There’s something unmistakable about the way Cathay Pacific carries itself. As someone who’s flown with virtually every major international airline over the past 15 years, I can say that Cathay isn’t loud about its luxury , it delivers quietly, precisely, and consistently. Headquartered in Hong Kong, this airline has managed to blend Asian hospitality with modern global standards in a way that few carriers do.
Over the last decade, I’ve flown Cathay Pacific on more than 30 long-haul and regional routes, across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Whether you’re flying from Hong Kong to London, New York to Taipei, or within Asia, Cathay offers a polished, balanced, and consistently premium experience.
In this review, I break down the Cathay Pacific experience across cabin classes, lounges, onboard service, loyalty programs, and more. If you’re wondering whether it still deserves the title of Hong Kong’s premier airline, I’ll give you my evidence-backed answer.
What makes Cathay Pacific a leading Asian carrier?
Cathay Pacific has long been a cornerstone of premium travel in Asia. A founding member of the Oneworld Alliance since 1999, it operates out of Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), one of the world’s most efficient transit hubs. As of 2024, Cathay maintains a fleet of over 200 aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-300ER , both known for long-haul efficiency and cabin comfort.
Cathay holds a 4-Star Airline rating by Skytrax and was ranked #8 globally in the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards. While its global footprint shrank during the pandemic, it has since recovered to serve over 80 destinations and is steadily rebuilding its premium network.
How do the cabin classes differ on Cathay Pacific?
The airline operates four classes of service , Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First , across long-haul routes. I’ve flown each class multiple times, and the differences are distinct, not just in seat size but in passenger treatment, inflight features, and value proposition.
What does Economy Class offer on Cathay flights?
Cathay’s long-haul Economy class is surprisingly competitive. The seats offer:
- 32-inch pitch and 6-inch recline
- 11.6-inch 4K screens with USB-A charging ports
- Adjustable headrests and personal coat hooks
- StudioCX entertainment with over 700 hours of content
Meals are above average for Economy, often including an Asian and Western option, with complimentary wine or beer. I’ve found the crews responsive and multilingual, with fluency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin standard across flights.
How is Premium Economy on long-haul routes?
Premium Economy is often overlooked, but on Cathay, it’s a strong middle ground:
- 38-inch pitch, 19.5-inch seat width, 8-inch recline
- Dedicated cabin between Economy and Business
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
- Upgraded meals and a welcome drink
- Noise-cancelling headphones and larger pillows
On flights to London or New York, this class offers comfort closer to regional business class than traditional economy.
What are the benefits of Cathay Business Class?
Cathay’s Business Class remains a standard-setter in Asia, especially on its A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
- Fully flat beds with 1-2-1 configuration (reverse herringbone)
- Privacy dividers, direct aisle access
- On-demand dining with a curated wine list (featuring wines from Burgundy and New Zealand)
- Wi-Fi access on A350s and updated B777s
- Bamford amenity kits, cotton sleepwear on overnight flights
Cathay doesn’t exaggerate luxury , instead, it refines it. The bed padding, the cabin lighting, the quiet during night hours , all carefully optimized.
How luxurious is Cathay First Class?
First Class is available only on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. It’s subtle, elegant, and exceptionally personal.
- 6 suites in a 1-1-1 configuration
- 36-inch-wide seats converting into 81-inch beds
- Caviar and Krug Champagne service
- Touchscreen seat controls and turndown service
- Private check-in and The Pier First Lounge access at HKG
The real luxury is in the small details. On one recent flight to New York, the crew addressed me by name throughout, adjusted lighting based on my meal timing, and plated dinner with restaurant-level care. It’s hard to find this kind of bespoke service elsewhere.
What inflight entertainment and connectivity does Cathay offer?
