Transiting through Gulf hubs is a common experience for travelers on long-haul journeys. When flying between the USA and India, many passengers consider Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, or Emirates. If you’re unsure which airline suits you better, this Qatar Airways vs Etihad Airways comparison will help you decide.

Qatar vs Etihad USA Destinations

Qatar Airways has a wide network in USA and offers flights from Doha to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Boston, San Francisco and Atlanta. According to many travelers, its wide American network makes it one of the most accessible Gulf carriers for travelers heading to India.

Comparatively, Etihad Airways serves fewer destinations in the US. Etihad operates nonstop flights to New York, Chicago, Washington DC and Boston via Abu Dhabi. While its network is smaller, Etihad offers convenient schedules and smooth transfers through its well-organized hub, often resulting in shorter layovers.

Also Read: Qatar Airways Nonstop Flights to USA

Qatar vs Etihad India Destinations

Qatar Airways flies to over 13 Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Goa. This wide network ensures travelers can easily reach both major and secondary Indian airports.

Etihad Airways connects Abu Dhabi to about 10 Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Though the number of destinations is slightly fewer, Etihad focuses on providing faster transit and a more personalized travel experience from USA to India and vice versa. 

Qatar Airways Economy vs Etihad Airways Economy Class

Qatar Airways economy class cabins feature seat pitches ranging from 31-32 inches and seat widths up to 18 inches, depending on the aircraft. Seats on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are equipped with personal entertainment screens, USB ports, and adjustable headrests. Travelers often appreciate the spacious feel and attentive cabin crew.

Etihad Airways economy class offers a 31-33 inch seat pitch, ergonomic headrests, and personal touch-screen systems with a wide range of entertainment options. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 used on most US routes ensure a quieter cabin and better air pressure for a more relaxed flight. Both carriers offer generous meal services, though Qatar’s menu variety and Oryx One entertainment platform slightly edge ahead in traveler ratings.

Qatar Airways Business Class vs Etihad Airways Business Class

Qatar Airways has consistently dominated the Skytrax World Airline Awards, winning the title of “World’s Best Business Class” for nine consecutive years. The airline’s Qsuite also stands out, having been recognized as the “World’s Best Business Class Seat” by Skytrax. Although it is available on select Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The suite-style seating comes with sliding doors for privacy, a fully flat bed, direct aisle access, and customizable layouts for solo travelers or groups. 

Etihad Airways Business Class Studio offers a modern design with 78 inches of seat pitch, lie-flat functionality, and ample storage. It is available on its Boeing 787 and A350 aircraft. The airline’s premium cabins emphasize understated luxury, Arabic hospitality, and thoughtful service. Both airlines feature Wi-Fi connectivity, priority boarding, and premium check-in areas, but Qatar’s Qsuite often wins for privacy and layout flexibility.

Qatar Airways vs Etihad Airways First Class

Qatar Airways offers First Class mainly on its Airbus A380, featuring large seats that convert into fully flat beds, a personal wardrobe, fine dining, and access to the Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha. This lounge access is perfect for those traveling from USA to India as it offers state-of-the-art facilities. 

Etihad Airways Residence on the Airbus A380 are among the most luxurious in the sky, offering a separate seat and bed, vanity area, and access to The Lobby lounge shared with Business Class guests. On its Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, Etihad focuses on high-end business suites rather than full First Class. Etihad’s Residence is available only on select routes as an upgrade for existing First Class ticket holders, while Qatar’s First Class emphasizes refined, personalized comfort.

Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways Lounges in USA

Qatar Airways passengers traveling from USA can access partner lounges at major airports, such as the British Airways and American Airlines Soho Lounge at JFK or the Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles. In Doha, Business and First travelers can relax at the stunning Al Mourjan and Al Safwa Lounges, known for their spacious design, à la carte dining, and relaxation areas.

Etihad Airways has dedicated lounges at New York JFK and Washington Dulles offers passengers world-class services. At other US airports, Etihad provides premium lounge access through partner networks. 

Etihad Airways US Preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport

One major advantage Etihad Airways offers over Qatar Airways is its U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport. This allows passengers to complete all immigration, customs, and security checks before boarding. When they arrive in the US, they are treated as domestic travelers, saving time at airports like New York JFK, Chicago ORD, and Washington DC IAD.

Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, while efficient and luxurious, does not offer this service. Etihad’s preclearance system gives travelers, especially those flying for business, a faster and more seamless arrival experience, making it a convenient choice for USA-India flyers.

Qatar Airways vs Etihad Airways Lowest Airfare 

When booking flights from New York to Delhi on IndianEagle.com, you can find Qatar Airways economy class fares starting around $709 under the Eagle Deal. On the same route and date, an Etihad Airways economy flight costs about $1,163, making Qatar Airways the more affordable choice.

If you want world-class service at a lower fare, Qatar Airways is ideal. But if you prefer a seamless transit experience and the convenience of US preclearance at Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways is worth the extra spend.

You can contact Indian Eagle 24/7 customer support to get the best deals on Qatar Airways or Etihad Airways flights. No matter which airline you choose to travel, we will ensure you get the lowest available airfare. 

The post Qatar Airways vs Etihad Airways Flights: What Should You Choose When Traveling Between USA and India appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

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.

The post Etihad Airways Economy vs Air India Economy Class: A Comparison for USA-India Travelers appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.