United Airlines and Emirates have announced a commercial agreement designed to enhance each airline's network.
The agreement gives customers of both airlines easier access to hundreds of destinations within the US and around the world. Emirates’ subsidiary, flydubai, is also a party to the agreement.
Announced at the same time was United’s new direct flight between Newark New York and Dubai, starting in March 2023.
Starting in November, Emirates customers flying into three of the US's biggest business hubs – Chicago, San Francisco and Houston – will have access to nearly 200 US cities in the United network – most of which require only a one-stop connection. Both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place at eight US airports served by Emirates (Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC).
Agents will be able to book these connecting flights on a single ticket, making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier.
The agreement also gives loyalty programme members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards: United MileagePlus members flying on United’s Newark-Dubai flight will earn and redeem miles when connecting on Emirates and flydubai. Emirates Skywards members will be able to earn miles when they travel on United-operated flights.
Eligible United customers will soon have access to Emirates lounges when connecting to and from United's new Dubai flight.