StudioCX is Cathay’s inflight entertainment platform. It includes:
- Over 700 movies and TV shows in more than 10 languages
- 4K resolution screens on A350 aircraft
- Touch screen remotes and intuitive menu navigation
- Live news channels (CNN, BBC, Bloomberg)
- Noise-canceling headphones in Premium and Business
Wi-Fi is available on all A350s and retrofitted 777s. There are two pricing tiers , a basic messaging plan and a full web browsing package. In my tests, download speeds averaged 5–7 Mbps, which is fast enough for email and light streaming, but not ideal for video calls.
Wi-Fi
- Available on most A350 and 777 aircraft
- Plans:
- $9.95 for 1 hour
- $19.95 for full flight
- Free messaging on select routes
- Speed: Usable for emails, social, light browsing, not suitable for video streaming
How does Cathay Pacific perform on onboard service and meals?
Cathay’s service model leans on the Asian tradition of anticipation , anticipating your needs before you ask. I consistently find the service polished and unobtrusive.
Meal quality across all cabins reflects Swire Group’s culinary direction, using seasonal ingredients and rotating menus every two months. Dishes blend Asian and international influences , think wok-fried cod with miso broth next to beef tenderloin with truffle mash.
Presentation, even in Economy, is elegant. And in Business and First, wine pairing suggestions are printed directly on the menus, a small but telling detail of their attention to inflight dining as an experience.
Dining and Beverages: Refined and Reliable
Business Class
- Dine-on-demand service on selected long-haul routes
- Meals plated restaurant-style
- Options include Asian and Western dishes, e.g., slow-cooked pork belly, dim sum, grilled seabass
- Wine list curated by Masters of Wine, champagne usually Piper-Heidsieck or Deutz Brut
- Bamford tea and premium coffee options
Premium Economy and Economy
- Upgraded main courses in Premium Economy
- Alcohol (beer, wine) free in both cabins on long-haul
- Snacks like cup noodles and ice cream on ultra-long-haul sectors
Overall, Cathay’s catering is high-quality, consistent, and regionally inspired, though not as extravagant as Singapore Airlines or Qatar.
What lounge experience does Cathay offer at Hong Kong International Airport?
I’ve spent hours in Cathay’s lounges across Hong Kong , they’re not just resting spaces but experiential environments.
The Pier Business Lounge
- Located near Gate 65, 35,000 sq ft of space
- Noodle bar with dan dan noodles, congee, dim sum
- Shower suites, productivity pods, coffee cart
- Wooden, earth-toned interiors for calm and privacy
The Wing Business Lounge
- Close to Gate 5, excellent for short connections
- Long open-air bar, extensive buffet, shower rooms
- The Coffee Loft offers fresh brews and pastries
The Pier First Lounge
The best lounge in Asia, in my opinion.
- À la carte dining in “The Dining Room” with curated menus
- Private Day Suites with real beds and runway views
- Hand-mixed cocktails at the bar, served by trained mixologists
- Spa treatments, minimalist bamboo and leather design
The First Lounge isn’t just about exclusivity , it’s deeply restorative, especially for layovers longer than 4 hours.
How does Cathay handle check-in, baggage, and boarding?
- Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure
- Cathay app allows digital boarding passes and baggage tracking
- Airport counters at HKG are well staffed and rarely congested
Baggage allowance by cabin:
- Economy: 30kg or 1 checked bag
- Premium Economy: 35kg or 2 bags
- Business: 40kg or 2 bags
- First: 50kg or 3 bags
Carry-on is consistent at 7kg in Economy and 10kg in premium cabins. Elites get an additional allowance depending on tier.
Is Cathay Pacific Reliable?
Yes. Cathay ranks high in on-time performance, operational consistency, and safety.
| Metric | Performance (2024) |
| On-Time Arrival Rate | 87.1% (OAG) |
| Safety Rating | 7/7 (AirlineRatings.com) |
| Average Delay (Long-haul) | ~11 minutes |
| Cancellations | <0.4% |
Despite regional competition, Cathay continues to deliver one of the most consistent flying experiences from Asia.
Fare Comparison: How Does Cathay Price Itself?
