logo
call support +1-855-546-5011
Cathay Pacific Airlines Reservations
  • New Bookings
  • Changes
  • Cancellations
  • Customer Service
plane common
support-girl

No Hold - Call Answered in 5 Sec

Menu
How to choose a seat on Cathay Pacific flights - Complete guides

How to choose a seat on Cathay Pacific flights - Complete guides

By Flydreamz December, 04 2025

Cathay Pacific is a Hong Kong-based airline that is satisfactorily appreciated by passengers worldwide. It is trusted enough to provide excellent services, products, and comfort. You won't regret choosing it for your short or long journeys. However, before that, you have the right to understand its seat selection policy, for which we are here to guide you thoroughly.

What is the Cathay seat selection policy?

  • The policy is straightforward, revolving around the type of fare you purchase, your membership status, and other factors.
  • If you buy less flexible tickets, like economy tickets, you have to pay for advanced seat selection with Cathay. But premium tickets include this additional service at no extra charge.
  • Premium tickets are first class, business class, and premium economy.
  • Economy class is also divided into various types, like flex, essential, or light. All of them have their own set of rules that must be checked before.
  • If an emergency arises in front of an airline, they have the right to replace your seat with the best possible substitute.

What is the Fee for Cathay Pacific Seat Selection?

  • The exact amount of the Cathay Pacific seat selection fee cannot be disclosed, as you will see it when you make the payment at the end of your reservation.
  • Regular seats are standard seats available only on the most restrictive fares.
  • Preferred seats are those that are located near the front of the cabin. You can choose them for faster exiting from the plane. They are also paid for advance selection.
  • If you wish to take extra legroom seats, they are always paid for and cost the most. They cannot be chosen after the check-in window opens.
  • If you think you have paid for the comfortable seats, the airline reassigns you to a less comfortable seat. Don't hesitate to ask for a refund, as it is in their policy.

What are the Steps to Select a Cathay Pacific Seat?

  • After you enter your details during an initial reservation, you will see a seat map on the screen.
  • You can choose a preferred seat on the Cathay Pacific seat map before making a payment. It is the most favorable time to choose a seat.
  • Next, if you want to get it done, that is Cathay seat selection. After completing the reservation, go to the manage my booking section on the website or app.
  • Log in to your account, find the section you're looking for, and then review the seat map to choose a preferred seat. You can do it until the check-in window opens.
  • If you are already late, don't think like that. 24 hours before your departure, the check- in window opens. You can select during this period as well.
  • Even so, the regular and preferred seats are free for all passengers when check-in opens.

How to Choose the Best Cathay Pacific Seat for Free?

  • Try to choose less flexible tickets like flex or essential, so that you can choose normal seats without any charges. It is one of the best ways to get a Cathay Pacific free seat selection.
  • You can become a membership holder of their loyalty program to enjoy this complimentary benefit. Based on your status, you can even select extra legroom seats in advance for free.
  • If you can't afford any of them, no need to worry; just hurry up. Look at the time carefully, and when the check-in opens, do it quickly to grab the chance to choose a free seat. It opens around 24 to 48 hours before take-off.

What are the Special Cases for Families?

  • If you are traveling with a family, don't worry about the seats, as this airline has a rule that requires adjacent seats for families with children.
  • If you are with children, you are always entitled to choose the usual seats without any charge in advance.
  • Also, if an infant is traveling with you and you want a proper seat for them, you have to carry an airline-approved car seat.
  • If a cradle is your actual need, you can use it for an infant under 6 months old. Try to request the staff before carrying it in so they can arrange seats accordingly.

How About Flexibility for the Disabled?

  • People with special needs also don't need to worry, as Cathay has promised to provide appropriate seating for them.
  • But, for the safer side, you must call and inform the customer support agents in advance about your needs.
  • Also, if any special assistance is required, do inform them in advance, and do not just randomly go through a Cathay Pacific Airlines seat selection process.

What are the Tips for Best Seat Selection?

  • If you can afford flexible tickets, don't unnecessarily choose restrictive ones. They won't benefit you in any way, and flexible tickets will save you from uncertainties.
  • Take someone's help to understand the seat map if you're unable to. It's great to choose the best.
  • Try your best to check in on time to experience the least chaos.
  • If you wish to book extra legroom seats, always check your eligibility before paying. If you aren't entitled, there's no sense in spending money on it unnecessarily.

FAQ's

They don't have more area; they are still widely chosen because of the comfort they provide in exiting the carrier earlier.

Upgrading is mostly a wise decision if you are traveling to an international destination and want more space and convenience.

According to the sources and reviews from passengers, preferred seats are the best, so grab them as early as you can.