Emirates has announced that it will allow passengers to pay for access to its lounges at Dubai International airport. Entry-level Skywards members (blue-tier) can pay US$100 for four hours access to Emirates’ business class facilities, or US$200 to enter the carrier’s first class lounges.
In addition Gold and Silver members – who already get complimentary access to Emirates’ business class lounges at Dubai International – can choose to upgrade to the first class facilities for a fee of US$100.
The offer applies only to the carrier’s lounges at Dubai International, and passengers must be travelling on an Emirates flight, or a Qantas codeshare service to be eligible.
The carrier says that access is “subject to capacity restrictions”, with payment being made by credit or debit card (ie: members cannot pay by cash nor by redeeming miles for access).
Emirates stresses that “There is no change to the current entitlement for complimentary lounge access for any Emirates Skywards members”.
Emirates recently completed a US$11 million renovation of its lounge at Concourse B of Dubai International, focusing on three new concept areas with commercial tie-ins: a barista experience in partnership with Costa Coffee, a Health hub with Voss water featuring healthier options, and an exclusive Moët & Chandon champagne lounge.
For more details and full terms and conditions of the new paid-for lounge service, click here.
The move is also being discussed on our forum here.
