Quick: What do the United Arab Emirates and Mexico have in common — besides similar weather, proud native cultures, and striking cities? Here in globally focused Houston, the two now share an exciting travel partnership perfect for local jet setters.
Emirates, the premiere international airline based out of Dubai, and United Airlines have joined forces to offer Emirates flyers connectivity to nine destinations in Mexico — via United. That means Houston travelers on Emirates, who already enjoy daily service out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport via the airline's A380 jets, can now connect to the following Mexican destinations:
- Mexico City (existing)
- Cancun
- Cozumel
- Monterrey
- Puerto Vallarta
- Guadalajara
- San Jose Del Cabo
- Leon/Guanajuato
- Queretaro
Travel to these new cities starts on September 14, according to Emirates press materials. An added perk for local travelers: Emirates has just launched its Premium Economy seating here in Houston. The upgraded seating offers posh, cream leather seats; expanded leg room; thousands of movies and shows on an 13.3-inch HD TV; better Wi-Fi; plush blankets and large pillows; and elevated, global, multi-course feasts paired with wine and Chandon, served on Royal Doulton china tableware and steel cutlery (no sporks here).
Picky Houston eaters can even plan ahead for meals by entering their flight numbers for the on-flight menu.
Speaking of an elevated experience: Anyone who has donned a fairly stylish traveling outfit — only to end up in a sweaty, sprint-through-the-airport sweat — will no doubt find relief in the onboard shower spa, a standard offering on all Emirates A380 planes.
Rinse off that sweaty airport sprint in the onboard shower spa. Photo via Emirates Airlines
Notably — and good news for Houstonians headed south of the border — Mexico is the first country outside of the US to be included in Emirates’ codeshare network with United. An expanded codeshare partnership and network allows more flexibility on flight timings, giving Emirates customers flying to Mexico City more options when choosing flights, per press materials.
For example, passengers can opt to fly to the Mexican capital using Emirates daily services from Dubai with a stop in Barcelona, or separately book codeshare flights to Mexico City. Global jet setters can take advantage of the codeshare network when flying from the nine points in Mexico to other destinations on Emirate’s network, via Houston or Chicago (the other hub city).
For those keeping track, Emirate’s network now boasts 134 destinations (from United’s gateways in the U.S.) and nearly 100 points across the U.S., Canada, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. International travelers have long favorited Emirates for its top-flight service to places such as India, Israel, UAE, South Africa, and select cities in Southeast Asia.
Additionally, Emirates passengers can plan their entire trip via single-ticket booking, take advantage of a generous baggage allowance, and convenient bag check-through to the final destination.
More perks come via Emirates’ frequent flyer program Emirates Skywards. The airline stresses that travelers can only redeem miles on flights booked on codeshare flights, however. Interline flights on Emirates and United are not eligible to earn Skywards Miles, per Emirates.
Known as the world's largest international airlines, Emirates has been a favorite of choosy global voyagers and celebrities who prefer the company’s Dubai sensibilities — luxury and an adherence to service. The first class amenities, signature flight attendant uniforms, and on-board cocktail lounge have been frequently featured in best-of lists, TV shows and movies, and luxury guides.
Photo via Emirates Airlines
Flying is a lot more fun with Emirates’ onboard bar.
