Both Qatar Airways and Emirates offer premium travel experiences with strengths in different areas. Qatar Airways excels in punctuality and entertainment, while Emirates provides more detailed information on seat comfort and culinary offerings. The choice depends on individual priorities, such as on-time performance versus in-flight comfort and service.
| Attribute | Qatar Airways | Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| On-time arrival performance | Recognized as one of the most punctual airlines globally. In 2023, ranked third most on-time with 85.11% of flights arriving on time and a completion factor of 99.85%. In 2024, Cirium recognized Qatar Airways for its on-time performance with 82.83% on-time arrivals from 99.30% tracked flights. On-time departure rate was 84.07%. Arrivals achieved 86.4% on-time performance, and departures, 85.7%. | 81.13% of flights arriving within 15 minutes of schedule in 2022; cancellation rate of 0.02% in 2022 |
| Baggage allowance and fees | Carry-on: Economy class: One free bag up to 15 lbs (7 kg). First and Business class: Two free bags with a combined total weight of 33 lbs (15 kg). Maximum dimensions for each carry-on bag: 20 x 15 x 10 inches (50 x 37 x 25 cm). Checked baggage: Flights to and from Africa and the Americas: Economy passengers can check 2 bags up to 50 pounds each, and Business and First Class can check 2 bags up to 70 pounds each. Other destinations: Baggage allowance is based on total weight, typically ranging from 44 pounds (20 kg) to 77 pounds (35 kg) in Economy, depending on the route. Excess baggage fees: Vary depending on the route. For weight concept routes, excess weight is charged per kilogram. For piece-concept routes, fees range from $100 to $225. Online, an extra piece (suitcase or item) that must be no more than 23kg (50 lbs) costs $200 USD. At the airport, the fee is $255 per piece. Overweight baggage fees range from $75-$150 USD per bag depending on the route. Privilege Club members may receive additional baggage allowance. | Carry-on: Economy - 1 piece (55 x 38 x 20cm, 7kg); First/Business - 2 pieces (briefcase 45 x 35 x 20cm + handbag 55 x 38 x 20cm or garment bag), each 7kg max. Checked: To/from North and South America - Economy 2x23kg, Business/First 2x32kg. Overweight: $50 USD for 23-32kg. Excess: Additional fees apply. Max 10 checked items per ticket holder. |
| Seat comfort (legroom, width, recline) | Not available | Economy (A380): 18 inches wide, 32-inch pitch, 3-4 inch recline. Premium Economy: Wider, cream leather, cushioned leg rests, adjustable headrests, deeper recline. |
| In-flight entertainment options | Offers award-winning Oryx One in-flight entertainment system with up to 8,500 options, including movies, TV, audio, and games. Content is refreshed monthly. Travelers in all cabins have personal TV screens with interactive systems. | ice system with up to 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, and games; playlist syncing via Emirates App; Wi-Fi available for purchase ($9.99-$19.99). |
| Food and beverage quality and selection | Not available | Diverse culinary options, accommodating special dietary requirements. Premium Economy: Regional monthly menus, Royal Doulton china, stainless steel cutlery, extended beverage list including Chandon sparkling wine. |
| Cabin cleanliness and maintenance | Not available | Bathrooms in business class lounges are well-staffed and cleaned frequently. |
| Customer service (ground and in-flight) | Not available | Emirates Skywards program with personal travel coordinator, online upgrades, and priority waitlisting. Mixed reviews: some mention rude staff, others praise attentive crew. |
| Frequent flyer program benefits | Privilege Club members earn Avios on flights and purchases. The program has four tiers: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Higher tiers offer benefits like lounge access, priority services, and increased baggage allowances. Gold members get Oneworld Sapphire status, providing business lounge access across Oneworld partners. Platinum is equivalent to Oneworld Emerald. Privilege Club uses Avios, which can be transferred across airlines that use Avios, including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Finnair, and Iberia. Gold and Platinum members receive Qcredits that can be used for upgrades, additional baggage, lounge access, or to cover change fees. | Emirates Skywards: earn miles based on distance flown, bonus miles for higher fare classes. Redeem miles for award flights, upgrades, hotel bookings, and car rentals. Elite status tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with increasing benefits. Family pooling of miles available. |
| Lounge access and quality | Lounges, especially the Al Mourjan in Doha, are known for comfort, dining, and service. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers amenities such as working spaces, quiet areas, shower facilities, and a restaurant. The Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has conference rooms, smoking zones, restrooms, showers, quiet rooms, prayer rooms, seating pods, complimentary WiFi, and kids zones. The Platinum Lounge has bathroom and shower facilities and uses Diptyque amenities. | Lounges at Dubai International Airport and other locations. Amenities: comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, showers. First Class lounges: a la carte dining, bar, spa, private duty-free shopping. |
| Ticket change and cancellation policies | You can cancel flights online, via the mobile app, or by contacting customer services. A 24-hour cooling-off period is offered on flight bookings (except for 'Lite' fares), allowing cancellations free of charge within 24 hours of booking. Cancellation fees depend on the fare type and route. Changes can be made within 3 hours of the departure time if fare rules allow, and the next scheduled flight should be after 72 hours of the original one. If Qatar Airways cancels a flight, they will carry you on another service, reroute you, or provide a full refund. | Refundable and non-refundable fares. Changes/cancellations within 24 hours of booking may be eligible for a full refund (if flight is at least 7 days out). Cancellation fees vary. 24-hour cancellation policy for flights originating in the U.S. |
| Overall value for money | Not available | Luxurious travel experience, even in economy class. Some reviews express dissatisfaction with service and food quality. |
| Safety record | Considered one of the safest airlines in the world. The Aviation Safety Network reports that Qatar Airways has had no fatal accidents since it began operating in 1994. Skytrax has awarded Qatar Airways a 5-Star Safety Rating. AirlineRatings.com gives Qatar Airways a 7-star safety rating. | High safety ratings. No fatal accidents in the last 20 years (Planecrashinfo.com). |