Emirates business, first class passengers get free Sydney hotel stays
By Chris C., April 27 2015
In a move that broadens the appeal of an extra-early wake-up call, Emirates is giving its business class and first class passengers a free overnight stay at the Rydges Sydney Airport hotel when travelling on its 6am EK415 flight to Dubai.
Located directly opposite from Sydney Airport’s international terminal, passengers can use the airline’s existing complimentary chauffeur drive service to arrive at Rydges at any suitable time on the day before their flight.
It's so close, you might even be able to spot your A380 from your hotel room...
Travellers can then maximise their sleep before simply crossing the road in time for check-in, being whisked through the Express Path lanes at security and passport control and enjoying breakfast in the Emirates lounge – or in the air, if they prefer.
“This particular offer has been popular with Canberra and regional NSW residents,” an Emirates spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller.
“EK415 offers passengers same-day service to key European destinations such as Dublin, Rome, Milan and London, allowing travellers to enjoy breakfast in Sydney, lunch in Dubai and dinner in Europe.”
A standard room at the Rydges Sydney Airport hotel
During their hotel stay with Rydges, all members of the free-to-join GHA Discovery loyalty program receive free in-room Internet access, free bottled water and a complimentary newspaper.
Priority Guest Rewards cardholders of Rydges’ own loyalty program also enjoy a 20% discount on food and beverage when dining at the hotel, excluding room service, mini bar purchases and breakfast.
Also read: Emirates A380 business class review: Sydney-Dubai
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2015
Total posts 59
So is this available if you already have a booking ? How do you access it ?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Hi Stuart, as with all bookings and with Chauffeur Drive, you would need to contact Emirates directly to make the arrangements.
QF
30 Jun 2013
Total posts 4
Thanks for the info Chris, great news. Any chance you could point us in the direction of the T & C for this deal. I can't find anything on the Emirates web site. I would just like to check the details before i contact Emirates- we have a points redemption already booked and would like to see if we qualify. (as we do for the Chauffeur Drive)
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Hi vmile, as far as I'm aware this isn't currently published on the Emirates website – I'd suggest contacting Emirates with your booking reference number to see if you're eligible.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2015
Total posts 59
Already contacted Emirates regarding the points-redemption option. Unfortunately this offer is not valid for reward bookings.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Cheers Stuart, that makes sense given what it would cost them on top of what they're already providing with the Chauffeur Drive service.
QF
30 Jun 2013
Total posts 4
Would have been nice......
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
This is excellent news for people who can afford a $10,000 plane ride but can't afford a $200 hotel room.
30 Aug 2013
Total posts 437
Haha - I think its designed more to try and entice people away from the perfectly timed evening SYD-DXB flight than the rather awfully times 6am SYD-DXB flight.
If I was travelling in J or F and had the option of a flight leaving after dinner or a free hotel room with a flight leaving at 6am I would always choose the first option - you really are 'wasting' about 10 hours sleeping at the airport and waiting for the flight the following morning (whilst watching the evening flight fly past your hotel room window).
Perhaps EK would be better having 2 evening departures rather than a morning and an evening? Say, 1 at 8pm and the other at 10:30pm?
27 Apr 2015
Total posts 1
Not everyone has the same view of travel as you. Otherwise there would be two evening flights.
The early departure is great for those of us who like to travel in the day and arrive at evening in Europe.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Apr 2013
Total posts 146
Agreed openseat, we have flown this 6am flight a few times and it really does help with jetlag when you land in London on the same day around 8.30pm where you can go straight to your hotel. We love this flight.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1564
It indeed does make sense - my last trip to Europe was via BKK - I arrived later, slept in hotel, departure next morning and arrived the same evening to destination. IMHO best schedule that actually saves time - no jetlag whatsoever.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1564
LOL! Some people flying by points also.
18 May 2015
Total posts 3
Hi, saw this article and as I'm travelling back to the UK after holiday on this flight early next year, contacted Emirates. Advised though that this offer is only available if originating from Australia. Would have thought it would apply to all passengers in First / Business Class travelling this particular Flight?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
If that's what you've been advised by Emirates then it looks like you'll be paying for your own hotel room!
You'll likely still be eligible for the chauffeur service though.
18 May 2015
Total posts 3
18 May 2015
Total posts 3
Yes, true - here are details of the offer in more detail:
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