CX has just announced revisions to its mileage redemption programme. Flying economy to Europe used to cost you 60,000 miles. Now economy and premium economy classes have been split into Standard, Priority Tier 1 and Priority Tier 2.

The theory is it will be easier to get award seats at the new Tiers. In practise, they will reduce the number of seats and flights for Standard economy with that availability being moved into the higher tiers. Now Standard Economy to Europe in Tier 1 will cost 120,000 miles - in Tier 2 175,000 miles!! Premium Economy in Tier 2 hits you with a whopping 310,000 miles.

Business class is not yet affected by the changes. So if you can find an available seat, it will still cost you just 120,000 miles to/from Europe and 145,000 to/from JFK. However, CX is revamping its entire awards programme - so more changes are coming.