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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.

Verdict

Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.0/10 for Thai Airways. 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 Thai Airways
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg economy international1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Royal Silk
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Partial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 32"32–34"
Loyalty programme Asia Miles / Marco Polo ClubRoyal Orchid Plus
Lounge access Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld EmeraldRoyal Silk lounge BKK; Star Alliance Gold
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; Light restrictedFlex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee

Individual profiles

Cathay Pacific

CX · Hong Kong

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.7/10

Thai Airways

TG · Thailand

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.0/10

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

Thailand · TG/THA · #2 in this comparison

Thai Airways

Smooth as Silk

#24 Global 4-Star
8.0 / 10
Quick Answer

Thai Airways scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.1/10), ranking #24 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Thai Airways a good airline?

Thai Airways scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #24 globally with a safety score of 9.1/10. Thai Airways is Thailand's flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, operating from Bangkok with renowned Royal Silk business class and a gateway hub for UK–Southeast Asia and Australia routings. See full profile →

Overall 8.0 Excellent
Safety 9.1 Excellent Safety
Service 8.5 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.5
Seat Comfort
7.8
Food & Beverage
8.7
In-Flight Entertainment
7.5
On-Time Performance
7.8
Value for Money
8.0

Key facts

Hub
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
Alliance
star alliance
Founded
1960
Fleet
80 aircraft
Region
asia pacific
IATA / ICAO
TG / THA

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Royal Silk
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 32–34"
Lounge access Royal Silk lounge BKK; Star Alliance Gold
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee
Loyalty programme Royal Orchid Plus

Strengths

  • Royal Silk lounge at BKK — see /guides/bkk-airport-lounge-guide-2026
  • Exceptional Thai meal service in all cabins
  • Strong UK–Bangkok direct and one-stop Asia connections

Weaknesses

  • Fleet renewal ongoing — verify aircraft on long-haul bookings
  • BKK hub congestion at peak banks

Awards & recognition

  • Star Alliance member
  • Best Thai cuisine in-flight among global carriers

FAQ

Which is better — Cathay Pacific or Thai Airways?

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

Does Cathay Pacific or Thai Airways include a carry-on bag?

Cathay Pacific: Included. Thai Airways: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Cathay Pacific or Thai Airways?

Cathay Pacific: Partial (messaging/select routes). Thai Airways: Partial (messaging/select routes).

Does Cathay Pacific include checked baggage?

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

Does Thai Airways include checked baggage?

Thai Airways checked baggage: 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Royal Silk.