Sample Round-Trip Fares (2025)
| Route | Economy | Premium Economy | Business Class |
| JFK – HKG | $760 | $1,490 | $4,200 |
| LHR – HKG | $850 | $1,650 | $4,500 |
| SYD – HKG | $720 | $1,380 | $3,800 |
Fares are typically 10–15% below Singapore Airlines, and comparable to EVA and Korean Air. Promotional Qsuite fares from Qatar Airways may occasionally undercut Cathay’s Business Class.
How does the Marco Polo Club & Asia Miles program work?
Asia Miles is Cathay’s mileage currency. It’s widely earned through flights, credit cards, hotel stays, and retail.
- Marco Polo Club is the elite tier system:
- Green: basic membership
- Silver: lounge access on Cathay and priority check-in
- Gold: Oneworld Sapphire with full lounge access
- Diamond: First Class lounges, guaranteed seats
Redemptions are competitive. For instance, a round-trip Business Class flight from Hong Kong to London can be booked for around 130,000 Asia Miles + $150 taxes, which is often cheaper than partner programs.
Miles don’t expire as long as you earn or redeem at least once every 18 months, and you can pool miles across family accounts.
How Does Cathay Compare to Other Asian Carriers?
| Feature | Cathay Pacific | Singapore Airlines | EVA Air | ANA |
| Business Seat | 1-2-1 Reverse Herringbone | 1-2-1 Widebed | 1-2-2001 | 1-2-1 Staggered |
| Premium Economy | Spacious, firm seat | Ergonomic | High recline | Standard |
| IFE | StudioCX | KrisWorld | Excellent | Moderate |
| Service Style | Efficient, discreet | Warm, formal | Precise | Polished |
| Lounge (HKG vs SIN) | Excellent | Exceptional | Moderate | Functional |
Cathay excels in seat comfort, service delivery, and lounge experience. Singapore may have the edge in personalization; EVA in catering; ANA in cultural touches.
Who Should Fly Cathay Pacific?
Best For:
- Business travelers wanting privacy and direct aisle access
- Long-haul leisure passengers in Premium Economy
- Oneworld frequent flyers (earning and redeeming miles)
- Transit passengers via Hong Kong
Less Ideal For:
- Price-driven budget flyers
- Families seeking kid-specific amenities
- Travelers expecting ultra-customized service
What do passengers say in Cathay Pacific reviews?
As of May 2025:
- Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5 from over 9,800 reviews
- Skytrax ranks Cathay Top 10 globally for Cabin Cleanliness and Business Class
- TripAdvisor forums and FlyerTalk threads consistently praise:
- Politeness and professionalism of cabin crew
- Lounge quality at HKG
- Cleanliness and seating comfort
Common complaints:
- Limited First Class availability post-COVID
- Wi-Fi is slower and more expensive compared to competitors like Qatar Airways or Emirates
- Fewer North American routes restored post-pandemic
From what I’ve observed, repeat passengers appreciate the predictability. Cathay might not offer the glitz of Emirates First Class, but it delivers premium consistently , and that counts more in the long run.
Is Cathay Pacific worth flying for premium travel?
Yes , particularly in Business and Premium Economy. Cathay’s Business Class fares are often 10–15% lower than Singapore Airlines for similar long-haul routes. The value becomes even stronger when redeeming through Asia Miles, especially for Oneworld partner flights.
Its inflight experience, lounges, and service still reflect Hong Kong’s legacy of excellence in hospitality. Cathay doesn’t scream luxury , it proves it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cathay have lie-flat beds in Business Class?
Yes. All long-haul Business Class seats are fully flat and arranged in a reverse herringbone layout.
Can you use Avios to book Cathay flights?
Yes. British Airways Avios and Asia Miles are interchangeable within the Oneworld network.
Is alcohol served in all cabins?
Yes. Beer, wine, and spirits are complimentary in Economy and up.
Is Cathay’s Wi-Fi free?
No. Paid plans are available, but Business Class often gets complimentary messaging.
What is the best seat on Cathay’s A350?
For Business Class, window seats in rows A/K (odd-numbered) offer the most privacy.