Emirates offers summer specials for Indian families

This summer, Emirates passengers from India will get a chance to will the exciting value deals on offer by the award winning airline To begin with, Indian passengers can now apply the UAE visa online and fly to Dubai. Complimenting the convenience of online visa, the airline has popular offerings such as the “Kids Go Free”, Dubai Stopover and complimentary stay for First and Business Class passengers. Adding to the bonanza, Emirates is offering an attractive return Economy Class fare from to Dubai of INR 13,990 valid until 18th June 2010.

The online visa application system has been devised for the benefit of passengers wherein they can apply for a UAE visa online by logging on to the ‘Manage a Booking’ section on Emirates.com. The passenger can upload the requisite documents including passport bio page, photograph and proof of residence and then track the status of their application. The new online visa application process for a UAE visa eliminates the hassle and burden of immigration paperwork, efficient and secure self service visa application method saving time and money and enables tracking of visa status at the passengers’ convenience. 

 

Under the new visa application procedure, a 96-hour visa will now INR 1980 ($44 USD) plus approximately INR 765 ($17 USD) service fee and any applicable sales taxes while a 30-day visa will cost INR 2565 ($57 USD) plus approximately INR 765 ($17 USD) service fee & any applicable sales taxes. Additionally, a deposit of INR 12,262 ($272.50) is mandatory which is refunded after exit from Dubai.

Furthermore, moving towards the increasing number of users of mobile internet and the technological advancement, Emirates now offers its passengers “Mobile Emirates.com” - the facility of booking tickets over mobile phones, PDAs smart phones, Blackberrys, iPhones etc. Users can simply type www.emirates.com into their web browser and will view a mobile optimised version of our website. Visitors to Mobile Emirates.com will be able to purchase Emirates flights on their mobile device. The mobile booking engine is a mobile-optimised version of the Emirates.com booking engine, containing full booking capabilities.

Adding sizzle to the Indian summer is the second edition of the “Kids Go Free” offer. As per this unique offer, it enables two children up to the age of 16 to enjoy free Emirates flights, tourist visa, three- or five-star accommodation, meals, rides on the Dubai metro, airport transfers, and access to numerous attractions in Dubai when accompanied by two paying adults. Children will also have free entry on the Dubai Metro, ensuring a complete travel experience of Dubai starting at INR 32,105. The offer is valid until 30th September 2010.

A total of 86 hotels in Dubai are participating in the promotion with a hotel to suit every family’s budget and preference. In addition the children will also have free entry to a wide range of Dubai’s most interesting attractions such as free Dubai city tour, Dhow cruise and free Big Bus tour with dinner for two kids under 16 years; Wild Wadi Water Park; iFLYDubai; Soccer Circus & Cité des Enfants at Playnation – Mirdif City Centre; Dubai Dolphinarium at Creek Golf Club etc.

Asif Ali, Emirates’ Sales Manager, Karnataka, said “The collaboration of some of Emirates’ most impressive value deals this summer will help families enjoy their break. Convenience of visa processing and accommodating children for free to Dubai with entertainment options is going to be this season’s best. Adding to this summer bonanza are the irresistible stopover packages and offers for premium class travellers. There is something for every Indian family this summer and we will ensure our best to facilitate their smooth travel with utmost convenience.”

Other newly launched offers by Emirates:

Dubai Stopover Offer
Emirates is also offering passengers exciting stopover packages in Dubai with never-before seen hotel rates for the months of May and June as part of the Dubai Stopovers (DSO) programme. Emirates passengers travelling to or beyond Dubai can now enjoy a two nights’ stopover in Dubai, starting at INR 7,875 (USD 176) for two adults with meet-and-assist at Dubai International Airport and 24 hours check-in / check-out at select properties, valid until 31st October 2010. This offer is valid for all passengers regardless of class of travel on inbound or outbound journey provided both are on Emirate and also benefit from attractive discounts on car hire, golf, local tours and desert safaris.  

First and Business Class offer
The Dubai based carried is also offering its First Class passengers travelling exclusively on Emirates to Dubai or via Dubai two complimentary nights at the Armani Hotel Dubai on bed & breakfast basis with priority tickets to the ‘At The Top’ viewing deck at the Burj Khalifa. Similarly, Business Class passengers are entitled to one complimentary night hotel accommodation at The Address Downtown Dubai Hotel & Residences on bed & breakfast basis with priority tickets to ‘At the Top’ Burj Khalifa. Passengers booking a return entirely in either First Class or Business Class ticket are eligible for this offer valid from 1st June 2010 to 31st August 2010.

Fly Emirates and experience exotic Amsterdam
Emirates Airline commenced daily services to Amsterdam on May 1, 2010 connecting Indian travellers via Dubai. Adding to the celebrations of convenient connections to Amsterdam, Emirates has announced a special offer wherein First Class passengers booking a return flight to Amsterdam from India, are offered two nights’ complimentary accommodation at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, whereas the Business Class passengers can enjoy a one-night complimentary stay. Along with this, passengers are eligible for a complimentary 96-hour visa worth Rs 3,800! The offer is on a deluxe room inclusive of bed & breakfast and valid for travel and booking until 30th June 2010.

Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Vice President, India & Nepal, said, “Indian travellers have evolved and we have witnessed this over a period of time. With the numerous world class attractions, Dubai is now a complete family destination and we are delighted to facilitate not only the travel but even the pre-travel procedures to make it even convenient for our Indian customers.

Abbas added “Over the years Emirates has enjoyed an overwhelming response to all our special offers and, continuing the tradition, we are happy to provide a range of summer specials even this season for all our Indian families irrespective of the class of travel.”

Other existing offers by the airline

Companion offer
Business Class passengers travelling to select destinations on the Emirates network can avail of the special ‘companion free’ offer. Passengers who book Business and First Class return ticket will receive a flat 50 per cent discount on the airfare in the same class for a companion, the offer being valid until 18th June 2010.

Excess baggage
In addition to all the above offers, passengers across Emirates Airline’s extensive network (except American destinations) will be permitted to carry 10kg of additional baggage in all classes. Additionally, students flying to Europe are also eligible for an Excess baggage of 10kg. Whereas, passengers travelling to the United States, Canada and South American destinations can carry two units of baggage of 23kg each in the Economy Class. This new allowance will give passengers flying Emirates the flexibility to carry significantly more baggage.  

Emirates Airline currently operates 35 weekly flights from Mumbai and a total of 184 weekly flights from 10 Indian destinations to Dubai.