Comparing Emirates, Etihad, Qatar experiences during the pandemic

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As the coronavirus pandemic continues, airlines are trying to reassure customers that it's once again safe to take to the skies.

One of the ways they're going about that is by cleaning planes more regularly, requiring personal protective equipment be worn and modifying the inflight service procedures.

Before the pandemic, you'd likely be served a multi-course meal replete with a top-shelf liquor selection if you're sitting at the pointy end of the plane. Nowadays, your experience is really going to differ based on which carrier you choose to fly.

That's why we'll compare the inflight service on three of the world's top carriers — Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, the "Middle East Three" that have earned a reputation for top service especially in premium classes and serve several destinations in the U.S. We asked the airlines to detail what their onboard experience looks like these days, and this is what they told us.

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Food and beverage

Emirates

As one of the most well-known global airlines, Emirates isn't changing all that much about the meal service onboard. In premium cabins on long-haul flights, the carrier continues to serve hot meals using cutlery and crockery that's sterilized before each use. Single-use menus and wine lists are on offer.

Though the food isn't changing much, the drink service is heavily modified. In business class, there's just one red and one white wine on offer. In first class, there are two reds and two whites. Champagne and beer are available in both cabins, but cocktail service is suspended indefinitely. You can expect Dom Perignon 2008 in first and Veuve Clicquot Brut NV in business.

Emirates first class on the Airbus A380 (Photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy)

Limited special dietary meals are available onboard and can be pre-booked on the carrier's website.

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Etihad

Not much is changing about Etihad's onboard food and beverage program. Service has not been reduced, nor has the menu or quantity.

That means that whether you're seated in The Residence — the most exclusive commercial cabin in the skies — or the Business Studio, you'll be served a multi-course meal.

Etihad's Apartment (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

Likewise, nothing is changing about the liquor selection on board.

Lastly, special meals continue to be available for those with dietary restrictions.

Qatar

Like American Airlines, Qatar's meal service is practically the same as before the pandemic. There's a full snack and meal service, as well as normal beverage service.

Single-use menu cards are offered, and all meals are served in plastic wrapping. Unfortunately, pre-order meals are temporarily suspended.

Qatar Airways Qsuite biz-class seat (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

Qatar frequently rotates its menu offerings, but premium passengers can expect a choice of two Champagnes (one white and one rosé), three different styles each of red and white wines, plus a dessert wine and a port, which is typically a Colheita or a 20-year-old aged Tawny.