🛫 Qatar Vs Emirates Vs Etihad: How to Get the Best Value Redemptions + Singapore Example

Hello, Adventurous Travellers, and Happy Sunday!

This weekend, we’ve compared what you get for your money when flying with Qatar, Emirates and Etihad, using Singapore as an example. We’ve also done a deep dive into the Star Alliance loyalty programme and status matches.

Let's get started:

• 🛫 Flying to Singapore with Qatar Airways Vs Ethiad Vs Emirates: We looked at the points vs cash redemption value for each cabin class and airline.

• ⭐ The Star Alliance Loyalty Programme: Is it worth rising through the tiers?

🛫 Flying to Singapore with Qatar Airways Vs Ethiad Vs Emirates

It’s always good to know you’ve got the best value when redeeming your points. Some flights aren’t worth spending your points on, and you’d be better off paying in cash, whereas others offer fantastic value.

Using Smart Redemptions, we were able to compare the cash value with the points and miles required for each class available in Qatar, Etihad, and Emirates. Each airline uses the A380 to fly the route (Etihad will use an A380 from 1st February 2025).

Here’s a comparison of the three airlines flying from London to Singapore on 4th November 2024 one way. 

💺 Flying in Economy with Qatar Vs Etihad Vs Emirates

• Seat Configurations: All are 3-3-3, apart from Qatar, which has 3-4-3.

• All seats have a 31-32 inch pitch.

• Qatar has a 10.4-inch screen, Ethiad a 10.6 inch and Emirates a 13.1-inch.

• The flight duration with Qatar and Emirates is just over 15 hours, but with Ethiad, it’s just over 16 hours. You can also opt for a longer layover if needed.

• All airlines have a fantastic stopover programme.

• If you hold Gold status with Star Alliance, you can use Star Alliance member airline lounges at Heathrow or the airline’s home airport. Qatar Airways is part of oneworld. If you hold oneworld Sapphire status, you can use oneworld lounges at Heathrow or Doha Airport.

🥂 Flying in Business

• All seat configurations are 1-2-1

• Fully lie-flat beds and direct aisle access on all airlines

• Emirates has the biggest screen at 23 inches, followed by Qatar at 21.5 inches and Etiad at 18.5 inches.

🛏️ Flying in First

• The seat configurations are 1-1-1, except Qatar, which has 1-2-1.

• You will get a huge 32-inch screen with Emirates vs 23 and 26-inch with Qatar and Etihad.

• The seat with Qatar has a 90-inch pitch and privacy doors. You can also visit the onboard bar. With Etihad, you’ll have a private suite and can visit the onboard lounge. Emirates has fully enclosed suites with a minibar and an onboard shower spa.

⭐ The Star Alliance Loyalty Programme

You’ll often find us talking about oneworld and the benefits of rising through the loyalty programme and matching British Airways status. But is it worth rising through the Star Alliance tiers? 

The Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline group with 26 member airlines. If you have elite status with a Star Alliance airline, you will also have some level of Star Alliance status. 

There are only two tiers—Silver and Gold. A useful calculator, which you can view here, shows you what Star Alliance status you’ll have based on your status with the airlines above.

Silver Status is the entry-level status, which gives you priority reservation waitlisting and priority airport standby. These aren’t great benefits compared to the first tier of other airline loyalty programs like oneworld. 

NOTE: Remember that the Silver equivalent status with your chosen airline may have better benefits.

However, Silver is a stepping stone to gold, which has some desirable benefits such as:

• Priority Boarding: Board earlier, typically right after first/business class travellers.

• Fast Track Security: Access 'Gold Track' lanes at select airports for expedited security checks.

• Extra Luggage Allowance: Receive an additional 20kg (44 lbs) or one extra bag, depending on the airline's policy.

• Lounge Access: You can access over 1,000 lounges worldwide, including business and some first-class lounges. We will cover this in more detail soon.

• Priority Check-In: Use dedicated check-in counters for faster service.

• Priority Baggage Handling: Bags are tagged for quicker delivery.

To get Star Alliance Gold status, you’ll have to reach the equivalent with one of the Star Alliance member airlines. We’ve created a table of all the Star Alliance airlines and the Silver and Gold equivalent statuses.

Final Words

That’s all for this week! We hope these tips help you maximise your travel rewards and have better experiences.

Safe travels, and always aim for the upgrade!

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Bye for now!