Flying Emirates' first class from Miami to Bogota
A ticket in Emirates' first class might seem out of reach for most travelers. After all, a long-haul flight in the airline’s over-the-top suites can cost north of $10,000, depending on the route.
Even if you have Emirates Skywards miles to redeem, the airline often levies high taxes and surcharges on award tickets that can make them prohibitively expensive, too.
Looking for fifth-freedom flights
Luckily, Emirates operates a number of “fifth-freedom” flights on which first-class fares and awards can be reasonable. Fifth-freedom routes are those operated by an airline between two countries, neither of which is the airline's home nation.
Fifth-freedom routes tend to be tag flights between two destinations with a lot of traffic that are designed to optimize the use of an aircraft’s time. Though these routes are typically on the shorter side, many are still operated by long-haul aircraft with swanky international premium cabins on board.
Bucket-list bookings: The best luxury suites in the sky and how to fly them
Emirates, for instance, operates fifth-freedom flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Athens International Airport (ATH), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Sri Lanka and Velana International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives, and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), among others. It utilizes its mainline Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s to do so.
One of Emirates’ newest fifth-freedom flights from the U.S. is the three-hour leg between Miami International Airport (MIA) and El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia, which began operating daily in June.
Shortly after the route launched, cash fares for first-class tickets were holding steady at about $3,200 to $3,500 each way, or $4,860 to $5,400 round-trip.
However, there was (and continues to be) plentiful award space nearly every day — not just in first class, but also in business and economy — throughout the schedule. First-class awards will set you back 60,000 Emirates Skywards miles plus $105 to $186 each way (depending on which direction you fly). That’s a lot of miles, but you are still getting over 5 cents per Skywards mile in value when traveling one-way.
Keep in mind that Emirates Skywards is also a transfer partner of nearly all the major credit card programs with transferable currencies, including:
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Bilt Rewards
- Capital One
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Citi ThankYou Rewards
So it’s very easy to stock up on the Skywards miles you need, even if you rarely (or never) fly Emirates.
That’s why I decided to book a one-way flight from Miami to Bogota in late August and see just how much of the Emirates first-class experience I could squeeze into a relatively short flight.
Flying Emirates' first class between Miami and Bogota: The experience
My flight departed MIA at 12:05 p.m. and was set to land at 2:55 p.m. in Bogota. Though it was scheduled to be three hours and 50 minutes, the flight was actually just shy of three hours.
I got to the airport at about 9 a.m. to give myself extra time. Thanks to my first-class ticket, I was able to use the designated check-in counters for first-class passengers; there was no wait, and I received access to the Turkish Airlines lounge.
It was fairly crowded but a nice enough place to sit for a half-hour while enjoying some coffee, fruit and pastries and sending a few work emails.
Because it was a 15-minute walk from my gate, I left the lounge about 75 minutes before my departure time and was the first to board, thanks to my ticket.
Emirates flies a Boeing 777-300ER between Miami and Bogota. Most of these planes have the airline’s older, but still luxurious, first-class suites on board — sort of like the ones you’ll find on the airline’s Airbus A380s. The gate staff in Miami told me that the airline had actually flown the 777 with its newer, game changer, first-class suites on board several times, including once earlier that same week; however, I had no such luck on my journey.
Despite having flown these suites a handful of times, I was still wowed when I stepped on board. This particular first-class cabin configuration had just eight seats: two rows of four seats, each laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration.
These suites felt ultraprivate, thanks to substantial doors that closed at the touch of a button. My window seat, 2K, measured 48 inches wide from the cabin wall to the closing privacy door.
The leather chair was 24 inches across between the armrests, and it lowered to a lie-flat bed measuring about 79 inches long.
Across from it, the 24-inch high-definition screen was loaded with the airline’s entertainment content, including hundreds of movies, television shows, albums, games and more. Passengers received Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones to use with it. I kept my screen on the map function, though, since this was going to be a short flight.
While other passengers were boarding, the flight attendant looking after me (there was just one other passenger in the cabin) came by to show me the functions of the seat. She showed me how to control it using the docked tablet on the armrest and explained its fun features, like the in-seat minibar and the vanity under the entertainment screen that popped up to reveal an amenity kit of Byredo products.
Then she took my lunch order and offered me Arabian coffee, dates and my choice of beverage. I ordered sparkling water, holding off on anything stronger until we were up in the air, when they would open the Champagnes I knew were on board. (I’d checked the food and beverage menus of my flight beforehand on Emirates’ website.)
She came back with a handy tote bag, inside of which were a set of slippers and a pair of the airline’s moisturizing pajamas. These are probably my all-time favorite airline sleepwear.
Just minutes after we were airborne, the flight attendant was back to offer me another beverage. I decided to try both Champagnes on board — a 2008 Dom Perignon rose and a 2013 Dom Perignon regular release. I settled on the rose for a quick snack course of olives, nuts and chips. The airline offers dining on demand in first class, but there was no time to waste on this quick flight.
I wolfed down a double portion of caviar with accompanying blini and fixings. Then, I moved on to an appetizer of poached prawns in leche de tigre paired with Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Louis Latour 2012 white Burgundy.
Next up was pan-seared red snapper with spicy gazpacho dressing, avocado, mango and chili salsa accompanied by sauteed kale and pickled shallots. The portion was elegantly presented and delicious.
For dessert, I tucked into chocolate marble cheesecake and tried the Chateau Valandraud 2008, a grand cru from Saint-Emilion in France’s Bordeaux region; it was luscious and rich but not overpowering. The meal ended with the presentation of a box of chocolate bonbons, but I was too full to indulge.
After all that food and wine, I was understandably a bit sleepy, so I asked if I could have my seat made up into a bed. The crew actually turned down the middle seat across from me since no one else was in my row. I didn’t bother changing into the pajamas, but I was able to take a 20-minute power nap before we started our descent into Bogota. Unfortunately, the airline’s 777s don’t have showers like its A380s do, or I might have had just enough time to squeeze in a quick rinse instead of a snooze.
Before landing, I swiped a few snacks and sweets from my seat’s minibar, including white chocolate-covered hazelnuts, to take to the hotel with me. Then, I freshened up with the Voya skincare products in the lavatory.
The crew members, and my flight attendant in particular, did everything they could to make sure I had the full Emirates first-class experience, even on this relatively short flight. They seemed to be having almost as much fun as I was fitting it all in.
Bottom line
While redeeming 60,000 points for a three-hour flight might seem extravagant, this is probably one of the most economical ways to experience Emirates first class. This is especially true considering the low taxes and fees as well as the widespread award availability (meaning you don’t have to be that flexible with your dates).
You could even try looking at seat maps across a variety of dates to see if you might have a shot at one of the newer aircraft with the latest first-class suites aboard. Even with the older ones, though, this remains one of the most fun, rarefied ways to fly. It’s great to have another way to experience it from the U.S.
Related reading:
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.