how to get an upgrade on cathay pacific

Everyone wants to buy a cheap economy class ticket and get bumped up and upgraded to business class or first class. Who doesn't want more comfort, more legroom, better service and the lounge access.

Every so often airlines will give out free upgrades for operational reasons.
you can redeem asia miles for an Instant Upgrade Award and experience the luxury of flying on First or Business Class on Cathay Pacific or Dragonair. Instant Upgrade Awards are available on:

All CX flights departing from worldwide destinations.
All KA flights departing from 15 destinations: Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Phuket, Hong Kong, Busan, Fukuoka, Taichung, Dhaka, Bangalore, Kota Kinabalu, Hanoi, Manila and Phnom Penh.
For exact redemption amounts, please refer to the Asia Miles Award Charts.

How to redeem your Instant Upgrade Award Cathay Pacific

At Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA): You may request to redeem your Award at our service desk at Aisle B, Departures Hall, Terminal 1, or make your request when checking in for your flight.
At airports worldwide: Please make your request when checking in for your flight.
Dragonair

At HKIA: Request to redeem your mileage upgrade Award at our service desk at Aisle H, Departures Hall, Terminal 1 before checking in for your flight.
At the other 14 airports: Please make your request when checking in your flight.
To ensure quick processing, please have your membership card, booking reference number and ticket(s) ready.

If you do not have enough miles to redeem an Instant Upgrade Award and are flying from HKIA, you may purchase up to 30% of the remaining miles you require with Asia Miles Top-Up.