Cathay Pacific
CX · Hong Kong
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 8.7/10
Cathay Pacific vs Korean Air
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 8.4/10 for Korean Air. 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 | Korean Air |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin baggage | Included | Included |
| Checked baggage | 1×23 kg economy international | 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial (messaging/select routes) | Partial (messaging/select routes) |
| Economy seat pitch | 32" | 32–34" |
| Loyalty programme | Asia Miles / Marco Polo Club | SKYPASS |
| Lounge access | Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld Emerald | KAL Prestige lounge ICN; SkyTeam Elite Plus |
| Changes & refunds | Flex fares allow changes; Light restricted | Flex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee |
Individual profiles
Korean Air
KE · South Korea
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 8.4/10
Editorial profiles
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
8.4 / 10
Quick Answer
Korean Air scores 8.4/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.5/10), ranking #20 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is Korean Air a good airline?
Korean Air scores 8.4/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #20 globally with a safety score of 9.5/10. Korean Air is South Korea's flag carrier operating from Incheon with Prestige Class business, exceptional Korean dining, and strong SkyTeam connectivity for UK–Asia routings. See full profile →
Overall 8.4 Excellent
Safety 9.5 Maximum Safety
Service 8.7 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- Alliance
- skyteam
- Founded
- 1969
- Fleet
- 160 aircraft
- Region
- asia pacific
- IATA / ICAO
- KE / KAL
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 32–34" |
| Lounge access | KAL Prestige lounge ICN; SkyTeam Elite Plus |
| Changes & refunds | Flex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee |
| Loyalty programme | SKYPASS |
Strengths
- KAL Prestige lounge at ICN
- Incheon hub 9.3/10 airport score
- Strong UK–Seoul and UK–Asia connections
Weaknesses
- Asiana merger integration ongoing
- Award space competitive on popular routes
Awards & recognition
- SkyTeam member
- Best Korean airline catering
FAQ
Which is better — Cathay Pacific or Korean Air?
Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.4/10 for Korean Air. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Does Cathay Pacific or Korean Air include a carry-on bag?
Cathay Pacific: Included. Korean Air: Included.
Which has free Wi-Fi — Cathay Pacific or Korean Air?
Cathay Pacific: Partial (messaging/select routes). Korean Air: Partial (messaging/select routes).
Does Cathay Pacific include checked baggage?
Cathay Pacific checked baggage: 1×23 kg economy international.
Does Korean Air include checked baggage?
Korean Air checked baggage: 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige.