Emirates Airline is one of the few airlines in the world that has managed to keep its head above water during the air travel doldrums of the past two years. Now, the United Arab Emirates-based high-end carrier is one of the first companies to promote packages for next year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Despite rumblings from the press about safety issues and the slow pace of stadium construction, buzz for the world’s most watched sporting event is starting to pick up steam. Emirates has been associated with the World Cup as a sponsor. It will be offering almost unprecedented deals for well-heeled soccer fans. Emirates packages include airfare, hotel, ground transportation and tickets to matches.
Team-oriented packages
Travelers have the option of purchasing a different package depending on which team they want to follow. The packages are refundable if their team-of-choice fails to qualify for the Cup. Should the team earn a trip to the World Cup final – one of the most sought after tickets in sports – people who purchase certain packages are guaranteed seats at the event. Other, more expensive package options include tickets to the semifinal and final matches no matter which teams are playing.
Team packages are available for team USA, and also for 20 other teams, including Brazil, France, Japan, Netherlands, and South Africa.
U.S. based travel
US-based travelers will be able to fly from New York, Houston, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Prices start at $4,749 for a one-person hotel, airfare, ground transport and match ticket package. This is the base price level. The multi-match packages will be more expensive.
Non-package deals
For those who don’t want a package, tickets are only $20 for the worst seats during the opening rounds of play. The best seats for this stage cost $160. For the final, those lucky enough to get tickets will pay between $600 and $1500. People interested in buying have to apply at the FIFA web site. Applicants are not guaranteed tickets.
More information on the packages can be found on the Emirates web site.
