How should you fly to Dubai: Emirates or United?
Dubai is one of the busiest global aviation hubs, and getting there from the U.S. has historically meant flying with the city's flag carrier, Emirates.
Emirates is regarded as one of the world's best airlines, so when most people book flights with the carrier, they expect to be wowed by the experience.
And while that's still certainly the case — especially if you're lucky enough to sit in the pointy end of the plane — there's a new option for flying between the U.S. and Dubai: United Airlines.
The Chicago-based carrier officially touched down in the United Arab Emirates on March 26, and the airline now offers daily flights to the city from its hub in Newark.
While technically a service resumption from 2016, when the carrier flew from Washington, D.C., United's new Newark-to-Dubai route is made possible by an all-new strategic partnership with Emirates that allows the two carriers to sell connecting flights beyond just service from the U.S. to Dubai.
As such, it's likely that you'll start seeing United and Emirates itineraries showing up in the search results for trips to the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
So, if faced with the choice, which airline should you fly? Well, the answer isn't as simple as you might expect.
Emirates vs. United: First class
Winner: Emirates, hands down
This one is the simplest comparison of them all. United no longer offers an international first-class product, and even if it still did, it wouldn't compete with Emirates' offering, which is regarded as one of the world's best.
Emirates flies both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 on U.S. routes, and most (but not all) jets feature first class. While the A380 first-class experience is extra special thanks to an onboard shower and walk-up bar, you'll still have a memorable flight even on the 777.
In fact, if you're looking for the nicest way to get to Dubai (or beyond), Emirates first class is the real deal.
Emirates vs. United: Business class
Winner: Tie*
You might be surprised to hear it, but Emirates doesn't actually offer a competitive business-class product on much of its Boeing 777 fleet.
In fact, the airline still has middle seats on all but one variant of the 777, the 777-200LR. Every other 777 features business class in a 2-3-2 configuration.
While the product may look luxurious, with cream- and gold-colored finishes, the seats themselves are incredibly outdated compared to United Polaris, which flies to Dubai on the Boeing 777-200ER.
Polaris is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for each passenger, a big advantage for those looking for more privacy and convenience when flying on a long-haul route.
Of course, Emirates also flies the Airbus A380 to the U.S., and those double-deckers do feature direct aisle access with a 1-2-1 arrangement in business class.
Aside from the seat, Emirates' inflight experience is better than what United offers. The airline's extensive catering menu, robust inflight entertainment system and friendly, personalized service are sure to impress.
But, more than anything, business class is about the seat, and if you're comparing the Boeing 777 on Emirates with United, I'd choose the latter carrier — or reroute my trip through a gateway that features Emirates A380 service.
And because of the aforementioned considerations, I'm calling this one a tie.
For your convenience, here's a list of Emirates U.S. gateways with aircraft type for June 2023, as seen in Cirium schedules.
| Origin | Destination | Aircraft type | Business-class configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
Boston | Dubai | Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 |
Chicago | Dubai | Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 |
Dallas-Fort Worth | Dubai | Boeing 777-200LR | 2-2-2 |
Houston | Dubai | Airbus A380 | 1-2-1 |
Los Angeles | Dubai | Airbus A380 | 1-2-1 |
Miami | Dubai | Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 |
New York | Dubai | Airbus A380 | 1-2-1 |
New York | Milan | Airbus A380 | 1-2-1 |
Newark | Athens | Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 |
Orlando | Dubai | Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 |
San Francisco | Dubai | Airbus A380 | 1-2-1 |
Seattle | Dubai | Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 |
Washington, D.C. | Dubai | Airbus A380 | 1-2-1 |
Emirates vs. United: Premium economy
Winner: United, for now
Emirates became the first Gulf carrier to launch a premium economy cabin back in December 2020. For now, just 11 Airbus A380s feature the product.
As the airline embarks on an accelerated retrofit project of over 100 A380s and Boeing 777s, Emirates will steadily roll out this intermediate offering on more routes. Until then, the carrier isn't consistently flying premium economy to the U.S., so if you're looking to upgrade from coach without breaking the bank, you'll need to fly with United.
United's Premium Plus product is already available on all of its Dubai flights. These "purple seats," as they're affectionately called by loyalists, are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration on the 777-200ER, and they largely resemble domestic first-class recliners.
Relative to economy, they offer more legroom, more width, more storage space, larger tray tables and bigger TV screens. They're also supposed to include better service and an amenity kit, but that's been hit-or-miss with United in recent months.
So while United wins this category on account of availability, the outcome will change once Emirates formally brings premium economy to U.S. routes. After all, the carrier's offering is already the world's best in the markets that it already serves.
Emirates vs. United: Economy
Winner: Emirates
If you're planning to sit in the back, Emirates is likely the way to go.
Both Emirates and United have a 3-4-3 configuration on all routes to Dubai, but Emirates' product is nicer than United's in many ways.
For one, you'll receive a small amenity kit, which is packed with inflight essentials like a dental kit, during boarding. Emirates' catering is also better than United's, and while the service will differ from flight to flight, Emirates' crew is known to be among the world's best.
Emirates' proprietary ICE (information, connectivity and entertainment) entertainment system is one of the most robust in the sky, and you'll find plenty of content to keep you occupied during your journey.
In terms of comfort, Emirates' standard economy seat pitch is 32 inches, whereas United's product starts at just 31 inches. Both economy seats are 17 inches wide, but the additional inch of pitch will certainly be noticeable for many flyers.
That said, you may prefer United's economy product for two reasons.
The first is that the airline offers a 46-seat extra-legroom Economy Plus cabin on the Boeing 777-200ER that it flies to Dubai. Emirates doesn't have a similar section aside from the bulkhead or exit row, so if you're looking for more legroom in economy, United could be the way to go.
Finally, while this difference applies across all cabins, it's worth mentioning it for the economy section, since those looking to use the internet to distract themselves during the flight will want to pay attention.
Emirates' inflight entertainment might be award-winning, but the carrier's Wi-Fi offering hasn't historically been all that great. An internet plan will cost between $10 and $20 depending on the route, but the service is often excruciatingly slow and borderline unusable at times, at least in my experience.
While some Emirates jets features an enhanced OnAir network, United's Wi-Fi offering powered by Panasonic is typically noticeably stronger and more reliable than anything I've experienced with Emirates.
If staying connected is essential, it may be worth considering United.
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- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.