CX vs JL · 2026 comparison
Cathay vs JAL
Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and 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
JAL
JLWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Quick verdict
Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Cathay: Included on every fare · JAL: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Cathay: 2 free bags · JAL: 2 free bags
Side by side
| Cathay | JAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 55 × 40 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Must fit under the seat |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 2 free bags | 2 free bags |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | oneworld |
| Loyalty program | Cathay (Asia Miles) | JAL Mileage Bank |
| Main hubs | HKG | HND, NRT |
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 JAL up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), so JAL's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Cathay, 10 kg (22 lb) on JAL.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay, and anything that fits under the seat on JAL.
Cathay includes two bags with Economy Essential on flights between the U.S. and Hong Kong, and JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan.
Basic economy
Cathay (Economy Light): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are oneworld members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay) and JAL Mileage Bank (JAL).
Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). JAL's are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). 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 JAL if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
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 JAL FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and 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
Connecting at their hubs
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)
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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