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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.

Verdict

Qatar Airways scores higher on FlightLogic at 9.0/10 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 Qatar Airways United Airlines
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 23–32 kg by cabin (Economy 23 kg)Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Partial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 32"30–31"
Loyalty programme Privilege Club (Avios)MileagePlus
Lounge access Al Mourjan / Al Safwa at DOH; oneworld EmeraldUnited Club / Polaris
Changes & refunds Flexible on published fares; fee + difference on restricted ticketsNo change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted

Individual profiles

Qatar Airways

QR · Qatar

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 9.0/10

United Airlines

UA · United States

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 7.7/10

Editorial profiles

Qatar · QR/QTR · #1 in this comparison

Qatar Airways

World's Best Airline 2025

#1 Global 5-Star
9.0 / 10
Quick Answer

Qatar Airways scores 9.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.8/10), ranking #1 globally. verified in-flight Wi-Fi averages 8 Mbps on measured routes. Catering: Halal standard on all routes; vegan and no-pork bespoke menus pre-ordered 24h ahead with high success on LHR–DOH

Is Qatar Airways a good airline?

Qatar Airways scores 9.0/10 (Exceptional) on FlightLogic, ranking #1 globally with a safety score of 9.8/10. Qatar Airways leads global rankings with exceptional Qsuite business class, award-winning cabin crew, and a modern widebody fleet serving 170+ destinations. See full profile →

Overall 9.0 Exceptional
Safety 9.8 Maximum Safety
Service 9.4 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.5 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
9.4
Seat Comfort
9.2
Food & Beverage
9.0
In-Flight Entertainment
9.1
On-Time Performance
8.8
Value for Money
8.5

Key facts

Hub
Hamad International (DOH)
Alliance
oneworld
Founded
1993
Fleet
250 aircraft
Region
middle east
IATA / ICAO
QR / QTR

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 23–32 kg by cabin (Economy 23 kg)
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 32"
Lounge access Al Mourjan / Al Safwa at DOH; oneworld Emerald
Changes & refunds Flexible on published fares; fee + difference on restricted tickets
Loyalty programme Privilege Club (Avios)

Strengths

  • Qsuite business class with doors
  • Al Mourjan lounge at DOH
  • Excellent long-haul catering

Weaknesses

  • Economy density on some A320s
  • Occasional DOH connection delays

Awards & recognition

  • World's Best Airline 2025
  • Best Business Class
  • Best Airline in Middle East

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 — Qatar Airways or United Airlines?

Qatar Airways scores higher on FlightLogic at 9.0/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Qatar Airways or United Airlines include a carry-on bag?

Qatar Airways: Included. United Airlines: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Qatar Airways or United Airlines?

Qatar Airways: Partial (messaging/select routes). United Airlines: Partial (messaging/select routes).

Does Qatar Airways include checked baggage?

Qatar Airways checked baggage: 23–32 kg by cabin (Economy 23 kg).

Does United Airlines include checked baggage?

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