Fifth Freedom Flights
Fifth freedom flights allow an airline to carry passengers between two countries that are outside its home country. These unusual routes can give travelers access to better aircraft, premium cabins, competitive fares and additional award availability. For example, you might fly Emirates between the United States and Europe or Singapore Airlines between New York and Frankfurt—without ever visiting Dubai or Singapore. It all amounts to a pretty unique travel experience. Here's how to find and book fifth freedom flights.
What Is a Fifth Freedom Flight?
A fifth freedom flight is operated by an airline based in one country between two other countries, with permission to sell tickets for that individual segment. For example, Emirates flies Dubai (DXB) → Milan (MXP) → New York (JFK). The Milan-to-New York portion is a fifth freedom flight, because Emirates is carrying passengers between Italy and the United States. You can book only that segment without beginning your trip in Dubai.
Some fifth freedom routes originated when aircraft needed to stop during longer journeys. Selling tickets for the additional segment helped airlines fill seats and generate more revenue. Today, airlines may use fifth freedom routes to:
- Serve multiple markets with one aircraft
- Fill seats that might otherwise remain empty
- Add service to a market that cannot support its own nonstop route
- Compete in a profitable market
- Maintain routes allowed under longstanding aviation agreements
What Makes Fifth Freedom Flights Special?
Now that we know what fifth freedom flights are, let's talk about what makes them enticing.
Better Onboard Products
Because these flights are often part of longer international routes, airlines may use wide-body aircraft with lie-flat business-class seats, as well as premium economy and/or international first-class options. This can mean a much better experience than flying a regional aircraft or narrow-body plane on the same route.
More Ways to Use Points
Depending on the airline, fifth freedom flights may be bookable through programs such as the ones below. Always compare mileage prices, taxes, surcharges, and cancellation policies before transferring points.
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Alaska Atmos Rewards
- Avianca LifeMiles
- Emirates Skywards
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- United MileagePlus
Additional Award Availability
Fifth freedom flights give you another airline to check when the obvious options are expensive or unavailable. Award space is never guaranteed, but these routes can sometimes have better availability or more competitive cash fares.
Premium Cabins on Shorter Flights
Some routes let you try an airline’s long-haul product without taking an ultra-long flight. Emirates’ Sydney-to-Christchurch service, for example, offers the possibility of an international premium cabin on a flight of roughly three hours.
ToP Fifth Freedom Flights to Know
Routes and aircraft can change, so confirm the current schedules before transferring points.
Emirates: New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP)
This is one of the best-known fifth freedom flights. It gives travelers the chance to fly Emirates between the United States and Europe, including in business or first class. Awards may be available through Emirates Skywards, although taxes and surcharges should be considered before booking.
Emirates: Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH)
This route offers another way to experience Emirates across the Atlantic without flying to Dubai. It can be especially appealing for travelers who want a nonstop flight between the New York area and Greece.
Singapore Airlines: New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA)
Singapore Airlines operates this route as part of its longer service between Singapore and New York. KrisFlyer is often the best place to search for premium-cabin availability, but it is also worth checking programs such as Aeroplan, LifeMiles and United MileagePlus.
Singapore Airlines: Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT)
This flight provides another option between the United States and Japan while allowing travelers to experience Singapore Airlines’ long-haul service. KrisFlyer may have access to award seats that are not released to Star Alliance partners.
Air France: Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT)
Air France’s flight between Los Angeles and Tahiti provides another way to reach French Polynesia with points. Awards can be booked through Flying Blue, but pricing is dynamic. Search for availability before moving points.
Qantas: New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL)
Qantas operates this flight as part of its service between New York and Australia. It allows travelers to fly an Australian airline nonstop between the United States and New Zealand. Premium award availability can be difficult to find, but seats may appear through Qantas Frequent Flyer or its Oneworld partners.
Emirates: Sydney (SYD) to Christchurch (CHC)
This relatively short flight is a fun way to experience Emirates on a trip between Australia and New Zealand. The scheduled aircraft may include premium international cabins, although aircraft swaps are always possible.
British Airways: Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD)
British Airways carries passengers between Singapore and Sydney as part of its longer London-to-Australia service. Awards may be available through British Airways Club and other Oneworld programs, but watch for carrier-imposed surcharges.
Ethiopian Airlines: São Paulo (GRU) to Buenos Aires (EZE)
Ethiopian Airlines operates this route as part of its service from Addis Ababa. It gives travelers another option between Brazil and Argentina, potentially on a wide-body aircraft. Award seats may be bookable through Star Alliance programs, including Aeroplan, LifeMiles and United MileagePlus.
How to Book a Fifth Freedom Flight
Book the segment just as you would any other flight. For example, if you want to fly Emirates from New York to Milan, search:
- Origin: New York (JFK)
- Destination: Milan Malpensa (MXP)
You do not need to include Dubai in your itinerary.
When Using Points:
- Search the operating airline’s loyalty program.
- Check eligible alliance and non-alliance partners.
- Compare points, taxes, surcharges and cancellation rules.
- Confirm the scheduled aircraft and cabin.
- Transfer points only after finding bookable award space.
What to Know Before Booking
Fifth freedom routes can change or disappear, and aircraft swaps are always possible. A seat available through the operating airline may also be unavailable through its partners. Compare cash and award prices before booking. Some fifth freedom routes have inexpensive cash fares, while certain award programs add high carrier-imposed surcharges.
Fifth Freedom Flights: ToP Thoughts
Fifth freedom flights give award travelers more airlines, award programs and premium cabins to consider. Plus, flying one is a pretty darn cool experience! They can be especially valuable when they offer better availability, a more comfortable aircraft or a nonstop route that would otherwise be unavailable. Always confirm the schedule, search multiple loyalty programs and compare the complete points-and-cash cost before booking. Have you booked a fifth freedom flight? Let us know about your experience over in the ToP Facebook Group.
