American Airlines
AA · United States
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 7.5/10
American Airlines vs Cathay Pacific
Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.
Verdict
Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 7.5/10 for American Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026
Policy comparison
Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.
| Policy | American Airlines | Cathay Pacific |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin baggage | Included | Included |
| Checked baggage | First bag fee domestic; intl varies | 1×23 kg economy international |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial (messaging/select routes) | Partial (messaging/select routes) |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" | 32" |
| Loyalty programme | AAdvantage | Asia Miles / Marco Polo Club |
| Lounge access | Admirals Club / Flagship Lounge | Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld Emerald |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted | Flex fares allow changes; Light restricted |
Individual profiles
Cathay Pacific
CX · Hong Kong
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 8.7/10
Editorial profiles
United States · AA/AAL · #1 in this comparison
American Airlines
Great is what we're going for
#18 Global 4-Star
7.5 / 10
Quick Answer
American Airlines scores 7.5/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.0/10), ranking #18 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is American Airlines a good airline?
American Airlines scores 7.5/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic, ranking #18 globally with a safety score of 9.0/10. American Airlines is the world's largest airline by fleet size and a oneworld founding member, operating extensive transatlantic service from London plus a dominant Latin America network from Miami. See full profile →
Overall 7.5 Very Good
Safety 9.0 Excellent Safety
Service 7.6 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.5 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) / Charlotte (CLT) / Miami (MIA)
- Alliance
- oneworld
- Founded
- 1930
- Fleet
- 950 aircraft
- Region
- americas
- IATA / ICAO
- AA / AAL
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | First bag fee domestic; intl varies |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" |
| Lounge access | Admirals Club / Flagship Lounge |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
| Loyalty programme | AAdvantage |
Strengths
- Flagship Lounge at MIA and JFK
- Extensive oneworld network
- Strong London–US presence with BA joint venture
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent premium product across fleet
- DFW hub can feel crowded
Awards & recognition
- Oneworld founding member
- Largest airline fleet globally
8.7 / 10
Quick Answer
Cathay Pacific scores 8.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.6/10), ranking #3 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is Cathay Pacific a good airline?
Cathay Pacific scores 8.7/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #3 globally with a safety score of 9.6/10. Cathay Pacific excels on transpacific routes with refined cabins, strong wine programs, and one of Asia's best business class products. See full profile →
Overall 8.7 Excellent
Safety 9.6 Maximum Safety
Service 9.0 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.2 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Hong Kong (HKG)
- Alliance
- oneworld
- Founded
- 1946
- Fleet
- 180 aircraft
- Region
- asia pacific
- IATA / ICAO
- CX / CPA
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | 1×23 kg economy international |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 32" |
| Lounge access | Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld Emerald |
| Changes & refunds | Flex fares allow changes; Light restricted |
| Loyalty programme | Asia Miles / Marco Polo Club |
Strengths
- The Pier business lounge
- Strong premium economy product
- Excellent wine selection
Weaknesses
- HKG hub congestion at peak hours
- Economy seat pitch varies by aircraft
Awards & recognition
- Best Economy Class Asia
- Best Airline Lounge Hong Kong
FAQ
Which is better — American Airlines or Cathay Pacific?
Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 7.5/10 for American Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Does American Airlines or Cathay Pacific include a carry-on bag?
American Airlines: Included. Cathay Pacific: Included.
Which has free Wi-Fi — American Airlines or Cathay Pacific?
American Airlines: Partial (messaging/select routes). Cathay Pacific: Partial (messaging/select routes).
Does American Airlines include checked baggage?
American Airlines checked baggage: First bag fee domestic; intl varies.
Does Cathay Pacific include checked baggage?
Cathay Pacific checked baggage: 1×23 kg economy international.