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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Cathay Pacific vs Japan Airlines

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 8.7/10 for Japan 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 Cathay Pacific Japan Airlines
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg economy international2×23 kg international economy
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Paid
Economy seat pitch 32"33–34"
Loyalty programme Asia Miles / Marco Polo ClubJAL Mileage Bank
Lounge access Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld EmeraldSakura / First lounges; oneworld Emerald
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; Light restrictedFlex fares allow changes

Individual profiles

Cathay Pacific

CX · Hong Kong

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.7/10

Japan Airlines

JL · Japan

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.7/10

Editorial profiles

Hong Kong · CX/CPA · #1 in this comparison

Cathay Pacific

Life Well Travelled

#3 Global 5-Star
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

Customer Service
9.0
Seat Comfort
9.1
Food & Beverage
8.8
In-Flight Entertainment
8.5
On-Time Performance
8.7
Value for Money
8.2

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

Japan · JL/JAL · #2 in this comparison

Japan Airlines

Fly into tomorrow

#15 Global 5-Star
8.7 / 10
Quick Answer

Japan Airlines scores 8.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.7/10), ranking #15 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Japan Airlines a good airline?

Japan Airlines scores 8.7/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #15 globally with a safety score of 9.7/10. Japan Airlines delivers meticulous Japanese hospitality, strong on-time performance, and refreshed Sky Suite business class on long-haul routes across Asia, North America, and Europe. See full profile →

Overall 8.7 Excellent
Safety 9.7 Maximum Safety
Service 9.0 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
9.0
Seat Comfort
8.7
Food & Beverage
8.9
In-Flight Entertainment
8.2
On-Time Performance
9.1
Value for Money
8.0

Key facts

Hub
Tokyo Haneda & Narita
Alliance
oneworld
Founded
1951
Fleet
170 aircraft
Region
asia pacific
IATA / ICAO
JL / JAL

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 2×23 kg international economy
In-flight Wi-Fi Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages
Economy seat pitch 33–34"
Lounge access Sakura / First lounges; oneworld Emerald
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes
Loyalty programme JAL Mileage Bank

Strengths

  • Sky Suite business class with direct aisle access
  • Exceptional Japanese dining
  • Strong Haneda hub access

Weaknesses

  • Narita vs Haneda confusion for transfers
  • Premium pricing on popular routes

Awards & recognition

  • World's Best Economy Class Asia
  • Oneworld founding member

FAQ

Which is better — Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines?

Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.7/10 for Japan Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines include a carry-on bag?

Cathay Pacific: Included. Japan Airlines: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines?

Cathay Pacific: Partial (messaging/select routes). Japan Airlines: Paid.

Does Cathay Pacific include checked baggage?

Cathay Pacific checked baggage: 1×23 kg economy international.

Does Japan Airlines include checked baggage?

Japan Airlines checked baggage: 2×23 kg international economy.