Best Ways To Book Emirates Business Class Using Points [Step by Step]

If you have points and want to book Emirates business class, the 2 best booking programs to use are Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and Emirates Skywards. You can use miles in either program to book Emirates business class, which is especially valuable on the Airbus A380, which features lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and an onboard bar.

This guide compares mileage costs, fuel surcharges, and how to search for award availability before you book.

Quick Overview of Booking Emirates Business Class With Points

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank typically requires the fewest miles for Emirates business class awards, but it can have fuel surcharges as high as $1,716. For example, New York (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) is 110,000 miles round-trip in business class. Booking with Emirates Skywards requires more miles: JFK to DXB in business class costs 192,000 miles round-trip.

Skywards transfer partners include Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou, and Marriott Bonvoy, with varying ratios. JAL miles transfer primarily from Marriott Bonvoy. Emirates business class award space isn’t released on a set schedule, so search early and keep your dates flexible.

If you’re set on flying Emirates A380 business class, verify the aircraft on your flight before booking, as Boeing 777 business class routes have a different seat configuration.

Best Programs for Booking Emirates Business Class: At a Glance

What Is Emirates Business Class?

Emirates business class varies by aircraft. The Airbus A380 features lie-flat seats arranged with direct aisle access. Solo travelers can get privacy at a window seat, while paired center seats are good for couples, friends, and families.

The A380 has an onboard bar for business and first class passengers; inflight meals and drinks; and business class lounge access, where available.

On some Boeing 777 routes, Emirates business class may feature a different configuration, with angled-flat seats or seats without direct aisle access. Before you book an award, verify that you’re flying business class in the A380.

These Emirates flights operate an A380 from North America:

How To Fly Emirates Business Class

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and Emirates Skywards are the best ways to book Emirates business class awards. It may sound counterintuitive, but we don’t always recommend using Emirates Skywards miles.

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank generally has the lowest mileage price tag, but fuel surcharges on Emirates awards can reach $1,716.

There are a few cities where you can start your trip and avoid these surcharges:

• Hong Kong (HKG)
• Tokyo (NRT)
• Sydney (SYD)
• Colombo (CMB)
• Auckland (AKL)

Japan Airlines uses a distance-based chart for Emirates awards, and longer flights cost more.

When booking, calculate the distance of each segment of your itinerary and add them together. Then check Japan Airlines’ partner award chart to determine your miles cost.

You can search for Emirates availability directly on the JAL website:

1. Go to JAL’s website.
2. Search for your desired route.
3. Select your desired flight.
4. Pay the miles and required taxes and fees, then complete your booking.

When booking with Japan Airlines Mileage Bank:

• You are allowed up to 6 segments, 2 stopovers (stays exceeding 24 hours), and 1 open jaw per itinerary.
• One-way bookings are allowed.
• Use Qantas to search for flights not to or from the U.S.

Hot Tip:

Learn how to maximize stopovers and open-jaws in our comprehensive guide so you can get extra flights for free!

Check out other amazing redemptions provided by Japan Airlines.

Emirates Skywards

Emirates is a transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy. Since JAL offers fewer ways to rack up miles quickly, earning these transferable rewards can be a faster way to accumulate the points or miles balance you need to book your Emirates business class flight.

Here are a few examples of routes you can take:

• New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) round-trip for 108,000 miles plus around $912 in taxes and fees
• New York (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) round-trip for 192,000 miles plus around $1,719 in taxes and fees
• Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DXB) round-trip for 412,000 miles plus around $1,611 in taxes and fees

Here’s how you can book your award:

1. Visit Emirates.
2. Log in to your Skywards account.
3. After you log in, search for flights. Check the box labeled “Classic Rewards.“
4. Select your flights.
5. Pay miles, taxes, and fees.

Hot Tip:

Emirates Skywards offers a one-way Business Saver fare. For example, a one-way Business Saver award from JFK to Dubai costs 96,000 Skywards miles.

