Cathay Pacific is currently starting to offer HK$5,975 introductory fares to London Gatwick over the Christmas period.
Via Cathay Pacific’s promotion:
While we see fares like these every now and then, the true X-factor is the fact that the flight’s Cathay Pacific’s first A350 longhaul. For that, I think it’s really worth snagging one of these fares.
Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 Economy Class
There are a few setbacks to the fare, which really shouldn’t stop you from going to London:
- “Substantial” leave periods over Christmas are out, so the only real option is to depart on Christmas Day and leave London on the 28th, though there must be better options on other dates
- You can’t pick your seat with this fare until 48 hours before departure, but thankfully there’s the option of picking an extra legroom seat, which should be more than worth the extra HK$1,075, bringing the fare to HK$6,990 which is still a steal. If not enough of one, not many people pick their seat so you still should be able to grab a window or an aisle
It’s worth noting that 60A and 60K have a completely empty space in front, thus making them easily the best seats on the plane.
Premium economy currently still starts from HK$17,990 and business still starts from over HK$38,000, which is pretty standard for Cathay Pacific’s Europe fares, though you can grab a Colombo to London Heathrow roundtrip in business class for HK$15,750 on select dates then take a economy fare from Hong Kong to Colombo (or wherever you’re originating). If you do have that amount of time, it’s really worth it –
Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 Business Class Seat
Think about over 34 hours total in a reverse herringbone seat for ~HK$16,000! It’s a steal, and it’s such a shame that I won’t be able to snag either of these fares.
Bottom Line
This is a quick post, as the fares are selling like hot cakes right now. If you need to get to London, getting one of the economy seats will be worth it (essentially, you’re paying sub-HK$6,000 fares for something that would normally retail for HK$10,000+), and if you can’t, there are plenty of business class fares from Colombo that you can grab. I suggest you grab one of these fares, especially if you need to be in London.