Cathay Pacific Airways is changing its Marco Polo Club loyalty program. Effective April 15, 2016, the program will switch to a points-based system, based on a cabin, fare class and distance traveled.

Cathay Pacific says the new system will see members who fly in premium classes earn tier status faster. It will allow members to earn club points from a wider range of fares, including discounted fare types that are currently not applicable to club status. Popular member benefits, including unlimited lounge access for Silver members and above, as well as priority boarding and check-in, will remain unchanged.

To expedite the transition, the Marco Polo Club will convert members’ mileage or sectors into club points based on the most favorable calculation for individual members.

In the meantime, the airline is introducing more flexible and family- friendly benefits, including:

• Extra lounge passes for members and their invited guests
• Bookable upgrades for Gold and Diamond members
• Additional gold companion card for Diamond members
• Membership Holidays enabling members to retain their status for one year if circumstances cause them to temporarily reduce their travel activity
• Lower qualifying age for young members, down from 18 to 12.