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

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

Do Cathay and EVA include a carry-on on basic economy?

Cathay: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. EVA: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Where do Cathay and EVA fly from?

Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). EVA's are Taipei (TPE). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Cathay and EVA partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Cathay: oneworld; EVA: Star Alliance), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

CX vs BR · 2026 comparison

Cathay vs EVA

Cathay wins on a bigger personal item; EVA 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

Cathay

Wins 1 category

A bigger personal item

EVA

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Cathay wins on a bigger personal item; EVA doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · EVA: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Cathay: Included on every fare · EVA: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Cathay: 2 free bags · EVA: 2 free bags

Side by side

	Cathay	EVA
Bags
Carry-on size	56 × 36 × 23 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	7 kg (15.4 lb)	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 10 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	2 free bags	2 free bags
Network
Alliance	oneworld	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Cathay (Asia Miles)	Infinity MileageLands
Main hubs	HKG	TPE

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

Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Cathay, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on EVA.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay, and 40 × 30 × 10 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in) on EVA.

Cathay includes two bags with Economy Essential on flights between the U.S. and Hong Kong, and EVA includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Basic economy

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

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

Loyalty and where they fly

Cathay is in oneworld and EVA is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay) and Infinity MileageLands (EVA).

Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). EVA's are Taipei (TPE). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Cathay if you want…

a bigger personal item
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from HKG

Choose EVA if you want…

to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from TPE

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 EVA FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. Cathay wins on a bigger personal item; EVA doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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