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

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

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

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

Where do Cathay and Qantas fly from?

Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). Qantas's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Cathay and Qantas partners?

Yes. Both belong to oneworld, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

CX vs QF · 2026 comparison

Cathay vs Qantas

Cathay wins on cheaper checked bags; Qantas 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

Cheaper checked bags

Qantas

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Cathay wins on cheaper checked bags; Qantas doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Cathay: Included on every fare · Qantas: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Cathay: 2 free bags · Qantas: 1 free bag

Side by side

	Cathay	Qantas
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	Must fit under the seat
First checked bag (regular economy)	2 free bags	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	oneworld	oneworld
Loyalty program	Cathay (Asia Miles)	Qantas Frequent Flyer
Main hubs	HKG	SYD, MEL

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 Qantas.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Cathay, and anything that fits under the seat on Qantas.

Cathay includes two bags with Economy Essential on flights between the U.S. and Hong Kong, and Qantas includes one bag with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Australia.

Basic economy

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

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

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 Qantas Frequent Flyer (Qantas).

Cathay's main hubs are Hong Kong (HKG). Qantas's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Cathay if you want…

cheaper checked bags
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from HKG

Choose Qantas if you want…

to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from SYD, MEL

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 Qantas FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. Cathay wins on cheaper checked bags; Qantas 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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