Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, American or Cathay?

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb).

Are American and Cathay partners?

Yes. Both belong to oneworld, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

AA vs CX · 2026 comparison

American vs Cathay

Q: Do American and Cathay include a carry-on on basic economy?

American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra. Cathay: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Cathay doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

American

Wins 2 categories

A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

Cathay

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Cathay doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · Cathay: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): American: $45 · Cathay: 2 free bags

Side by side

	American	Cathay
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	None published	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	18 × 14 × 8 in	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	$45	2 free bags
Network
Alliance	oneworld	oneworld
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	Cathay (Asia Miles)
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	HKG

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

American allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and Cathay up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Cathay caps carry-ons at 7 kg (15.4 lb); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay.

A first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, and Cathay includes two bags with Economy Essential on flights between the U.S. and Hong Kong.

Basic economy

American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Cathay (Economy Light): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are oneworld members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). Cathay's are Hong Kong (HKG). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose American if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

Choose Cathay if you want…

to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from HKG

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.