[Award Alert] Emirates Game Changer First Class to Dubai With Wide Spring 2026 Availability

Updated: July 24, 2025, 2:02pm CDT

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Table of Contents

Award Deal — Details
How To Book
Final Thoughts

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If Emirates’ Game Changer First Class is on your bucket list, now’s your chance.

We’ve spotted award space from Chicago (ORD) to Dubai (DXB) in Spring 2026 — a rare opportunity to book what many consider to be the world’s best first class experience.

This ultra-private suite on the 777-300ER features floor-to-ceiling doors, virtual windows, and custom climate controls. It’s not a cheap redemption, but for a once-in-a-lifetime flight, this is as good as it gets.

Here’s what you need to know about booking this luxurious flight.

Award Deal — Details

These awards are available through the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and cost 170,800 points one-way. While not cheap on paper, considering this flight regularly sells for over $15,000, it’s a stellar redemption for what’s widely regarded as the best first class suite in the sky.

Emirates New 777-300ER First Class Suites — Emirates 777-300ER Game Changer First Class Suites. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

Class: First
Routes: Chicago (ORD) to Dubai (DXB)
Dates: January through April 2026
Rates: 170,800 points one-way plus $834.90
Seats: Only 1 seat available per flight

Emirates’ cutting-edge Game Changer First Class Suite — featuring floor-to-ceiling doors and fully enclosed private cabins — is only available on a limited number of routes. If you’re based in the U.S., Chicago O’Hare is your only option to experience this rare and ultra-luxurious product, making this award space especially noteworthy.

How To Book

Earlier this year, Emirates quietly restricted first class award bookings to Skywards elite members only, meaning non-elites can no longer book these awards with Skywards miles.

Fortunately, you can still access Emirates first class through partner programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer, which remains one of the most reliable options. While it costs 170,800 Qantas points one-way, it’s a fantastic way to book the Game Changer Suite without needing elite status.

To search for available dates, you can use a tool like Seats.aero, which provides a big-picture overview of a range of dates and routes.

Screenshot — You’ll find wide open award space for spring 2026 on many dates. Image Credit: Seats.aero

Once you find your ideal date with availability, head to the Qantas website to confirm the award space.

Qantas Emirates F award — Image Credit: Qantas

You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Citi ThankYou points at a 1:1 ratio to Qantas Frequent Flyer. You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 rate, although we don’t recommend this unless you’re short a few extra points.

Hot Tip:

Don’t wait to transfer your points — Qantas Frequent Flyer transfers from Amex Membership Rewards can take up to 24 hours. Lock in your date first by confirming availability, then initiate the transfer to avoid missing out.

Final Thoughts

It’s not every day you can turn your points into a $15,000+ first class experience — complete with floor-to-ceiling doors, virtual windows, and caviar service — for under $900 out of pocket.

With wide-open award space from January through April 2026, now’s the time to lock in this bucket-list-worthy redemption while it lasts.