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Which lounge 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, 
Emirates, and 
Etihad Airways have multiple types of lounges, it is difficult to generalize an overall best. With that being said, Qatar Airways may be considered the best on some rankings, but for many, it is the most exclusive, and the ‘best’ one is the one you can access.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad are three of the largest mainline Gulf state airlines, although Saudia is another notable airline. Each airline focuses on excellent service, and each operates large long-haul networks. Between them, there are around as many widebody aircraft in service as there are on the United States’s passenger airlines. Furthermore, those airliners (especially the Airbus A380) tend to be larger than the widebody aircraft found in the United States.
What Skytrax Says About It
Skytrax is one of the most respected airline rankers in the world. In its 2025 ranking, Qatar Airways was ranked the best airline overall, while Singapore Airlines came secondCathay Pacific was third, and Emirates was fourth. Etihad was ranked lower at 26th. Not only does Skytrax rank the airline as best overall, but also by subcategories like premium economy service and in-flight 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. The airport hubs of Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad do not feature any of the top independent lounges (by definition). With that being said, Primeclass Lounge at Muscat and The Pearl Lounge at Bahrain Airport did.
One list of interest is the World’s Best Airport Services 2025 ranking, about which Skytrax says that “the award evaluates customer satisfaction with an airline’s staff service at its hub airport, including ticketing, check-in, lounges, boarding, transfer and arrivals processes.” Of the three airlines, Qatar Airways received the 13th highest global rating, followed by Emirates at 17th. 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 ranked second, down from the top in 2024. In 2025, the best was Singapore Changi Airport. Emirates’ Dubai International just fell out of the top ten list, coming in at 11th globally (down from seventh in 2024). Etihad’s Abu Dhabi was ranked the 47th best, up from 62nd best in 2024.
Qatar Airways’ Exclusive Lounges
Qatar Airways’ lounges offer a premium experience when flying through Doha and to many of its destinations around the world. As with many mainline carriers, access to the lounges is exclusive, with Qatar Airways saying that “Privilege Club membership status, or class of travel, may affect your eligibility or access to specific lounges.” As Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld alliance, elite Qatar passengers can also access hundreds of oneworld lounges around the world.
Qatar Airways has a range of lounges, including Al Safwa First Lounge, Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Platinum Lounge, Gold Lounge, Silver Lounge, and others. First class passengers can access all of them. Business class Comfort, Elite, and Classic passengers can also access all of them, although the Al Safwa First Lounge has a fee. Business Lite passengers need to pay for access to all of them, except the Al Safwa First Lounge, which is not open to Business Lite passengers.
Access is also affected by loyalty status and whether the passenger is flying with a oneworld partner airline. In 2025, The Orchard and Al Mourjan at Doha International Airport were named the best business lounge in the world. At these lounges, passengers can expect services like fine dining, specialty coffees, cocktails, runway views, showers, baggage storage, and more. Although what is offered varies from lounge to lounge, with some even offering spas.
Emirates Vs. Etihad Airways Vs. Qatar Airways: Which Carrier Wins In Premium Economy?
While Emirates has its own official Premium Economy, both Qatar and Etihad have their own unique approach to an elevated economy experience.
Emirates’ Various Lounge Options
Emirates boasts lounges on all six inhabited continents. Emirates is not part of any airline alliance, though it has a number of partnerships and codeshare agreements. Access can be exclusive, with Emirates saying that “Emirates Lounge access is exclusive to customers flying in First Class or Business Class. If you’re an Emirates Skywards Gold member traveling in Economy Class, you can enjoy access to our Business Class Lounges around the globe. 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, can have paid lounge access. Paid access ranges from $155 to $300 (plus tax) with discounts for Emirates Skywards members.
Passengers can pay to have access to Emirates’ lounges, subject to availability in Dubai and at international airports like 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 at the various Emirates lounges, although they generally include rest areas, showers, dining, alcoholic drinks, and more. Some include spas and other services.
Etihad’s More Accessible Lounges
Etihad is the smallest of the big three carriers, although its lounges are also stunning. Etihad says that you can “enjoy complimentary lounge access with The Residence, First, or eligible Business tickets. Etihad Guest access varies by Tier. Relax with curated drinks, dining, and quiet zones in Terminal A at Zayed International Airport.”
Etihad is also not part of any airline alliance, but it does have partner lounges internationally that passengers can use. It also operates lounges at London-Heathrow, New York-JFK, and Washington-Dulles. Passengers can pay for access to Etihad’s lounges in Abu Dhabi for up to four hours before their flight. This excludes the First Lounge, as passengers need a business class ticket to access that lounge.
The flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi are open 24/7 for all eligible guests. At London Heathrow, the lounge is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, and from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily at JFK. Lounge fees for economy passengers without premium tickets vary, but they’re typically around $50 to $100. The First Lounge offers ensuite showers and “exquisite à la carte dining.”
Emirates Vs. Etihad Airways Vs. Qatar Airways: Which Carrier Wins To The United States?
The Middle Eastern Three’s showdown in the world’s largest aviation market. Who’s ahead, and who’s behind?
The Trio’s Globe-Spanning Networks
Passengers using the lounges in the hubs are typically transiting as they fly the three airlines’ vast networks around the world. Excluding partner airlines, Qatar Airways boasts the largest network, serving around 170 destinations around the world. It boasts a very broad global reach and one of the world’s most extensive long-haul networks.
Emirates’ network is a bit smaller, with around 133 destinations and 85 countries. It is also one of the most globally connected airlines, linking most of the world’s major airports to Dubai. Emirates’ presence in the United States is particularly strong. It has more aircraft than Qatar Airways, and these are generally larger, meaning Emirates typically flies more passengers on its routes.
Etihad is the co-flag carrier of the UAE 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’s fleet includes a greater share of narrowbody aircraft than its Middle Eastern rivals.
Qatar Airways’ Lounges Are The Most Exclusive
Qatar Airways has the most exclusive lounges, while Etihad’s lounges are typically open to any passengers willing to pay the admission fees. It’s also hard to generalize Emirates’ lounges as it has so many different types, although entry fees tend to be higher than Etihad’s. Qatar Airways does allow paid access to some select lounges, such as the Al Mourjan Business lounge, but the fees are typically higher, at around $120 to 140.
Qatar Airways focuses more on exclusivity with its lounges for elite passengers. It is easier to pay for access to Emirates’ lounges, with Skywards elite members enjoying better free access entitlement. It’s comparatively straightforward to use Emirates’ lounges for those willing to pay. The story is similar to Etihad, which typically allows people to pay for access.
Qatar Airways’ very exclusive lounges may be better for those elite passengers with access. Some lounges, like Al Mourjan and Al Safwa, are tightly reserved for eligible fare classes, and elite members alone aren’t enough for complimentary entry. Paid access is limited. Emirates has a large selection of lounges, and it’s relatively straightforward to enjoy them. For some, the best might be Etihad, which has a balance of spacious lounges and a simpler paid access model.
