Cathay Pacific Airways is updating its Marco Polo Club loyalty program. Beginning April 15, 2016, the club will move to a points-based system in which points are awarded according to cabin, fare class and distance flown.
Under the new framework, members who travel in premium cabins will reach higher tier status more quickly. The revised system expands the range of fares that can earn club points, including certain discounted fare types that previously did not count toward status. Core member privileges—such as unlimited lounge access for Silver members and above, and priority boarding and check-in—will be retained.
To ease the changeover, the Marco Polo Club will convert existing mileage or sector balances into club points. Conversions will be applied in the most favorable way for individual members so they do not lose value during the transition.
The airline is also rolling out a set of more flexible, family-friendly benefits designed to make membership more convenient and relevant for frequent travelers and their families. These include:
- Additional lounge passes for members and their invited guests, providing greater access for companions and family members.
- Bookable upgrades for Gold and Diamond members, offering improved options to confirm upgrades in advance.
- An extra Gold Companion Card for Diamond members, enabling a designated companion to enjoy Gold-level privileges.
- “Membership Holidays” that allow members to retain their status for one year if personal circumstances temporarily reduce their travel activity, helping to protect status during periods of lower travel.
- Lowering the qualifying age for young members from 18 to 12, making it easier for families to include younger travelers in the program.
The move to a points-based system aligns benefits more closely with actual travel experience and fare paid, while the additional family-oriented features and protections like Membership Holidays aim to make the Marco Polo Club more accessible and resilient for a broader range of members.