Emirates and Qatar Airways are two of the most prominent airlines in the Middle East, with a global reputation for luxury and service. Both airlines offer a range of services and amenities to their passengers, including comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and gourmet dining. However, there are some key differences between the two airlines that travelers should be aware of when choosing which one to fly with.

Emirates and Qatar Airways are both known for their large and modern fleets, with a range of aircraft types to choose from. Emirates has a larger fleet overall, with more than 250 aircraft, while Qatar Airways has a fleet of around 200 planes. Both airlines have invested heavily in their fleets in recent years, with new planes offering the latest technology and amenities.

Key Takeaways

  • Emirates and Qatar Airways are two of the most prominent airlines in the Middle East, known for luxury and service.
  • Both airlines have modern fleets with a range of aircraft types to choose from.
  • Emirates and Qatar Airways offer a range of amenities to their passengers, including comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and gourmet dining.

emirates vs qatar

Emirates Vs Qatar: An Overview

Emirates and Qatar Airways are two of the largest and most well-known airlines in the Middle East. Both airlines are based in the region, with Emirates headquartered in Dubai and Qatar Airways in Doha.

Dubai and Doha are the two largest cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, respectively. Both cities have been investing heavily in their airports in recent years, with Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha both becoming major hubs for Middle Eastern airlines.

Emirates and Qatar Airways both offer a wide range of destinations, with routes to cities across the world. They also both offer a high level of service, with comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment and a range of food and drink options.

However, there are some differences between the two airlines. Emirates is known for its luxurious first class cabins, which include private suites and showers. Qatar Airways, on the other hand, is known for its award-winning business class cabins, which offer fully-flat beds and direct aisle access for every passenger.

In terms of destinations, Emirates has a slightly larger network, with routes to over 150 destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways, however, has been expanding rapidly in recent years and now flies to over 130 destinations.

Both airlines are also owned by their respective governments, with Emirates owned by the government of Dubai and Qatar Airways owned by the government of Qatar. This has led to some controversy, with some critics accusing the airlines of receiving unfair subsidies and distorting competition in the global aviation industry.

Overall, Emirates and Qatar Airways are both excellent airlines with a lot to offer. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and travel needs.

Airline Fleet and Aircrafts

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways have modern and extensive fleets, consisting of a range of aircraft types. Emirates operates a large fleet of Airbus A380s, while Qatar Airways has a mix of Boeing 777s and 787s.

Emirates is well-known for its A380 fleet, which is the largest in the world. As of 2023, Emirates has 116 A380s in its fleet, with an additional 8 on order. The A380 is a double-decker aircraft that offers a spacious cabin and a range of amenities, including onboard bars and showers. Emirates has configured its A380s to seat up to 615 passengers, making it one of the most spacious aircraft in the sky.

Qatar Airways, on the other hand, has a fleet of 57 Boeing 777s and 30 Boeing 787s. The Boeing 777 is a popular wide-body aircraft that is used by many airlines around the world. Qatar Airways has configured its 777s to seat between 259 and 412 passengers, depending on the variant. The Boeing 787 is a newer aircraft that offers improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Qatar Airways has configured its 787s to seat between 234 and 311 passengers.

Both airlines also operate a range of other aircraft types, including Airbus A350s, A320s, and Boeing 747s. Emirates has a total fleet size of 279 aircraft, while Qatar Airways has a fleet of 234 aircraft.

In terms of fleet age, both airlines have relatively young fleets. As of 2023, the average age of Emirates’ fleet is 6.2 years, while the average age of Qatar Airways’ fleet is 5.8 years.

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Overall, both airlines have modern and extensive fleets that allow them to offer a range of routes and services to passengers. Emirates’ A380 fleet is a unique feature that sets it apart from other airlines, while Qatar Airways’ mix of Boeing 777s and 787s offers passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

emirates vs qatar

In-Flight Experience

Seating and Comfort

Emirates and Qatar Airways offer a range of seating options across their fleet, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class. In economy class, both airlines provide comfortable seating with ample legroom and adjustable headrests. However, Qatar Airways offers a slightly wider seat pitch than Emirates, which may be more comfortable for taller passengers.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, both airlines offer lie-flat seats in their business and first class cabins. Emirates’ first class cabin features private suites with sliding doors and personal minibars, while Qatar Airways’ business class cabin offers direct aisle access for all passengers.

