Which salon experience is best is largely a personal judgment, and readers may have their own favorites based on their own experience. Passengers value different things, and when combined with the fact that 
Qatar Airways, 
Emiratesand 
Etihad Airlines By having multiple types of salons, it is difficult to generalize what is best overall. That said, Qatar Airways may be considered the best in some rankings, but for many it is the most exclusive, and the “best” is the one you can access.
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad are three of the major Gulf state airlines, although Saudia is another notable airline. Each airline focuses on excellent service and operates large long-haul networks. Among them, There are as many wide-body aircraft in service as there are on U.S. passenger airlines.. Additionally, those airplanes tend to be larger than the wide-body airplanes found in the United States.
What Skytrax says about it
Skytrax is one of the most respected airlines in the world. In In its 2025 ranking, Qatar Airways was ranked the best airline overall, while Singapore Airlines came in second.Cathay Pacific was third and Emirates was fourth. Etihad came in at number 26. Skytrax not only ranks the airline best overall, but also in subcategories such as premium economy and inflight catering. The best independent airport lounges in the world were Plaza Premium in Rome, Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York-LaGuardia and American Express Centurion at New York-JFK.
Qatar, Emirates and Etihad airport hubs do not have any of the best stand-alone lounges (by definition). That said, Primeclass Lounge in Muscat and The Pearl Lounge at Bahrain Airport did. One list of interest is the ranking of the world’s best airport services 2025, which Skytrax says: “The award evaluates customer satisfaction with the service of an airline’s staff at its hub airport, including ticketing, check-in, lounges, boarding, transfers and arrivals processes.Of the three airlines, Qatar Airways had the 13th highest global rating, followed by Emirates in 17th place. Etihad did not appear in the top 20.
Skytrax also has a list of the best airports. In its 2025 ranking, Qatar Airways’ Doha Hamad International Airport was ranked second, down from first place in 2024. In 2025, the best was Singapore Changi. Emirates’ Dubai International just dropped out of the top ten list, ranking 11th globally (up from seventh in 2024). Etihad’s Abu Dhabi ranked 47th, up from 62nd in 2024.
Exclusive Qatar Airways lounges
Qatar Airways lounges offer a premium experience when flying through Doha and many of its destinations around the world. As with many major airlines, lounge access is exclusive, with Qatar saying: “Privilege Club membership status or travel class may affect your eligibility or access to specific lounges..” Since Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld alliance, Qatar’s elite passengers can also access hundreds of oneworld lounges around the world..
Qatar Airways has a variety of lounges including Al Safwa First Lounge, Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Platinum Lounge, Gold Lounge, Silver Lounge and others. First class passengers will be able to access all of them. Passengers in Business Comfort, Elite and Classic classes can also access all of them, although the Al Safwa First Lounge has a cost. Business Lite passengers must pay to access all of them, except for the Al Safwa First Lounge, which is not open to Business Lite passengers.
Access is also affected by loyalty status and whether the passenger flies with a oneworld partner airline. In 2025, The Orchard and Al Mourjan at Doha International Airport named best business lounge in the world. In these lounges, passengers can expect amenities such as fine dining, specialty coffees, cocktails, runway views, showers, luggage storage and more. Although what is offered varies from salon to salon, some even offer a spa.
Emirates vs. Etihad Airways vs. Qatar Airways: Which airline wins in premium economy?
While Emirates has its own official Premium Economy, both Qatar and Etihad have their own unique approach to a premium economy experience.
Various Emirates lounge options
Emirates has VIP lounges on all six inhabited continents. Emirates is not part of any airline alliance, although it has several partnerships and codeshare agreements. Access may be exclusive, and Emirates says: “Access to the Emirates lounge is exclusive to customers flying in First Class or Business Class. If you are an Emirates Skywards Gold member traveling in Economy class, you can enjoy access to our Business Class lounges around the world; Silver members can enter our Business Class lounges in Dubai“.
Emirates offers lounges in more than 30 airports. In Dubai it has its First Class Lounge and its Business Lounge. First class passengers enjoy access to the first class lounge. Business Class Saver, Flex and Flex Plus have access to Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, other fares, including Business Class Special, Premium Economy and Economy, may have paid lounge access. Paid access ranges from $155 to $300 (plus tax) with discounts for Emirates Skywards members.
