How I booked an Emirates Airbus A380 first-class award without elite status, and how you can, too
Editor's Note
When I saw the recent news that Emirates had decided to restrict first-class awards to elite Platinum, Gold and Silver members of its Emirates Skywards loyalty program, I thought my dream of flying this aspirational product with onboard bars, showers and unlimited caviar was over.
I have never held, and will likely never hold, any Skywards elite status. Couple this with multiple credit card programs "temporarily" suspending points transfers to Skywards, and I was chalking this up to a "should have booked it when I could" lesson of earning and redeeming points and miles.
However, there's still an easy way to book Emirates first class, and it ultimately helped me achieve my dream after all. Here's what you should know about it.
Related: Emirates first class still wows: Fully enclosed suites and unlimited caviar
We are in the golden age of Qantas points
Learning that Skywards was adding restrictions to its own members' ability to book first-class awards, I naturally assumed they would add similar restrictions to partner airline programs. After all, if an entry-level Skywards member cannot book an Emirates award, why let an entry-level member of another loyalty program do so?
But so far, that hasn't happened.
The best partner programs to book Emirates awards have traditionally been Air Canada's Aeroplan program and Qantas Frequent Flyer. Aeroplan recently began pricing Emirates awards dynamically, and while Aeroplan still has access to first-class awards, these are priced up to 750,000 Aeroplan points per flight, which is not a good deal.
However, Emirates first-class awards are still readily available to all Qantas members using Qantas points, with similar rates and fees, taxes and surcharges as Skywards charges its elite members.
Using my secret weapon, Seats.aero, I easily found multiple nonstop flights from North America to Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Here's an example of some flights available in late September and early October of this year, when the summer temperatures in the Middle East become milder.
Qantas currently charges the following rates for Emirates first-class awards, one-way, per person:
- Flights 0 to 600 miles in length: 29,000 points
- Flights 601 to 1,200 miles in length: 43,500 points
- Flights 1,201 to 2,400 miles in length: 64,500 points (this includes Emirates' new service from Florida to Colombia)
- Flights 2,401 to 3,600 miles in length: 89,800 points (this includes most routes from Europe to Dubai)
- Flights 3,601 to 4,800 miles in length: 107,700 points (this includes Emirates' fifth-freedom routes between North America and Europe)
- Flights 4,801 to 5,800 miles in length: 149,800 points (this includes departures from the Northeast to Dubai)
- Flights 5,801 to 7,000 miles in length: 170,800 points (this includes all other U.S. departures, including from the West Coast)
Related: A review of Emirates business class on the Airbus A380 from New York to Milan
I jumped on this great availability and pricing, booking an Emirates first-class flight from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) to DXB on the Airbus A380 around two weeks before departure for 89,800 Qantas points plus 572 British pounds, which is about $775 and includes the compulsory Air Passenger Duty tax for all departures from the United Kingdom.
Stay tuned for a full report of my bucket-list flight, but let's just say it exceeded my already high expectations.
Another reason right now is such a great time to consider Qantas points is that for bookings made from Aug. 5 onward, Emirates flights will be priced according to the Qantas award chart (rather than the partner award chart), meaning rates (and surcharges) will mostly increase as follows:
- Flights 0 to 600 miles in length: 29,000 points (no change)
- Flights 601 to 1,200 miles in length: 43,600 points (up by 100 points)
- Flights 1,201 to 2,400 miles in length: 65,300 (up by 1,200 points)
- Flights 2,401 to 3,600 miles in length: 102,600 points (up by 12,800 points)
- Flights 3,601 to 4,800 miles in length: 123,100 (up by 15,400 points)
- Flights 4,801 to 5,800 miles in length: 149,800 points (down by 2,100 points)
- Flights 5,801 to 7,000 miles in length: 170,800 points (no change)
Even though some Emirates first-class award flights from the U.S. booked with Qantas points will decrease slightly for bookings made from Aug. 5 onward, we don't know how long Qantas Frequent Flyer members will have access to such generous Emirates first-class availability.
After all, as this access is better than what's offered to entry-level Skywards members, I wouldn't be surprised if Emirates decides to reduce the number of first-class seats available to partner airline programs like Qantas.
How to earn Qantas points
Qantas points are easy to earn, as Qantas Frequent Flyer is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Here are some of the best credit card welcome offers available right now that you could leverage to transfer to Qantas at a 1:1 rate:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
Bottom line
If you want to book Emirates' fabulous first-class product with points and miles and don't have elite status in Emirates' own Skywards loyalty program, this is a great time to look at the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
Given that entry-level Skywards members no longer have access to these seats, I'd argue availability through Qantas Frequent Flyer has never been better.
The generous award availability may not last, and with most Emirates first-class awards increasing in price for bookings made from Aug. 5 onward, now is the golden age of Qantas points, transferable from Amex, Capital One and Citi.
Related reading:
- The best ways to book Emirates first-class award tickets with points and miles
- Emirates adds new offerings to first class as award tickets face new restrictions
- Just enough bling: A review of Emirates' new premium economy on the A380 from Dubai to London
- Emirates' first revamped 777 takes off with 'A380-inspired' cabin — including premium economy
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
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
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.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.