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

Etihad: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 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).

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

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

Where do Etihad and Qatar fly from?

Etihad's main hubs are Abu Dhabi (AUH). Qatar's are Doha (DOH). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Etihad and Qatar partners?

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

EY vs QR · 2026 comparison

Etihad vs Qatar

Etihad and Qatar are closely matched on the things we compare. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

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

Etihad

No clear category wins

Qatar

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Etihad and Qatar are closely matched on the things we compare. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Etihad: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · Qatar: 50 × 37 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Etihad: Included on every fare · Qatar: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Etihad: 2 free bags · Qatar: 2 free bags

Side by side

	Etihad	Qatar
Bags
Carry-on size	56 × 36 × 23 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	Etihad Guest	Privilege Club
Main hubs	AUH	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

Etihad allows a carry-on up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), and Qatar up to 50 × 37 × 25 cm (19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

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

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

Etihad includes two bags with Economy (most fares) on flights between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi, and Qatar includes two bags with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Doha.

Basic economy

Etihad (Economy Saver): 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

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

Loyalty programs: Etihad Guest (Etihad) and Privilege Club (Qatar).

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

Which should you book?

Choose Etihad if you want…

nonstops from AUH

Choose Qatar if you want…

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.

Etihad vs Qatar FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. Etihad and Qatar are closely matched on the things we compare. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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