Cathay Pacific’s New Aria Suite Arrives on U.S. Flights—What to Know

Flying at 30,000 feet just got more luxe.

Internationally-renowned carrier Cathay Pacific will launch its Aria Suite business class seat on flights to the United States starting Dec. 31, the airline told Travel + Leisure. The new cabin will be available on select flights between San Francisco and Hong Kong aboard the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

First announced last year, the Aria Suite boasts a sliding privacy door, customizable lighting, a 24-inch 4K ultra high-definition screen, a built-in wireless charger, soft suede walls, wool seats, and leather headrests.

“Next year, as we mark 40 years of flying from San Francisco and celebrate Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary, it’s only fitting that this city becomes the first U.S. destination to welcome our newest human‑centric cabin experience,” Cindy Lam, Cathay Pacific’s senior vice president for the Americas, said in a statement shared with T+L. “This meaningful milestone represents our ongoing commitment to delivering elevated comfort, thoughtful design, and exceptional service to North American travelers.”

Travelers will be able to book the comfortable suite six times per week on flight CX873, which departs San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It will also be available on the return flight CX872 from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to SFO.

For the inaugural flight, T+L spotted one-way tickets in business class starting at $3,486.

In addition to the business class seat, Cathay Pacific’s retrofitted aircraft boasts both a redesigned premium economy cabin (think: customized seat cushions and leather-padded footrests) and a refreshed economy experience, according to the airline. The aircraft features a total of 361 seats, including 45 lie-flat business class seats, 48 premium economy seats, and 268 economy seats.

This isn’t the first time Cathay Pacific has brought the Aria Suite to North America. The carrier first debuted the luxury seat in June on flights between Hong Kong and Vancouver, Canada. In addition, the suite is available on flights between Hong Kong and London Heathrow International Airport (LHR), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Sydney International Airport (SYD), and Melbourne International Airport (MEL).

While the Aria Suite may be the height of luxury, travelers in other cabins can still expect an elevated in-flight experience. The airline’s economy class was recently named the best in the world by the Skytrax World Airline Awards thanks to high-tech seats and amazing dining. 

Cathay Pacific operates flights to more than 200 destinations and direct routes to several U.S. cities, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The carrier is a member of the Oneworld Alliance, which also includes Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and more.