Economy remains the most popular cabin for international travel. While premium cabins are on the rise, most budget-conscious travelers still prefer Economy for long-haul flights, especially to the USA. Premium Economy has become a new passenger-favorite, but since it is NOT available on all routes, Economy often stays the only option.
Air India stands out with its nonstop flights to the USA, while Etihad Airways adds touches of luxury even in Economy. This Etihad Airways Economy vs Air India Economy guide may help you decide which suits your USA-India journey better.
Etihad Airways Economy vs Air India Economy Class Seats
Etihad recently replaced its A380 flights to New York with the new A350-1000. It also operates the Boeing 787 Dreamliners on some USA routes. Etihad’s economy cabins are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Seats are generally 17 to 18 inches wide with a 31 to 33-inch pitch. Select seats, branded as “Economy Space,” offer up to 36 inches of legroom for an added fee. Upholstered in modern fabrics with adjustable headrests, Etihad’s seats give a sense of a premium touch.
Air India’s economy seating is less consistent across aircraft types. On Boeing 777s operating USA-India nonstops, passengers typically get 18-inch-wide seats with 32 inches of pitch. While the dimensions seem competitive, the age of the interiors can be noticeable. Frequent flyers often point out that Air India’s seats lack the refinement and design upgrades seen on Gulf carriers. However, the slightly wider seat base does appeal to travelers who value space. On the other hand, Air India A350s offer a brand new interior with better quality seats, even in economy class.
In-Flight Entertainment in Economy Class
Etihad stands out with its E-Box system, featuring hundreds of movies, TV shows, live TV channels, and music. Every seat is equipped with personal screens, USB ports, and power outlets. The crisp touchscreen displays and intuitive menus make long-haul flights between USA and India more engaging.
Inflight entertainment on Air India flights can be hit or miss. While its Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners do feature personal screens with movies and shows, the selection is not as expansive as Etihad’s, and according to many passengers, the interface feels outdated. Flyers sometimes report non-functional screens, which can dampen the experience on a 14-16 hour flight.
Award-Winning Customer Experience
Etihad Airways has built a strong reputation for enhancing even the most affordable cabin. At the World Travel Awards 2024, it received global honors for Best Customer Experience and Best Economy Class.
Air India’s service reputation is mixed. While some passengers praise the warmth and familiarity of Indian hospitality, others report indifferent or slow responses to requests. Still, for passengers who value convenience, Air India’s nonstop flights to the USA remain a strong advantage.
Nonstop Flights between USA and India
Etihad Airways does NOT offer nonstop flights from USA to India. The airline offers one-stop flights from Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston to many Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi etc. The travel duration may vary depending on the route. For instance, a one-stop flight from Chicago to Delhi via Abu Dhabi takes around 18h 40m.
Air India is the leading operator of nonstop flights from USA to India. It connects New York JFK, Newark, San Francisco, and Chicago to major cities in India such as New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. The flight duration may vary as per the route. For instance, a nonstop flight from Chicago to Delhi takes approximately 14h 30m.
Etihad Free Stopover Program
What sets Etihad Airways Economy vs Air India Economy class debate apart is Etihad’s free stopover program that also includes Economy class passengers. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover lets you turn a layover into two nights at a hotel for free. When booking your Etihad flights, you can request for a long layover to accommodate time for a stopover. You can enjoy up to two free nights in some of the city’s top hotels listed by Etihad Airways. The package also includes a stopover pass with discounts, free SIM card data, and shuttle access to attractions.
Best Airfare from USA to India
Air India is often considered the most economical airline when compared to Etihad Airways. However, the cheapest Indian Eagle deal of $912 from Chicago to Delhi on 19th November is available with Etihad Airways. An Air India flight on the same route costs around $1082. Nonstop service may be a factor affecting the prices. As Air India now just operates 3 weekly flights from ORD to DEL, the price mentioned above is for 20th November. So, if you are looking for an affordable deal along with the luxury of exploring Abu Dhabi, Etihad is an ideal option.
After exploring our Etihad Airways Economy vs Air India Economy Class guide, you can call on the Indian Eagle toll free number +001-800-615-3969 to get exclusive phone-only deals. Book the lowest fares on Etihad or Air India flights and get round-the-clock customer support.
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