Airline to give away 3,000 ‘free’ long haul flights from the UK – here’s how to nab them

AN airline is giving away thousands of long haul flights for 'free' - but you will have to be quick.

Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific is offering more than 3,000 people free round-trip tickets from the UK to Hong Kong as part of a competition called ‘World of Winners’.

Flying to the Chinese city from London Heathrow or Manchester Airport, the airline has announced that those lucky enough to win will be awarded an economy round-trip fare.

To enter the competition and be in for the chance of nabbing yourself a ticket, you’ll have to sign up to be a Cathay member through the .

The giveaway opens at 8am on May 9, but will only run until May 15,

During this period, tickets will be handed to the first 3,260 members who enter the correct answers through the .

However, entrants should be warned that the winning tickets exclude taxes and surcharges, so any trip to Hong Kong won’t be completely free of charge.

For example, for a random week in October, an Economy Light return fare for one adult flying from London Heathrow to Hong Kong costs £872.61, but £189.60 of that cost is carrier surcharges and a further £181.01 is taxes. 

That means that, if you do win a return ticket and chose to fly this specific week, you would still have to stump up over £370 in fees. 

Flights prices will, of course, vary depending on the time of year you choose to travel.

Cathay Pacific is currently advertising London/Manchester-Hong Kong return fares .

If you do decide to enter, those who are successful will be emailed with details on how to redeem their prize with a special code once the competition has ended on May 15

It’s also worth noting that tickets must be redeemed between June and July 4 and are valid for nine months from the issue date of the redemption code email. 

Kenneth Wong, Regional Director of Europe, Hong Kong Tourism Board said Hong Kong is ‘delighted’ to welcome visitors from Europe. 

“It is a vibrant and diverse city offering everything from world-class museums, historic architecture, incredible dining and nightlife and, beyond its iconic skyline, refreshing hiking experiences,’ he said.

This isn’t the first time Cathay Pacific has given away tickets. 

In 2019, the airline gave away premium fare tickets at economy prices but by mistake - honouring discounted tickets it unintentionally sold for £535, instead of £12,000.

The airline offered Vietnam to New York fares at a fraction of the price and even though it admitted it was an error, said the tickets would still be accepted.

It comes just months after the Hong Kong airport authority confirmed plans to give away 500,000 tickets, which they bought in advance two years ago.