Cathay Pacific vs Singapore Airlines: Which is better? | finder.com.au
finder.com.au

Cathay Pacific vs Singapore Airlines

Which top 5-star Asian airline should you be flying with for the best experience and price?

Avatar
Stephanie Yip
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

Asian airlines are some of the best in the world and these top contenders, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, are no exception. But when each airline is so highly rated, how do you choose the right one for you?

We did the research and found out which airline has better deals, flies to more destinations from Australia and has better inflight entertainment. You can rest assured you’ll be taken care of and get the best price after reading this comparison.

Cathay Pacific vs Singapore Airlines

FeatureCathay PacificSingapore AirlinesVerdict
Where does it fly to?150+ destinations in these regions:
  • Africa
  • Asia and the Pacific
  • Europe
  • The Americas
  • The Middle East
90+ destinations in these regions:
  • Africa
  • Asia and the Pacific
  • Europe
  • The Americas
  • The Middle East
Cathay Pacific flies to more destinations
What star rating is it?5-star5-starBoth airlines are rated 5 stars
What classes are available?First, business, premium economy and economy classSuites, first class, business class, premium economy class and economy classSingapore Airlines offers more class options
What is the baggage allowance?Economy class may take one carry-on that weighs no more than 7kg and one checked baggage that weighs no more than 30kgEconomy class is permitted one carry-on bag that weighs up to 7kg. One checked bag is allowed that weighs up to 30kgBoth airlines offer the same baggage allowances
Where does it fly from in Australia?
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Canberra
  • Darwin
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney
Singapore Airlines flies to and from more destinations in Australia
What's the in-flight entertainment like?Cathay Pacific offers movies, TV, music, games, publications and a wireless entertainment systemSingapore Airlines offers 1,000+ movies, TV, music, games and appsSingapore Airlines offers more entertainment options
Can I make changes/cancellations?Yes, changes and cancellations are possible but fees may applyYes, changes and cancellations can be made though fees apply. Not all tickets may be refunded but taxes will beBoth airlines accept changes and cancellations
What type of plane will I fly on? Do they have an A380?Cathay Pacific flies:
  • A350
  • A330
  • Boeing 777
Singapore Airlines flies:
  • A330-300
  • A380-800
  • A350-900
  • Boeing 777-200
  • Boeing 777-200ER
  • Boeing 777-300
  • Boeing 777-300ER
Singapore Airlines flies more plane types including A380
Which frequent flyer programs is it with?Marco Polo ClubKrisFlyer and The PPS ClubBoth airlines offer frequent flyer programs. However, Singapore Airlines also offers a premium club
Is there Wi-Fi?Yes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase on all Cathay Pacific flightsYes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase on select flightsCathay Pacific offers Wi-Fi on more flights
Can I price match?Yes, Cathay Pacific will price match a flight if found on the same day with the same itineraryYes. If the same itinerary is found for $1 cheaper, Singapore Airlines will refund the differenceBoth airlines price match but Cathay Pacific does not have a minimum price difference
Does it serve alcohol?Yes, alcoholic beverages are complimentaryYes, wine, beer, spirits and cocktails are served and are included in the flight priceBoth airlines offer complimentary alcoholic drinks
Is there online chat?Contact is available by phone and emailContact is available by phone and emailBoth airlines offer the same methods of contact for help
Does it charge for infants?Yes, infants under two will be charged a discounted ticket from the adult fare if travelling on the adult’s lapInfants under two years are charged a percentage of the adult fare when sitting on an adult’s lap. One adult may travel with two infantsBoth airlines charge a discounted price for adults travelling with infants
Does it fly pets?Yes, assistance dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin. All other animals must travel as checked baggageYes, guide dogs are allowed to accompany passengers in the cabin. All other animals must travel as checked baggage or cargoBoth airlines fly pets
What are my payment options?
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • JCB
  • UATP
  • Union Pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Masterpass
  • PayPal
Cathay Pacific accepts more forms of payment
Can I book round the world fares?YesYesBoth airlines offer round the world fares
Can I book multi-city fares?Yes, up to four flights can be bookedYesBoth airlines offer multi-city fares
Any features to find the best price?Cathay Pacific has Latest OffersSingapore Airlines offers Fare DealsBoth airlines have features to find the best prices

Who offers the best price?

When comparing two top Asian airlines, we looked at flights on the same dates from Sydney to Tokyo round-trip to and from the same airports to see which airline offers the cheaper flight.

The verdict?

Cathay Pacific:

cathay-vs-sg-1

Singapore Airlines:


cathay-vs-sg-2

Singapore Airlines beats Cathay Pacific in this comparison and offers a round-trip price that is $205 cheaper than Cathay Pacific, which is a considerable saving that could be used while on holiday.

Is it a good airline to fly with?

Since both airlines are rated 5 stars according to Skytrax, we did some more digging to see what customers think of these top airlines.

The verdict?

It’s a close call but Singapore Airlines pulls ahead of Cathay Pacific for customer satisfaction. Singapore Airlines received an overall score of 8/10 and 4-star ratings in all categories such as food and beverages, inflight entertainment, seat comfort, staff service and value for money. Cathay Pacific is just slightly behind with an overall score of 7/10 and 4 stars in all categories except for one 3-star rating for food and beverages.

What are the deals like?

Both Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have very easy to use deals pages to help you find the cheapest price for your trip. Navigating and searching for exact destinations is simple but we looked further to see which airline offers the best deals.

The verdict?

Singapore Airlines consistently offered better prices within the Asia Pacific region, sometimes cheaper by $200 or more compared to Cathay Pacific’s deals. When it comes to deals in Europe, it’s a toss-up as Cathay Pacific occasionally had a better deal. Overall Singapore Airlines has more consistent deals that are more often than not the better deal.

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site