Why Cathay Pacific over Singapore Airlines?

Every time I travel to Hong Kong from San Francisco there are only few airlines that provide nonstop flights, therefore my choices are limited. It is important to choose the airline that provides the best service because airfare from San Francisco to Hong Kong during the peak season can costs up to $1,700 for round trip economy seats. Its either United Airlines, American Airlines, US Airway, Cathay Pacific, or Singapore Airlines. I’ve personally experienced Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. I prefer flying with Cathay Pacific rather than Singapore Airline because Cathay Pacific offers two flight times, afternoon and midnight, from San Francisco to Hong Kong but Singapore Airlines only offers midnight flight time.

Basic Facts

Cathay Pacific

- 139 aircrafts

- Serves 182 destinations in 42 countries

- Loyalty program: Asia Miles (over 500 partners in nine categories, including 21 airline partners)

Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-400

Singapore Airlines 

- 102 aircrafts

- Serves 65 destinations in 34 countries

- Loyalty program: KrisFlyer (170+ non-airline partners and 26 airline partners)

Singapore Airline SIA 747-412

Awards and Rankings

According to the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards, a prestigious award for the airline industry, both Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways were in the Airline of the year award. Even though Singapore Airline was named third while Cathay Pacific ranked sixth, Cathay Pacific has the Best Staff Service in Asia and the overall best cabin staff.

	Airline of the year	Best Inflight Entertain-ment	Economy Class Catering	Best Economy Class Cabin	Best Economy Class Seats	Best Staff Service (Asia)	Best Cabin Staff
Cathay Pacific	6th	3rd	7th	6th	Not on top 10	2nd	1st
Singapore Airline	3rd	2nd	3rd	3rd	4th	3rd	5th

Safety

            According to planecrashinfo.com, the last fatal crash for Cathay Pacific was in 1972, more than 41 years ago. As for Singapore Airlines, the last fatal crash occurred in 2000. Flight SQ006 to Los Angeles from Singapore via Taiwan crashed on the runway of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. This incident killed 83 people.  

Why Cathay Pacific?

            From my personally experiences, I like Cathay Pacific because they offer two flight schedules. The afternoon flight is more convenient than the midnight flight because I don’t have to keep myself awake until 12am to board the plane. Both Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airline’s loyalty program allow you to use the miles collected to dine, shop, and even fly. Cathay Pacific has more partners in this program which makes collecting miles easier. Most importantly, it is easier to find a ticket cheaper because Cathay Pacific has more flights to Hong Kong than Singapore Airlines.

Have you travel with these two airlines? If not, can you tell me your favorite airline?