Passengers can pay to access Emirates lounges, subject to availability in Dubai and international airports such as Auckland, Boston, Brisbane, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, JFK and many others. It is not possible to list all the services offered in the various Emirates lounges, although they generally include seating areas, showers, meals, alcoholic beverages and more. Some include spas and other services.
Etihad’s most accessible lounges
Etihad is the smallest of the big three airlines, although its lounges are also impressive. Etihad says: “Enjoy free lounge access with eligible The Residence, First or Business tickets. Etihad Guest access varies by tier. Relax with selected drinks, restaurants and quiet areas at Zayed International Airport Terminal A“.
Etihad is also not part of any airline alliance, but has partner lounges internationally that passengers can use. He It also operates lounges in London-Heathrow, New York-JFK and Washington-Dulles.. Passengers can pay for access to Etihad lounges in Abu Dhabi up to four hours before their flight. This excludes the First Lounge, as passengers need a business class ticket to access that lounge.
Abu Dhabi’s flagship lounges are open 24/7 to all eligible guests. At London Heathrow, the lounge is open from 06:00 to 22:00 daily and from 05:30 to 23:00 daily at JFK. Lounge rates for economy class passengers without premium tickets vary, but generally range from $50 to $100. The First Lounge offers private showers and “exquisite a la carte dining.”
Emirates vs. Etihad Airways vs. Qatar Airways: Which airline beats the United States?
The confrontation of the Middle Eastern Three in the world’s largest aviation market. Who is in front and who is behind?
The trio’s global networks
Passengers using the hubs’ lounges are often in transit while flying on the three airlines’ vast networks around the world. Excluding partner airlines, Qatar Airways has the largest network, serving around 170 destinations worldwide. It has a very broad global reach and one of the most extensive long-distance networks in the world. Qatar Airways operates a fleet of 240 mainline aircraft, of which 207 are wide-body aircraft.
Emirates’ network is slightly smaller, with around 133 destinations and 85 countries. It is also one of the most globally connected airlines, connecting most of the world’s major airports to Dubai. Emirates’ presence in the United States is particularly strong. Emirates has a fleet of 272 mainline aircraft, all of which are wide-body aircraft. Emirates has more aircraft than Qatar and, on average, they are larger, meaning Emirates typically carries more passengers on its routes.
|
The three airlines in numbers (according to Planespotters.net, Emirates, etc.) |
Qatar Airways |
Emirates |
Etihad |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Destinations served (approx.) |
170 |
133 |
120 |
|
Fleet size |
240 |
272 |
123 |
|
Of which are wide-body aircraft |
207 |
272 |
81 |
|
Passengers transported (2024/2025 financial year) |
43.1 million |
53.7 million |
18.5 million |
Etihad is the shared flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates and is the smallest of the three, although it still serves around 120 destinations. It focuses on strong long-haul markets and major global hubs. Etihad has a fleet of 123 aircraft, with the mix including a higher proportion of narrowbody aircraft. It has 42 narrow-body aircraft and 81 wide-body aircraft.
The most exclusive salons in Qatar
Qatar Airways has the most exclusive lounges, while Etihad lounges are typically open to any passenger willing to pay the admission fees. It’s also difficult to generalize Emirates lounges as there are many different types, although entry fees tend to be higher than Etihad. Qatar Airways allows paid access to some select lounges (e.g. Al Mourjan Business), but fares are typically higher, between $120 and $140.
Qatar focuses more on exclusivity with its lounges for elite passengers. It is easier to pay for access to Emirates lounges, and Skywards elite members enjoy better free access rights. It is comparatively easy to use Emirates lounges for those willing to pay. The story is similar to that of Etihad, which typically allows people to pay for access.
Qatar’s very exclusive lounges may be better for elite passengers with access. Some lounges, such as Al Mourjan and Al Safwa, are strictly reserved for eligible fare classes.and elite members alone are not enough for free entry. Paid access is limited. Emirates has a great selection of lounges and it’s relatively easy to enjoy them. For some, the best might be Etihad, which has a balance of spacious lounges and a simpler paid access model.