In-Flight Entertainment

Both airlines offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. Emirates’ ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system offers over 4,500 channels of entertainment, including live TV and on-demand content. Qatar Airways’ Oryx One system offers over 4,000 options, including a selection of Hollywood blockbusters and international films.

Passengers in all classes on both airlines can enjoy in-flight entertainment on personal screens, with larger screens available in premium cabins. Additionally, both airlines offer Wi-Fi on select flights for an additional fee.

Cuisine and Meals

Emirates and Qatar Airways both offer complimentary meals and beverages on all flights, with special meals available for those with dietary restrictions. Emirates offers a range of international cuisine options, including Arabic, Indian, and Western dishes, while Qatar Airways offers a selection of dishes inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Passengers in premium cabins on both airlines can enjoy a wider range of dining options, including multi-course meals and premium wines and spirits. Additionally, both airlines offer lounge access for premium passengers, with Emirates’ lounges featuring shower facilities and spa treatments.

Destinations and Network

Emirates and Qatar Airways are two of the largest airlines in the world, with extensive networks that cover destinations across the globe. Emirates has a larger network than Qatar Airways, with more than 150 destinations in over 80 countries. Qatar Airways, on the other hand, flies to over 140 destinations worldwide.

Both airlines have a strong presence in Asia, with Emirates serving more than 20 destinations in the region, including popular cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo. Qatar Airways also has a significant presence in Asia, with flights to over 30 destinations, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

When it comes to Australia, Emirates has a strong presence with flights to five cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Qatar Airways, meanwhile, flies to just four cities in Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne.

In Europe, both airlines have a significant presence, with Emirates serving more than 30 destinations and Qatar Airways flying to over 40 destinations. Some of the popular destinations served by both airlines include London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

In Southeast Asia, both airlines have a strong presence, with Emirates serving destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur, while Qatar Airways flies to cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Bali.

Overall, both Emirates and Qatar Airways have extensive networks that cover destinations across the globe, with a strong focus on Asia and Europe. While Emirates has a larger network, Qatar Airways still offers a wide range of destinations and routes for travelers to choose from.

 

Ticketing and Classes of Service

Economy Class

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer economy class tickets with similar features. Passengers can enjoy in-flight entertainment, meals, and beverages. However, Emirates offers a larger selection of movies and TV shows on their ICE entertainment system. On the other hand, Qatar Airways provides passengers with more legroom and a wider seat pitch, making for a more comfortable flight.

Business Class

Emirates and Qatar Airways offer similar business class services, including lie-flat seats, in-flight entertainment, and gourmet meals. However, Emirates provides passengers with a more luxurious experience, with private suites and an onboard bar. Qatar Airways, on the other hand, offers a more modern and sleek business class cabin, with seats that have direct aisle access.

First Class

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer first class cabins with luxurious amenities. Emirates provides passengers with private suites, an onboard shower, and a personal minibar. Qatar Airways offers a more spacious first class cabin with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access, as well as a fully stocked bar.

In terms of pricing, Emirates tends to be more expensive than Qatar Airways for first and business class tickets. However, economy class tickets are often similarly priced between the two airlines.

Overall, both Emirates and Qatar Airways provide excellent service and amenities in each class of service, making them top choices for travelers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer frequent flyer programs that reward loyal customers with various benefits and perks. Emirates’ program is called Skywards, while Qatar Airways’ program is called Privilege Club.

Skywards and Privilege Club both have multiple tiers, including Platinum, Gold, and Silver, which offer different benefits based on the member’s level of loyalty. These benefits can include lounge access, priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and more.

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Emirates Skywards is a part of the oneworld alliance, which allows Skywards members to earn and redeem miles on other airlines within the alliance. Qatar Airways, on the other hand, is not a part of any alliance but has partnerships with other airlines such as British Airways and American Airlines.

Skywards members can earn miles through flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and credit card spending. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members can earn miles through flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping with their partners.

Skywards has four tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Members can earn and redeem miles on flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. On the other hand, Privilege Club has four tiers as well: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Members can earn and redeem Qmiles on flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.

