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

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

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

Cathay: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. PAL: Economy includes one 7 kg carry-on plus a personal item.

Where do Cathay and PAL fly from?

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

Are Cathay and PAL partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Cathay: oneworld; PAL: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

CX vs PR · 2026 comparison

Cathay vs PAL

Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; PAL wins on a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

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

Cathay

No clear category wins

PAL

Wins 1 category

A bigger personal item

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · PAL: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Cathay: Included on every fare · PAL: Included on every fare

Side by side

	Cathay	PAL
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	45 × 35 × 20 cm
Network
Alliance	oneworld	None
Loyalty program	Cathay (Asia Miles)	Mabuhay Miles
Main hubs	HKG	MNL

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 PAL.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay, and 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on PAL.

Loyalty and where they fly

Cathay is in oneworld and PAL is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay) and Mabuhay Miles (PAL).

Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). PAL's are MNL. 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 PAL if you want…

a bigger personal item
nonstops from MNL

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 PAL FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; PAL wins on a bigger personal item. 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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