If you thought the chance to book cheap flights for this summer had already come and gone, think again: Two of the best airlines in the world—Emirates and Etihad Airways, both based in the UAE—are offering fare sales that are valid for summer travel and into the fall.
The sales include cheap flights to Milan, Athens, and Abu Dhabi. All of the flights will be operated as “quarantine-free” routes, meaning that passengers will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result before departure to avoid a self-isolation period upon arrival. While most countries included in the sales are reopening their borders to American travelers, some COVID-19 restrictions remain in place at restaurants or other tourist attractions, so it’s a good idea to double check the destinations’ latest rules before purchasing the flights.
Remember to always read the sale terms and conditions, which can be found on the booking pages, before buying discounted fares.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Etihad’s fare sale
Etihad Airways is offering a flash sale for fares between its three U.S. gateways—New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.—to its home hub in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. While that city is a destination in its own right, with urban beaches, world-class shopping, and museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, it also is a connection point to must-visit destinations in Etihad’s route network, like the Maldives, Seychelles, or Sri Lanka.
With the sale, fares in Etihad’s economy class start at $699 roundtrip. (The airline’s typical prices on these routes can easily climb to be several thousand dollars.) For roundtrip fares in business class, which has lie-flat seats and amenities like an in-flight bar, prices start at $3,499.
To get the discount, you must book by June 10. Tickets booked through the sale are valid for travel between June 7 and December 10, 2021.
Book now: etihad.com
Emirates’ fare sale
Dubai-based Emirates, one of Traveler readers’ favorite airlines, is offering discounted flights out of its two New York-area gateways, Newark and JFK, to Athens and Milan, respectively.
In economy class, prices for a roundtrip ticket from JFK to Milan start at $599, while economy fares between Newark and Athens start at $776 roundtrip. Fares for Emirates’ iconic business-class seats, which feature fully closing doors, a personal minibar, and access to the in-flight shower spa on select planes, start at $2,099 from JFK to Milan, and $2,966 between Newark and Athens.
Travel dates for Milan are valid now through June 30, 2021, and from September 5 to December 10, 2021. For Athens, the travel window is valid now through December 10, 2021.
While Italy is still currently closed to U.S. travelers as it emerges from a third wave of the COVID-19 virus, there are plans for the country to open later in the summer. Greece, on the other hand, is open to most international travelers who can show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. The country’s bars and restaurants are open for outdoor seating, archeological sites like the Acropolis have also reopened, but a curfew still takes effect every night at 11 p.m.
To receive the discount, fares must be booked by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 16, 2021.
Book now: emirates.com
Source: Read Full Article