Potential logistics issues to keep in mind when IROPS happen

UA has only 2 flights to India for the entire country from USA.
AI two from EWR, three total from NYC, four in NYC?DC corriddor.


However, since you are in business, most liely you can be routed via any other Star Alliance partner so not as much of concern.

If you are based in NYC, going to JFK (for etihad) may not be a very big hassle for you but if you are based in NJ or Eastern PA, EWR vs JFK is a big difference.

I find AI flight timings more helpful with jetlag in Y but in business that should be a non-issue. (I still prefer arriving at destination during daylight hours whenever possible). With AI , you will be in hotel before dinner whereas with UA it would be close to midnight. On the other hand, at EWR departure end, AI beaks your day whereas UA has late evening departure.