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    Emirates passengers can now enjoy free Wi-Fi connectivity onboard

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    According to a recently made announcement, Emirates passengers in every class of travel can now enjoy free connectivity once they sign up to Emirates Skywards.
    Always at the forefront of development, this has resulted in an additional 30,000 Economy Class passengers connecting to complimentary onboard Wi-Fi every week.
    Till date, the high-end luxury airline has invested more than US$ 300 million dollars into onboard connectivity. This is a great news for all Emirates Skywards members in every class of travel, as everyone can now enjoy some form of free connectivity.
    Skywards members, whether Blue, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier, travelling in any class, whether Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class will enjoy free app messaging. In addition to that, First Class Skywards members along with Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members travelling in Business Class will have unlimited access to free internet. This will allow them to not just spend some leisure time on the internet but also shop or work online while inflight. Platinum Skywards members have complimentary internet access in all classes.
    This new welcoming change has been very well recieved by the Emirates passangers. Today, the airline sees an average of 450,000 users per month. This represents a 30% increase of passenger use in 2023 versus the same period last year. Currently, almost 10% of all passengers are utilising the complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. On routes through the Americas, almost 20% of passengers connect to Wi-Fi onboard, and on European and Africa routes the usage is over 11% of all passengers.

    “Emirates has persistently worked with our service providers to optimise and improve the connectivity experience. In March we delivered about 55% more data per customer session compared to early 2022 despite the number of sessions increasing by 68% in the same period. We will continue to work to invest in upgrades and enhancements, and our A350 aircraft will arrive with the next generation of satellite connectivity already equipped,” shared Patrick Brannelly, SVP Retail, IFE & Connectivity.
    Emirates also announced that it will offer new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, onboard 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft – scheduled to enter service in 2024.
    This new agreement will make passenger experience better with enhanced connectivity and greater global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic. The Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to take advantage of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, which powers the world’s first and only globally available broadband network, ensuring passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity, no matter their destination, including the North Pole.
    The advanced high-speed capabilities of the broadband will enable Emirates passengers to stay connected with family and friends, browse the internet, and enjoy social media, all from the comfort of their seat.
    Emirates also confirmed an investment of over US$ 350 million to equip a 50-strong fleet of A350s coming in 2024 with enhanced passenger connectivity via Thales’ AVANT Up system and Optiq – the first smart display in the industry to offer two Bluetooth connections, built-in Wi-Fi for passengers to pair multiple devices including phones, tablets, headphones or even game controllers, while supporting up to 60 watts USB-C to fast-charge personal devices.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @emirates More

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    Emirates Airlines goes digital, phases out paper boarding passes from Dubai

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    In another future-forward decision, Emirates Airlines plans to fade out paper boarding passes for flights from Dubai.
    With a vision to make the experience more digitally enabled for the customers, this is a step in the right direction.
    Passengers departing from Dubai with Emirates Airlines will require to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper version, from  May 15, 2023, onwards.
    Travellers taking their flights from Terminal 3 will receive their mobile boarding pass via email or SMS. Customers of the arilines can check in online and load their boarding pass into their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or retrieve their boarding pass on the user-friendly Emirates App. The checked-in baggage receipt is also emailed directly to passengers, or available in the Emirates App.
    Not only is this a more convenient approach for the digital-friendly travellers, it will also significantly reduce paper waste. Plus, it will further reduce the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes, offering passengers some extra peace of mind when beginning their journey.

