Emirates Rolls out ‘Basic’ Biz-Class Fares with No Lounge Access or Seat Selection
Many airlines around the world have introduced their own versions of basic economy, tacking on extra fees for services and amenities that used to be free. And now, the same airline that introduced staffed bars and shower suites to commercial aviation is bringing the à la carte airfare model to business class.
As reported by One Mile at a Time, Emirates has begun selling an unbundled business-class fare on select flights. Dubbed "Special," the new fare type excludes advance seat selection, chauffeur service and lounge access (unless you get it as a part of your elite status). It also charges higher change and cancellation fees than other fare types, doesn't give the option to upgrade to First using miles and has reduced mileage earnings (the same as economy Flex Plus passengers).
Unlike many basic economy products, which typically allow advance seat selection for a fee, this fare does not offer any advance seat selection at all. This means that even if you mistakenly bought the restrictive fare, you'll still have a relatively high chance of being stuck in a middle seat — all of Emirates' Boeing 777-300ERs and some 777-200LRs have a 2-3-2 configuration in business class. If Emirates were to decide to begin offering business-class seat selection for a fee, it wouldn't be the first airline to do so. British Airways already does this.
Fortunately, Business Special includes the usual checked baggage allowance, but it shouldn't come as much of a surprise if Emirates decides to reduces baggage allowance for certain fares down the line, as it did with Special and Saver economy tickets.
"Emirates will introduce a new ‘Special’ fare for Business Class starting from 10 June 2019," the airline said in an emailed statement. "Our Business Class ‘Special’ fares will be offered on certain routes based on seasonal trends in travel demand. Passengers booked on a Business Class ‘Special’ fare will continue to enjoy our award-winning services and products on-board, a generous baggage allowance of up to 40 kgs, and priority boarding at their convenience.”
As of now, the new fare type is only being sold in select countries. For instance, we're seeing "special" fares being offered for flights from Dubai (DXB) to Newark (EWR), but not the other way around. Based on our searches, it seems that the new fare type is currently being offered for all trips originating in the UAE, as well as select markets, such as Oman.
As with basic economy on other carriers, the price difference between Special and Saver business class fares vary by route, but based on what we're seeing, it is significant. For instance, while there was a roughly 15% ($410) difference in the Dubai-to-Newark example above, that difference went up to about 17% ($544) between Dubai and Los Angeles (LAX).
Award redemptions haven’t been touched, so although you won't get chauffeur service, you'll continue to get lounge access and advance selection as usual when booking with miles.
Bottom Line
Unbundled business class fares are here, and if history is any indication, they're likely here to stay. As with basic economy, there's no question that Business Special will result in higher fares. Eliminating chauffeur service makes sense considering that Emirates already stopped offering it to award and upgraded passengers, but cutting lounge access on paid long-haul business class tickets is unheard of. Also, not being able to select a seat before check-in, even for a fee, can be extremely frustrating, especially in business class.
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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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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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.