Middle East connecting flights such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways are getting more and more popular under this worldwide energy inflation.
I would like to explain about the Dubai Connect service provided by Emirates Airlines based on my own experience for those who are planning to travel overseas via Dubai.
What is Dubai connect?
Dubai Connect is a service in which Emirates will provide a hotel for free if you long stopover of 8 hours or more.
This service is also available in Economy Class, so Emirates passengers should check it out! Information as of 2/6/2023.
Is my flight eligible for Dubai Connect?
The conditions for using Dubai Connect are as follows
- Your flight must have the shortest connection time in Dubai. In other words, if there is an earlier flight to the same destination, it is not eligible.
- Transit time must be between 8 and 26 hours.
- Both operating companies must be Emirates or Qantas. FlyDubai operated flights provided by Emirates may also be eligible. The author has used the FlyDubai and Emirates connection. The key point is whether you are buying the ticket from Emirates/Qantas. Even through a travel agent, I think you can use it if the agent buys from Emirates. The author booked through HIS and it worked.
- The minimum fare paid must be met. It does not specify what the standard amount is, but the author was able to use the service by purchasing a round-trip ticket for $1500. You can check if it is available by asking the agency where you booked your ticket or by contacting Emirates directly. It may not show up on the Emirates App or on the booking confirmation page, so don’t give up!
- Availability to enter Dubai.
As of February 2023, no corona vaccination certificate or PCR test is required to enter Dubai, but be sure to check the official website as these requirements may differ from the latest information.
What can I get?
If the above conditions are met, these services are free of charge.
- Partner hotel accommodations: You cannot choose which hotel you stay, but I was able to stay 4-star hotels both ways!
- One hotel meal: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on arrival time. Probably buffet style at all times.
- Transportation between the hotel and the airport: They will pick you up and drop you off in time for your next flight. The front desk will send a reminder to your room so you don’t have to worry about missing your flight.
HOW TO USE Dubai Connect!
Before flight
- Confirm that your ticket is eligible for Dubai Connect. Make sure that at least 1 and 2 of the conditions just described are met; if there is any ambiguity after 3, contact your travel agent or Emirates Airlines. You can select your language on the Navi Dial, but the one for English will respond more quickly, so it is recommended for those who can speak simple English.
- Book Dubai Connect. Reservations must be completed at least 24 hours prior to entering Dubai. Book as soon as you get your flight reservation! You may be able to make your reservation through the booking management page, or you may have to call to make a reservation. Once you have completed your reservation, you should eventually receive an email titled Your Emirates itinerary with a column titled Stopover at the bottom of the itinerary.
At check-in
At check-in, you will be asked to confirm that you have a Dubai Connect reservation. They will then issue you a paper voucher, which you should not lose.
When you arrive at the Dubai airport.
Upon arrival at Dubai Airport, head to the immigration gate. At the end on the right side of the row of smart gates is the red Emirates desk.
Give them the voucher you received at the departure airport, and they will exchange it for a hotel voucher in the same format as your airline ticket. If you are using a round-trip ticket, you will need to exchange it on the way back as well, so don’t lose it!
After the exchange, it is time to enter Dubai. Please follow the instructions of the staff to go through immigration.
If you are lucky, you will be given a free 1GB SIM card to use locally. (It used to be free for all passengers, but I didn’t get one on the way to Dubai, so I asked the Emirates staff about it, and it seems that nowadays you may or may not get one. I asked the Emirates staff about it, and they told me that sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. I only got it on the way back.)
After safely passing through the immigration gate, go to the Emirates Hotel Desk on the first floor. There you will check in and wait for the bus to take you to your hotel. Now all you have to do is check in to your hotel!
How was it? Whether you’re recovering from a long trip or you’re ready to drop your luggage off and explore Dubai, Dubai Connect is the service to use!
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