Cathay Pacific has long had ridiculous baggage policies. For a long time, economy has had a baggage allowance of 20kg. That’s 66% of what most airlines offer, so it’s been ridiculous, really.
Cathay Pacific Economy Check-in Old Requirements
Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Check-in Old Requirements
Cathay Pacific Business Check-in Old Requirements
Cathay Pacific First Check-in Old Requirements
Well, Cathay Pacific has announced that for tickets ticketed after September 15, 2016, new (and largely improved) baggage allowances will apply, with the allowance of each class added by 10kg.
That’s a lot, though just catches up with the rest of the competition instead of being an industry-leader, to be honest – for example, Thai Airways allows 30kg for economy passengers.
Thai Airways Check-in Hong Kong Airport
Each person can also check in two bags now (first class flyers can check three bags, as well as one extra bag in each class for a OneWorld Emerald member).
Cathay Pacific Economy Class New Baggage Allowance
Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class New Baggage Allowance
Cathay Pacific Business Class New Baggage Allowance
Cathay Pacific First Class New Baggage Allowance
This definitely will take more passengers to Cathay Pacific, especially those with huge bags. Our bags go over 20kg sometimes, which actually, in some cases, drives us away from economy (though, obviously, there are other factors).
Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 Business Class Cabin
What’s interesting is that Cathay Pacific is actually the first time I’ve seen baggage allowances go up for airlines. While Cathay Pacific has had the least generous of baggage policies, oil and fuel is getting cheaper with new technologies (the light A350 I flew being no exception).
Bottom Line
Minor change for me, as I rarely ever bring my own carry-on, much less one that’s heavier than 20kg, though this could potentially really affect Cathay Pacific’s future business. Good job, Cathay.