NH vs CX · 2026 comparison
ANA vs Cathay
ANA wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; 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
ANA
NHWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Cathay
CXNo clear category wins
Quick verdict
ANA wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Cathay doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- ANA: 55 × 40 × 25 cm · Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- ANA: Included on every fare · Cathay: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- ANA: 2 free bags · Cathay: 2 free bags
Side by side
| ANA | Cathay | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 25 cm | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 2 free bags | 2 free bags |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | oneworld |
| Loyalty program | ANA Mileage Club | Cathay (Asia Miles) |
| Main hubs | HND, NRT | 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
ANA allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), and Cathay up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so ANA's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on ANA, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Cathay.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on ANA, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay.
ANA includes two bags with Economy Value on flights between North America and Japan, and Cathay includes two bags with Economy Essential on flights between the U.S. and Hong Kong.
Basic economy
ANA (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Cathay (Economy Light): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
Loyalty and where they fly
ANA is in Star Alliance and Cathay is in oneworld.
Loyalty programs: ANA Mileage Club (ANA) and Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay).
ANA's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). 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 ANA if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
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.
ANA vs Cathay FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. ANA wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Cathay doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- ANA (All Nippon Airways) official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Cathay Pacific official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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