Cathay Pacific Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules
Cathay Pacific Essential fare passengers get 1 cabin bag of 56 × 36 × 23 cm at 7 kg plus 1 personal item of 15 × 30 × 40 cm. The fare also includes 2 free checked bags of up to 23 kg each and 158 cm linear on Americas routes.
Published on June 30, 2026 · Last verified on July 24, 2026 by Luggage Validator
7/10
Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy Strictness
Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in)
Overhead bin · 7 kg (15 lbs)
Personal Item
15 × 30 × 40 cm (6 × 12 × 16 in)
Under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62.2 in)
2 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Free Special Items
Items you can bring for free that do not count toward your standard baggage allowance on Cathay Pacific.
Approved car safety seat for infants
Collapsible umbrella stroller
Mobility aids and assistive devices
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 56×36×23cm 22×14×9in | 7 kg 15 lbs |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 15×30×40cm 6×12×16in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 2 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Light | Essential | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | 15×30×40cm 6×12×16in | 15×30×40cm 6×12×16in | 15×30×40cm 6×12×16in | 15×30×40cm 6×12×16in | 15×30×40cm 6×12×16in |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 56×36×23cm 22×14×9in | 56×36×23cm 22×14×9in | 56×36×23cm 22×14×9in | 56×36×23cm 22×14×9in | 56×36×23cm 22×14×9in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs | 10 kg 22 lbs | 15 kg 33 lbs |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | 1 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc | 3 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in | ≤ 158 cm 62.2 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
My 18-month-old had her own seat, so she got a carry-on and personal item just like an adult — that's on top of the changing bag and stroller. The stroller was taken at the aircraft door and returned there on arrival. Cathay staff are understanding with families. One thing I learned: you can't pool bag weight across family members — my 29 kg bag was rejected even though our combined total was under the allowance, because each individual bag must be ≤ 23 kg for handling safety.
Cathay's carry-on limit is 7 kg total including your personal item, which is very low. I've been on four flights where nothing was weighed, but I've also been checked once — they weighed me at Manila and offered to check the bag for free since it was over. At LAX they made passengers check overweight carry-ons. It really depends on the airport and agent.
I've gotten away with 24–25 kg on a 23 kg allowance departing from Hong Kong and Bangkok. Being 1–2 kg over per bag is usually fine, especially if your other bags are under. If you're worried, shift heavy items into your cabin bag — Cathay rarely weighs carry-ons, so that's the safer place for extra weight.
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Cathay Pacific · Economy class. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | OK | OK | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Over Limit | OK | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cathay Pacific's carry-on baggage policy?
Cathay Pacific Economy and Premium Economy passengers may carry 1 cabin bag with maximum dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm and weighing up to 7 kg, plus 1 personal item.
The personal item such as a small handbag, laptop bag or small backpack must not exceed 15 × 30 × 40 cm.
Business class passengers receive a 10 kg cabin bag allowance, and First class passengers receive 15 kg.
All dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets.
How much free checked baggage comes with Cathay Pacific?
Cathay Pacific uses a piece concept on Americas routes with a maximum linear size of 158 cm per piece.
Economy Essential and Flex fares include 2 free checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg.
Economy Light fares include 1 free checked bag weighing up to 23 kg.
Premium Economy passengers also receive 2 free checked bags of 23 kg each.
Business class includes 2 bags at 32 kg each, and First class includes 3 bags at 32 kg each.
What special items can I bring for free on Cathay Pacific?
Infants may travel with an approved car safety seat and a collapsible umbrella stroller free of charge.
A small bag of baby food and nappies for consumption during the flight is also permitted.
Mobility aids and assistive devices are carried free of charge for passengers with disabilities.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Cathay Pacific website. Last updated July 24, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Cathay Pacific contribute your update