What is better: Qatar or Etihad?

The experience you enjoy while flying on Qatar Airways or Etihad is very much on par. Both airlines operate wide-bodied aircraft of Boeing and Airbus. For flights originating from and to Middle East, you may book a flight on either one of them. If you are being choosy, then we will do a quick scan to determine which one among Qatar and Etihad Airways is better. So that you can make an informed decision. In this HolidayGlobes blog, we will compare both airlines on the services offered and what sets each one apart.

• Connectivity of both airlines with the rest of the world.
• Loyalty program of Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
• Cabin classes offered on these airlines.
• Services in Economy Class on both airlines.
• Treatment you get in Business Class on both airlines.

How Reliable is the Route Network of Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways?

Etihad is not part of any alliance. But Etihad has codeshare partnership with major airlines on all continents. Qatar Airways is part of OneWorld alliance. Because of this alliance you may have access to around 900 destinations. OneWorld alliance membership makes route network of Qatar Airways Vs Etihad Airways reliable. Here is a micro analysis of connectivity you get on both these airlines.

• Etihad Airways gives you connectivity to 350 destinations. Qatar Airways connects you to 900 destinations.
• Etihad Airways has in its fleet about 100 aircraft and Qatar has around 230 aircraft.
• Qatar Airways is one of the largest carriers in OneWorld alliance.
• While Doha is the hub of Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi is a major center of Etihad Airways.

If you can make a stopover in Doha, tickets on Qatar may be booked with discount. At the same time, a stay in Abu Dhabi may give you a deal on Etihad worth grabbing. Etihad or Qatar Airways may be called on +44 2037808204 or +44 330 912 7415 for current offers. For details or assistance you may contact HolidayGlobes on 020-3657-6653.

Which Cabin Classes do Flyers get on Etihad and Qatar Airways?

• Flyers on both Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways may get bookings in Economy, Business and First. Take a look at the major differences.
• In First Class, Etihad offers Comfort and Deluxe tickets. On Qatar Airways you may book Elite tickets.
• You get more choices in the Business cabin on Qatar Airways. Etihad offers you bookings in Value, Comfort and Deluxe.
• You can book Lite, Classic, Comfort and Elite tickets in Economy class of Qatar. Etihad offers you tickets in Value, Comfort and Deluxe.

Which Airlines’ Economy is better: Etihad or Qatar Airways?

• Passengers in either Etihad or Qatar Airways may enjoy gourmet meals and WiFi connectivity. Here are some major differences.
• Passengers with tickets in Comfort and Deluxe of Economy Class in Etihad will get free seat selection. Standard seats are complimentary on all fares of Qatar Airways.
• Passengers in Economy may bid for an upgrade on Etihad. On Qatar Airways, you may purchase an upgrade.
• You may avail Meet & Assist service on Etihad where a staff will facilitate you if you are new to a destination.

How does Business Class of Etihad compare with Qatar Airways?

The services you enjoy in Etihad vs Qatar business class may depend on aircraft being operated and the duration of flight. You may find the options limited on short-duration flights of both Etihad and Qatar Airways. Here are main differences.

Diabetic meals, gluten-free meals, low-lactose meals are available only on Etihad flights of 2 hours 50 minutes or more duration. On short-duration Qatar flights to Gulf countries (Oman & Kuwait), you may find only vegetarian food.

QSuite, the flagship business class of Qatar Airways, is only available on select aircraft like B777 and A350. Etihad offers a consistent fully flatbed seats in Business Class across its wide-body fleet, ensuring a good experience regardless of the specific plane.

Which Airline’s loyalty program is better: Etihad or Qatar Airways?

Since Qatar Airways is part of OneWorld Alliance, you may pay for many services offered with Avios. Avios are the loyalty points you gain each time you fly on a OneWorld Alliance carrier. On Etihad, you can use Etihad Guest miles to pay for services. Etihad Guest Miles may expire in 18 months but Avios will not expire. Only on the condition that you record at least one activity (collect, spend, buy, or share) every 36 months.

1. Avios collected on any of the OneWorld alliance carriers may be used to pay for ticket fares of Qatar Airways. You may book an Etihad Airways flight with Etihad Guest miles only.
2. Get upgraded with Avios you have collected on any of OneWorld alliance carriers. You may use Etihad Guest Miles accumulated on Etihad to upgrade.
3. Frequent flyers of Qatar Airways may have access to all OneWorld lounges. Etihad Guests have access to only Etihad’s lounges.

There is no winner in the Qatar vs Etihad Airways debate. It might look like Qatar enjoys an advantage over Etihad because it's part of OneWorld. But Etihad scores higher on comfort and convenience it provides to Economy class passengers. Qatar Airways or Etihad may be reached at +44 330 912 7415 or +44 2037808204 for details. You may contact HolidayGlobes on 020-3657-6653 for assistance.