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Emirates is bringing the Airbus A380 back to the US in June

April 24, 2021
3 min read
Emirates is bringing the Airbus A380 back to the US in June
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Dubai-based Emirates Airline will resume flying the world's largest passenger jet to the United States in June after a pandemic-induced demand crisis left its large fleet of the superjumbo jet mostly grounded for the better part of a year.

As One Mile at a Time reports, beginning June 1, one of Emirates' two daily flights between its hub in Dubai (DXB) and New York-JFK will be operated by the Airbus A380, and the other by a Boeing 777-300ER.

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(Screenshot courtesy of Emirates)

And, a month later, it appears that the airline will begin flying its A380 to both Los Angeles (LAX) and Washington-Dulles (IAD), but with the state of travel still uncertain, there's a chance plans may change.

Flyers generally love the A380 because it's quiet, spacious and just plain fun to fly on the world's largest commercial aircraft. And, of course, Emirates' A380s aren't just any old A380s, they're equipped with onboard bars, and the opulent first-class cabin even has showers for those very lucky passengers to use during flights.

Shower on board an Emirates Airbus A380. (Photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy)

While it's certainly exciting to see the return of Emirates' A380 to some airports around the country, the development is actually somewhat of a double-edged sword, because the A380 is slated to take over the frequency that's currently served by one of the airline's refurbished 777-300ER jets which come with the jaw-dropping new first-class suites.

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The new first-class suite on board a refurbished Emirates 777-300ER. (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

First-class on the A380 isn't exactly roughing it, but it was nice to have the latest and greatest from Emirates consistently on flights to the U.S. So, some people will be excited to see the A380 coming back, while others may view it as a slight downgrade compared to the refurbished 777. Of course, that's all dependent on a given traveler's individual preferences.

These days we can't ever be sure about airlines' plans in terms of flight schedules and aircraft assignments, but since we're just a few weeks away from June at this point, it looks like the Emirates' A380 really will be returning to the U.S. after a protracted absence.

Even though some may view it as a step down in terms of the onboard product offering compared to Emirates' newer 777s, there's no denying we're excited to welcome these superjumbos back to Kennedy airport as a harbinger of further recovery to come in the commercial aviation industry.

Featured image by An Emirates A380 takes off in Amsterdam (Photo by Alberto Riva/The Points Guy)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

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  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
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  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.