Which top 5-star Asian airline should you be flying with for the best experience and price?
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
| Feature | Cathay Pacific | Singapore Airlines | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where does it fly to? | 150+ destinations in these regions:
|
90+ destinations in these regions:
|
Cathay Pacific flies to more destinations |
| What star rating is it? | 5-star | 5-star | Both airlines are rated 5 stars |
| What classes are available? | First, business, premium economy and economy class | Suites, first class, business class, premium economy class and economy class | Singapore 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 30kg | Economy class is permitted one carry-on bag that weighs up to 7kg. One checked bag is allowed that weighs up to 30kg | Both airlines offer the same baggage allowances |
| Where does it fly from in Australia? |
|
|
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 system | Singapore Airlines offers 1,000+ movies, TV, music, games and apps | Singapore Airlines offers more entertainment options |
| Can I make changes/cancellations? | Yes, changes and cancellations are possible but fees may apply | Yes, changes and cancellations can be made though fees apply. Not all tickets may be refunded but taxes will be | Both airlines accept changes and cancellations |
| What type of plane will I fly on? Do they have an A380? | Cathay Pacific flies:
|
Singapore Airlines flies:
|
Singapore Airlines flies more plane types including A380 |
| Which frequent flyer programs is it with? | Marco Polo Club | KrisFlyer and The PPS Club | Both 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 flights | Yes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase on select flights | Cathay 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 itinerary | Yes. If the same itinerary is found for $1 cheaper, Singapore Airlines will refund the difference | Both airlines price match but Cathay Pacific does not have a minimum price difference |
| Does it serve alcohol? | Yes, alcoholic beverages are complimentary | Yes, wine, beer, spirits and cocktails are served and are included in the flight price | Both airlines offer complimentary alcoholic drinks |
| Is there online chat? | Contact is available by phone and email | Contact is available by phone and email | Both 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 lap | Infants under two years are charged a percentage of the adult fare when sitting on an adult’s lap. One adult may travel with two infants | Both 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 baggage | Yes, guide dogs are allowed to accompany passengers in the cabin. All other animals must travel as checked baggage or cargo | Both airlines fly pets |
| What are my payment options? |
|
|
Cathay Pacific accepts more forms of payment |
| Can I book round the world fares? | Yes | Yes | Both airlines offer round the world fares |
| Can I book multi-city fares? | Yes, up to four flights can be booked | Yes | Both airlines offer multi-city fares |
| Any features to find the best price? | Cathay Pacific has Latest Offers | Singapore Airlines offers Fare Deals | Both 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:
Singapore Airlines:
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.
Cathay Pacific
North America flights from $1,242 return
Valid for travel from 20 August 2018 - 28 February 2019. Destinations include Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Vancouver and Toronto. Sample fare is Melbourne-Los Angeles.
Last verified
Deal expires
Cathay Pacific
Europe flights from $1,123 return
Valid for travel from 20 August 2018 - 28 February 2019. Destinations include London, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Dublin and more. Sample fare is Cairns-London.
Last verified
Deal expires
Cathay Pacific
Asia flights from $665 return
Valid for travel from 9 August 2018 - 31 May 2019. Destinations include Osaka, Tokyo, Manila, Shanghai, Taipei and more. Sample fare is Brisbane-Cebu.
Last verified
Deal expires
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong flights from $704 return
Valid for travel until 30 June 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Hong Kong.
Last verified
Deal expires
Cathay Pacific
Premium economy flights from $1,905 return
Valid for travel until 30 June 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Tokyo. Booking must be made 50 days in advance. Destinations include New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Vancouver, Toronto, China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Amsterdam, Barcelona and more.
Last verified
Deal expires
Cathay Pacific
Up to 25% off business class flights
Valid for travel on select dates. Bookings must be made 90 days prior flight. Destinations include Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea, Taipei, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Manchester, Dublin and more. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Flight Centre - International
Paris flights from $1,119 return with Singapore Airlines
Valid for travel from 8 October - 22 November, 25 February - 4 April 2019 and 29 April - 15 June 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Paris.
Last verified
Deal expires
