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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.

Qantas vs United Airlines

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

Verdict

Qantas scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.1/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. 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 Qantas United Airlines
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg international economyIntl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Partial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 31"30–31"
Loyalty programme Qantas Frequent FlyerMileagePlus
Lounge access Qantas Club / First loungesUnited Club / Polaris
Changes & refunds Red eDeal restricted; Flex allows changesNo change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted

Individual profiles

Qantas

QF · Australia

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.1/10

United Airlines

UA · United States

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 7.7/10

Editorial profiles

Australia · QF/QFA · #1 in this comparison

Qantas

Spirit of Australia

#10 Global 4-Star
8.1 / 10
Quick Answer

Qantas scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.6/10), ranking #10 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Qantas a good airline?

Qantas scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #10 globally with a safety score of 9.6/10. Qantas combines Australian warmth with Project Sunrise ambitions, refreshed A380 cabins, and the strongest domestic network in Australia. See full profile →

Overall 8.1 Excellent
Safety 9.6 Maximum Safety
Service 8.5 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.5 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.5
Seat Comfort
8.3
Food & Beverage
8.0
In-Flight Entertainment
8.2
On-Time Performance
8.0
Value for Money
7.5

Key facts

Hub
Sydney & Melbourne
Alliance
oneworld
Founded
1920
Fleet
130 aircraft
Region
asia pacific
IATA / ICAO
QF / QFA

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg international economy
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 31"
Lounge access Qantas Club / First lounges
Changes & refunds Red eDeal restricted; Flex allows changes
Loyalty programme Qantas Frequent Flyer

Strengths

  • Refreshed A380 upper deck
  • Qantas First lounges
  • Strong safety record

Weaknesses

  • Premium pricing on kangaroo routes
  • Older 737 domestic fleet

Awards & recognition

  • World's Safest Airline (Top 10)
  • Best Long-Haul Premium Economy

United States · UA/UAL · #2 in this comparison

United Airlines

Good leads the way

#17 Global 4-Star
7.7 / 10
Quick Answer

United Airlines scores 7.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.1/10), ranking #17 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is United Airlines a good airline?

United Airlines scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic, ranking #17 globally with a safety score of 9.1/10. United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member with Polaris business class on long-haul, an extensive global network from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and MileagePlus as a core loyalty programme for UK–US routings. See full profile →

Overall 7.7 Very Good
Safety 9.1 Excellent Safety
Service 7.8 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.6 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
7.8
Seat Comfort
8.1
Food & Beverage
7.2
In-Flight Entertainment
7.8
On-Time Performance
7.9
Value for Money
7.6

Key facts

Hub
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) / Newark (EWR) / San Francisco (SFO)
Alliance
star alliance
Founded
1926
Fleet
900 aircraft
Region
americas
IATA / ICAO
UA / UAL

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 30–31"
Lounge access United Club / Polaris
Changes & refunds No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted
Loyalty programme MileagePlus

Strengths

  • Polaris lounges and lie-flat business
  • Extensive Star Alliance network
  • Strong SFO and ORD hubs

Weaknesses

  • Basic Economy restrictions
  • Polaris product varies by aircraft age

Awards & recognition

  • Star Alliance founding member
  • Polaris business class

FAQ

Which is better — Qantas or United Airlines?

Qantas scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.1/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Qantas or United Airlines include a carry-on bag?

Qantas: Included. United Airlines: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Qantas or United Airlines?

Qantas: Partial (messaging/select routes). United Airlines: Partial (messaging/select routes).

Does Qantas include checked baggage?

Qantas checked baggage: 1×23 kg international economy.

Does United Airlines include checked baggage?

United Airlines checked baggage: Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply.