Cathay Pacific Airways said it will reduce its free baggage allowance for economy class passengers to North America.

The maximum weight per bag will be reduced from 32 kilograms to 23 kilograms, it said in a statement. Passengers can check in up to two bags.

A spokeswoman said oil prices were "not a primary factor" in the decision, which came just a day after the airline warned profits would be hit by the soaring cost of fuel.

The cost of a barrel of crude oil topped 146 usd today, and airlines worldwide have been struggling to come up with measures to reduce the weight of their flights in order to cope with the record-high prices.

Cathay said economy class passengers would be charged a flat rate of 25 usd for each bag above 23 kilograms and below 32 kilograms, but there would be no change for passengers travelling in business and first class.