How to Book Emirates Business Class Using Points
Your complete guide to experiencing Emirates' world-renowned business class using points and miles from various loyalty programs.
Introduction to Emirates Business Class
Emirates offers one of the world's most luxurious business class experiences, featuring spacious lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, premium lounges, and on the A380, access to the famous onboard lounge. While cash prices for Emirates business class can easily exceed $5,000 for a one-way long-haul journey, using points and miles can make this premium experience much more accessible.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about booking Emirates business class using points and miles, from the best loyalty programs to use, to finding award availability, and maximizing your redemption value with specific sweet spots.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
Emirates Skywards miles can be earned through transfers from all major flexible currency programs. Understanding these transfer options is essential for accumulating enough miles for business class redemptions.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | 1:1 | 24-48 hours | Occasional transfer bonuses of 15-30% |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 | 24 hours | No recent transfer bonuses |
| Capital One Miles | 1:1 | 24-36 hours | Rare transfer bonuses |
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 | Up to 24 hours | Monthly 25% transfer bonus on 1st of month (1-5 minutes) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 (plus 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) | 3-5 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: Unlike some airline transfer partners, Emirates transfers are not instant from most programs. Plan ahead and transfer points at least 48-72 hours before you intend to book to ensure your miles are available when needed.
Loyalty Programs for Booking Emirates Business Class
While Emirates Skywards is the most straightforward program for booking Emirates flights, several partner programs offer potentially better value. Each has its own award chart, fees structure, and availability patterns.
| Program | Points Required | Fees | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates Skywards | US to Middle East: 100,000-120,000 miles (one-way) Europe to Dubai: 90,000-100,000 miles (one-way) Asia to Dubai: 85,000-105,000 miles (one-way) | Moderate to high ($500-800 in fees on long-haul routes) | Excellent | Direct program with best availability but higher fees |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | US to Middle East: 65,000-85,000 miles (one-way) Europe to Dubai: 60,000-75,000 miles (one-way) Asia to Dubai: 55,000-70,000 miles (one-way) | Moderate ($300-500 in fees) | Good | Distance-based chart offers excellent value for certain routes |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | US to Middle East: 82,500 miles (one-way) Europe to Dubai: Not available Asia to Dubai: Not available | Low to moderate ($200-400 in fees) | Limited | Only for US to Middle East routes, but great value |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | US to Middle East: 100,000-120,000 miles (one-way) Europe to Dubai: 85,000-100,000 miles (one-way) Asia to Dubai: 80,000-95,000 miles (one-way) | High ($600-900 in fees) | Good | Higher points requirements but often good availability |
| Korean Air SKYPASS | US to Middle East: 120,000 miles (round-trip only) Europe to Dubai: Not available Asia to Dubai: 70,000-90,000 miles (one-way) | Moderate ($350-550 in fees) | Limited | Round-trip bookings required for most routes |
Program Comparison Analysis
Emirates Skywards (Direct Program)
The direct option with the widest availability but typically higher mileage requirements and fees. Best for those who primarily collect Emirates miles or need flexible booking options.
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
Often provides the best overall value due to its distance-based award chart, especially for routes that fall just under distance thresholds. The main drawback is the difficulty in earning JAL miles for most travelers.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Offers excellent value for US to Middle East routes with lower fees than Emirates' own program, but availability can be more limited and route restrictions apply.
Best Program by Region
- US to Dubai/Middle East: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan (if available), then JAL Mileage Bank
- US to Europe (Fifth Freedom): Emirates Skywards for best availability
- Asia to Dubai: JAL Mileage Bank for best value, Korean SKYPASS for certain routes
- Europe to Dubai: Qantas Frequent Flyer often has good availability
Sweet Spot Redemptions
Certain routes and programs offer exceptional value when booking Emirates business class, providing the best balance of reasonable points requirements and manageable fees.
| Route | Program | Points Required | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) | Emirates Skywards | 72,500 miles (one-way) | Approx. $550 | Fifth freedom route with excellent availability and lower points requirement |
| Washington DC (IAD) to Dubai (DXB) | Alaska Mileage Plan | 82,500 miles (one-way) | Approx. $250 | Low fees and reasonable mileage requirement make this an excellent value |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Dubai (DXB) | Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 80,000 miles (one-way) | Approx. $400 | JAL's distance-based chart offers great value on this ultra-long-haul route |
| Bangkok (BKK) to Dubai (DXB) | Emirates Skywards | 85,000 miles (one-way) | Approx. $350 | Good availability and reasonable points cost for a 6-hour flight in business class |
| London (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) | Qantas Frequent Flyer | 92,500 miles (one-way) | Approx. $650 | High availability with multiple daily flights to choose from |
Spotlight: Fifth Freedom Routes
Emirates operates several "fifth freedom" routes that don't touch Dubai, offering excellent opportunities to experience their premium cabins on shorter flights, often at lower mileage costs.
