transpacific · 14h 00m · 11,130 km
San Francisco to Hong Kong
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In business class, Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite (A350-900) leads the field with a 7.8/10.In premium economy, Cathay Pacific's Premium Economy (A350-900) dominates the field with a 6.2/10.
Quick pick
Fly Cathay Pacific. It has a private suite and a door for privacy.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly Cathay Pacific. It has 2 more inches of legroom and free Wi-Fi (paid on United).
A noticeably better product that justifies the pick.
Fly Cathay Pacific. It has a wider seat (18" vs 17") and free Wi-Fi (paid on United).
Worth picking even at a small price premium.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
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Airlines on this route
Route insights
- In business class, Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite (A350-900) leads the field with a 7.8/10.
- In premium economy, Cathay Pacific's Premium Economy (A350-900) dominates the field with a 6.2/10.
- In economy, Cathay Pacific's Economy (A350-900) dominates the field with a 5.4/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in business: United or Cathay Pacific on SFO-HKG?
Aria Suite (Cathay Pacific, A350-900) beats Polaris (United Airlines, 777-300ER) in business, scoring 7.8/10 vs 6.5. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs no power. United Airlines fights back on bedding.
Which is better in premium economy: United or Cathay Pacific on SFO-HKG?
Premium Economy (Cathay Pacific, A350-900) beats Premium Plus (United Airlines, 777-300ER) in premium economy, scoring 6.2/10 vs 4.5. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs no power.
Which is better in economy: United or Cathay Pacific on SFO-HKG?
Economy (Cathay Pacific, A350-900) beats Economy (United Airlines, 777-300ER) in economy, scoring 5.4/10 vs 3.5. The deciding factor: Free Wi-Fi vs Paid Wi-Fi.
What are the best seats in United Polaris on SFO-HKG?
Best: Odd-row window seats for maximum privacy. Avoid: Row 9 center pair can be noisy near galley. UA flagship widebody. 60 Polaris seats — largest Polaris cabin. Same Safran Optima as 787-9/787-10. 16-inch IFE. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid).
What are the best seats in United Premium Plus on SFO-HKG?
Best: Window pairs for 2 across. Avoid: Center inner seats in the 4-section. 2-4-2 premium economy. 13.3-inch IFE. Enhanced meals with alcohol.
What are the best seats in United Economy on SFO-HKG?
Best: Economy Plus rows for extra pitch. Avoid: Last rows near lavatories. 3-4-3 economy (wider cabin than 787). Economy Plus available. 9-inch IFE.
What are the best seats in Cathay Pacific Aria Suite on SFO-HKG?
Best: Row 11 A/K window seats for maximum privacy; rows 18-21 mini-cabin for quieter experience Avoid: Middle pair seats (D/G) in rows 11-17 have less privacy due to proximity; seats near galley at row 11 may get noise Reverse herringbone layout with exceptionally spacious footwell. All seats have direct aisle access. Panasonic eX3 IFE system. Wifi is Panasonic eXConnect Ku-band satellite.
What are the best seats in Cathay Pacific Premium Economy on SFO-HKG?
Best: Row 30 A/B and K/J for window pairs; row 33 has no center section giving window seats more space Avoid: Center seats (D/E/F/G) in rows 30-32 require climbing over neighbors 2-4-2 layout with 4 rows. Row 33 missing the middle 4 seats. USB-A and AC power at every seat. Panasonic eX3 IFE.
What are the best seats in Cathay Pacific Economy on SFO-HKG?
Best: Exit row seats at row 39 and 50 for extra legroom; window seats for sleeping Avoid: Last few rows near lavatories and galley; middle seats in center section Standard 3-3-3 wide-body economy. 18-inch seat width is the A350 standard. Panasonic eX3 IFE with USB-A and AC power at every seat.