United and Emirates Join Forces to Offer New Connections

Emirates and United announced their agreement on September 14 at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier. Credit: Chris Kleponis

Emirates and United Airlines on Wednesday announced a new partnership, which will include a codeshare agreement and interlining activities.

The two airlines have signed a new commercial agreement that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations within the United States and around the world.

From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston – three of the biggest business hubs in the US – will be able to easily connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.

At the eight other US airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

Photo source: Emirates

Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier. For example – travelers will be able to book a flight from New York/Newark to Karachi, Pakistan via United or book a flight from Dubai to Atlanta or Honolulu via Emirates.

The agreement will also give the loyalty program members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards.

United: New Newark-Dubai flight in 2023

United will launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities.

It is noted that the codeshare activities between the two airlines and United’s new flight to Dubai are subject to government approvals.

Boosting the travel experience

Moreover, both airlines recently announced significant investments in the customer experience.

Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2 billion effort that includes elevated meal choices, a brand-new vegan menu, a ‘cinema in the sky’ experience, cabin interior upgrades, and sustainable choices.

United will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior that includes seat-back screens in every seat, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity throughout, and the industry’s fastest available in-flight WiFi.