When planning a journey across the globe, travellers often look for the most convenient and cost-effective routes. One lesser known but highly advantageous option is the fifth freedom routes. These routes offer passengers the opportunity to fly with one of the world’s leading airlines, experiencing unparalleled luxury and amenities, all while enjoying significant savings.
What exactly is a fifth freedom route?
In the realm of aviation, fifth freedom refers to the right of an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of a service that originates or ends in the airline’s home country. In simpler terms, it means that Emirates, based in Dubai, can operate flights between two destinations outside of the United Arab Emirates, such as Barcelona to Mexico, or Singapore to Melbourne. A complete list of their fifth freedom routes is found below.
This concept is derived from the “freedoms of the air,” which are a set of commercial aviation rights granting a country’s airlines the privilege to enter and land in another country’s airspace. The fifth freedom is one of several freedoms of the air, each of which grants different rights to airlines.
Why choose an Emirates fifth freedom route?
For travellers, choosing an Emirates fifth freedom route comes with a host of benefits. Firstly, passengers get to experience the renowned Emirates hospitality and service, characterized by luxurious amenities and five-star comfort. From spacious seating to gourmet dining options and top-notch entertainment systems, Emirates ensures that every aspect of the journey is tailored to provide the ultimate travel experience. Flying from Melbourne to Singapore on Emirates give you the opportunity to experience the Emirates lounge at Melbourne Airport.
Moreover, Emirates fifth freedom routes often offer significant savings for passengers, particularly when using miles or points to book flights. In Australia you can book a redemption ticket on Emirates with Qantas points if you dont have Skywards miles. Just ensure you are ahead of your game and know when Qantas releases reward seats. Be mindful that you are able to redeem with classic rewards and not the newly launched classic PLUS flight rewards as these are for Qantas operated flights only.
When booking a redemption / reward ticket on the fifth freedom flights of Emirates, one massive bonus are that the taxes are significantly lower. Let’s take a closer look at two examples to illustrate this point:
Examples of Emirates fifth freedom routes
- Melbourne to Dubai: (Not a fifth freedom route by Emirates)
On a regular route like EK 409, a business class ticket from Melbourne to Dubai would set you back 152,500 miles, plus AUD $1200 in taxes. This is a 14-hour flight, and the taxes alone make this an unattractive proposition for many travellers.
Buying the ticket outright in Business Class would set you back around AUD$7500. - Barcelona to Mexico: (A fifth freedom route offered by Emirates)
Despite it being a lengthy journey of 12 hours and 30 minutes, passengers can fly first class for just 102,000 miles, plus $222 in taxes. This represents a significant discount compared to traditional routes, allowing travellers to enjoy the utmost comfort without breaking the bank.
Buying the ticket outright in Business Class would set you back around AUD$5100.
Current list of Emirates fifth freedom routes:
Here is a list of current fifth freedom routes with Emirates.
The fares noted below are one-way fares / redemptions for travel during April. They are approximate and dependant on fare type and dates.
Athens to Newark
Flight Time: 10 hrs 45 minutes
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Business Class: 87,000 Miles + AUD 232 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$4650
First Class: 102,000 Miles + AUD 232 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$9458
Sydney to Christchurch
Flight Time: 3hrs 5 mins
Aircraft: Emirates Airbus A380-800
Business Class: 43,200 Miles + AUD 185 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD $984.80
First Class: Miles 82,200 + AUD $185 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD $1704.80
Singapore to Melbourne
Flight Time: 7 hrs 10 mins
Aircraft: B777 (not a game changer route)
Business Class: 201,250 Miles + AUD$101 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$ 3448
First Class: 237,500 Miles + AUD$101 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$ 6555
(Update December 2024) – Emirates has announced that the Melbourne to Singapore flight and Singapore to Melbourne flight will cease by end of March 2025.
Bangkok to Hong Kong
Flight Time: 3hrs 15 mins
Aircraft: A380
Business Class: 39,000 Miles + AUD$33 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$ 539
First Class: 45,000 Miles + AUD$33 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$ 1059
Barcelona to Mexico
Flight Time: 12 hrs 30 minutes
Aircraft: B777-200 LR (2 Class)
Business Class: 96,000 Miles + AUD$ 215 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$5144
Milan to New York
Flight Time: 8 hrs 45 minutes
Aircraft: A380
Business Class: 87,000 Miles + AUD$222 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$ 4238
First Class: 102,000 Miles + AUD$222 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$8000
Colombo to Male
Flight Time: 1 hr 40 minutes
Aircraft: B777
Business Class: 19,500 Miles + AUD$186 Taxes
Ticket Price: AUD$659
First Class: 22,500 Miles + AUD 186
Ticket Price: AUD 1686
Wide Body Aircrafts
One notable strategy for passengers seeking fifth freedom routes for example in Europe, is to look for airlines that operate wide-body aircraft. While many European carriers primarily operate narrow-body planes for shorter flights, there are exceptions. For example, Ethiopian Airlines offers a fifth freedom route from Stockholm to Oslo using wide-body aircraft. This means that passengers can enjoy the spaciousness and comfort typically associated with long-haul flights, even on shorter routes.
Wide-body Aircraft: These airplanes have a wide fuselage and typically feature two aisles running along the length of the cabin. Wide-body aircraft are often used for long-haul flights, carrying a large number of passengers and/or cargo. They offer more spacious cabins, allowing for greater passenger comfort and amenities. Examples of wide-body aircraft include the Boeing 777, Airbus A330, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Narrow-body Aircraft: In contrast, narrow-body aircraft have a narrower fuselage and usually feature a single aisle running through the cabin. These planes are commonly used for short to medium-haul flights, serving routes with less passenger demand or shorter distances. Narrow-body aircraft are generally smaller and carry fewer passengers compared to wide-body planes. Examples of narrow-body aircraft include the Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and the Embraer E-Jet series.
Choosing a fifth freedom route with an airline that uses wide-body aircraft can enhance the overall travel experience, providing passengers with more legroom, greater in-flight amenities, and a sense of luxury that is often lacking on shorter flights. For those who prioritize comfort and convenience, this option presents an attractive alternative to traditional narrow-body flights.
Non-Freedom Flights – Wide Body Aircrafts
Passengers should also consider non-freedom flights operated by airlines that utilize wide-body aircraft. While these flights may not offer the same financial benefits as fifth freedom routes, they still provide an opportunity to experience the best that airlines have to offer. In layman’s terms, you get more bang for your buck.
For instance, Turkish Airlines operates flights from Istanbul to Athens using wide-body aircraft on some routes. Despite being a short flight, passengers can take advantage of Turkish Airlines’ renowned pre-departure lounges and superior in-flight service, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking an elevated travel experience.
Ultimately, whether opting for a fifth freedom route with a wide-body aircraft or choosing a non-freedom flight with premium amenities, passengers should prioritize research to ensure they get more value for money. By carefully considering all available options and weighing factors such as comfort, cost, and convenience, travellers can make informed decisions that enhance their overall journey.
Summing Up
Whether selecting a route with an airline that operates wide-body aircraft or exploring non-freedom flights with premium amenities, travellers can tailor their journey to suit their preferences and maximize their travel experience. With careful planning and consideration, passengers can unlock a world of possibilities and enjoy the very best that air travel has to offer.
Emirates fifth freedom routes offer a winning combination of luxury, savings, and convenience for travellers. By choosing to fly with Emirates on these routes, passengers can indulge in the finest amenities and services while enjoying significant discounts, making their journey truly unforgettable. So, the next time you’re planning your travels, consider the comfort and value of Emirates fifth freedom routes for an experience like no other.
