Cathay Pacific compensation

Superdouglas

In January both the outbound & inbound flights of our trip to New Zealand were cancelled by Cathay Pacific due to mechanical issues.  On returning I have pursued compensation and they have confirmed a figure of £520 for each passenger for the Heathrow to Christchurch flight as well as costs incurred for meals during the extra 24 hours we spent in Christchurch. 

The issue I’m trying to get clarity on is that they are offering Asia Miles for the return flight compensation. I initially pushed back stating I wanted cash as Asia Miles were valueless as we don’t intend to fly with them again.  Eventually (they are painfully slow in responding) they stated the Miles can be redeemed in the Cathay online shop.  I have stated in various emails that flights departing from NZ are covered by the Montreal Convention and NZ Consumer Rights but Cathay are adamant they won’t budge on the cash option.  So I have two questions:

Am I chasing a lost cause on pushing for cash?

Has anyone accepted Asia Miles and if so how many were you offered?  I’ve looked on the Cathay shop site and the figure we’ve been offered equates to approximately £52 each!  Incredibly low based on the inconvenience we experienced IMO.  Thanks in advance for any advice. 

eskbanker

Superdouglas said:

I have stated in various emails that flights departing from NZ are covered by the Montreal Convention and NZ Consumer Rights but Cathay are adamant they won’t budge on the cash option.  So I have two questions:

Am I chasing a lost cause on pushing for cash?

Most on here will be more familiar with UK/EU legislation, but are you asserting that either the Montreal Convention or NZ consumer rights specify that refunds must be in cash form?  If so, can you perhaps share your citations, in terms of the specific sections of the relevant documents that you're seeking to rely on?

NotoCathyP1

Hi, we've had a very similar recent experience with Cathay Pacific on a flight from New Zealand to the UK. 

A significant delay led to a missed connection and an overnight stay at an airport hotel, and our luggage was delayed by over 24 hours. When it finally arrived, we found our suitcases had been opened and valuable items were missing. 

Despite filing a police report and providing all requested information, Cathay Pacific is not acknowledging the theft and offered us 10,000, then 20,000 air miles as compensation for a technical fault on their end, a missed connecting flight, delayed baggage, and stolen items.