On November 16, 2009, Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it is offering passengers the option to secure seats with extra legroom in its Economy Class cabins by paying an additional charge. Previously these seats could only be reserved by certain passengers such as Marco Polo Club members of a certain level and those in the highest booking classes. Now all passengers who fulfil the safety requirements are able to book them in advance.

There is always a strong demand for extra legroom seats, and the Cathay Pacific move is in line with similar practices adopted by other major international airlines.

From December 1, 2009, Cathay Pacific customers will be able to secure an Extra-legroom Seat on long-haul flights by paying US$100 per sector. They can also pay for the seats by redeeming 20,000 Asia Miles. From January 1, 2010, passengers will be able to secure an Extra-legroom Seat on flights to Mainland China and regional destinations by paying US$25 or 5,000 Asia Miles.

Members of the Cathay Pacific's Marco Polo Club loyalty programme (Silver tier and above), who are already able to reserve the Extra-legroom Seats, will continue to enjoy the service free of charge. The seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cathay Pacific Director Sales & Marketing James Barrington said: "Those passengers who particularly value extra legroom will now be able to secure these seats and enjoy a more comfortable journey simply by making an additional payment. At the same time, we will continue to reward our most loyal customers by offering them the Extra-legroom Seat option free of charge."

The Extra-legroom Seats have significantly more legroom than other seats in Cathay Pacific's Economy Class cabins. For most flights, there are between two and four Extra-legroom Seats available.

Initially the seats will be available for booking through the airlines reservations hotline or when checking at airport or in-town check-in counters. Next year passengers will be able to secure the seats through the airline's website.