Cathay Pacific returns to Seattle

Cathay Pacific is bringing back its popular direct flights between Hong Kong and Seattle, which began in March 2019 before a year later being suspended when the global pandemic struck.

Now Seattle is back on the CX network map, with five flights per week from 30 March 2026 reconnecting Hong Kong with one of the most vibrant cities on the US west coast.

The trans-Pacific flight between Hong Kong and Seattle is a long one, averaging 13 hours, but it’s done in the quiet and comfort of an Airbus A350 fitted with Cathay Pacific’s modern business class and premium economy seats, plus free inflight Wi-Fi en route.

Cathay Pacific's classic A350 business class seat.

• Flight CX852 departs Hong Kong at 1.25pm to reach Seattle at 10.05am the same day.
• Flight CX853 is wheels up from SEA at 11.45am, landing in Hong Kong at 4.45pm the next day.

“This route not only provides greater convenience for our customers, but also supports the growing demand for connectivity between Asia and North America, particularly among travellers from the Chinese Mainland and India,” notes Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau.

“Customers can immerse themselves in Seattle’s thriving tech scene, lush greenery and rich cultural offerings, while those travelling to Hong Kong and through our home hub can connect to more than 100 destinations around the world through the Cathay Group’s network.”

Cathay Pacific's A350 premium economy recliners.

As home to technology giants such as Microsoft and Amazon plus the ‘satellite’ offices of Silicon Valley-based companies like Google and Facebook, along with a wide range of startups, Seattle’s tech cred is an obvious drawcard and ranks second only to San Francisco as the US’s top tech market.

However, Seattle is also a refreshingly different US city with plenty of appeal in its own right, as well as the natural outdoor attractions of the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle is also the anchor of a sizeable Arctic and Alaska cruise market, plus tours through the Canadian Rockies.

Cathay will fly five days a week between Hong Kong and Seattle.

Other Asian airlines now offering direct flights to Seattle include ANA and Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Taiwan’s EVA Air and Starlux.

Meanwhile, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is also spreading its wings into Asia with flights to Tokyo and Seoul. 

Also read: Alaska Airlines to launch non-stop Seattle–Sydney flights?

Ahead of their flight from Seattle to Hong Kong, Cathay’s business class passengers along with Diamond and Gold frequent flyers (and their Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald equivalents) can choose between two decent lounges.

Alaska Airlines' flagship lounge at Seattle.

The flagship Alaska Airlines Lounge is an obvious go-to.

Alaska Airlines' flagship lounge at Seattle.

With expansive views through floor-to ceiling windows from the Olympic Mountains and Mt Rainier to downtown Seattle, the spacious 4800m² footprint boasts a central fireplace, chaise lounge recliners and banquette nooks.

Alaska Airlines' flagship lounge at Seattle.

The bar serves everything from barista-pulled coffee (apologies in advance – it’s Starbucks) to cocktails and local microbrews.

Alaska Airlines' flagship lounge at Seattle.

Also worth checking out is the British Airways Lounge, the subject of recent and extensive refurbishment by BA.

British Airways' Seattle lounge.

The lounge features a new full-service bar, a redesigned food servery area, work-friendly ‘focus pods’ and zones that make the most of the 180-degree views of the runway and mountains beyond.

British Airways' Seattle lounge.

Cathay will also begin flying its 777 Aria Suite business class to Los Angeles from April 4; LAX is the third North American gateway alongside San Francisco and Vancouver to welcome the airline’s next-generation cabin designs. 

And as previously reported, Cathay will open its first-ever lounge at New York’s JFK airport this year.

Read more: Cathay’s New York lounge will have direct boarding