A recent survey of seven airlines operating long haul flights was conducted by the customer service consultancy firm Ethos Consultancy.  Their report ranked Emirates Airlines as number one for service quality, followed by Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways.  Both firms bested rivals British Airways, Air France, and Qatar Airways.  The study reviewed all aspects of the customer service experience from flight booking to check-in, baggage drop, boarding, plane conditions, in flight services including food and beverage and entertainment, disembarkation, and final baggage claim.

Emirates Airline had an overall score of 92.3 percent, followed by Etihad Airways at 91.5 percent, then Swiss Air (86.6 percent), British Airways (84.3%), Virgin Atlantic (79.8%),  Air France (72.3%), and Qatar Airways with 71.5%.   Criterion for inclusion in the survey required departure and return from either Abu Dhabi or Dubai in economy class, with flights of no less than six hours.