How many Asia Miles to fly to San Francisco?
Hong Kong (HKG) to San Francisco (SFO) — Standard award pricing across all cabins, from the 1 May 2026 rates.
Verified October 2026
TL;DR
HKG to San Francisco in Economy: 27,000 Asia Miles Standard; Business: 91,000 miles; First: 125,000 miles. Standard saves miles when seats open. Choice costs more, and Cathay does not publish Choice rates.
Economy
27,000
Standard one-way
Premium Economy
52,000
Standard one-way
Business
91,000
Standard one-way
First Class
125,000
Standard one-way
Complete pricing table
One-way Asia Miles — HKG → San Francisco (SFO)
| Cabin | Standard |
|---|---|
| Economy Standard seating |
27,000 |
| Premium Economy Enhanced comfort |
52,000 |
| Business Lie-flat |
91,000 |
| First Class Premium |
125,000 |
Return flight pricing
Economy return
Business return
Standard vs Choice
- Standard — fewer Asia Miles, limited seat availability. Best booked 361 days out.
- Choice — more miles, better availability. Cathay does not publish Choice rates, so check the award search.
Booking strategy
- Book 361 days out — Cathay releases inventory exactly that far ahead.
- Try Standard first — only fall back to Choice if seats are gone.
- Stay flexible — check multiple dates.
FAQ — flying to San Francisco
How many Asia Miles for a return to San Francisco?
Economy: 54,000 miles Standard. First: 250,000 miles Standard.
Standard vs Choice — what's the difference?
Standard requires fewer Asia Miles but has limited seat availability. Choice costs more Asia Miles but offers better availability. Cathay does not publish Choice rates, so this page shows Standard rates only.
When should I book?
Book exactly 361 days out when Cathay releases new award inventory. Standard typically offers the best value but requires booking early. Check multiple dates.
Can I use Asia Miles for partner airlines?
Yes. Cathay is in oneworld, so you can book American, British Airways, Qatar Airways, JAL, and other oneworld carriers. Partner pricing may differ from Cathay-operated flights.
Fuel surcharges on Cathay awards?
Cathay does not charge fuel surcharges (YQ) on its own flights — only government taxes and airport fees. Partner awards may include fuel surcharges.
Need More Points?
Earn bonus points with these credit card offers
Can't find availability at your current points balance? These credit cards earn points you can put towards your next flight.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Personal · Annual fee $895
175,000 points
after $12,000 in 6 months
- Airline incidentals credit ($200)
- Uber credit ($200)
- Lounge access
American Express Gold Card
Personal · Annual fee $325
100,000 points
after $8,000 in 6 months
- Dining credit ($120)
- Resy credit ($100)
- Dunkin credit ($84)
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Personal · Annual fee $795
100,000 points
after $6,000 in 3 months
- Annual Travel Credit ($300)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit ($120)
- The Edit Hotel Credit ($500)
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
Business · Annual fee $95
100,000 Ultimate Rewards points
after $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- 3x points on travel & shipping
- 3x points on advertising
- 3x points on internet/cable/phone
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Personal · Annual fee $95
75,000 points
after $5,000 in 3 months
- Hotel credit ($50)
- DoorDash DashPass
- Peloton credit ($60)
Capital One Venture Rewards
Personal · Annual fee $95
75,000 points
after $4,000 in 3 months
- Capital One Travel credit ($300)
Credit card approval subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. American Express cards shown are available to US residents only.
Compare with other programs
BA Avios, Virgin Points, Qatar Avios — see how Asia Miles stack up.
Similar destinations
Don't want to read all this? Just ask the agent.