Award Travel on Emirates’ Fifth-Freedom Flights Just Got a Lot More Expensive

Updated: July 31, 2025, 4:30pm CDT

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Emirates U.S. Fifth-Freedom Flights See Sharp Award Fee Increases
Final Thoughts

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Emirates has quietly raised award ticket surcharges on several of its most popular and accessible fifth-freedom routes — including the fan-favorite Miami to Bogotá flight, along with the well-trafficked New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) and Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH) routes.

Here’s what travelers need to know about this sudden devaluation, as first reported by Thrifty Traveler.

Emirates U.S. Fifth-Freedom Flights See Sharp Award Fee Increases

If you’ve been relying on popular Emirates’ fifth-freedom routes to snag a sweet spot using your travel rewards — like flights from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) or Miami (MIA) to Bogotá (BOG) — brace yourself.

Emirates 777 300 business class — Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

Overnight, Emirates unexpectedly increased the taxes and fees on these routes, significantly impacting travelers seeking accessible and affordable award travel — especially those who used these flights as a rare chance to experience the world-class airline without having to connect through its Dubai hub.

Booking business class between New York and Milan, for example, used to come with roughly $100 in surcharges. Now, that fee has ballooned to over $400 one-way — and a round-trip will set you back nearly $910 in fees alone.

Emirates fifth freedom milan newyork — Image Credit: Emirates

The math is brutal when you consider you’re paying the same high mileage rates but with quadrupled taxes. It’s not just Europe that took a hit.

Miami to Bogotá, a route I’ve personally booked and flown several times, saw fees nearly double in all cabins. What’s worse, the best way to book Emirates First Class on these routes — booking through partner programs like Qantas — has also become far more expensive, with fees doubling in some cases.

Qantas Emirates Award Prices 1 — Image Credit: Qantas

It’s not just business and first class getting more expensive. Economy awards on the New York–Europe routes used to cost about $140 round-trip. Now, even a one-way can run nearly that much.

Emirates Europe Route Taxes — Image Credit: Emirates

This move feels like part of a bigger shake-up with the Emirates Skywards loyalty program. The airline has already blocked non-elite members from booking first class awards in the program, and recent changes to points transfer ratios from major banks like Citi signal a loyalty program in flux.

Hot Tip:

If you’ve had your eye on Emirates’ fifth-freedom flights, now’s the time to reassess your strategy. With surcharges rising across the board, look to alternative airlines for transatlantic or Latin America routes where points stretch further. Alternatively, consider redeeming Emirates miles on longer-haul flights from the U.S. to Dubai, where the elevated fees may feel more justified for the experience, given that the fees match a much longer flight time.

Final Thoughts

This sudden devaluation on Emirates’ fifth-freedom routes is a reminder that award programs can change quickly and without warning. For now, these flights remain a solid option — just not at the bargain prices they once were.

While this devaluation is a tough pill to swallow, it leaves us wondering what other changes Emirates may make to its loyalty program in the future. The program has been busy with changes so far this year.