Emirates introduces new feature to block tickets for 48 hours

Dubai-based Emirates Airline has introduced a new feature allowing customers to book and lock in fares for 48 hours on its website.

Open to customers in the UAE and select markets, the ‘hold my fare’ feature on emirates.com allows users to hold their reservations and lock in fares for what the airline claims is a “nominal fee.”

The fee is calculated based on the booked route or destination and applies to every passenger except infants, a statement said. It is roughly estimated to stand at Dhs 75.

Customers have to authorise the reservation, which will then be held on their credit card. The fee is released back to the customer’s credit card if tickets are paid for within 48 hours.

Thierry Antinori, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Emirates said: “We are providing our customers added flexibility to firm up their travel plans at their own pace.

“Customers can finalise the details of their journey, organise accommodation with their travel companions or family with the peace of mind that their preferred flights won’t sell out and that they are guaranteed that their fares will not be affected.”

Customers can choose the option on the payment page of emirates.com and will receive a booking confirmation email with information on when the booking will be held until.

Emirates is the first airline in the region to introduce this online service to customers, the statement added.

The move is possibly aimed at reducing cancellations during the peak travel season in summer.

Emirates currently offers flights to over 140 destinations worldwide from its hub in Dubai International Airport. The airline carried 49.3 million passengers in the financial year 2014-15, 11 per cent higher than the previous year.