How PointPopz calculates value
PointPopz is a free explorer that shows what your miles could buy and whether paying cash might be the better deal. This page explains where every number comes from, and what it leaves out.
1. Award miles
Miles follow Cathay Pacific's distance-based award chart as of May 2026, for flights operated by Cathay Pacific, one way. A return trip is double. The chart was checked against Cathay's own award search.
| Distance band | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 750 miles | 7,000 | 11,000 | 16,000 |
| 751 to 2,750 miles (short, type 1) | 9,000 | 18,000 | 27,000 |
| 751 to 2,750 miles (short, type 2) | 13,000 | 23,000 | 33,000 |
| 2,751 to 5,000 miles | 20,000 | 39,000 | 60,000 |
| 5,001 to 7,500 miles | 27,000 | 52,000 | 91,000 |
| 7,501 miles and over | 38,000 | 78,000 | 119,000 |
Short routes of 751 to 2,750 miles fall into one of two bands depending on the destination, so distance alone doesn't decide them.
2. Cash fares and taxes
These are rough estimates, rounded, and based on typical prices for similar routes. They are not live prices. Taxes are shown separately for each direction because they differ, and they usually run higher on the leg leaving the UK.
3. Estimated saving and value per mile
Estimated saving is the estimated cash fare minus the estimated taxes paid on an award ticket. Value per mile is that saving divided by the miles. As a rule of thumb, HK$0.20 or more per mile is labelled Strong value, HK$0.12 or more Good value, and HK$0.08 or more Fair value. These thresholds are PointPopz's own judgement, not an official rating.
4. Travellers, direction and flight time
- Travellers multiplies miles, taxes and cash for everyone flying the same cabin at the same fare. It does not model child or infant fares.
- Return is double the one-way miles and cash, with taxes from both directions.
- Flight time is an approximation from distance, not a schedule.
5. What PointPopz does not do
- It does not check award seat availability. Confirm on the airline's website.
- It does not cover partner airlines, which use a different chart, or First class.
- It does not include fees for changes, cancellations or optional extras.
6. Independence and corrections
PointPopz is independent and not affiliated with Cathay Pacific, Asia Miles or any airline. If PointPopz ever earns a commission from a link, it will say so next to that link. Spotted a wrong figure? Email [email protected] and it will be checked.
Last updated 6 October 2026.