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

Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Qatar: 50 × 37 × 25 cm (19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Qatar allows the larger bag.

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

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

Where do Emirates and Qatar fly from?

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). Qatar's are Doha (DOH). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Emirates and Qatar partners?

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

EK vs QR · 2026 comparison

Emirates vs Qatar

Emirates doesn't clearly win any category; Qatar 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

Qatar

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm · Qatar: 50 × 37 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Emirates: Included on every fare · Qatar: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Emirates: 2 free bags · Qatar: 2 free bags

Side by side

	Emirates	Qatar
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 38 × 20 cm	50 × 37 × 25 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	oneworld
Loyalty program	Emirates Skywards	Privilege Club
Main hubs	DXB	DOH

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 Qatar up to 50 × 37 × 25 cm (19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in), so Qatar'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 Qatar.

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

Emirates includes two bags with Economy Saver on flights between the U.S. and Dubai, and Qatar includes two bags with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Doha.

Basic economy

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

Qatar (Economy Lite): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Loyalty and where they fly

Emirates is not in an alliance and Qatar is in oneworld.

Loyalty programs: Emirates Skywards (Emirates) and Privilege Club (Qatar).

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). Qatar's are Doha (DOH). 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 Qatar if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DOH

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.