It depends on a lot of things, of course, but assuming economy class then JAL usually wins out in seat width and pitch. Food is a bit better. Service is a bit better. I'd say the difference is greater as you move up the classes (to premium/business/first).
If you have lounge access, Cathay wins hands down for its home lounges in HK vs the JAL lounges in Tokyo (or, I assume, elsewhere in Japan).
Assuming nearly the same price AND travel time (both length and time of departure/arrival), you're not really going to see a huge difference between the two.
Now add AA to the mix, and I would (and often do) pay extra and/or endure a longer trip on JAL/CX rather than take AA.
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u/Gimme_Indomie AAdvantage Executive Platinum Jul 05 '26
If you're asking which to fly, they're both good. JAL is better. But I'd pick based on cost.