Emirates to axe chauffeur drive on award tickets

[rock86]

Thanks @DavidFlynn for bringing this to light at ausbt Emirates to axe chauffeur service on award tickets and some upgrades

Emirates is withdrawing its chauffeur drive service on business class and first class tickets booked using Skywards frequent flyer miles.

From 1 March 2019, the popular chauffeured ride to and from the airport will no longer be available for 'classic rewards' flights made with Skywards Miles.

Miles-based upgrades from economy to business class will also lose the chauffeur drive option.

The airline has confirmed these changes in updates to the Terms & Conditions page for its chauffeur-drive service.

Emirates' local partner Qantas, which introduced a similar chauffeur-drive service for business and first class flyers as part of the two airlines' alliance launched in April 2013, has been approached by Australian Business Traveller to advise if it will adopt a similar measure for bookings and upgrades made using Qantas points.

So if you have an award booking (like me), make sure you confirm the chauffeur drive before 1 March 2019!

 

[jase05]

So going by that it’s only awards booked via EK that are affected?
Wonder how long before QF join the party.

 

[Pushka]

So going by that it’s only awards booked via EK that are affected?
Wonder how long before QF join the party.

Thankyou for the info. I hope I can squeeze a booking in. Grrr. Just realised we will be changing address before we travel. I think that might mean we miss out.

 

[rock86]

So going by that it’s only awards booked via EK that are affected?
Wonder how long before QF join the party.

They all book in the same fare class don't they, so I'd think a QF award booking on EK would be in the same boat...??..

 

[kermatu]

Does QF even offer CD anymore other than flights to/from London?

Not surprised EK is ditching this. CD (outside Dubai) must cost a bit.

 

[Rugby]

Disappointing, but not surprising.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Does QF even offer CD anymore other than flights to/from London?

Just London, although you can get CD in Singapore if you're flying to, you guessed it, London.

 

[SOPOOR]

devastating...... was looking fwd to doing the whole chauffer experience

 

[JohnM]

I have QF Award J flights on EK PER-DXB/DXB-SCL in late March and I had already booked CD.

So I shall not be surprised if I'm informed that they are cancelled. No biggie for me as I live fairly close to PER and the CDs I had booked in DXB and SCL were trivial distances (in fact, ridiculously trivial).

 

[rock86]

I have QF Award J flights on EK PER-DXB/DXB-SCL in late March and I had already booked CD.

So I shall not be surprised if I'm informed that they are cancelled. No biggie for me as I live fairly close to PER and the CDs I had booked in DXB and SCL were trivial distances (in fact, ridiculously trivial).

I have them too, but not worried as they're already confirmed and the updated T&C mentions 'new bookings' made after 1 March.

Effective 1 March 2019, new Chauffeur-drive service reservations are not available in conjunction with Skywards Business and First Class Classic Rewards and Economy to Business Class Upgrades.

 

[Pushka]

I have them too, but not worried as they're already confirmed and the updated T&C mentions 'new bookings' made after 1 March.

So if a booking was made and then the address was changed that won’t work will it?

 

[SOPOOR]

Fast fwd 5 yrs ans there will be no difference in first and economy class at the rate their cutting things

 

[rock86]

So if a booking was made and then the address was changed that won’t work will it?

Not sure, I guess it depends on their definition of new?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

How it was ever instigated and maintained as long as it is / was has me staggered.

 

[kermatu]

How it was ever instigated and maintained as long as it is / was has me staggered.

I think if someone buys a first class ticket outright it’s very affordable for a major airline. Award and business pax, never seemed quite right to me — but I’ve enjoyed in when I could.

OT but Qantas’ select routes is just laughable.

 

[dajop]

How it was ever instigated and maintained as long as it is / was has me staggered.

I had assumed EK’s surcharges on J/F tickets, which are not insignificant helped contribute to this type of service....

 

[Isochronous]

Ridiculous - sets a terrible precedent for giving different service to F pax depending on payment method.

 

[jase05]

Ridiculous - sets a terrible precedent for giving different service to F pax depending on payment method.

Bingo!
What’s next, Flyers on rewards getting the cheap booze or an economy meal?

 

[amaroo]

As someone that travels F via rewards and cash - I think it’s fair enough.

 

[Mattg]

Well I have an EK F award flight booked for 3 March. Just booked the chauffeur drive at both ends without issue.

It was good while it lasted.