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

Key Takeaways

• Emirates First Class stands out with its private suites, lie-flat beds, personal mini-bars, and on-demand gourmet dining, all complemented by the in-flight shower spa.
• Emirates First Class can be booked using miles through Emirates Skywards and Qantas Frequent Flyer.
• Transferring points from partners like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards can help build up balances needed for these premium redemptions.

When you think of the best first class products in the world, Emirates is probably high on your list (if not at the top)! Without a doubt, Emirates offers one of the most luxurious seats in the sky, and flying first class on this airline is an experience you won’t want to miss.

From the amazing Emirates first class suite to the Champagne or the shower spa (yes — you read that right), you’ll be treated like royalty.

To top it all off, you’ll have access to an actual inflight bar where you can enjoy a drink or snack and chat with your fellow passengers.

Before we discuss how to book an Emirates first class flight, let’s take a look at exactly what you’ll be booking.

A Look Inside the Emirates First Class Suite

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the glamorous first class experience on Emirates.

Let’s start with your first class suite, complete with a minibar, bed, and a privacy door that closes with just the push of a button. You read correctly — individual motorized doors on an airplane —- and that’s only the beginning of the Emirates first class experience!

Emirates raises the stakes with its fine dining experience to keep you well-fed. From Champagne to spirits to fine wine, your flight attendant will ensure you always have a nice drink to go with your meal.

You might be wondering what kind of Champagne. Well, this is first class on Emirates, and it really spares no expense — you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of world-renowned Dom Perignon.

Is this the best first class experience? Perhaps, although that will depend on your personal tastes. It’s certainly up there!

Hot Tip: Want an in-depth review of this Emirates’ first class? Read our review of Emirates’ first class aboard the A380.

Emirates’ New Game Changer First Class Suites

As we know, Emirates often sets the standard for a top-notch first class product. Emirates’ new first class suites on select 777-300ER aircraft have just set the bar even higher. Believe it or not, the Emirates A380 first class is no longer its best product.

These new first class suites, dubbed the Game Changer First Class Suites, are unbelievably lavish. On the aircraft, there are 2 rows of seats in a 1-1-1 configuration. The density of seats on this aircraft is therefore similar to Cathay Pacific first class. However, the differences are eye-opening.

The suites on this aircraft are around 30 inches wide, 78 inches in pitch, and 84 inches long in bed length. The suites have floor-to-ceiling doors, which means complete privacy. No one will be able to see you when you close your suite doors. You can enjoy the 32-inch HD LCD inflight monitor in total peace. For context, each suite is 40 square feet, while Etihad First Class Apartments measure 39 square feet.

The seat itself can recline into a zero-gravity position (inspired by NASA), and center seat passengers will be able to try out “virtual windows.” When you couple that with the binoculars provided to all first class passengers, those in a center seat have basically the same view as any window passenger.

You can also video/audio chat with the crew members and use the service window that allows you to be served drinks and snacks without being disturbed. This cutting-edge product cannot be ignored, though for now, the routes are pretty limited.

To find out which Emirates aircraft have these suites and where they fly to, you’ll need to track these tail numbers of the 777-300ERs that are equipped with the Game Changer First Class Suites:

Here are some of the frequent routes to help you get started:

• Dubai (DXB) – Brussels (BRU) on EK 181/182 and EK 183/184
• Dubai (DXB) – Frankfurt (FRA) on EK 45/46
• Dubai (DXB) – Geneva (GVA) on EK 83/84 and EK 89/90
• Dubai (DXB) – London (LHR) on EK 5/6
• Dubai (DXB) – Paris (CDG) on EK 71/72
• Dubai (DXB) – Riyadh (RUH) on EK 2819/2820
• Dubai (DXB) – Singapore (SIN) on EK 354/355
• Dubai (DXB) – Tokyo-Narita (NRT) on EK 318/319

Emirates has also operated rare flights on the following routes:

• Dubai (DXB) – Amsterdam (AMS) on EK 147/148
• Dubai (DXB) – Bangkok (BKK) on EK 384/385
• Dubai (DXB) – Bengaluru (BLR) on EK 564/565
• Dubai (DXB) – Dallas (DFW) on EK 221/222
• Dubai (DXB) – Houston (IAH) on EK 211/212
• Dubai (DXB) – London (STN) on EK 65/66 and EK 67/68
• Dubai (DXB) – Kuwait City (KWI) on EK 853/854
• Dubai (DXB) – Malé (MLE) on EK 658/659
• Dubai (DXB) – Nice (NCE) on EK 77/78
• Dubai (DXB) – Vienna (VIE) on EK 125/126
• Dubai (DXB) – Washington D.C. (IAD) on EK 231/232
• Dubai (DXB) – Zurich (ZRH) on EK 87/88

If you’re looking to book with points, you’re going to have to book very close to departure. The best chance of booking a first class suite with points is 1 to 2 days before your flight.

How To Fly Emirates First Class Using Miles

Now that you have a taste of Emirates first class, let’s discuss how to book this flight so that you can have some fun!

Note: Emirates no longer allows its first class awards to be booked with Alaska Airlines miles, Japan Airlines miles, or Korean Air miles. Qantas is still allowed indefinitely.

Emirates Skywards

The best frequent flyer program to use for Emirates first class tickets is none other than Emirates’ own Skywards program.

Better yet, Emirates massively reduced the carrier-imposed surcharges on flights! Depending on your award ticket, you’ll also be able to leverage stopovers!

With this program, you’ll enjoy flexibility in earning Skywards miles, reasonable redemption rates, and most importantly, the single-best way to book Emirates first class using points.

You’ll have to pay for fuel surcharges, but these are much lower in a post-pandemic world.

Lastly, all Emirates first-class bookings allow a complimentary stopover, as well as complimentary changes and cancellations to the reservations.

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.
4. Select your flights.
5. Pay with your miles and any additional taxes and fees.

Qantas Frequent Flyer

At the moment, it’s still possible to redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points for Emirates first class, but the redemption price using Qantas points isn’t attractive.

Bottom Line: To book Emirates first class at reasonable rates and be able to earn points easily, stick to the Emirates Skywards frequent flyer program. There are plenty of transfer partners available to book these incredible flights.

Great Emirates First Class Redemptions

Let’s look at a few options available for booking:

• New York (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) round-trip in first class for 217,500 Emirates miles
• New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) round-trip in first class for 135,000 Emirates miles
• New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) to Dubai (DXB) to Bangkok (BKK) to Dubai (DXB) to Milan (MXP) to New York (JFK) for 285,000 Emirates miles
  • This routing could include a stopover in Milan or Dubai on your way to Bangkok, plus a stopover at the other city on your return to New York
• New York (JFK) to Perth (PER) round-trip in first class for 345,000 Emirates miles
• Tokyo-Narita (NRT) to Dubai (DXB) one-way in Emirates’ Game Changer First Class Suites for 187,500 Emirates miles

If you want to experience a shower in the sky, find a route on which Emirates operates an Airbus A380. Currently, Emirates operates this aircraft between Dubai and these U.S. airports:

• Houston (IAH) from August 1, 2022
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)

The Dubai to Los Angeles route is actually one of the longest flights in the world — plenty of time to enjoy the glamour of an A380 Emirates first experience!

Emirates flies to several other U.S. airports with its “older” Boeing 777. These routes still provide the first class suite (albeit slightly smaller) and perks, but you won’t get to experience the shower spa and inflight bar.

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth guide for a full list of Emirates’ routes from the U.S., including plane types, cabins, and seating options. 

How To Earn Enough Miles for Emirates First Class

Emirates is a transfer partner with all of the transferable points currencies: American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Emirates Skywards transfer to Amex, Bilt, Brex, Capital One, Chase, and Citi at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio with a bonus of 5,000 miles after transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Emirates at once. Marriott Bonvoy takes 3 business days to transfer to Emirates.

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When Should You Search for Emirates First Class Award Space?

Emirates first class is a highly sought-after award ticket, so you should start searching for space as soon as you have an idea about your travel dates.

The more flexibility you have with your travel dates, the easier it will be to find space and book your Emirates first class experience!

If you’re looking to book the Emirates 777-300ER Game Changer First Class Suites, your best shot is to book 1 to 2 days in advance. Emirates rarely releases award space on these flights until very close to departure.

What Makes Emirates First Class Amazing?

If the pictures above weren’t enough to convince you that Emirates first class is an experience not to be missed, let’s dive into some more features you’ll get to enjoy:

Emirates First Class Lounge

When departing from or transiting through Dubai International Airport (DXB), you will have access to the Emirates First Class Lounge. If your flight is on the Emirates A380, you will be able to board your flight directly from the lounge.

You’ll find areas dedicated to entertainment, dining, and even families with children — there really is something for everyone in the Emirates First Class Lounge.

Emirates has amazing lounges in other airports around the world, too, including New York (JFK) where you can also board your flight from the lounge.

Emirates First Class Catering

From start to finish, your first class experience will include fantastic food and beverage choices. In the Emirates First Class Lounge, you have the option to enjoy snacks from a buffet or order a meal in the dining area anytime you’re hungry.

You’ll also enjoy on-demand dining on your flight, so you can eat when you are ready. As we mentioned above, fine Champagne and other drinks are available as desired.

Emirates Inflight Bar

One of the most well-known features of Emirates first class on its Airbus A380 is the inflight bar. Located at the rear of the business class cabin, first class passengers are welcome to enjoy the company of fellow passengers and have a drink.

You can even bring your Dom Perignon Champagne with you! This is a fantastic way to stretch your legs and add a little fun to your flight.

Emirates First Class Shower Spa

Emirates first class passengers can also enjoy the first class shower spa. You will have access to the room for 30 minutes, with 5 minutes of hot water in the shower. During your spa experience, you might notice that your feet are warm… that’s because the floor is heated!

After a long flight, this can be just what you need to freshen up before an adventure.

Emirates First Class Amenity Kit and Pajamas

To top off the first class experience, Emirates provides an amenity kit with high-end Bvlgari products and pajamas (to keep) so you can relax comfortably during your flight.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that Emirates first class is an experience any traveler will enjoy. While these flights retail for tens of thousands of dollars, you can use Emirates Skywards miles to score an amazing award ticket.

Like with all award bookings, make sure you check for award availability before transferring points. Remember to start your search for award space as soon as you’ve narrowed down your possible travel dates to increase the likelihood of finding Emirates first class award space.

Now that you know how to book Emirates first class, what are you waiting for? Get out there and take flight in one of the most amazing first class products in the sky!