If you are flying to the Philippines on long-haul flights, particularly to Manila, Emirates and Qatar Airways rule the day. As a travel professional with World Pinoy Flights, I have flown with both airlines numerous times while assisting travellers in planning their trips to the Philippines.
Many Filipino travellers ask the same question: Qatar Airways vs Emirates, which is better for Philippines flights? The fact is that both airlines are among the most popular in the world, though the experience may be different if you consider the things that matter most during the journey.
In this comparison, I’ll share my personal experience and professional insights to help you decide which airline is the better choice for your next trip to Manila: Qatar Airways or Emirates.
Overview of Qatar Airways vs Emirates
Both companies are high-end Middle Eastern airlines with good service, well-equipped planes, and widespread networks.
Qatar Airways has its base in Doha and operates flights to the Philippines via Doha, with Emirates providing the connection for travellers in or out of the Philippines via Dubai.
My personal experience with travellers heading to the Philippines showed that both airlines offer convenient transit and high-quality service on long-haul flights.
Nevertheless, some observable differences exist in comfort, economy, entertainment, food, and the airport transit experience.
Flight Routes to the Philippines
The two airlines usually offer a two-leg flight for travellers heading to Manila or other destinations in the Philippines.
Travellers tend to fly with Qatar Airways:
- Europe / Middle East / US → Doha
- Doha → Manila
In the case of Emirates, it tends to be:
- Europe / Middle East / US → Dubai
- Dubai → Manila
Both hubs are effective for connecting, in my experience, and assisting Filipino travellers. Nevertheless, Dubai is more likely to have a bigger airport and more shopping and dining facilities on transit.
Qatar Airways vs Emirates Economy Experience
One of the most common questions I get from travellers is about Qatar Airways vs Emirates economy.
This is a factor, since most travellers who fly to the Philippines book economy class.
Seat Comfort
In my case, Qatar Airways economy seats are a little more comfortable, particularly on the newer planes such as the A350 or Boeing 787. The cabin is less congested and quieter.
Emirates economy seats are not as spacious, but the cabin is still comfortable on some planes, since Emirates usually has a higher number of passengers aboard large aircraft, such as the A380.
Qatar Airways slightly beats the competition among travellers who are more concerned with getting some sleep and comfort during long-distance flights.
In-Flight Entertainment
Emirates cannot be beaten in in-flight entertainment.
The ICE entertainment system on Emirates has one of the largest collections of movies, television programmes, music, and games of any airline.
Qatar Airways also offers excellent entertainment, including Oryx One with thousands of options, but Emirates has more content and larger screens in general.
This can make a huge difference to the overall travel experience of these travellers, who have 10-14 hours of flight time to the Philippines.
Food and Service
Service-wise, the two airlines are known for their good cabin crews and hospitality.
Nevertheless, having worked with Filipino travellers myself:
- Qatar Airways is more relaxed and sophisticated.
- Emirates is more active and sprightly.
Both airlines offer high-quality food, but Emirates tends to serve larger portions and offers a greater variety of menu items, particularly on long-range flights.
In any case, long-haul flights to the Philippines can be characterised by the numerous meal services and snacks offered to passengers.
Emirates Baggage Policy vs Qatar Airways
The baggage limit is another factor Filipino travellers must consider when returning home with gifts or luggage.
The Qatar Airways baggage policy differs little from Emirates’ policy.
Typical allowances include the following:
- Economy Class: approximately 25 -35 kg of baggage check-in
- Carry-on: 1 bag up to 7 kg
For official aviation rules in the Philippines, visit the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
In my case of assisting travellers, the baggage flexibility is typically similar between the two companies; consequently, neither has a significant advantage in this aspect.
Transit Experience: Doha vs Dubai
Another important factor in the Emirates vs Qatar Airways comparison is the airport experience during layovers.
Doha Airport
Hamad International Airport in Doha is a contemporary, well-maintained airport that is easy to use. Layovers are efficient and easy.
Dubai Airport
Dubai International Airport is bigger and more active; nevertheless, it also provides the following:
- More restaurants
- Larger shopping areas
- Additional entertainment in an extended layover
For travellers who like to explore along the way, Dubai can be more thrilling.
Aircraft and Long-Haul Comfort
Philippine flights are long-haul, taking 12 to 16 hours depending on the route.
Emirates often uses giant aircraft such as the A380, which most travellers love for its spacious cabin and quiet ride.
Qatar Airways is more likely to use modern aircraft, such as the 787 and A350, which offer good cabin pressure and comfort on long-distance flights.
The two airlines are very efficient for long-distance travel, although at certain times Qatar is a bit more relaxing.
Which Is Better: Qatar Airways or Emirates?
So the big question remains: which is better, Qatar Airways or Emirates?
My personal experience of travelling and assisting several Filipino passengers in purchasing tickets will offer my candid comparison.
Choose Qatar Airways if you want:
- Slightly quieter cabins
- Comfortable economy seats
- Easy and smooth connectivity through Doha
- An atmosphere that is more relaxed on board
Choose Emirates if you want:
- The finest in-flight entertainment
- A lively cabin experience
- Excellent meals and service
- An even more interesting ride in Dubai
My Final Verdict as a Travel Expert
Having flown with both airlines numerous times and helped passengers on World Pinoy Flights, I can confidently say that both are excellent airlines to fly to the Philippines.
Qatar Airways may have a slight advantage in terms of comfort and relaxation.
Emirates is usually the choice when entertainment, atmosphere, and airport experience are of greater importance.
In the end, the difference between Qatar Airways and Emirates is not about which airline is good or bad; it’s about which one fits your travel style better.
For most travellers bound for the Philippines, either airline will provide a high-quality long-haul experience.
FAQs about Qatar Airways vs Emirates
Is Qatar Airways better than Emirates for long-haul flights?
Qatar Airways is usually a choice for comfort, quieter cabins, and newer planes such as the A350 and B787. However, Emirates leads in terms of entertainment, food variety, and overall experience on board. The preferred option would depend on whether you are more comfortable or more entertained.
Which airline is better in economy class: Qatar Airways or Emirates?
Qatar Airways typically offers slightly more comfortable seats and a quieter cabin in economy class. The economy of the Emirates remains very good, but it excels in in-flight entertainment and meal portions.
Which airline has better in-flight entertainment?
The ICE entertainment system has helped Emirates become the industry leader through its massive collection of movies, TV shows, music, and games, which has enabled it to be widely regarded as the winner.
Do Emirates and Qatar Airways have different baggage allowances?
Baggage policies are extremely comparable. The majority of economy tickets offer approximately 25-35 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on, and both airlines are equally applicable to travellers who need additional luggage to the Philippines.
Is it Doha or Dubai: the better transit airport?
The Hamad International Airport in Doha is contemporary, well-managed, and user-friendly. Dubai International Airport is bigger and offers more shopping, dining, and entertainment during long layovers. Passengers who like to visit sites around transit stations tend to choose Dubai.
