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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 KLM Royal Dutch 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 8.0/10 for KLM Royal Dutch 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 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg economy international1×23 kg long-haul; Light none short-haul
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Paid
Economy seat pitch 32"31"
Loyalty programme Asia Miles / Marco Polo ClubFlying Blue
Lounge access Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld EmeraldKLM Crown lounges
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; Light restrictedFlex allows changes

Individual profiles

Cathay Pacific

CX · Hong Kong

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

Netherlands · KL/KLM · #2 in this comparison

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Journey of Inspiration

#14 Global 4-Star
8.0 / 10
Quick Answer

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.3/10), ranking #14 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines a good airline?

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #14 globally with a safety score of 9.3/10. KLM is the Netherlands' flag carrier operating from Amsterdam Schiphol with one of Europe's densest networks, World Business Class on long-haul, and Flying Blue shared with Air France. See full profile →

Overall 8.0 Excellent
Safety 9.3 Excellent Safety
Service 8.2 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.8 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.2
Seat Comfort
8.0
Food & Beverage
8.0
In-Flight Entertainment
7.8
On-Time Performance
8.2
Value for Money
7.8

Key facts

Hub
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Alliance
skyteam
Founded
1919
Fleet
110 aircraft
Region
europe
IATA / ICAO
KL / KLM

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg long-haul; Light none short-haul
In-flight Wi-Fi Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages
Economy seat pitch 31"
Lounge access KLM Crown lounges
Changes & refunds Flex allows changes
Loyalty programme Flying Blue

Strengths

  • Efficient AMS single-terminal hub
  • Crown Lounge at Schiphol
  • Strong Africa and Asia connections

Weaknesses

  • Older short-haul cabins on some European routes
  • Flying Blue dynamic pricing on awards

Awards & recognition

  • Oldest operating airline
  • Best Schiphol hub carrier

FAQ

Which is better — Cathay Pacific or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?

Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.0/10 for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Cathay Pacific or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines include a carry-on bag?

Cathay Pacific: Included. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Cathay Pacific or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?

Cathay Pacific: Partial (messaging/select routes). KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Paid.

Does Cathay Pacific include checked baggage?

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

Does KLM Royal Dutch Airlines include checked baggage?

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines checked baggage: 1×23 kg long-haul; Light none short-haul.