Emirates offers free first class helicopter airport transfers

By Chris C., March 24 2017
Emirates offers free first class helicopter airport transfers

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 C.

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 206

Cheap for two 30km helicopter rides. Like to see EK do this in Venice.

24 Apr 2012

Total posts 2431

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 2431

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

Nice

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 2431

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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