Great Emirates Business Class Redemptions

Even with surcharges, Japan Airlines may provide the best opportunity to book Emirates business class, so let’s look at a few options available for booking:

• New York City (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) round-trip in business class for 110,000 miles
• New York City (JFK) to Perth (PER) one-way in business class for 110,000 miles
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Dubai (DXB) one-way in business class for 85,000 miles
• New York City (JFK) to Milan (MXP) round-trip in business class for 80,000 miles
• New York City (JFK) to Milan (MXP) to Dubai (DXB) to Bangkok (BKK) to Dubai (DXB) to Milan (MXP) to New York City (JFK) for 130,000 miles
  • This routing could include a stopover in Milan or Dubai on your way to Bangkok and a stopover in the other location on your return to New York City

The Dubai-to-Los Angeles route is one of the longest nonstop flights in the world.

Emirates flies to several other U.S. airports with its Boeing 777.

Hot Tip:

Check out our dedicated guide for more information on Emirates’ routing options to and from the U.S.

How To Earn Enough Miles for Emirates Business Class

Amex Credit Cards

Amex Membership Rewards is our preferred way to earn Emirates miles, given how generous Amex credit cards are with their welcome offers and category bonuses. You can transfer Amex points at a rate of 2:1 to Emirates (Source: American Express).

Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

 

 

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points per dollar on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Pay It^® lets you tap in the American Express^® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It^® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
• Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express^® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• New! As an American Express^® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star^® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
• Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
• Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express^® service and support. Only for American Express^® Card Members.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Marriott Credit Cards

You can earn Marriott points and transfer them to Emirates at a rate of 3:1. For every 60,000 Marriott points that you transfer, you receive a bonus of 5,000 Skywards miles. There are several Marriott credit cards available.

When Should You Search for Award Space?

Emirates award space isn’t released on a regular schedule, so it’s best to search early. Flexibility in travel dates makes it easier to find award space.

What Makes Emirates Business Class Great?

Comfortable seats, lounge access, inflight food and beverages, and luxury amenities make Emirates business class stand out.

Complimentary Chauffeur Service

At some airports, business class passengers can receive complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport. The service covers up to 50 miles, including taxes, tolls, and gratuities.

Business Class Seats

Seats vary by aircraft, but the A380 offers a seat with 4 modes: takeoff, recline, dining, and flatbed. Seats are equipped with storage, a minibar, charging ports, and a remote control for the inflight entertainment system. A tablet controls seat adjustment, entertainment, and window blinds (Source: Emirates).

Emirates Business Class Lounge

Business class passengers have access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai and can board the Airbus A380 directly from the lounge. The lounge experience includes Champagne, gourmet dining, and quiet areas.

Inflight Dining

Emirates offers fine dining on bone china for business class passengers, with menu highlights including roasted duck and Chilean seabass with soft drinks, spirits, beer, wine, or Champagne. Meals can be preordered on certain routes.

Emirates Business Class Onboard Lounge

Emirates is famous for the bar at the rear of the Airbus A380 business class cabin. Passengers can visit for a snack or drink, including mixed cocktails.

Business Class Amenity Kit

Business class amenity kits include Bulgari fragrances, lotion, lip balm, and so on. The kits also include essentials such as a dental kit, deodorant, earplugs, and a foldaway hairbrush. Some long-haul flights feature complimentary loungewear sets with slippers and an eye mask (Source: Emirates).

Before You Book Emirates Business Class

Before you transfer points to book Emirates business class, confirm award availability, as transfers are irreversible. Verify that the flight operates on an Airbus A380 if you want lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and an onboard bar, as Boeing 777 routes offer a different configuration. With fuel surcharges from the U.S. reaching up to $1,700 or more, it’s important to factor those costs into your calculations.

It’s best to search as early as possible and be flexible with dates, as award space isn’t released on a set schedule. Also factor in transfer times from flexible points programs before you search, as your points must be in your frequent flyer account before booking.

Final Thoughts

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and Emirates Skywards are the 2 main programs for booking Emirates business class with points. JAL typically requires fewer miles.

The Airbus A380 offers the best business class experience, so verify that your flight is on an A380 before you book. Also, check award availability before transferring points, as transfers are irreversible.