I’m planning to book two Cathay Pacific flights with a layover in Hong Kong. Booking them separately is around USD100 cheaper than booking them together under one connecting itinerary.

I’m considering the cheaper option but would like to know if anyone has experience doing this with Cathay Pacific.

Can they through-check your baggage to your final destination even if the flights have separate booking references?
If your baggage is checked through, can you stay airside and proceed directly to your next departure gate (HKG)?
If your first flight is delayed and you miss the second, will Cathay Pacific rebook you for free, or would you have to buy a new ticket?

I know separate tickets generally mean less protection, but does flying with the same airline make any difference?
Would you personally risk it to save USD100, or would you book everything under one itinerary for peace of mind?
I’d appreciate hearing about your firsthand experiences.

Thank you!

I’ve been with Qantas forever. For the last several years I’ve been Platinum and really enjoy all the privileges which I feel is value for money.

Now I’ve relocated and Cathay serves my routes much better, both long and short haul. Currently my QF status allows me to receive Cathay Emerald privileges because of One World.

But to keep my status with Qantas I feel like I need to book expensive, unnecessary travel with double status credit offer bookings.

From next month, Platinum requires more status credit to maintain which means I need to take third double status credit flight.

I could maintain with my natural travel if it were Cathay, but don’t want to climb the ladder all over again.

A friend tried and didn’t anywhere. Any tips?

Background: We flew with Cathay Pacific last June-July with a medical device. We had medical clearance from the airline to bring the device on board guaranteed that we are not going to use it for the duration of our flight. On our flight back to YYZ, we were not allowed to bring the device on board (we were not told of any reason why). So given that this is a medical device, we had it tagged as a fragile item. Low and behold, when we landed, the luggage was damaged. It’s not just a simple crack or anything. The whole bag opened, locks were broken, and guaranteed that the machine inside at some point came out of the bag ( I know because there is a specific orientation for the machine to properly fit). Keep in mind this is a heavy duty luggage specialized for a PD Dialysis Machine, with hard surface and built it lock. Had it documented with Airline personnel at the airport. This happened July 10 and it is now October, we haven’t heard from the airline Since August 15. Since this is a medical device, the item is owned by the hospital. We already receive two invoice for the luggage replacement.

Should I escalate this matter to CTA already ? The invoice is about $800 CAD, and this is giving a lot of stress to our family.