Emirates offers free first class helicopter airport transfers
By Chris C., March 24 2017
Emirates’ first class flyers arriving in Nice, France can now swap their free limousine airport transfer for a helicopter ride to Monaco City at no extra charge, in what must be the best way to arrive in style for the Monaco Grand Prix!
With a journey time of just seven minutes from lift-off to touchdown, the 30km flight takes you straight from Nice Airport to a helipad in Monaco, where a driver will collect you for that final leg from helipad to hotel.
When it’s time to fly home, you’ll be chauffeur-driven back to that helipad for your return helicopter flight to Nice Airport. Bring your camera too, as the views along the coastline can be magnificent.
Business class flyers can upgrade their regular airport limo for a Monaco-bound helicopter at a cost of €79 (A$111) per passenger in each direction, or €316 (A$444) return for a couple travelling together.
Passengers booked in Emirates economy class can also pay €109 (A$153) per person each way to enjoy the same: including both the helicopter ride and a chauffeur-driven car between the helipad and their hotel.
The move comes as Emirates prepares to upgrade its EK77/78 Dubai-Nice-Dubai flights from a Boeing 777-300ER to an Airbus A380 from July 1 2017, bringing with it on-board shower spas in first class plus fully-flat beds with direct aisle access and an inflight bar and lounge area in business class.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2011
Total posts 359
Awesome.....even the paid rates are reasonable. Great way to arrive. Would like to see them rolling this out for other routes which have a wow factor.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 167
Haha and there I was thinking the self moisturising pyjamas were OTT. It's a nice novelty, not sure it'll catch on elsewhere though.
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 205
Cheap for two 30km helicopter rides. Like to see EK do this in Venice.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
I quite like the existing 'water taxi chauffeur' arrangements Emirates has in Venice - it's a very relaxing ride and a great way to arrive. :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jul 2013
Total posts 203
@ChrisCh, any idea if the fees will be waived for IO cardholders booked in Business?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
It's not clear, although iO cardholders normally receive limousine transfers regardless of the cabin they fly in. If you're an iO cardholder, you could always call the iO line or your relationship manager and ask. :)
05 May 2012
Total posts 32
one EK.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
Better than a 90min drive...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Nov 2014
Total posts 357
Is this available to paid F pax only or those redeemed with points too? Including those using QF points (which is more relevant to us).
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
This is so fabulous.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jan 2017
Total posts 10
This fits in great for me for the F1 GP
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
views along the coastline can be magnificent ... not can be, but "are", having done it a few times.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
We say "can be" to avoid any disappointment in case it's a little foggy or rainy, but yes, on a clear day, "are" would certainly be the correct term. ;)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Jul 2016
Total posts 4
New York is another place they could consider doing this
27 Mar 2017
Total posts 1
Bronwyn would love this...
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
For economy, $300 return for 30km helicopter plus chauffeur is cheap...back home it costs me that much for a chauffeur driven caprice but for double the distance.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
assuming you're travelling alone
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