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Cathay Pacifics Highly Coveted First Class Is Returning to New York Routes

When you’re ready for sleep, a flight attendant will turn down your seat into a fully flat bed, which, at a width of an astounding three feet, is one of the widest available on commercial planes. The bedding from Bamford is nothing short of sumptuous, with 600 thread-count linens, a substantial mattress pad, a choice between firm or soft pillows, and even a pillow mist laced with lavender to help you doze off more easily.

Other perks include an amenity kit featuring large-format bottles of Bamford’s organic skincare products, pajamas and slippers by Hong Kong-based cotton brand Pye, and Bose noise-canceling headsets. Plus, Wi-Fi is free for first-class passengers.

On the ground, first-class fliers also have access to Cathay’s top-notch lounges, including The Pier in Hong Kong. Amenities at this newly refurbished lounge include Day Suites for napping, free spa services including massages, and shower suites. It’s also home to a gourmet restaurant with a seasonally rotating menu. (The restaurant, called The Dining Room, is currently offering a tasting menu curated by the Rosewood Hong Kong.)

Cathay Pacific's lieflat seats in first class are some of the widest available on commercial planes.

Cathay Pacific’s lie-flat seats in first class are some of the widest available on commercial planes.

SStarick/Courtesy Cathay

How to book Cathay Pacific first class with points and miles

If paid in cash, the first-class fare is prohibitively expensive for most travelers. (It can range up to tens of thousands of dollars.)

Instead, the best option is to book with points. Cathay charges a lot for these first-class fares—160,000 points for a one-way ticket, to be exact. But its Asia Miles loyalty program is quite flexible, making the lofty redemption a bit easier to achieve.

Cathay’s Asia Miles program is a transfer partner for several credit cards, including American Express, Citi, and Capital One. All three credit card companies have a transfer ratio of 1:1, meaning it’s one credit card point for one mile with Cathay.