In terms of earning and redeeming miles, Skywards and Privilege Club have similar programs. However, Skywards’ oneworld alliance membership may be more attractive to travelers who frequently fly with other airlines within the alliance.

emirates vs qatar

Special Services

When it comes to special services, both Emirates and Qatar Airways go above and beyond to ensure their passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the special services offered by both airlines:

Special Services for Passengers

Emirates offers a range of special services for passengers with specific needs, including wheelchair assistance, medical assistance, and special meals. They also have a dedicated team to assist passengers with disabilities throughout their journey.

Qatar Airways also offers a range of special services for passengers, including wheelchair assistance, medical assistance, and special meals. They have a dedicated team to assist passengers with disabilities throughout their journey, and they also offer a meet and assist service for passengers who need extra help.

Special Services for Celebrations

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer special services for passengers celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Emirates offers a cake and champagne service, while Qatar Airways offers a cake and a special gift.

Special Services for Business Travelers

Emirates and Qatar Airways both offer a range of special services for business travelers, including laptop and mobile charging facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to business lounges.

Stopover Services

Emirates and Qatar Airways both offer stopover services, allowing passengers to break up their journey and explore the city of Dubai (DXB) or Doha. Emirates offers a complimentary hotel stay for passengers with a layover of more than six hours, while Qatar Airways offers a range of stopover packages.

Special Services for Babies and Children

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer special services for babies and children, including baby food, diapers, and toys. They also offer special meals for children and entertainment options to keep them occupied during the flight.

Religious Restrictions

Emirates and Qatar Airways both offer special meals for passengers with religious restrictions, including halal, kosher, and vegetarian options.

Overall, both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer a range of special services to ensure their passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

COVID-19 Measures

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways have implemented various measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the measures they have taken:

  • Pre-flight testing: Passengers are required to take a COVID-19 test before boarding their flight. Emirates provides a free PCR test at select locations, while Qatar Airways offers a discounted rate for tests at select clinics.
  • Mask-wearing: Passengers are required to wear masks throughout their journey, including during boarding, in-flight, and disembarking. Both airlines provide masks to passengers who do not have them.
  • Social distancing: Both airlines have implemented social distancing measures, such as blocking middle seats and limiting the number of passengers on board.
  • Enhanced cleaning: Emirates and Qatar Airways have increased the frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfecting their aircraft, including high-touch surfaces such as seats, tray tables, and lavatories.
  • Contactless services: Both airlines have introduced contactless services, such as online check-in, digital boarding passes, and touchless bag drop.
  • Cabin crew precautions: Cabin crew are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict hygiene protocols. Emirates has also introduced a “COVID-19 health ambassador” role on board to ensure compliance with safety measures.

Overall, both Emirates and Qatar Airways have taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food and Drink

When it comes to food and drink, both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer a range of options to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

Meals on both airlines are included in the ticket price, with Emirates offering a choice of three course meals and Qatar Airways offering a choice of two course meals. Both airlines also offer a range of snacks and refreshments throughout the flight.

Alcohol is available on both airlines, with Emirates offering a wider selection of wines and spirits. Qatar Airways only offers a limited selection of alcoholic beverages, but they do have a signature mocktail called the “Bateel Sunset” that is worth trying.

For tea lovers, Qatar Airways offers a range of premium teas from Dilmah, while Emirates offers a selection of teas from TWG Tea.

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In terms of cuisine, both airlines offer a mix of international and regional dishes. Emirates has a reputation for serving high-quality meals, with a focus on Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. Qatar Airways also offers a range of international and regional dishes, with a focus on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

For those with dietary requirements, both airlines offer special meals such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and raw food options. Emirates also offers meals for those with religious dietary requirements, such as halal and kosher meals.

Overall, both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer a good selection of food and drink options to keep passengers satisfied during their flight.

emirates vs qatar

Comparison: Emirates Vs Qatar Airways

Emirates and Qatar Airways are two of the best airlines in the world. Both airlines offer excellent service, but there are some differences between the two that are worth noting.

