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FlyDubai to Take Over Some Emirates Flights

July 23, 2018
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3 min read
FlyDubai 737 MAX Business Class Review
FlyDubai to Take Over Some Emirates Flights
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Just last year, Emirates joined forces with Dubai-based low-cost carrier FlyDubai to form a partnership that included codesharing, network and schedule alignments. Come earlier this month, FlyDubai announced that it is merging its loyalty program with Emirates' Skywards. Now, the two airlines are taking their relationship a step further and will begin operating flights for each other.

Emirates announced Monday that FlyDubai will operate its flights between Dubai (DXB) and Zagreb (ZAG) from December 2, 2018 through March 30, 2019. While Emirates typically uses a three-class Boeing 777-300ER to operate this route, FlyDubai will use a two-class Boeing 737 MAX 8 — a reduction of a couple hundred seats.

"The move will ensure that capacity is deployed to best serve customer demand by maximising the frequency for passengers during the winter season," the airline said in a release. That said, there won't actually be any changes in the frequency of the route because it will still be operated just once per day.

With the exception that these flights will operate from DXB's Terminal 3, home of Emirates, FlyDubai will practically take over the route completely during that time. Unlike when Qatar Airways operated flights for British Airways, this is not a wet-lease of FlyDubai planes. So, FlyDubai will assign its own flight numbers, provide the catering and maintain all of its usual branding.

While Emirates is a full-service carrier that offers all passengers amenities like a checked baggage allowance and free meals, FlyDubai is a low-cost carrier and charges extra for those things. To continue to offer a travel experience reflective of each other’s brands, bookings made through Emirates will come with complimentary meals and the usual checked baggage allowance, while those made through FlyDubai will not.

Some people simply prefer flying wide-body planes, but overall, this swap represents an upgrade in comfort for Emirates passengers. FlyDubai's 737 MAX aircraft are brand new and offer superior hard-products. Business-class seats on the 737 are completely lie-flat and are arranged in a 2-2 and 1-1 configuration, whereas the seats on Emirates' 777s are angle flat and arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. In coach, you'll have a 3-3 configuration, as opposed to 3-4-3.

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Row 2 on FlyDubai's 737 MAX offers throne style seats.

However, the soft product, such as dining, is better on Emirates — regardless which cabin you find yourself on.

A business-class breakfast aboard a FlyDubai flight.

Both carriers are owned by the United Arab Emirates government but operate independently. Given that Emirates focuses on long-haul destinations, operating a fleet exclusively of 777s and A380s and FlyDubai flies just narrowbody Boeing 737s, it shouldn't be much of a surprise if more route swaps follow suit or the airlines ultimately fully merge.

All images by The Points Guy's Zach Honig.

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Apply for American ExpressÂŽ Gold Card
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Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership RewardsÂŽ 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.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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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 RewardsÂŽ 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 RewardsÂŽ 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 RewardsÂŽ 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 RewardsÂŽ points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership RewardsÂŽ points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership RewardsÂŽ 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 RewardsÂŽ 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 ExpressÂŽ 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 ExpressÂŽ 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 ExpressÂŽ 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.