    The mobile boarding pass can be used throughout – in Dubai Duty Free, at security and for boarding, simply by showing the boarding pass on the phone. Emirates agents and airport staff will scan the QR code on the mobile boarding pass as passengers move through the airport and onto the airplane.
    While this will cover majority of the travellers, some passengers may still require a physical boarding pass to be printed. For example, those travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring special assistance, passengers with onwards flights on other airlines and all passengers travelling on flights to the US.
    If the passengers do not have a mobile device, or if they are unable to access the information on their devices for reasons such as: running out of battery power, a system breakdown or glitch, message delivery delay, or inability to access WIFI, network or a data package, they will have the option to print a boarding pass by request to Emirates agents at check-in counters.
    Apart from the convenient check-in and itinerary management, travellers who use the Emirates app can also enjoy the benfits of accessing the digital menus in advance, while curating a playlist of favourite movies, TV shows and music playlists available on ice, which they can synchronise from their app the moment they board to save time.
    UAE Residents can register to use the Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3 and speed through Immigration every time they return to Dubai. UAE citizens and residents can use their passport, boarding pass, or a valid UAE ID, while GCC nationals or visitors eligible for visa on arrival can pass through the Smart Gates with a biometric passport.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @emirates  More

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    In pics: Etihad’s much-loved A380 fleet makes a return in 2023

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    After a steep surge in demand, UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways is set to reintroduce its A380 fleets.
    Starting in 2023, four super-jumbos A380s will operate between Abu Dhabi and London with a host of new
    This expansive double-decker aircraft will feature nine First apartments, 80 Business Studios and 405 Economy smart seats. Other onboard amenities in the First class section include a large leather lounge, a 24” swiveling LCD TV monitor, a personal vanity and a fully-flat bed for utmost comfort.
    For First and Business class passengers to take a break from their seats, they will have access to a fully-served lounge at the lobby which includes leather sofas, refreshments, a large TV accompanied by a USB connection to ensure all devices remain charged throughout the time.
    His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “It is wonderful to announce the return of this splendid aircraft.”
    “The A380’s reintroduction provides a further boost to Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market, with a knock-on effect for the wider GCC and Indian subcontinent that will bring more visitors to the city of Abu Dhabi,” he conveyed.
    For a sneak peek inside the new fleet, swipe through the gallery.

    This new fleet in 2023 will operate to London Heathrow and launch in other new destinations and increase frequencies to existing routes.
    For more information visit etihad.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Elevate your travel experience with exclusive tips from The Points Guy

    Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, knows how to work the system when it comes to collecting and maximising reward points.

    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    When I’m at my house in Pennsylvania, I like to have a cup of cold brew coffee with almond milk to get me going and then I like to go out and say good morning to my horses. Their energy is the best way to start the day.

    What inspired you to launch ‘The Points Guy’?
    I’ve had a good understanding of how to maximise points and miles since I was a young child. When I started working in Corporate America, I realised I could start earning a lot of points for myself through work travel. In 2010, I started The Points Guy as a blog for fun, and never in a million years did I think it would grow to what it is today. I get great satisfaction out of helping people unlock the power of points and miles. It’s the best job in the world to help people explore this amazing earth.
    What’s the best way to get started when it comes to building points for an enthusiast?
    Sign up for hotel and airline loyalty programmes as most are free and a great way to earn points when you fly and stay at ho- tels. Second, credit cards are the biggest way to earn points from not only travelling but through everyday purchases. The best way to earn lots of points sustainably is to have a multifaceted approach – earn from travel, earn from everyday spending, and book smartly.

    What are the top 3 tips you can share to get started?
    My top three tips to get started are first, it’s important to get the right credit card that rewards you for what you spend the most on. Secondly, always shop through online shopping portals for extra miles and points and lastly leverage social media and travel platforms to find the best deals such as Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Points Guy and Google Flights.
    What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
    Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Some of my best trips have been to less popular destinations such as Israel and Rwanda which really open your eyes to amazing and different cultures, wildlife, and cuisines.
    What is the best thing you’ve been able to afford through the points you’ve collected?
    It’s been amazing to travel with my parents and take them on memorable trips. For example, we flew the Emirates A380 together and I made my mom take a shower to experience doing so at 40,000 feet in the sky. We also use points and miles to support an amazing nonprofit organisation called PeaceJam and visit their communities in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa and Guatemala. So, using points and miles to both giveback and travel with my parents has been my ultimate dream.
    November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Lie-flat economy seats will be available on this airline in 2023

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    The future of aviation is here.
    Having cracked the code for long-haul flights, Lufthansa will officially launch lie-flat economy seats in 2023. To ensure all passengers have enough space to stretch out without the limited legroom hassle, new aircraft Lufthansa Allegris is all set to transform the flight space.
    Travellers will be able to book an entire row of three seats, better known as Sleeper’s Row 2.0, on the new aircraft which will convert into a bed with a mattress, pillows and bedding for some downtime.

