Emirates quietly updated the Terms & Conditions for their Chauffeur-Drive service earlier this month. Chauffeur-Drive will no longer be available for bookings or upgrades to First and Business Class made with Skywards Miles. The new rule will apply from 1st March 2019.
This decision to scrap Chauffeur-Drive on Skywards tickets was perhaps inevitable. Emirates has been looking for new ways to cut costs and generate extra revenue. Since last January passengers have been able to buy access to Emirates First and Business Class lounges. Seat selection fees have also been introduced for economy seats with passengers paying more for the best seats.
The decision by Etihad Airways last year to largely restrict their Chauffeur service has also reduced the competitive pressure on Emirates a great deal. The Etihad Chauffeur is now only available within the UAE and only for the most expensive paid First and Business Class tickets.
The new rule for Emirates Chauffeur-Drive will particularly sting passengers coming from Abu Dhabi. A taxi or Careem transfer from the centre of Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport can cost close to AED400 adding considerably to the cost of a round-trip.
Any alternatives to Emirates Chauffeur-Drive?
Emirates passengers living in Dubai have one alternative option to Emirates Chauffeur-Drive worth remembering. An often overlooked perk of some UAE credit cards is free airport transfers. Both Emirates NBD Skywards co-branded credit cards offer a number of airport drop-off and pick-ups each year.
The Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Visa provides four airport transfers each calendar year. Unfortunately, the pick-up and drop-off locations are restricted to Dubai which does not help passengers in other Emirates. The alternative Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Visa card allows for two trips per year.
Of course, for passengers in Abu Dhabi there is the Emirates 5 x per day shuttle bus service to Dubai Airport. It is not a premium option and is provided principally for Economy Class passengers. However, it would be
Don’t forget, if you do pay for your own transfer to the airport book with either the Emirates Skywards Cabforce or Careem in order to earn a few more Skywards miles.