Hong Kong flag-carrier Cathay Pacific activated special ticketing guidelines late on 22 February after a powerful snowstorm swept across New England, forcing delays and possible cancellations on its Hong Kong–Boston route. Travellers holding tickets issued on or before 21 February for flights departing 22–23 February (US Eastern Time) may rebook or reroute once without service fees, provided new travel is completed by 31 March 2026.
The waiver applies to both revenue and Asia Miles redemption bookings purchased directly from Cathay or via travel agencies. While the change fee is waived, fare or tax differences will still apply if customers switch cabins or destinations. Passengers who bought through third-party platforms are being urged to contact their agents; those who booked online can self-serve through the Manage Booking tool.
Travellers juggling new itineraries may also need to review transit or entry requirements, especially if re-routing via alternate hubs. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong team (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) can expedite visas, passports and other travel documents on short notice, helping passengers avoid additional disruptions when weather forces last-minute changes.
![Cathay Pacific Waives Change Fees After Boston Snowstorm Disrupts Flights]()
Operational planners at Cathay’s headquarters in Tung Chung say crews and aircraft currently down-route in Boston are facing tight “minimum rest” windows, so rolling delays may cascade into the carrier’s trans-Pacific network. Stand-by crews in New York and Vancouver have been placed on alert to reposition if required.
For corporate travel managers in Hong Kong, the fee waiver offers breathing room to re-sequence meetings or arrange remote participation without incurring extra costs. However, they should watch knock-on effects: the Boston rotation feeds connecting flights to Toronto, New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles, meaning re-routing space may be scarce.
Cathay recommends passengers sign up for flight-status SMS alerts and ensure the airline has valid contact details. Bad weather is forecast to clear Boston by 24 February, but residual schedule adjustments could last another 24–48 hours.
The waiver applies to both revenue and Asia Miles redemption bookings purchased directly from Cathay or via travel agencies. While the change fee is waived, fare or tax differences will still apply if customers switch cabins or destinations. Passengers who bought through third-party platforms are being urged to contact their agents; those who booked online can self-serve through the Manage Booking tool.
Travellers juggling new itineraries may also need to review transit or entry requirements, especially if re-routing via alternate hubs. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong team (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) can expedite visas, passports and other travel documents on short notice, helping passengers avoid additional disruptions when weather forces last-minute changes.
Operational planners at Cathay’s headquarters in Tung Chung say crews and aircraft currently down-route in Boston are facing tight “minimum rest” windows, so rolling delays may cascade into the carrier’s trans-Pacific network. Stand-by crews in New York and Vancouver have been placed on alert to reposition if required.
For corporate travel managers in Hong Kong, the fee waiver offers breathing room to re-sequence meetings or arrange remote participation without incurring extra costs. However, they should watch knock-on effects: the Boston rotation feeds connecting flights to Toronto, New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles, meaning re-routing space may be scarce.
Cathay recommends passengers sign up for flight-status SMS alerts and ensure the airline has valid contact details. Bad weather is forecast to clear Boston by 24 February, but residual schedule adjustments could last another 24–48 hours.
