Side by side
All Nippon Airways vs Cathay Pacific
All Nippon Airways
33 positive (65%) · 11 mixed (22%) · 7 negative (14%)
Trust + time weighted: +53%
AI summary — not a quote
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is highly regarded as a premium full-service carrier, frequently preferred over major US airlines for its superior service quality and economy class experience. While standard fares are often described as expensive, the airline is noted for frequent monthly sales that offer significant value, sometimes including free domestic legs within Japan. However, the brand is also associated with strict administrative policies and notoriously difficult award seat availability, particularly for business class redemptions through Star Alliance partners.
Pros
- High service standards, often preferred over carriers like United
- Allows booking for up to nine people in a single transaction
- Frequent monthly sales can lead to highly competitive promotional fares
- Highly rated economy class experience
Cons
- Standard fares are often expensive compared to budget or mid-tier carriers
- Business class award availability is extremely limited and difficult to secure with miles
- Strict customer service policies regarding name changes and booking modifications
- Award seats for Star Alliance partners may only be released ~15 days before departure
Top excerpts
I flew with ANA, and the flight was with a De Havilland Dash 8 (turboprop) which was an experience in itself! The staff was lovely
ANA and JAL are not cheap.
Same deal with ANA. You can book up to [nine people at one time.](https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/plan-book/terms/)
On ANA you can book up to [nine people at one time.](https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/plan-book/terms/)
If cost is not a major concern, then book with full-service carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, JAL, ANA.
Cathay Pacific
36 positive (56%) · 12 mixed (19%) · 16 negative (25%)
Trust + time weighted: +36%
AI summary — not a quote
Cathay Pacific is widely regarded as a premier full-service carrier, frequently praised for its professional crew, superior seat comfort, and high-quality in-flight experience compared to Western competitors. While it is a top choice for transpacific travel and award bookings, passengers with severe nut allergies and those sensitive to high award taxes should exercise caution.
Pros
- Professional, calm, and kind cabin crew even in stressful situations.
- Superior seat recline and legroom on long-haul flights compared to many competitors.
- Generally lenient enforcement of carry-on weight for backpacks and small bags.
- High availability for award travel bookings.
Cons
- Peanuts are a standard snack on most long-haul routes, posing risks for severe allergy sufferers.
- High taxes and fees associated with award flight redemptions.
- Mobile app is reportedly unreliable for generating boarding passes on certain sectors like US-to-India.
Top excerpts
I've flown with Cathay 8 times and they've served peanuts as a snack every long haul flight I've been on.
RE cabin baggage, you have already discovered the problem with having heavy items. Get rid of the suitcase and take a backpack sub 1kg and now you have 2kg extra to use. And there is some leeway, as long as you don’t look to be visibly struggling with the weight, you are unlikely to be weighed on a full service airline like cathay.
Most airlines (including Cathay Pacific) do indeed let you print a boarding pass - but since it's an international flight, he may still be required to go to the desk for a document check.
I used Cathay Pacific to get to Thailand in late January so I added Macau as a stopover.
Cathay has never weighed my carry on bags and I fly Transpacific with them two or three times a year. But then again, I only bring a backpack and maybe a small messenger, so it never looks like I'm trying to sneak aboard with more than I'm alotted even though combined I typically carry aboard 10-15kg.