Emirates v Cathay
 

We're living in Jakarta now, and can travel to NY in either direction. We have CX miles to upgrade, but no seats are available at the moment, so we're on hold.

So, if you had to choose coach class on Emirates or Cathay, which would it be? Emirates is cheaper and we could earn UA miles (or join their mileage program). We've got miles building in CX already....

Thanks for any input.

Emirates is a more uncomfortable ride in coach: on a 777, they put 10 seats across, while Cathay Pacific uses 9 seats across.

But a small but significant minority of passengers also hate CX's new shell coach seats, which don't really recline in the traditional sense.

Rkkwan -- are those CX seats that slide out instead of recline back?

Rizzuto - 10 seats instead of 9 is significant. Appreciate the info.

Yes, CX's new Y seat has seat cushions that slide forward a bit and the seatback cushion slide down a little.

i've not flown with Cathay before so can't comment there, but I've flown with Emirates numerous times and have always found them fantastic. Great entertainment systems, and excellent food. I'd definitely have no issue booking with them again. The only thing I have noticed with them however is some of their planes have the footrests in economy, others don't, you may want to check this out for your particular flight since you are travlelling long distance.

We flew Dubai - Sydney with Emirates and while the service was great, we had seats without a footrest. My legs aren't long enough to reach the ground without a footrest and trust me, it was a very uncomfortable flight until we finally got my carry on luggage down and I rested my feet on that. Oh, and I'm 5'4" so it's not as though I'm all that short!

Thanks all. There really isn't a perfect answer because economy is economy...but my husband opted for CX. He's already got miles with them, so he figures his chance for an exit row seat are better. Perhaps, but unlikely, an upgrade will open up. It may be wise for us to start earning miles on Emirates, but for this trip, CX is the choice. Appreciate as always the help.