Cathay Pacific Review – Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Cathay Pacific has a vast global network serving over 200 destinations across Asia, Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

If you’re planning on flying this 5-star airline, then we’ve outlined all the info you need, including baggage and other extra fees, in-flight amenities, customer satisfaction, and more.

Basic Information

Airline: Cathay Pacific

Alliance: Oneworld

Category: International airline

Frequent Flyer Program: Cathay (formerly Asia Miles and Marco Polo Club)

Tagline: “Life Well Travelled”

Mission Statement: “Our vision is to be the world’s best airline. Being the best means that we always strive to excel in everything we do. Our dynamic team provides the highest quality service so that our customers are happy they chose Cathay Pacific.” (Source.)

Fleet: 201

Main Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Destinations: Over 200 destinations across Asia, Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa

Cathay Frequent Flyer Program

The Cathay frequent flyer program is a new program that combines Asia Miles and the Marco Polo Club. Members can earn Asia Miles that can be redeemed for flights with Cathay Pacific and Oneworld partners such as American Airlines and Status Points, which count toward elite status.

Ticketing Options

Cathay Pacific has ten fare options across its four cabin types. Below is information on the booking conditions and benefits, excluding in-flight amenities, which are covered later in this article. Fees can be found in our “Other Fees” section.

Economy Supersaver

This entry-level economy fare is the cheapest available but does come with its restrictions.

You’ll incur a fee to pre-book a seat, and for long and short-haul international routes, the fare cannot be canceled or changed (excluding routes from mainland China to Hong Kong where a fee would be incurred.) With this fare, it’s also not possible to upgrade using miles.

Economy Core

Economy Core allows you to select a seat for free, permits booking changes for a fee (lower than the Supersaver fee for mainland China to Hong Kong flight), and has a higher Asia Miles earning rate. As with the Supersaver fare, you aren’t permitted to upgrade using miles.

Economy Standard

This fare has the same benefits and restrictions as Economy Core but does permit you to upgrade using miles.

Economy Flex

This flexible fare allows you to select a seat for free, permits booking changes free of charge or for a smaller fee, has a higher earning rate for Asia Miles, and allows passengers to upgrade with miles.

Premium Economy Standard and Flex

Both fares allow you to select your seat for free and permits booking changes and cancellations for a fee. Passengers can collect Asia Miles points with a higher earning rate for Flex fares and are permitted to upgrade using miles on the Flex fare.

Passengers also benefit from dedicated check-in desks, increased baggage allowance, and priority boarding.

Business Save, Standard, and Flex

All of these fare types allow free seat selection and permit changes and cancellations for a fee (lower fee than for Standard and Flex). Business passengers can collect Asia Miles points on all fares, with a slightly higher earning rate for Flex fares, and can upgrade with miles.

Business passengers benefit from dedicated check-in desks, increased baggage allowance, priority boarding, and access to business class lounges.

First Standard and Flex 

Both fare types allow free seat selection, permit changes, and cancellations (First Standard incurs a fee while Flex is free of charge). Both fares have the same earning rate for Asia Miles.

First Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in areas, fast-track security at some airports, priority boarding, and access to first class lounges.

Hot Tip: If you’re interested in redeeming your miles for reward flights, you can read our article on redeem Cathay Pacific Asia Miles for max value.

Cathay Pacific Baggage, Other Fees, and Add-Ons

Cathay Pacific Carry-On Allowance

All passengers are permitted to bring 1 personal item (such as a handbag or briefcase) and 1 standard carry-on bag.

The personal item must not exceed 6 x 12 x 16 inches and the standard carry-on must not be bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Weight allowances depend on the cabin type and apply to a combined weight for the personal item and carry-on:

• Economy and premium economy: 15 pounds (7 kg)
• Business: 22 pounds (10 kg)
• First: 33 pounds (15 kg)

Marco Polo Silver and Gold members are allowed increased cabin baggage weight:

• Economy and premium economy: up to 22 pounds (10 kg)

Marco Polo Diamond members are allowed increased cabin baggage weight:

• Economy, premium economy, business, and first class: up to 33 pounds (15 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-On Policy

Lap infants are permitted one piece of carry-on that must not exceed 45 inches. A stroller or car seat is also permitted up to the maximum weight allowance of the cabin weight for the adult ticket.

Cathay Pacific doesn’t disclose its policy on strollers in the checked compartment.

Cathay Pacific Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must not exceed the maximum linear dimensions of 80 inches and the weight allowance is determined by the route.

On Most Flights (excluding the Americas and Auckland/Christchurch)

Weight can be distributed across the maximum number of pieces, but a single piece should not exceed more than 32 kg or 70 pounds. 

Flights to, from, or through the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America

Hot Tip: For more information on baggage excess fees, waivers, and exemptions check out our Cathay Pacific baggage fees article.

Other Cathay Pacific Fees and Add-Ons

Change or Cancellation Fees (Cash Tickets)

Rebooking date and time change fee: $150 for promotional fares, Economy Saver, Premium Economy Standard, and Business Save. $50 for Standard Economy.

Rerouting: $150 plus the fare difference.

Cancellation for unused and partially used tickets: $150.

Cancellation for expired tickets: $200.

Name correction: Fees dependent on change required.

