CX vs DL · 2026 comparison
Cathay vs Delta
Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Cathay
CXNo clear category wins
Delta
DLWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Quick verdict
Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Cathay: Included on every fare · Delta: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Cathay: 2 free bags · Delta: $45
Side by side
| Cathay | Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | None published |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Must fit under the seat |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 2 free bags | $45 |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Cathay (Asia Miles) | SkyMiles |
| Main hubs | HKG | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK |
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
Cathay allows a carry-on up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), and Delta up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Cathay caps carry-ons at 7 kg (15.4 lb); Delta publishes no limit.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay, and anything that fits under the seat on Delta.
Cathay includes two bags with Economy Essential on flights between the U.S. and Hong Kong, and a first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. and short-haul international flights.
Basic economy
Cathay (Economy Light): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.
Loyalty and where they fly
Cathay is in oneworld and Delta is in SkyTeam.
Loyalty programs: Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay) and SkyMiles (Delta).
Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). Delta's are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Cathay if you want…
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HKG
Choose Delta if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
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.
Cathay vs Delta FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Cathay Pacific official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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