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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Emirates vs Etihad Airways

Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.

Verdict

Emirates scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.3/10 for Etihad Airways. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026

Policy comparison

Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.

Policy Emirates Etihad Airways
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 20–35 kg by cabin and route23–32 kg by cabin
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Partial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 32"31–32"
Loyalty programme SkywardsEtihad Guest
Lounge access Emirates lounges for Business/FirstEtihad lounges AUH and partners
Changes & refunds Flex/Flex Plus allow changes; Saver fares charge feeFlex fares allow changes

Individual profiles

Emirates

EK · United Arab Emirates

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.7/10

Etihad Airways

EY · United Arab Emirates

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.3/10

Editorial profiles

United Arab Emirates · EK/UAE · #1 in this comparison

Emirates

Fly Better

#4 Global 5-Star
8.7 / 10
Quick Answer

Emirates scores 8.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.5/10), ranking #4 globally. verified in-flight Wi-Fi averages 10 Mbps on measured routes. Catering: Halal standard; special meals 24h ahead on all long-haul

Is Emirates a good airline?

Emirates scores 8.7/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #4 globally with a safety score of 9.5/10. Emirates operates the world's largest A380 fleet with onboard bars, shower suites in first class, and unmatched global connectivity via Dubai. See full profile →

Overall 8.7 Excellent
Safety 9.5 Maximum Safety
Service 8.8 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.8
Seat Comfort
9.3
Food & Beverage
8.5
In-Flight Entertainment
9.4
On-Time Performance
8.4
Value for Money
8.0

Key facts

Hub
Dubai (DXB)
Alliance
Independent
Founded
1985
Fleet
260 aircraft
Region
middle east
IATA / ICAO
EK / UAE

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 20–35 kg by cabin and route
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 32"
Lounge access Emirates lounges for Business/First
Changes & refunds Flex/Flex Plus allow changes; Saver fares charge fee
Loyalty programme Skywards

Strengths

  • A380 onboard lounge and bar
  • ice entertainment system
  • Global route network

Weaknesses

  • DXB connection times can be tight
  • Economy catering inconsistent on short sectors

Awards & recognition

  • Best In-Flight Entertainment
  • Best First Class Shower Spa

United Arab Emirates · EY/ETD · #2 in this comparison

Etihad Airways

Choose Well

#19 Global 5-Star
8.3 / 10
Quick Answer

Etihad Airways scores 8.3/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.4/10), ranking #19 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Etihad Airways a good airline?

Etihad Airways scores 8.3/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #19 globally with a safety score of 9.4/10. Etihad Airways operates from Abu Dhabi's new Midfield Terminal with Business Studio, The Residence on A380, and lounges scoring 9.0/10 — a premium Gulf alternative to Emirates and Qatar. See full profile →

Overall 8.3 Excellent
Safety 9.4 Excellent Safety
Service 8.5 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.2 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.5
Seat Comfort
8.4
Food & Beverage
8.3
In-Flight Entertainment
8.2
On-Time Performance
8.2
Value for Money
8.2

Key facts

Hub
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Alliance
Independent
Founded
2003
Fleet
90 aircraft
Region
middle east
IATA / ICAO
EY / ETD

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 23–32 kg by cabin
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 31–32"
Lounge access Etihad lounges AUH and partners
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes
Loyalty programme Etihad Guest

Strengths

  • New AUH Midfield Terminal lounges
  • Business Studio on 787 and A350
  • Competitive UK–Asia business fares

Weaknesses

  • Smaller network than Emirates or Qatar
  • Etihad Guest less Avios-integrated than QR

Awards & recognition

  • Best Gulf Carrier Lounge AUH
  • Business Studio innovation

FAQ

Which is better — Emirates or Etihad Airways?

Emirates scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.3/10 for Etihad Airways. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Emirates or Etihad Airways include a carry-on bag?

Emirates: Included. Etihad Airways: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Emirates or Etihad Airways?

Emirates: Partial (messaging/select routes). Etihad Airways: Partial (messaging/select routes).

Does Emirates include checked baggage?

Emirates checked baggage: 20–35 kg by cabin and route.

Does Etihad Airways include checked baggage?

Etihad Airways checked baggage: 23–32 kg by cabin.