Fifth Freedom Flights: What They Are and How to Find Them

Secret World of Fifth Freedom Flights

Fifth freedom is one of the freedoms of the air (a set of commercial aviation rights), allowing an airline to fly between two countries when neither is the airline’s home country. It has become a hidden gem in air travel, making it possible for passengers to enjoy better service while paying less.

The terms “freedom” and “right” refer to international services permitted between two or more countries. They were implemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization as a result of disagreements over the extent of aviation liberalization in the Chicago Convention.

There are five official freedoms of the air and four unofficial ones. The right to carry passengers from one’s own country to a second country and onward to a third country was the fifth on the list. That’s why the flights operating under this rule are called “fifth freedom flights.”

Why Travelers Choose Fifth Freedom Flights

Fifth freedom flights may be extremely advantageous for travelers willing to experience the world-renowned services of foreign carriers. It is a great opportunity to travel with airlines you would otherwise never use – for example, Emirates, with its excellent food, more comfortable seating, and an overall better cabin experience.

Planes on fifth freedom routes are usually wide-body and long-haul, so you can enjoy bigger and nicer space. This means you have a better air trip, while the price is comparable or even cheaper.

Moreover, such flights can be especially beneficial to people on reward flights, allowing them to score significantly discounted tickets when compared with the airline’s direct flights.

Popular Fifth Freedom Routes

The most well-known fifth freedom routes include:

• Singapore Airlines: Milan to Barcelona – They are operated by an Airbus A350-900 and last about 1hr 15 min.
• Qatar Airways: Lusaka to Harare – Qatar Airways has fifth freedom flights between Lusaka and Harare. Its duration is about 45 minutes, and the aircraft is a Boeing 787-8.
• Emirates: Lusaka to Harare – Emirates offers the Lusaka-Harare route with its Boeing 777.

Luxury in the Sky: First and Business Class on Fifth Freedom Flights

Fifth freedom flights allow travelers to experience the best airlines without flying to or from their home bases. For example, if you want to use the services of Singapore Airlines or Emirates, you do not need to travel to Asia or the Middle East.

Emirates’ first and business class is one of the most luxurious cabins in the world, offering chauffeur-drive service, private suites, exclusive food and beverages, and airport lounge access.

Passengers flying on their aircraft can enjoy perks such as onboard shower spas, entertainment systems, virtual windows, individually controlled mood lighting, and many others.

Controversy: Why Some Airlines Oppose Fifth Freedom Flights

While fifth freedom operations provide added choice to travelers, historically, they have always been associated with controversy. Governments of many countries have refused to give airlines permission to operate fifth freedom flights, even when an air services agreement would otherwise agree to it.

Often, the home airlines oppose other airlines introducing fifth freedom routes because they consider this potentially unfair competition. The especially controversial topic is flights from Gulf carriers, as there were accusations of government subsidies. The negotiations for fifth freedom traffic rights can take a lot of time.

Finding Fifth Freedom Flights: Tools and Tricks

It is not complicated to find a fifth freedom flight. The most important is to know which airlines sell tickets like that and for which destinations. For example, you can use Google Flights or similar online tools to track the specific routes you are interested in.

Also, fifth freedom flights have greater availability for frequent flier award seats. Airlines release them to help fill seats on shorter sectors with less demand. It is a great option for those willing to book a flight using points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a fifth freedom flight?

Fifth freedom flight in an international route carrying passengers between two countries that are different from the airline’s home country.

Are fifth freedom flights cheaper than regular flights?

Fifth freedom flights’ prices are comparable to regular ones and often even cheaper. It is an opportunity for travelers to enjoy better conditions without overpaying.

Are there any downsides to flying on the fifth freedom routes?

Some of these routes are seasonal or one-direction only, so they have limited availability or less frequent schedules than more traditional routes.

Which airlines offer fifth freedom flights?

Fifth freedom flights are used by numerous international airlines, including industry giants such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Canada, and Air France.

Do all countries allow fifth freedom flights?

Not all countries allow fifth freedom flights. It depends on the agreement: the airline can fly a new fifth freedom route only after it is approved by all three countries involved.