United Airlines and Emirates released more information about the coming codeshare and loyalty agreements they teased earlier this month.
United Airlines begins flying from Newark to Dubai in march 2023 and will codeshare on Emirates and flydubai flights. Emirates will codeshare on United services from Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston.
You can access United here and Emirates here.
Most Relevant Part For Frequent Flyers:
This agreement will also give the loyalty program members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards: United MileagePlus® members flying on United’s Newark/New York to Dubai flight can soon earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai and Emirates Skywards members will be able to earn miles when they travel on United operated flights. Eligible United customers will also soon have access to Emirates lounges when connecting to and from United’s new Dubai flight.
It is unclear if miles earning is only available on codeshare flights and how redeeming Skywards miles on United and MileagePlus miles on Emirates will work.
Emirates Announcement:
Emirates and United Expand Market Presence Through New Agreement
· Emirates customers to connect on United to nearly 200 new cities in the Americas, through Chicago, San Francisco and Houston
· United to launch new nonstop flights between New York/Newark and Dubai in March 2023; connecting customers through Dubai to more than 100 new destinations on Emirates and flydubai
CHICAGO and DUBAI, September 14, 2022 – Emirates and United announced a historic commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations* within the United States and around the world.
From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston – three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S – will be able to easily connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.
At the eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.
United will launch a new direct flight between New York/Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities. Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.
Emirates and United announced their agreement today at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer. We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term.”
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines said: “This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies. United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together.”
Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier. For example – travelers will be able to visit United.com or use the United app to book a flight from New York/Newark to Karachi, Pakistan or go to Emirates.com to book a flight from Dubai to Atlanta or Honolulu.
This agreement will also give the loyalty program members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards: Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when they travel on United operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai.
Eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also soon enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges. More details on frequent flyer awards and lounge sharing benefits will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
It is unclear what benefits MileagePlus, and Skywards elite members will receive when flying on each other’s flights and how redemptions will work.
I had hoped that airlines would have released more comprehensive information relevant to frequent fliers.
United Airlines partnered with Emirates when they had joint around-the-world fares. Continental also had a frequent flier partnership with Emirates that allowed redeeming Onepass miles on their flights.
American Airlines has deepened its partnership with Qatar Airways and now United Airlines with Emirates. So with whom will Delta team up in the gulf?
