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

Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Thai: 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Thai allows the larger bag.

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

Cathay: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. Thai: Economy includes one 7 kg carry-on, measured with wheels and handles, plus a laptop bag or handbag.

Where do Cathay and Thai fly from?

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

Are Cathay and Thai partners?

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

CX vs TG · 2026 comparison

Cathay vs Thai

Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; Thai wins on a bigger carry-on. 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

Thai

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Cathay: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · Thai: 56 × 45 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Cathay: Included on every fare · Thai: Included on every fare

Side by side

	Cathay	Thai
Bags
Carry-on size	56 × 36 × 23 cm	56 × 45 × 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)	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	Must fit under the seat
Network
Alliance	oneworld	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Cathay (Asia Miles)	Royal Orchid Plus
Main hubs	HKG	BKK

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 Thai up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), so Thai's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

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

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

Loyalty and where they fly

Cathay is in oneworld and Thai is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: Cathay (Asia Miles) (Cathay) and Royal Orchid Plus (Thai).

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

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from BKK

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 Thai FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. Cathay doesn't clearly win any category; Thai wins on a bigger carry-on. 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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