    It will give customers the option to lie flat for a more relaxed sleep during long-haul flights without paying for business and first-class seats.
    Lufthansa’s new aircraft is also set to transform the upper-class options, too. Business and first-class passengers will have access to private suites in its future fleet, bringing eight different seating options onboard.
    First-class passengers will soon have a personal wardrobe space complemented by baggage storage options and increased privacy. Adding to the experience, customers can enjoy a shared dining experience in the suite along with a large IFE screen.

    For a more intimate travel journey, business class seats will have higher walls and doors that completely close with a personal wardrobe closet.
    With other airlines innovating in the same space, Air New Zealand was amongst the latest to have announced the concept lie-flat pods in economy class earlier this year. All set to launch in 2024, SkyNest will give avid globe trotters a chance to book the space in four-hour slots.
    Stay tuned for more details on this sophisticated new travel update.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @lufthansa More

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    8 Emirates flight attendants who have built a huge social media following

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    Ever wondered what the life of an Emirates cabin crew member is like?
    Well, several individuals are lifting the veil of what goes on behind the scenes and, in turn, have built huge social media followings.
    Many of them share their on-duty makeup routines, tips for the recruitment process to become an Emirates flight attendant and daily life vlogs of what their shift work and travelling to different places are like.
    So, if you’re keen to go behind the veil of the lives of Emirates cabin crew members, here’s some of the content creators who have amassed huge fan bases on social media.
    Kelsey Johnson

    Under the handle of ‘Lipstick and Luggage’, this Canadian has garnered a huge social media following. Johnson recently announced her return to the skies with Emirates and said she was looking forward to “soaring to new heights”.
    Follow her on Instagram @lipstickandluggage. 
    Joana

    Joana joined Emirates as a flight attendant over six years and has now visited over 70 countries and 143 cities all the while building an impressive following of over 90,000 people.
    Follow her on Instagram @joana.ek.
    Yanushya Shwlusdko

    Hailing from Ukraine, Shqlusdko has flown with Emirates for over six years and recently even admitted, “I love my job so much, that I could marry it”.
    Follow her on Instagram @little_sky_miss.
    Maria Soldatova

    From Austria to France, Soldatova is known for her travel videos. With over 6.8 million views on YouTube and over 11 years of being cabin crew, we’re always eager to see where she’s headed next. Besides travelling, she’s also the founder of a luxe jewellery brand, Zoldi Jewels, inspired by travel motifs such as aeroplanes and maps.
    Follow her on Instagram @skyflygirl.
    Viktoria Zadoenchuk

    Having recently joined as cabin crew, Zadoenchuk has already seen the world in the span of a few months, while balancing her passion for art.
    Follow her on Instagram @victoria_zadoenchuk
    Julia Laís

    From Mykonos to the Maldives, Lais shares a plethora of tips from her trips around the world, including fitness and fashion. On the side, she is also an interior designer and always manages to balance her passion for design and travel.
    Follow her on Instagram @lais__julia.
    Danielle Murnane

    Having visited over 77 countries, Murnane has converted her passion for wanderlust into a full-time job. With her love for baking, Murnane also has a platform, Bake Me Crazy, where she shares all her recipes for making a delectable array of desserts.
    Follow her on Instagram @danimurnani.
    Lily

    By starting a full-time lifestyle page, Lily is known for experiential visits around the globe. She has travelled to over 66 cities and 43 countries worldwide.
    Follow her on Instagram @lily791.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram More