Cathay Pacific Economy Review: Putting the 'World's Best' Claim to the Test
Published on February 7, 2026, this review explores Cathay Pacific's economy cabin, which the airline boldly markets as the 'world's best.' Promising unmatched comfort, delicious meals, and an award-winning entertainment system, the Hong Kong-based carrier has the credentials to support such a claim, having secured the World's Best Economy Class title and a Top 3 spot in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. As Hong Kong's flag carrier since 1946, Cathay Pacific stands as one of Asia's most respected airlines, but does the in-flight experience live up to the hype?
Pricing and Value Proposition
Comfort must be considered in context, starting with price. Cathay Pacific's economy fares fluctuate based on route, seasonality, and booking timing. For long-haul journeys, such as London to Hong Kong, one-way tickets typically begin around £680, positioning the airline competitively with rivals like British Airways and Emirates. While first-class luxury might be the dream for many, Cathay's economy offering delivers tangible value, blending comfort and quality to create a sense of getting more than what you pay for.
Seat Comfort and Cabin Design
The seats in Cathay Pacific's economy class are a standout feature, designed for long-haul travel with exceptional support and spaciousness. Passengers won't find themselves cramped or needing to compromise on personal space, as the layout avoids the knee-crunching tightness common in other airlines. Wide armrests prevent elbow battles with neighbouring travellers, and the adjustable headrest provides sturdy support, ideal for settling into a restful sleep during extended flights.
In-Flight Entertainment and Dining
Cathay's StudioCX entertainment system offers an overwhelming array of choices, with a catalogue so extensive that it encourages passengers to curate watchlists in advance. From films to TV shows, the options cater to diverse tastes, ensuring boredom is never an issue mid-flight.
When it comes to dining, Cathay Pacific's meals are solid, though not quite reaching the heights of some competitors. Main dish selections include Hong Kong-style pork or fish with rice, alongside more Western options like chicken and roasted vegetables. The pork and rice dish proves satisfactory, if not exceptional. Breakfast presents a choice between prawn congee, a traditional Asian rice pudding, and scrambled eggs. Opting for the congee offers an authentic taste of Hong Kong, though its thick, lukewarm consistency might not appeal to all palates, especially early in the morning.
The Unexpected Highlight: A Cup of Soup
The true standout moment occurs during the gruelling midpoint of a long-haul flight, when jet lag and fatigue set in. Here, Cathay Pacific shines with a simple yet effective offering: a complimentary cup of noodle soup. Available to all economy passengers, this warm, brothy snack, alongside other freebies like alcohol, soft drinks, crisps, and fruit, provides much-needed comfort. It's not revolutionary—essentially instant ramen—but its warmth and timing transform it into a minor luxury, helping passengers relax and even drift off to sleep within minutes.
Final Verdict
Cathay Pacific's economy class justifies its accolades by delivering consistent comfort, quality entertainment, and thoughtful touches like the complimentary soup. While the food may not be gourmet, the overall experience offers genuine value, making it a strong contender for travellers seeking reliability and comfort without the premium price tag. For those planning trips, insights from travel experts can further enhance the journey, but Cathay's economy cabin stands as a testament to why it's frequently ranked among the world's best.
