Last edit by: extramileage
From around the 10th of June 2019 it has been observed that Emirates is marketing a new fare brand "Business Special". The introduction of a new fare bucket on the GDS with identifier "H" was first observed by m3red several weeks prior, speculation was that this might relate to Premium Economy. This fare bucket appears, however, to be intended for deep discount Business Class.
Restrictions:
- no chauffeur drive
- "restricted" seat selection (per website: "Complimentary for all passengers choosing a seat after check-in opens. Emirates Skywards Platinum members can select a seat any time")
- no lounge access
- no ability at all to upgrade with miles
Skywards:
- Earns at the same rates as Y Flex Plus
- Cannot redeem miles to book this fare brand
- Cannot upgrade with miles from J Special to F in any circumstances
Restrictions:
- no chauffeur drive
- "restricted" seat selection (per website: "Complimentary for all passengers choosing a seat after check-in opens. Emirates Skywards Platinum members can select a seat any time")
- no lounge access
- no ability at all to upgrade with miles
Skywards:
- Earns at the same rates as Y Flex Plus
- Cannot redeem miles to book this fare brand
- Cannot upgrade with miles from J Special to F in any circumstances
New Business Class Fare Bucket
#31
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: DL Silver, Avis President's Club, Hertz President's Circle, Global Entry (Former AA Plt/Gold)
Posts: 4,417
I also feel like business class cabins aren't shopped by the same nickle-and-dime customer as economy. I'm not saying I don't sort fares low-to-high, but I will consider the overall experience and elite programs before selecting my flight even if it costs a more (such as choosing DL/AF over BA for my July flight so I don't need to pay seat fees, and even choosing my route based on avoiding DL's 767). And the actual business travelers probably have budget guidance that aren't picky to the $100s digit on a multi thousand dollar fare. My point is, yes this will save some people money, but I still would prefer them to just raise the price $50 per direction and be done with it.
#32
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: AS MVP, EK Silver, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 921
I also feel like business class cabins aren't shopped by the same nickle-and-dime customer as economy. I'm not saying I don't sort fares low-to-high, but I will consider the overall experience and elite programs before selecting my flight even if it costs a more (such as choosing DL/AF over BA for my July flight so I don't need to pay seat fees, and even choosing my route based on avoiding DL's 767). And the actual business travelers probably have budget guidance that aren't picky to the $100s digit on a multi thousand dollar fare. My point is, yes this will save some people money, but I still would prefer them to just raise the price $50 per direction and be done with it.
#34
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
#35
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 57
Yes, that's the point. Substantially less than Y Flex Plus.
Thus far, I've only seen the blog reports, no official statement from EK. So it's unclear to me whether the blogs are reporting it wrong or there is some bug in EK's mileage calculator.
Thus far, I've only seen the blog reports, no official statement from EK. So it's unclear to me whether the blogs are reporting it wrong or there is some bug in EK's mileage calculator.
#36
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
#37
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
As for the blogs, they're plagiarising this very thread, I'd not give them the time of day, don't bother even reading them
#38
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, AA, DL, UA, SPG, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,207
For those who care about these things, this is the scale for Tier Miles.
The "Zone Base" is miles that approximate destination, grouped by zone. DXB to Western Europe, for example, is 3,000 miles, regardless of whether its Rome or London.
The "Zone Base" is miles that approximate destination, grouped by zone. DXB to Western Europe, for example, is 3,000 miles, regardless of whether its Rome or London.
#40
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: MAN
Programs: EK G̶o̶l̶d̶ S̶i̶l̶v̶e̶r̶ 'boarding zone F', IHG
Posts: 74
This sounds very similar to the Friends and Family-type fares available for EK employees for at least the last few years. A couple of my family have travelled on tickets obtained from a friend on EK staff; the restrictions were identical and it sounds like the pricing was too.
From memory their reservation confirmation / online bookings stated Business Special, so I guess they are now offering it to the general public.
From memory their reservation confirmation / online bookings stated Business Special, so I guess they are now offering it to the general public.
#42
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
This sounds very similar to the Friends and Family-type fares available for EK employees for at least the last few years. A couple of my family have travelled on tickets obtained from a friend on EK staff; the restrictions were identical and it sounds like the pricing was too.
From memory their reservation confirmation / online bookings stated Business Special, so I guess they are now offering it to the general public.
From memory their reservation confirmation / online bookings stated Business Special, so I guess they are now offering it to the general public.
#43
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
Of course, in the related thread, you can reference the cash Business upgrades offered at check-in. This is really the same benefits of that fare.
-No CD to/from airport
-No advanced seat assignment (you are already within the check-in window to take your seat assignment from remaining options just like this fare)
-No extra miles accrual
-No lounge access
I see this fare being targeted the same, each flight and date can be tracked for how many cash upgrades have sold/can be sold. Therefore, EK can just offer those fares earlier in the process and perhaps better fill the plane (with even less op-ups). Ironically, I would be happy with an option where I can skip the alcohol which I feel is what EK is charging for to inflate the price of these tickets. Sure, I know that is hard to enforce.
I think the outstation lounge prohibition is the worst of it especially because I do feel onboard ULH business meals are not very premium anymore. I liberally use the hot light bites items available. So, I think we are getting down to paying for a nice seat and those who want free flowing alcohol.
-No CD to/from airport
-No advanced seat assignment (you are already within the check-in window to take your seat assignment from remaining options just like this fare)
-No extra miles accrual
-No lounge access
I see this fare being targeted the same, each flight and date can be tracked for how many cash upgrades have sold/can be sold. Therefore, EK can just offer those fares earlier in the process and perhaps better fill the plane (with even less op-ups). Ironically, I would be happy with an option where I can skip the alcohol which I feel is what EK is charging for to inflate the price of these tickets. Sure, I know that is hard to enforce.
I think the outstation lounge prohibition is the worst of it especially because I do feel onboard ULH business meals are not very premium anymore. I liberally use the hot light bites items available. So, I think we are getting down to paying for a nice seat and those who want free flowing alcohol.
#44
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 56,899
I'm in the camp of neutral with this change -- it all depends on the pricing. I usually have lounge access with my Amex Plat or Priority Pass card, I don't care much about seat selection, and I can arrange my own ground transportation. I'll do all of that if the price is right.
#45
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: AS MVP, EK Silver, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 921