The fifth Friedum route constitutes a unique aviation quirk that gives North American travelers the opportunity to experience excellent airplanes and services, often at a fraction of the cost. Have you ever booked a trip from the US to Europe just to recognize that your flight is operated by an Asian or Middle Eastern airline? If so, you could have come across your fifth Friedom flight.
Technically speaking, the fifth Friedom flight is run by carriers between the two countries, but neither is the home of the airline. These routes are usually part of the services that link these markets to the airline's home country. For example, Emirates flew an Airbus A380 between New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport (CHC) and Australia's Sydney Airport (SYD), with the same flight leading from Sid to Dubai International Airport (DXB).
There are several reasons why airlines can choose to do this. Range (Dubai to Sydney is already a 14-hour flight), several reasons are gaining traffic in new markets and improving aircraft use.
Many fifth Fried Route routes operate worldwide, but there are some best North American travelers to consider, as well as ways to book using points and miles.
Flying from New York with Milan and Athens in Greece, along with Emirates
Emirates' first class is one of the most enthusiastic airline experiences you can imagine. Luckily, you don't need to go to Dubai to experience it.
Emirates operates two fifth Friedum routes, from the New York region to Europe. From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Newar Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Athens International Airport (ATH) in Grace. Milan Flights are operated by the Airbus A380. The Airbus A380 has an onboard bar and shower, and Athens Flight is operated by the Boeing 777. Both flights continue in Dubai after stopping in Europe.
Related: Emirates Business Class Reviews on Airbus A380 from New York to Milan
Additionally, Emirates serves Mexico City International Airport (MEX) from DXB. Given the length of this flight and the elevation of the MEX, the flight will stop in both directions at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-EL Prat Airport (BCN). This is the fifth Friedum route in North America, the only Emirate will fly without a top-notch cabin. The Boeing 777-200LR used to operate this route will be stopped in business class.
Another exciting addition to the Emirates Route Network is the fifth Fried Dom Hop, located on the Boeing 777 from Miami International Airport (MIA) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia. The plane offers this route and this route will try out the legendary Emirates experience on short flights.
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To book an award, you will usually want to focus your efforts on two programs of two programs. Both are forwarding partners for American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.
The Emirates Skywards program uses fixed award pricing for redemption. For example, the redemption rate for a JFK to MXP flight is:
Economy: 17,000 miles and $54Business: 87,000 miles and 106 miles $106 First: 102,000 miles and $106
Air Canada Aeroplan recently switched from using fixed awards charts to dynamic pricing for several partner airlines, including Emirates. The new awards chart lists the “start” rate and median prices that are updated quarterly based on redemptions in the previous four quarters.
JFK to MXP flights fall into the Aeroplan distance range of 0-4,000 miles. This lists the following prices:
Economy: Median 35,000 Points Starts at 35,000 points in the business.
Flying from the US to Europe or Asia on Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines features the world's longest non-stop flight from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to JFK, but also has the fifth Freedome route in North America.
Boeing 777-300erlos Angeles International Airport (LAX) from JFK to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) from Boeing 777-300ER from Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo
Singapore will release exclusive award spaces to Star Alliance Partners, including United MileagePlus and Aeroplan. However, the best way to book is to use Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer program.
Related: Best websites to search for availability for Star Alliance Awards
Fortunately, Krisflyer is a partner in all five major programs with transferable currency, so these miles can be easily earned: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi andyou Rewards, Capital One, and Marriott Bonvoy.
One-way saver awards cost:
Remember that booking Krisflyer allows you to win an award if the flight and/or class of service you wish to book is not available at the time of booking.
Flying with Air Tahitinui from Los Angeles
Connecting French Polynesia to France, this fifth Friedom option will fly from Lacus to Paris-Charles Degaard Airport (CDG) on Air Tahtiney's Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
According to the American Airlines Partner Awards chart, if you want to fly Air Tahitinui to Paris, off-peak travel days fees start at 22,500 miles in the economy, 40,000 miles in the premium economy and 57,500 miles in business class. Prices for peak travel days start at 30,000 miles of the economy.
Fly to West Africa by Ethiopian Airlines from New York or Washington DC
Ethiopian Airlines has three fifth Frieddom routes departing from North America, including two flights to Togo and one to Ivory Coast.
From Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Lometcoin International Airport (LFW) in Lome, Togofuk, Felix Hofheit International Airport (ABJ) in Abidjan, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Ethiopian Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance and you can book these flights in West Africa with points and miles. If you pass Aeroplan, you will need just 40,000 points for the economy, or 70,000 points for the business class. This is a solid deal on these 10-hour flights.
How to earn points and miles to book a 5th Friedom flight
It's easy to earn points and miles to transfer to the above program and book a fifth Friedum flight. Amex Membership Rewards Points, Capital One 1 Mile and Chase Ultimate Rewards Points will all transition to Canada Aeroplan and Singapore Clean Flyer at a 1:1 ratio.
Below are some of the best cards available right now that offer generous welcome bonuses.
Related: Credit Card Transfer Partner: A guide to transfer points and miles to airlines and hotels
Conclusion
The fifth Fridomrud doesn't just appeal to Avgek there. In the right circumstances, it can represent unique value for North American travelers. Foreign airlines operating them can often provide a much better in-flight experience than their American counterparts, even in the economy.
Don't limit yourself when planning your next trip. Instead, consider redeeming your hard-earned points and miles on one of these extraordinary routes.
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