Free hotel with xiamen airlines?

Question

Has anybody ever tried this special offer, where you get a free hotel for transfer passengers?

http://xiamenair.com/en-ph/SpecialOffers/Free%20hotel%20accommodation%20policy%20for%20transfer%20passengers.html

What was it like? And, how easy was it qualify for that offer?

It says:

"Xiamen Airlines offers passengers transit accommodation services free of charge, when the tickets satisfying the following conditions apply:

1. All flights are carried by Xiamen Airlines. (code-sharing, chartered flights are not applicable);

2. Connection time of transit passengers is within 6 to 24 hours in Xiamen (G Class and Z Class are not applicable);

3. Must contain at least one international(regional) flight in the ticket;

4. The service contains only free hotel, passengers have to pay for meals and the other transportation fee."

Would a one way flight on Xiamen Airlines from Taipei to Xi'an with a layover 20 hours long qualify for that hotel offer?

It'd be a international flight from Taiwan to China.

But, what's the G and Z class? I can't find information on what those classes are.

Answer

Xiamen Airlines does indeed offer a free hotel transit accommodation program for eligible passengers with layovers in Xiamen, and many travelers have successfully used it. The service is designed for international or regional transfer passengers who have long layovers between connecting flights, making their transit stay in Xiamen more comfortable. However, the eligibility criteria are specific and must be met in full to qualify for the free stay.

Here’s how the policy works in detail:

1. Flights must be operated entirely by Xiamen Airlines. All segments on your ticket must have flight numbers starting with “MF.” Code-share or chartered flights are not eligible. For example, if one leg is operated by another airline, you will not qualify.
2. The layover time must be between 6 and 24 hours. Layovers shorter than 6 hours or longer than 24 hours do not qualify. Your 20-hour layover in Xiamen fits this condition perfectly.
3. At least one international or regional flight must be included. Since your flight from Taipei to Xi’an involves an international leg (Taiwan–Mainland China), it qualifies as a regional flight under the policy.
4. The hotel accommodation is free, but meals and transport are not. The airline covers the room cost for one night only. You’ll need to pay for meals, transportation between the airport and hotel (usually inexpensive), and any personal expenses.

Based on these criteria, your flight from Taipei → Xiamen → Xi’an with a 20-hour layover should qualify, provided both flight segments are operated by Xiamen Airlines and your fare class is eligible (not G or Z class).

Regarding G and Z class — these refer to the fare booking classes on your ticket, which determine eligibility and fare type. Airlines use alphabetical letters to indicate fare categories, and in Xiamen Airlines’ system:

G Class: Often used for special discounted group fares, such as tour groups or promotional sales. These tickets are typically not eligible for extra benefits like free hotels or upgrades.
Z Class: Usually refers to discounted business class or award/reward tickets purchased using points or special promotions. These are also excluded from the free accommodation policy.

To check your fare class, look at your e-ticket receipt — the class is usually shown next to your flight details under “Booking Class” or “Fare Basis.” If it shows letters like Y, M, L, K, Q, etc., you are fine; only G or Z would disqualify you.

To claim the free hotel offer, you generally do the following after arrival in Xiamen:

Proceed to the transit accommodation counter inside Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Terminal 3).
Show your passport, boarding pass, and confirmed onward ticket.
The staff will check your eligibility and arrange the hotel transfer. Partner hotels are usually 3-star or 4-star properties located within a short drive from the airport.

Most travelers report that the process is straightforward and the service efficient. The hotels are clean and comfortable, ideal for a rest between flights, although meals are not included. Transit passengers typically receive a room for single or double occupancy, depending on availability.

In summary, a Taipei–Xiamen–Xi’an itinerary with a 20-hour layover does meet the main conditions for the free hotel transit service, provided all flights are operated by Xiamen Airlines and the fare class is not G or Z. It’s an excellent option to rest and freshen up during a long layover, and the process is generally smooth once you check in with the transit service counter upon arrival.

Free hotel with xiamen airlines?

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