Tickets issued by Reservations Department: $39.

Extra legroom seat: $23 to $199.

Seat reservation fee (for Economy Supersaver tickets): $8 to $43.

Unaccompanied minor: $150 plus tax (per one-way route).

Transporting a pet: Animals aren’t permitted in the cabin or as checked baggage. They’re transported in the cargo hold and fees vary depending on the size and weight of the crate.

Hot Tip: We’ve also included information about Cathay Pacific in this article: Airline Cancellation & Change Fees For Award Flight Bookings.

How to Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Travel Expenses

There are many travel rewards cards that offer an annual “airline credit” allowance that you can put towards extra expenses such as baggage fees — and others where you can use your points balance to pay off some (or all of) your statement charges!

Here are some cards that we recommend:

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Each card allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days).

Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs

Economy

Amenities include:

• Seat storage for valuables
• Shelf for your cell phone or tablet
• Ergonomically-designed, cushioned seating with adjustable headrest and generous legroom
• 11.6-inch personal touchscreen TV with films, music, and games
• Complimentary meals, award-winning wines, and other beverages
• Newspapers, magazines, and game packs for children

Premium Economy

Amenities include:

• Welcome drink on long-haul flights
• Regular complimentary snacks and drinks
• Spacious seating with generous recline and legroom (calf rest and leather footrest on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft)
• Complimentary meals, award-winning wines, and other beverages
• Larger tray table than economy and cocktail table for extra room for beverages
• Amenity kit on long-haul flights
• Personal touchscreen TV with films, music, and games
• Noise-canceling headphones

Business Class

Amenities include:

• Dedicated cabin crew and a personalized service
• An award-winning seat that converts into a lie-flat bed on long-haul flights
• Ergonomically-designed, cushioned seating with adjustable headrest and generous legroom on short-haul flights
• Privacy partitions, large table, and power outlets
• Fine food with locally sourced ingredients, complimentary award-winning wines, and other beverages
• Personal touchscreen TV with films, music, and games
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Amenity kit with Jurlique skincare items
• Soft duvet cover, and pillow

First Class

Amenities include:

• First Class Suite leather chair, with built-in massages settings, that converts to a lie-flat bed
• 500 thread count cotton duvet and pillows
• Sleep suit
• Aesop amenity kit with items such as hand balm, facial hydrating cream, and lip cream
• Spacious work area with a power outlet and USB port
• 4.3-inch touchscreen and controller to control a range of services such as do not disturb and wake-up time notices for the crew
• 18.5-inch TV screen with on-demand entertainment
• À la carte dining
• Champagne and award-winning wines

Seat Specs

Cathay Pacific has 5 types of airplane in its fleet with varying seating configurations.

Cathay Pacific Customer Satisfaction

The general consensus for Cathay is pretty good, which is what you would expect for a 5-star airline. Many customer reviews state that it’s worth paying a bit extra to fly with them over another airline.

They’re noted frequently for their excellent, attentive service, and Cathay states that their cabin crew try to anticipate the needs of the customer in their first class cabin.

The few negative comments on their social media sites mostly reference poor call center customer experience, with long call wait times and occasionally no answer at all.

Cathay has some great reviews on TripAdvisor, with 72% of travelers rating them excellent or very good, 15% average, and 13% poor or terrible.

Negative reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor tend to cover flight delays with a lack of communication or compensation from ground staff during these events.

Most Common Complaints

No official statistics can be found on Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department website.

Consumer Rankings and Ratings

We’ve rounded-up the results for a few popular review sites so you can see how Cathay is rated.

Skytrax Ranking: 5 Star Airline (out of 5)

Skytrax Customer Rating: 7/10

Tripadvisor Airline Review Rating: 4/5 (average from 13,293 reviews)

Kayak Customer Rating: 8/10 (average from 5,613 reviews)

Safety and Performance

Cathay Pacific has a 7/7 safety record as awarded by AirlineRatings.com. This takes into consideration whether the airline has an IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification, combined with information from the World’s Aviation Governing Body, plus government and crash records.

Awards and Notable Mentions

IMA Italian Mission Award 2018: Best Economy Class

Ming Pao Weekly Elite Awards 2017: Airline Category

APEX Regional Passenger Choice Awards: Best Entertainment (Asia and Australia region)

Cellars in the Sky 2017 Award by Business Traveller Magazine: Best First Class Sparkling

Charity Partnerships

As with many other airlines, Cathay collects spare change from its passengers, and the collection is donated to UNICEF who they’ve had a long-standing relationship with since 1991.

Cathay also participates in relief projects, holding fundraising events for donations and transporting relief supplies and rescue teams to required areas around the world.

In Hong Kong, Cathay has a volunteer team with over 1,500 staff participating in activities for local communities.

Final Thoughts

Many customers of Cathay Pacific tend to agree with the airline’s 5-star status, with its excellent service in the air, relatively young fleet of aircraft, generous seat width, and extensive legroom, it’s no wonder people love it.

Some disgruntled customers complain that Cathay isn’t as good as it used to be. Cost-saving is blamed for this with less cabin crew and quality of meals deteriorating.

However, these complaints are in the minority, and Cathay is mostly perceived as a high-quality airline with a real emphasis on service.