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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 United 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 7.7/10 for United 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 United Airlines
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg economy internationalIntl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Partial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 32"30–31"
Loyalty programme Asia Miles / Marco Polo ClubMileagePlus
Lounge access Cathay Pacific lounges; oneworld EmeraldUnited Club / Polaris
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; Light restrictedNo change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted

Individual profiles

Cathay Pacific

CX · Hong Kong

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.7/10

United Airlines

UA · United States

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 7.7/10

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

United States · UA/UAL · #2 in this comparison

United Airlines

Good leads the way

#17 Global 4-Star
7.7 / 10
Quick Answer

United Airlines scores 7.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.1/10), ranking #17 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is United Airlines a good airline?

United Airlines scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic, ranking #17 globally with a safety score of 9.1/10. United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member with Polaris business class on long-haul, an extensive global network from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and MileagePlus as a core loyalty programme for UK–US routings. See full profile →

Overall 7.7 Very Good
Safety 9.1 Excellent Safety
Service 7.8 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.6 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
7.8
Seat Comfort
8.1
Food & Beverage
7.2
In-Flight Entertainment
7.8
On-Time Performance
7.9
Value for Money
7.6

Key facts

Hub
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) / Newark (EWR) / San Francisco (SFO)
Alliance
star alliance
Founded
1926
Fleet
900 aircraft
Region
americas
IATA / ICAO
UA / UAL

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 30–31"
Lounge access United Club / Polaris
Changes & refunds No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted
Loyalty programme MileagePlus

Strengths

  • Polaris lounges and lie-flat business
  • Extensive Star Alliance network
  • Strong SFO and ORD hubs

Weaknesses

  • Basic Economy restrictions
  • Polaris product varies by aircraft age

Awards & recognition

  • Star Alliance founding member
  • Polaris business class

FAQ

Which is better — Cathay Pacific or United Airlines?

Cathay Pacific scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

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

Cathay Pacific: Included. United Airlines: Included.

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

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

Does Cathay Pacific include checked baggage?

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

Does United Airlines include checked baggage?

United Airlines checked baggage: Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply.