Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Air Arabia or Emirates?

Air Arabia: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Air Arabia allows the larger bag.

Where do Air Arabia and Emirates fly from?

Air Arabia's main hubs are SHJ. Emirates's are Dubai (DXB). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Air Arabia and Emirates partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Air Arabia: none; Emirates: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

G9 vs EK · 2026 comparison

Air Arabia vs Emirates

Q: Do Air Arabia and Emirates include a carry-on on basic economy?

Air Arabia: Basic includes the cabin bag and personal item but no checked bag; Value and Ultimate fares include checked luggage. Emirates: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Air Arabia wins on a bigger carry-on; Emirates doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Air Arabia

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Emirates

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Air Arabia wins on a bigger carry-on; Emirates doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Air Arabia: 55 × 40 × 20 cm · Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Air Arabia: Included on every fare · Emirates: Included on every fare

Side by side

	Air Arabia	Emirates
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 20 cm	55 × 38 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	7 kg (15.4 lb)	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	33 × 25 × 20 cm	Must fit under the seat
Network
Alliance	None	None
Loyalty program	Air Rewards	Emirates Skywards
Main hubs	SHJ	DXB

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Air Arabia allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), and Emirates up to 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), so Air Arabia's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Air Arabia, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Emirates.

Personal items: 33 × 25 × 20 cm (13 × 9.8 × 7.9 in) on Air Arabia, and anything that fits under the seat on Emirates.

Basic economy

Air Arabia (Basic): Basic includes the cabin bag and personal item but no checked bag; Value and Ultimate fares include checked luggage.

Emirates (Economy Special): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Loyalty and where they fly

Air Arabia is not in an alliance and Emirates is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: Air Rewards (Air Arabia) and Emirates Skywards (Emirates).

Air Arabia's main hubs are SHJ. Emirates's are Dubai (DXB). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Air Arabia if you want…

a bigger carry-on
nonstops from SHJ

Choose Emirates if you want…

nonstops from DXB

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.