Service

Emirates is known for its exceptional service, with flight attendants who are attentive and friendly. The airline offers a range of amenities, including complimentary drinks and meals, in-flight entertainment, and comfortable seating. Qatar Airways also offers excellent service, with attentive flight attendants and a range of amenities. However, some passengers have reported that the service on Qatar Airways can be inconsistent.

Best Airlines

Emirates and Qatar Airways are both considered to be among the best airlines in the world. Skytrax, a leading airline rating agency, has awarded both airlines a 5-star rating.

Qatar Airways vs Emirates

When it comes to Qatar Airways vs Emirates, there are some differences to consider. Qatar Airways offers its Qsuite, which is a private suite with a door that provides passengers with privacy and comfort. Emirates, on the other hand, offers its First Class Suites, which are also private and comfortable. However, some passengers prefer the Qsuite for its added privacy.

Convenience

Both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer convenient flight schedules, with flights to a wide range of destinations. However, Emirates has a larger network of destinations, with flights to over 150 destinations worldwide.

Elite

Both airlines offer elite frequent flyer programs. Emirates offers its Skywards program, while Qatar Airways offers its Privilege Club program. Both programs offer a range of benefits, including lounge access, priority check-in, and more.

Saver

Both airlines offer saver fares, which can be a great way to save money on flights. However, it’s worth noting that these fares often come with restrictions, such as limited baggage allowance and non-refundable tickets.

In summary, both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer excellent service and are among the best airlines in the world. When choosing between the two, it’s worth considering factors such as the destinations you’re traveling to, the level of privacy you want, and the frequent flyer program you prefer.

Baggage Allowance

When it comes to baggage allowance, both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer generous policies for their passengers. However, there are some differences between the two airlines that travelers should be aware of.

Emirates allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, with a maximum weight of 7kg (15lb) for the carry-on and 5kg (11lb) for the personal item. Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the fare class and destination, with Economy Class passengers allowed up to 35kg (77lb) and Business or First Class passengers allowed up to 40kg (88lb) or 50kg (110lb), respectively. Emirates also offers additional baggage allowances for certain loyalty program members and for those traveling with infants.

On the other hand, Qatar Airways allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, with a maximum combined weight of 10kg (22lb). Checked baggage allowances also vary depending on the fare class and destination, with Economy Class passengers allowed up to 30kg (66lb) and Business or First Class passengers allowed up to 40kg (88lb) or 50kg (110lb), respectively. Qatar Airways also offers additional baggage allowances for certain loyalty program members and for those traveling with infants.

Both airlines offer fare classes that allow passengers to purchase additional baggage allowance, such as Emirates’ Flex and Flex Plus fares or Qatar Airways’ Economy Value and Business Value fares. However, the specific allowances and fees for these fare classes may vary depending on the route and date of travel.

Overall, both Emirates and Qatar Airways offer generous baggage allowances for their passengers, with slight differences in the specific policies and allowances. Travelers should check their airline’s policies and allowances before packing to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences in economy class between Qatar Airways and Emirates?

Both airlines offer similar amenities in their economy class cabins, including personal entertainment screens, in-flight meals, and complimentary beverages. However, Emirates has a reputation for offering slightly more spacious seats and a wider selection of entertainment options.

Which airline has better business class, Qatar Airways or Emirates?

Both airlines offer luxurious business class cabins with fully reclining seats, gourmet dining options, and access to premium lounges. However, Qatar Airways has won numerous awards for its business class, including “Best Business Class” at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

What is the salary range for pilots at Qatar Airways and Emirates?

The salary range for pilots at both airlines varies depending on experience and seniority. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a pilot at Emirates is around $12,000 per month, while pilots at Qatar Airways earn an average of around $10,000 per month.

How do the cabin crews of Qatar Airways and Emirates compare?

Both airlines are known for their friendly and attentive cabin crews. However, Qatar Airways has received numerous awards for its cabin crew, including “Best Cabin Crew” at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Are the seat sizes different between Qatar Airways and Emirates?

While both airlines offer similar seat sizes in their economy and business class cabins, Emirates is known for offering slightly more spacious seats in economy class.

Which airline is considered the top airline, Emirates or Qatar Airways?

Both airlines are highly regarded in the aviation industry and have won numerous awards for their service and amenities. Ultimately, the choice between Emirates and Qatar Airways depends on personal preference and travel needs.