Summary

  • Fifth freedom flights are offered by an airline between two foreign countries, which can increase competition and reduce airfares.
  • If you book a fifth freedom flight, you can fly on an airline not based in any of the countries you are traveling between.
  • Passengers can book widebody flights on relatively short routes.

Fifth freedom flights have been an integral part of commercial aviation for many years, helping increase connectivity worldwide. There are many reasons why airlines operate fifth freedom flights, and they have several benefits for passengers, the countries served, and the airlines themselves. If you are looking to book a fifth-freedom flight, here are five things you should know.

1

Flights can be cheaper

Foreign carriers offer lower fares

There are five main freedoms of the air, which Simple Flying has explored before. The fifth freedom grants rights to a foreign airline to transport passengers or cargo between two countries outside its home. One of the main benefits for passengers is that booking a fifth freedom flight can be cheaper.

An Emirates Boeing 777 just after taking off.

Photo: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa | Shutterstock

With more competition in certain markets, fifth-freedom flights help to “normalize” airfares. Airlines in foreign countries are forced to price more aggressively as they may not hold the same pricing power as those based in that country. For example, if you are flying directly from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP), you can choose to fly with one of the following airlines:

  • American Airlines (US)
  • Delta Air Lines (US)
  • Emirates (UAE)
  • Neos (Italy)

As a route connecting the US and Europe, there are two American carriers and one Italian carrier operating non-stop flights. However, Emirates operates fifth freedom flights from New York to Milan and on to Dubai. As seen on Google Flights, Emirates flights can be cheaper than American and Delta. An Emirates flight can cost about $751, while an AA or Delta flight costs over $1,000.

Related

Emirates’ Fifth Freedom Routes – An Ultimate Guide

Linking several cities around the world, offering passengers a chance to fly on Emirates aircraft without having to transit in Dubai.

2

Some flights are offered by ‘exotic’ carriers

You won’t fly with the usual local carriers

If you are booking a fifth freedom flight on a shorter leg, you will, in many cases, fly on an airline not based in any of the countries you are traveling to or from. As such, you can enjoy a better cabin experience as flights are usually operated by widebody aircraft as part of a longer service.

A passenger enjoying inflight entertainment sitting in Singapore Airlines business class.

Photo: Singapore Airlines

In fact, Singapore Airlines and Emirates are the two best airlines for business class flights from the US to Europe in 2024. While their European services aren’t operated from several US gateways like the other airlines, they have among the world’s most exclusive business class products. As such, you do not need to travel to Asia or the Middle East to experience a Singapore Airlines or Emirates premium cabin.

If you want to go above and beyond, you can fly Emirates first class from the US to Europe. It is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive premium cabins in the world. With 777 flights from Newark to Athens and Airbus A380 flights from New York JFK to Milan, Emirates first class offers the following:

  • Chauffeur-drive service
  • Private suites
  • Airport lounge access
  • Exclusive food and beverages

3

Widebody flights on shorter legs

More comfort and legroom

If you want to fly on a widebody aircraft on a short international flight, you might consider booking a fifth freedom flight. As it is part of a longer service, foreign carriers deploy larger aircraft on these routes, offering more seats and cabin space than their competitors. Below are a few routes that are operated by widebody aircraft on fifth freedom flights:

  • Singapore Airlines: Milan to Barcelona – The Asian carrier operates fifth freedom flights from Singapore to Milan and on to Barcelona. The service lasts approximately 1hr 15 min and is operated by an Airbus A350-900.
  • Qatar Airways: Lusaka to Harare – Qatar Airways has fifth freedom rights between Lusaka and Harare. The flight lasts about 45 minutes and is operated by a Boeing 787-8.
  • Emirates: Lusaka to Harare – Similarly, Emirates serves the Lusaka-Harare route with its Boeing 777. In this case, there are quite a few options for widebody flights.
A Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 about to land.

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

Of course, twin-aisle jets offer more seating space, comfort, and legroom. Additionally, as these are full-service carriers, you can expect a better onboard experience compared to low-cost carriers that might also be offering flights on these routes. For example, on the Milan-Barcelona route, the other options would be an easyJet A320 or Ryanair 737. However, Singapore Airlines would not have as many frequencies as the other airlines.

4

Greater award availability

Airlines release more tickets

Being part of an airline loyalty program means that you can collect miles and points for various activities and redeem them for an award flight. However, when you finally want to use those stocked miles for award flights, seats might not always be available.

Cheerful woman sitting in passenger chair in airplane

Photo: Friends Stock l Shutterstock

Fifth freedom flights can benefit travelers looking for frequent flyer awards on certain flights. As noted by Condé Naste Traveler, airlines tend to release more award availability to fill seats on shorter legs with less demand. This helps the carriers cover the operating costs of adding the fifth freedom stop.

Filling up seats on routes with less demand is one of the main reasons airlines still operate fifth freedom flights. An airline might consider serving a particular destination, but there isn’t enough demand to fill the aircraft. So, fifth freedom rights allow the carrier to pick up more passengers on the way. A good example is Swiss Airlines’ flights from Zurich to Buenos Aires. Without sufficient demand between Argentina and Switzerland, the carrier stops in São Paulo and picks up more passengers.

Related

A Look At KLM’s Fifth Freedom Routes

Which fifth freedom routes does KLM currently operate, and what advantages do these bring to the airline?

5

One or two-hour stops

Flights only stop for a few hours

As we’ve already established, fifth freedom flights stop in one foreign country before proceeding to the final destination. Unlike connecting flights, where you disembark and wait in the airport for several hours until your next flight, a fifth freedom flight typically stops for about an hour or two.

Swiss Boeing 777-300 by Vincezo Pace from SF-1

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

SWISS’ Zurich-São Paulo-Buenos Aires service has a block time of 17h 05m. The flight from Zurich to São Paulo takes 11 hr 45 min, while the Sao Paulo-Buenos Aires service takes 3 hours. The aircraft stops in the Brazilian city for about 2hr 20 min to drop off and pick up more passengers.

On the other hand, Emirates’ New York-Milan-Dubai service stops in the Italian capital for 1hr 50 min. Another added benefit of fifth freedom flights is that you can get to experience a new airport. Of course, it is nothing like a stopover where you can explore the whole city.

What do you think about this story? Have you ever booked a fifth freedom flight? Please let us know in the comments!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *