14 Best Ways To Redeem Emirates Skywards Miles for Max Value

Key Takeaways

• Emirates Skywards Miles can be redeemed for award flights on Emirates and partner airlines.
• Emirates is not part of the 3 major air alliances but has partnerships with individual airlines such as Air Canada, Japan Airlines, and Qantas.
• Taxes and fees are relatively high with Emirates but lower with partner airlines.

Dubai-based Emirates offers some of the most highly regarded airline experiences in the world. Whether you’re flying in economy or its ultra-luxurious first class, Emirates offers a distinctive experience and has established itself as arguably the preeminent brand in all of commercial aviation.

In the 35+ years since its first flight, Emirates has expanded its route network across the globe from its hub in Dubai (DXB). With its central location and over-the-top destination airport for duty-free shopping, Emirates is the airline of choice for many world travelers.

However, the Emirates Skywards loyalty program has some major drawbacks, especially compared to many other airline programs. The program has undergone some significant devaluations over the years. However, its miles can provide great value when redeemed correctly. Emirates Skywards are also relatively easy to earn thanks to the program’s transfer partners.

Booking Awards With Emirates Skywards

While it’s fairly easy to earn Emirates Skywards, the booking process for award flights can be challenging to understand, which is why we made some how-to booking guides! See one of the following guides for help booking Emirates flights with miles:

• Booking First Class Award Flights With Emirates
• Booking Business Class Award Flights With Emirates

The Pros and Cons of Emirates Skywards (Quick Overview)

Emirates Skywards Award Ticket Costs

First and foremost, Emirates is not a member of one of the 3 major airline alliances. However, Emirates does have partnerships with individual airlines.

Some of these partner airlines include Air Canada, Bangkok Airways, Copa Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Qantas, among others. This means you can redeem Emirates Skywards miles for partner awards.

However, Emirates Skywards miles can also be used by flights operated by Emirates, of course. Unfortunately, Emirates does not publish an award chart for its flights. Instead, you’ll need to use the Miles Calculator on the Emirates website to price specific routes.

The calculator does not show taxes and fees, which are quite high with Emirates. These fees can be upwards of $2,000 on some routes, in addition to the mileage requirement.

Emirates has 4 types of awards: Special, Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus. Special and Saver fares typically cost fewer miles. However, Flex and Flex Plus fares have more award availability.

When booking award flights with Emirates, you can pay with a combination of cash and miles. This can be a great way to save money on a cash fare or an alternative way to book an award if you do not have enough miles.

Hot Tip:

Although Emirates is not a member of one of the 3 major airline alliances, it does have partnerships with individual airlines.

Cash+Miles

As mentioned above, paying with a combination of cash and miles is possible. With Cash+Miles, you have the flexibility to access any Emirates seat. Although you can book any seat with this method, these typically do not bring value to your points. However, if you do not have the miles needed for an award ticket, this provides a different way to book an Emirates ticket.

Upgrades

You can also use Emirates Skywards miles to upgrade paid tickets. Prices are determined by route and ticket type. Upgrades begin at just 7,020 Skyward miles. You can use the Emirates Miles Calculator to find out exactly how many miles are needed.

Most tickets can be upgraded in advance, and you may also have the opportunity at check-in or even upon boarding. There are some exceptions to upgrades. You can find more information about Emirates upgrades here.

Exceptions are:

• Business Class Saver Fare tickets: must upgrade at least 6 hours before departure
• Economy Class Saver Fare tickets: can only be upgraded at check-in (online or at the airport) or upon boarding

Emirates has some incredibly long flights — once you board and see your seat for the next 15 hours, you may be in the mood to splurge on an upgrade!

Changes and Cancellations

Emirates Skywards has reasonable award fees, however, they vary depending on the type of award you booked:

• No close-in award booking fee
• Date change: $0 for Flex Plus/Flex tickets and $25 elsewhere
• Destination change: $0 for Flex Plus/Flex tickets and up to $25 + any fare changes for Saver tickets
• Refund: $0 for unused Flex Plus tickets, $50 for Flex tickets in first class, and $75 for Saver tickets

Emirates Skywards Partner Award Ticket Costs

You can redeem Skywards miles on Emirates’ partner airlines. Emirates partners include:

Unlike flights operated by Emirates, the Emirates Skywards program has a published distance-based award chart for partner airline redemptions. 

Taxes and fees on partner airline redemptions are generally much lower than on Emirates flights as you are not subject to Emirates’ high carrier-imposed surcharges.

Hot Tip:

Using a different airline’s search program can save you time when searching for partner award space. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Searching for Flight Award Space.

Mileage Expiration

Emirates Skywards miles are valid for at least 3 years from the date earned. This is not exactly 3 years — in the third year, the miles expire at the end of your birth month.

Unlike many airlines, regular mileage earnings do not extend mileage validity. As a last-ditch effort, you can pay to extend Skywards miles for another 12 months at a rate of $20 per 1,000 miles.

How To Boost Your Emirates Skywards Balance

Emirates Skywards is a transfer partner of several credit card points programs. These include Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards,  Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One Miles at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive an extra 5,000 Emirates Skywards miles.

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Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
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• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
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American Express^® Business Gold Card

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Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

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Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

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Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

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Up to $2,200

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$375

APR

18.49% - 29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening

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Good to Excellent

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The American Express^® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

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Pros

• 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
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• 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

• $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

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• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
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• APR: 18.49% - 29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
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The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

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The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

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Cons

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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.

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The 14 Best Ways To Use Your Emirates Skywards Miles

We’ve searched far and wide to find some great redemptions with Emirates Skywards. The following are some of the best ways to use Emirates miles.

Emirates does have some restrictions on one-way bookings with certain fares. Generally, most Emirates one-way flights are significantly more expensive than half of a round-trip flight, so it’s always better to book round-trip flights if you have the necessary balance.

When booking one-way flights, you’ll only be able to book the Flex Plus awards, which will be the highest in cost. The silver lining with Flex Plus bookings is that they are the most flexible types of tickets, meaning you can cancel and change your tickets without any fees.

On the other hand, round-trip flights are always a better deal cost-wise, though you may have to pay a cancellation or change fee.

1. Book a Flight in Emirates First Class

Let’s start with the aspirational bucket-list experience for many points and miles travelers: Emirates First Class. Whether you’re flying on the Boeing 777-300ER or the Airbus A380, you are bound to have an excellent experience. Emirates routinely makes the list of the best international first class airlines.

Emirates has much to offer in first class, from inflight showers to fully enclosed suites.

Award space tends to be quite random. However, some routes have decent availability when booked further out. Meanwhile, some routes can be booked a few days before departure.

Here are some great example routes that you can fly with Emirates in first class (beware — routes may change without advance notice):

• Brussels (BRU) – Dubai (DXB) one-way for 102,000 Emirates miles
• New York (JFK) – Dubai (DXB) one-way for 163,500 Emirates miles
• Geneva (GVA) – Dubai (DXB) one-way for 102,000 Emirates miles
• Tokyo (NRT) – Dubai (DXB) one-way for 141,000 Emirates miles

However, if this is too many miles for a single redemption, you can fly Emirates first class on short-haul flights, including:

• Kuwait City (KWI) – Dubai (DXB) one-way for 34,500 Emirates miles
• Riyadh (RUH) – Dubai (DXB) one-way for 34,500 Emirates miles

2. Fly New York to Milan Nonstop and Round-Trip on Emirates

Emirates flies an incredible-value nonstop fifth-freedom route between New York (JFK) and Milan (MXP). This is an easily accessible redemption opportunity for those in North America.

For only 45,000/108,000/204,000 miles in economy/business/first round-trip, you can experience Emirates service between the U.S. and Europe. One-way costs are 38,750/87,000/102,000 miles in economy/business/first.

This award pricing clearly shows how booking round-trip awards with Emirates can provide more value. In addition, the taxes and fees are significantly less than those for flying between the U.S. and Dubai.

Note that you cannot redeem for any other Emirates U.S.-to-Europe-award that would require transit in Dubai. The Miles Calculator will show award pricing, but Emirates will not allow you to book them.

Emirates also offers another fifth-freedom route between Newark (EWR) and Athens (ATH). However, this route is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. The distinction must be made as the 777-300ER has a vastly inferior business class cabin.

Need help booking? Read our booking guide for Emirates first class or business class using points.

3. Portugal to Morocco, Madeira, or the Azores on TAP Air Portugal

One Emirates partner is Star Alliance member TAP Air Portugal. Although the distance-based partner award chart is expensive for long-haul flights, it also provides some excellent redemptions on shorter flights.

For example, you can book one-way flights under 250 miles in distance for 8,000 Skywards miles in economy or 16,000 miles in business. One-way flights under 500 miles on TAP Air Portugal are bookable for 10,000 Emirates miles in economy or 20,000 miles in business. This means you can get from mainland Portugal to Northern Africa (Morocco) and Spain for a reasonable amount of miles. 

If you want to shell out a bit more, you can fly one-way from Portugal to Madeira or the Azores for only 14,000 miles in economy or 28,000 miles in business. These can be expensive flights, so using miles can provide excellent value.

4. Fly to Seychelles Round-Trip on Emirates

Seychelles is an island paradise far in the Indian Ocean. Only a handful of airlines fly to Seychelles (SEZ), and Emirates is one of them and arguably the best.

From eastern North America, round-trip flights are 85,000/174,000/327,000 in economy/business/first. One-way flights are 73,750/138,000/163,500 miles in economy/business/first.

Award pricing from Western North America is slightly more at 90,000/198,000/372,000 round-trip. If you’re looking for one-way bookings between western North America and Seychelles, you’ll pay 78,750/157,500/186,000 miles in economy/business/first.

5. Fly in the Utmost Luxury to the Maldives Round-Trip on Emirates

With the Emirates Skywards program, award pricing for getting to the Maldives (MLE) from North America is similar to flying to the Seychelles.

Round-trip flights from eastern North America are priced at 85,000/180,000/327,000 in economy/business/first. One-way flights from eastern North America to the Maldives are 73,750/138,000/163,500 miles in economy/business/first.

Western North America is priced slightly higher at 90,000/198,000/372,000. If you want to book one-way flights between western North America and the Maldives, expect to pay 78,750/157,500/186,000 miles in economy/business/first.

6. Down to South Africa on Emirates

Cape Town, South Africa, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, it is also quite far from the U.S. A few airlines operate nonstop flights between the U.S. and South Africa — best of all, you can use Emirates Skywards miles to get there.

From eastern North America, round-trip flights are priced at 95,000/190,000/357,500 miles in economy/business/first. If you prefer one-way flights, expect to redeem 82,500/151,250/178,750 miles in economy/business/first.

Western North America is only slightly more expensive; you’ll pay 100,000/200,000/375,000 miles for round-trip flights in economy/business/first class. One-way flights will be more expensive than half a round-trip: 87,500/158,750/187,500 miles in economy/business/first class.

7. Safari in Kenya or Tanzania on Emirates

Kenya and Tanzania are justifiably the most famous safari destinations in the world. Seek out the annual Great Migration in person by flying on Emirates to Nairobi (NBO) or Dar Es Salaam (DAR).

Round-trip flights from eastern North America are priced at 85,000/174,000/327,000 in economy/business/first. One-way awards are priced at 73,750/138,000/163,500 miles in economy/business/first.

Flights from western North America are slightly higher at 90,000/198,000/372,000 miles. You’ll redeem 78,750/157,500/186,000 miles in economy/business/first with one-way tickets.

8. Dubai to Perth on Emirates

Perth (PER) is the gateway to Western Australia’s towering forests and spectacular diving. When flying between North America and Australia, you typically cross the Pacific Ocean. However, you can also fly on Emirates with a stop in Dubai.

Round-trip flights from eastern North America cost 115,000/260,000/489,000 in economy/business/first class. If you paid for one-way tickets, expect to shell out 100,000/207,500/244,500 miles in economy/business/first class.

Round-trip flights from western North America are slightly more expensive: 120,000/280,000/525,000 in economy/business/first. Meanwhile, one-way tickets are 105,000/222,500/262,500 miles in economy/business/first.

9. Indian Ocean Island Hopping on Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius, an Emirates partner, offers excellent value when redeeming Emirates Skywards miles.

The lemurs of Madagascar are one of the great wildlife encounters in the world, but getting to Madagascar is not easy! A creative option is to stop in Mauritius (MRU) and then continue on Emirates partner Air Mauritius.

From the island nation of Mauritius, you can fly in economy to Réunion (RUN) for 16,000 miles round-trip, to Rodrigues (RRG) for 20,000 miles round-trip, or to Antananarivo, Madagascar (TNR) for just 28,000 miles round-trip!

This is an excellent redemption as cash fares between the islands can be expensive.

10. Hong Kong to Bangkok on Emirates

If you want to try first class on the A380, you can do so without paying a mileage premium. Emirates operates a fifth-freedom route between Bangkok (BKK) and Hong Kong (HKG) that can be booked using Skywards miles.

Although the 3-hour flight is relatively short, it still provides an opportunity to fly one of the best products in the sky. This round-trip flight is only 20,000/48,000/90,000 in economy/business/first. One-way tickets are 17,500/39,000/45,000 miles in economy/business/first.

11. Japan to Australia or Hawaii on Japan Airlines

The Emirates distance-based partner award chart is typically not the best for long-haul flights. However, a sweet spot is Japan Airlines flights between Tokyo and Australia or Hawaii.

Partner award pricing depends on the total distance flown. According to the award chart, flights between Hawaii and Tokyo fall in Zone 6, priced at 32,000 miles one-way in economy or 77,500 miles one-way in business.

Meanwhile, flights between Sydney and Tokyo cost 38,000 miles one-way in economy or 92,500 miles one-way in business.

12. South Korean Domestic Flights Including Jeju Island on Korean Air

The Emirates partner award chart for Korean Air also has some sweet spots. You can book domestic Korean Air award flights for as few as 8,000 miles for a one-way flight in economy if the distance flown is less than 250 miles. One-way flights between 251 and 500 miles in length cost 10,000/20,000 in economy/business.

You can use that bargain award to visit Korea’s honeymoon retreat, Jeju Island (CJU), to see 4 seasons of spectacular nature. For just 10,000 miles one-way, this is a great redemption.

13. Book Korean Air Business Class from the U.S. to Korea

Another solid redemption using Emirates miles for Korean Air is on business class flights between the U.S. and Korea. You can book a one-way business class flight between Seoul and Hawaii for 92,500 miles!

If you’re traveling between Korea and West Coast destinations like San Francisco (SFO) or Seattle (SEA), a one-way business class flight costs 105,000 miles. This is still an excellent deal, considering it’s one of the cheapest options for booking Korean Air awards between the U.S. and Korea.

It is worth noting that there is inconsistent award availability. However, this is a redemption worth considering if you can find the award space. Here are some great example routes you can take:

• Honolulu (HNL) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip in Korean Air business class for 185,000 Emirates miles
• San Francisco (SFO) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip in Korean Air business class for 210,000 Emirates miles

14. Fly TAP Air Portugal Business Class Round-Trip Between the U.S. and Portugal

Another solid redemption is for long-haul award flights on Emirates’ partner TAP Air Portugal. With a robust network connecting Portugal to popular destinations throughout Europe and the rest of the world, it’s worth looking at optimizing flight awards so you get the best value for your Emirates miles.

TAP Air Portugal operates a decent long-haul flight network. Importantly, it operates many nonstop flights between Portugal and the U.S. through its 2 largest airports: Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO).

If you want to fly nonstop from the East Coast to Portugal, you can expect to pay 64,000 miles round-trip in economy and 155,000 miles round-trip in business class. Flights between other U.S. destinations will be a bit pricier due to the distance-based award chart for Emirates partner airlines.

This could be of great value, particularly for TAP Air Portugal’s longer flights to the U.S. Here are some great example routes you can book:

• Newark (EWR) – Porto (OPO) round-trip in TAP Air Portugal business class for 155,000 miles + taxes and fees
• Chicago (ORD) – Lisbon (LIS) round-trip in TAP Air Portugal business class for 185,000 miles + taxes and fees
• Miami (MIA) – Lisbon (LIS) round-trip in TAP Air Portugal business class for 185,000 miles + taxes and fees
• San Francisco (SFO) – Lisbon (LIS) round-trip in TAP Air Portugal business class for 210,000 miles + taxes and fees

Final Thoughts

Although the Emirates Skywards loyalty program has been devalued several times over the years, its miles are still useful on certain routes with Emirates and its partners.

Emirates Skywards miles do not provide nearly as much value compared to other programs. Still, Emirates offers one of the best business and first class products of any airline and Skywards miles can allow you to book these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

While these are what we think are the best ways to use Emirates miles, there are certainly other options available. Happy redeeming!