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

Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Etihad: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Etihad allows the larger bag.

Do Emirates and Etihad include a carry-on on basic economy?

Emirates: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. Etihad: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Where do Emirates and Etihad fly from?

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). Etihad's are Abu Dhabi (AUH). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Emirates and Etihad partners?

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

EK vs EY · 2026 comparison

Emirates vs Etihad

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

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

Emirates

No clear category wins

Etihad

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm · Etihad: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Emirates: Included on every fare · Etihad: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Emirates: 2 free bags · Etihad: 2 free bags

Side by side

	Emirates	Etihad
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 38 × 20 cm	56 × 36 × 23 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	Must fit under the seat	Must fit under the seat
First checked bag (regular economy)	2 free bags	2 free bags
Network
Alliance	None	None
Loyalty program	Emirates Skywards	Etihad Guest
Main hubs	DXB	AUH

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

Emirates allows a carry-on up to 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), and Etihad up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so Etihad's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

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

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Emirates, and anything that fits under the seat on Etihad.

Emirates includes two bags with Economy Saver on flights between the U.S. and Dubai, and Etihad includes two bags with Economy (most fares) on flights between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi.

Basic economy

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

Etihad (Economy Saver): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Loyalty and where they fly

Emirates is not in an alliance and Etihad is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: Emirates Skywards (Emirates) and Etihad Guest (Etihad).

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). Etihad's are Abu Dhabi (AUH). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Emirates if you want…

nonstops from DXB

Choose Etihad if you want…

a bigger carry-on
nonstops from AUH

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.