Emirates

Emirates (EK) is based in Dubai (DXB) and belongs to no alliance, but don’t let that fool you: its First class, with private suites, onboard shower spas on the A380, and chauffeur service, is one of the most sought-after award redemptions in the world, and it is very much bookable with partner miles.

Emirates Airlines

How to search for Emirates award space:

Step 1

Search directly on emirates.com. Create a free Emirates Skywards account, log in, and tick Book with miles in the flight search. What Skywards shows is the definitive picture of Emirates award space.

Step 2

Search routes touching Dubai (DXB), like JFK-DXB, LHR-DXB, DXB-BKK, or the fifth-freedom hops like JFK-MXP (New York to Milan).

Step 3

Once you find space, decide which miles to use. Skywards itself is a transfer partner of Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. Qantas Points and JAL Mileage Bank can also book Emirates, and JAL in particular prices some Emirates awards very attractively.

Step 4

Watch the cash add-ons. Emirates awards carry meaningful carrier surcharges through most programs, so always compare the total cash component before transferring points.

Tips before you book

  • The fifth-freedom routes, like New York to Milan, are the cheapest way to try Emirates First with miles without flying to Dubai.
  • First class space opens most reliably 2 to 4 weeks before departure. If you can book late, you can fly in the shower spa.