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Is Etihad Airways a good option for flying compared to Qatar Airways?

Mar 25, 2025
9 days ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone flew with Etihad airways are they any good. I usually fly with Qatar but Etihad are looking the cheapest. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The community has mixed but generally positive opinions about Etihad Airways, with several users expressing satisfaction regarding their service, food, and legroom. While some noted issues like running out of food options, many emphasized the quality of the airline, even claiming it to be superior or on par with Qatar Airways. Suggestions were made about the benefits of booking directly with the airline versus using third-party services. A few users also mentioned experiences with other airlines, highlighting overall that Etihad competes well with other Middle Eastern carriers.
Graham *******
Saudia my favourite your well looked after
John ********
Eva air is good and cheapest
Michael *******
Depends on the connx times in AUH. When choosing ME carriers I always look at this when deciding……
Chris *********************
Try emirates
Roy ********
I always fly with Qatar (to get points) but…..the one time I did fly with Etihad was much better , more leg room and better food
Anton *******
In recent years and I have been flying to BKK from London for 35 years that EVA were best Direct and Singapore were Appalling and Emirates were Average for Indirect Flights…
Juliet *******
Brilliant we had the extra legroom seats
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for your help
Bri *****
Good visa question
Ricky ******
Etihad, Qatar, Emirates all very as each other.
David *******
Etihad are better than Qatar in my opinion 🤷
George *******
There's not a lot of difference between Etihad, Emirates, Qatar I've flown them all from various places. Also, I once flew OmanAir from Manchester, UK, via Muscat to Bangkok and I must say the stopover in Muscat was much shorter, so more bearable. I've not done Thai purely on cost, but if all the airlines I've flown and not on price alone, my favourite is Singapore Airlines. One airline I won't use again is Gulf Air, I have my reasons which I'll keep to myself.
George *******
I've done a few European airlines from Europe to Bangkok and found them all pretty average. Haven't done British Airways yet, purely on cost. I did fly Cathay Pacific many years ago to Hong Kong and found them pretty good.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@George ******
British airways are the worst
Abey *********
They are not all that. Emirates or Thai Airways miles ahead.
Mary *******
Etihad are brilliant
Manfred ********
Etihad is a good airline. 3 times already. No problems.
Tom *******
Used them several times and very good quality

But emirates are still the best
Al **********
Had a good couple of flights from Manchester to BKK via Abu Dhabi this week tbf
Ian *****
Awesome airline and amazing Lounge in AUH
Stephen ********
Flew with them a week ago and they were great, no delays great food and service. They were the cheapest for us from Manchester
Barry *********
I've used them a few times, no problem whatsoever
Steve *******
Great airline. All the middle Eastern airlines are good, Qatar, Emirates and Oman
Ian *********
@Steve ******
I had a terrible experience with Gulf Air
Sandy **********
Is it better to book direct with etihad or sky scanner?
Brandon ************
@Sandy *********
It's ALWAYS better to book direct with the airline, even if it costs more. Because if you book through a 3rd party, then if there are any problems, delays, missed or cancelled flights, the airline will not even talk to you and tell you to talk to the company you booked your flight with. Who do you think will help you fix your problem better? Etihad or skyscanner? (except skyscanner isn't a booking company, they just refer you to other 3rd party agencies)
Stephen ********
@Sandy *********
it was cheaper for us to book directly with the airline
Whitney **************
Many times on Etihad. Good hardware, service and food. Big benefit for travelers heading to the U.S., you clear immigration and customs in Abu Dhabi, so you arrive in the U.S. free of further formalities.
Andy **********
@Whitney *************
That's how it is for anyone on a through ticket.
Whitney **************
Do you mean for passengers headed to destinations other than the US? Or do you mean other carriers servicing Abu Dhabi to the US? Sorry, not sure I am clear on your meaning. I was referring to the ease of US immigration and customs when going thru Abu Dhabi, as opposed to AMS or LHR.
Sean ***************
Etihad, Qatar, Emirates are rated among the best airlines. I don't know where you are flying to and from, but if you are tall. I would go for ANA (33"-34") or some other Asian airlines instead. The seat pitch is 32-34" with some at 31" but european airlines are 30"-31" and qatar and etihad flights are 31" seat pitch in economy meaning not so much leg room.

Any questions, feel free to reach out.
Jonny *******
Been with them twice very good nearly on par with Emirates but they are without doubt the best ( itihad are very very good )
Mica **********
Yep but make sure , if you have a connecting flight, you have enough time to get to the next gate for second flight.
Dany ********
Etihad is one of the best. They often fly the 787 which is an amazing aircraft. and Etihad usualy has a whole area of extra legroom seats. very well worth it. so much space 😍 my favorite so far. and i did many many airlines in economy in recent years. i would choose etihad anytime on this route.
Alison **********
Etihad are fantastic personally better than Qatar
Mma *******
Flew with them Scotland to Bangkok, very good. Similar to Qatar air -
Phirom *********
One of the best airline.
Jan **********
I have good experience with Etihad, mostly also with Qatar
Ian *********
I used to fly them regularly but my last flight about 8 months ago they ran out of food options on both legs outbound and inbound and I had a screaming baby on both legs which is just unlucky I guess. Actual flight and airport is fine but I just think they’ve gone downhill a little.
Dave *******
@Ian ********
used to be brilliant but found things have gone down hill but still prefer to Qatar.But find emirates better
Dave *******
Yes alot higher prices now 👍😩
Ian *********
@Dave ******
I’ve just come back and flew emirates outbound and they are great. On the way back i flew Eva in premium which is decent. I’ve tried most but since covid there’s a lot of codesharing so the planes are full making high demand and high prices
Farang *********
Qatar, flown 5 times, 4 times crap. No issues with Ethad or Emirates.
Ivan *********
@Farang ********
I have flown with Qatar twice . I liked the stopover a Doha . Were you processed At Gatwick South ? I thought the organisation was not very good . It took us
*****
minutes to get booked in ..
Farang *********
@Ivan ********
no from Heathrow. It was just generally poor service. In the "old" Doha airport had one toilet it appeared. Also was in the industry and knew how they treat their emoyees.
Ivan *********
I think you would be impressed with DOHA Toilets now . When I saw it in 2023 it was very clean and in the right place .
Ste *******
I avoid the entire area if I can. Direct flight from London, Thai Airways or Eva👍
Eline **********
@Ste ******
I like getting off the plane half way through. 😊
Aden ******
@Ste ******
exact same as me. Thai Airways usually best, if by chance i do have to transit somewhere i go Emirates and change in Dubai
Keith ***********
Flew Etihad a few times….no problem
Samantha *******
@Keith **********
🫰 always found them excellent
Geraldine **************
I haven't flown with them, however I have heard very good reports on this airline. Have a wonderful trip 👍
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