rollover under the enhanced membership programme, giving her a better headstart.
Therefore, if Ms. Wong earns another 350 Status Points between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026 — a total of 650 Status Points during 2026 — she will continue to be a Gold member starting on 1 January 2027, with 50 Status Points rolled over to 2027.
Diamond Member
Ms. Wong currently holds Diamond status, with membership expiring on 30 September 2026.
Current membership period: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026
If Ms. Wong earns 400 Status Points between 1 October 2025 and 31 December 2025, and 900 Status Points between 1 January 2026 and 30 September 2026 (i.e. a total of 1,300 Status Points during her membership period).
New membership period: 1 October 2026 – 31 December 2026
Ms. Wong’s membership will be renewed as Diamond. Status Points will be reset to zero according to the current programme terms and conditions, and the new membership period will be valid until 31 December 2026.
On 1 January 2027
Ms. Wong’s membership status for 2027, starting on 1 January 2027, will be determined by the Status Points earned between 1 January and 31 December 2026. What’s more, these Status Points will also qualify for the Status Points rollover under the enhanced membership programme, giving her a better headstart.
Therefore, if Ms. Wong earns 450 Status Points between 1 October 2026 and 31 December 2026 (i.e. a total of 1,350 Status Points during 2026), she will continue to be a Diamond member starting on 1 January 2027, with 150 Status Points rolled over to 2027.
In Quotes
Cathay Director Customer Lifestyle, Vivian Lo, said:
“We are evolving the Cathay membership programme with our current and future members in mind, offering them a smoother, simpler and better membership experience. By simplifying the path to higher status and providing greater flexibility for members in new ways, members can look forward to progressing with greater ease and enjoying a more rewarding journey that truly elevates their lives.”
Some logical changes, but fiddling at the top
It seems that Cathay wants to ramp up its lower classes of members, with the idea that they can get its members to gold and get them to roll over status credits, whilst not resetting the counter during the year.
That will motivate some travellers to shoot for status (because there’s nothing more disheartening than a high number going to zero).
Gold to Diamond members will need to be careful, as well as those aiming for the Diamond Executive level, as the milestones seem to have vanished for now.
As Cathay evolves its membership programmes, if you’re a member, you’re going to need to pay close attention as the changes go into effect.
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