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

Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Saudia: 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Saudia allows the larger bag.

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

Emirates: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. Saudia: Economy (Guest Class) includes one 7 kg carry-on, measured with wheels and handles.

Where do Emirates and Saudia fly from?

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). Saudia's are JED, RUH. The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Emirates and Saudia partners?

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

EK vs SV · 2026 comparison

Emirates vs Saudia

Emirates doesn't clearly win any category; Saudia 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

Saudia

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm · Saudia: 56 × 45 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Emirates: Included on every fare · Saudia: Included on every fare

Side by side

	Emirates	Saudia
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 38 × 20 cm	56 × 45 × 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
Network
Alliance	None	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	Emirates Skywards	Alfursan
Main hubs	DXB	JED, RUH

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 Saudia up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), so Saudia'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 Saudia.

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

Loyalty and where they fly

Emirates is not in an alliance and Saudia is in SkyTeam.

Loyalty programs: Emirates Skywards (Emirates) and Alfursan (Saudia).

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). Saudia's are JED, RUH. 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 Saudia if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from JED, RUH

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.