Notable Emirates Fifth Freedom Routes:
- New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) - 72,500 Emirates miles one-way in business class
- Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH) - 72,500 Emirates miles one-way in business class
- Bangkok (BKK) to Hong Kong (HKG) - 48,000 Emirates miles one-way in business class
- Sydney (SYD) to Christchurch (CHC) - 36,000 Emirates miles one-way in business class
Emirates Business Class Features & Amenities
When redeeming your hard-earned points for Emirates business class, here's what you can expect from the experience:
Chauffeur Drive Service
Complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport in over 70 cities worldwide for business class passengers (only on Flex Plus and Flex fares).
Dedicated Lounge Access
Access to Emirates Business Class Lounges featuring gourmet dining, premium beverages, shower facilities, and business centers.
Onboard Experience
Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on A380 and some 777 aircraft, personal mini-bar, 23-inch entertainment screens, and gourmet dining.
A380 Onboard Lounge
Access to the famous Onboard Lounge on A380 aircraft, where you can socialize and enjoy premium beverages.
Fast-Track Immigration
Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, plus fast-track immigration in Dubai and select airports worldwide.
Important Note: Not all Emirates business class experiences are equal. The newest business class product with direct aisle access is available on all A380s and some Boeing 777s. When booking, look for aircraft type—the A380 offers the onboard lounge and generally a more premium experience overall.
Best Credit Cards for Emirates Miles
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn points that can be transferred to Emirates Skywards or its partner programs.
Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Barclays
$99
50,000 Skywards miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
3X on Emirates purchases, 2X on travel, 1X on everything else
- 10% discount on Emirates flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Anniversary bonus of 10,000 Skywards miles after spending $30,000 annually
- Instant Silver Elite Status in the first year
American Express® Gold Card
American Express
$250
60,000 Membership Rewards points
4X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3X on flights, 1X on other purchases
- Points transfer 1:1 to Emirates Skywards
- $120 annual dining credit
- $120 annual Uber credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase
$95
60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
3X on dining and online groceries, 2X on travel, 1X on everything else
- Points transfer 1:1 to Emirates Skywards
- $50 annual hotel credit
- 10% anniversary point bonus
- Travel and purchase protections
Step-by-Step Booking Strategies
Booking Through Emirates Skywards
- 1
Create an Emirates Skywards account
Sign up for a free Emirates Skywards account on the Emirates website if you don't already have one.
- 2
Search for availability
On the Emirates website, select "Book a flight" and check "Book Classic Rewards Flight" to search for award availability. Be flexible with dates and routes for best results.
- 3
Transfer points to Emirates Skywards
Once you find availability, transfer points from your credit card program to Emirates Skywards. Remember that transfers typically take 24-48 hours.
- 4
Book your flight
After the points arrive in your Skywards account, return to the Emirates website and repeat your search, then proceed to book your business class ticket. Be prepared to pay the taxes and fees with a credit card.
- 5
Select seats and special services
After booking, use your confirmation number to select seats, request special meals if desired, and arrange chauffeur service if eligible (Flex Plus or Flex fares only).
Booking Through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- 1
Join Alaska Mileage Plan
Sign up for a free Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account if you don't already have one.
- 2
Check availability by phone
While you can search for Emirates flights on Alaska's website, it's often better to call Alaska's reservations line (1-800-252-7522) to check availability for Emirates business class awards.
- 3
Book your flight
If seats are available, book directly with the phone agent. You'll need sufficient Alaska miles in your account at the time of booking.
- 4
Request your Emirates confirmation
Ask the agent for your Emirates confirmation number (in addition to your Alaska confirmation). You'll need this to select seats and manage your booking directly on Emirates' website.
Finding Award Availability: Pro Tips
Best Times to Search
- Book 11 months in advance when award calendar first opens
- Check 2-3 months before departure for released unsold inventory
- Look for last-minute availability 1-2 weeks before departure
Routes with Best Availability
- Multiple daily flights (DXB-LHR, DXB-BKK) offer better chances
- Fifth freedom routes often have good availability
- Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) typically have better availability than weekends
Expert Tip: If you don't see award seats on your first search, try searching for nearby airports, flexible dates, or splitting your journey into two segments. Award space often appears on less popular days or routes, so flexibility is key to success.
Comparing Emirates Business Class by Aircraft Type
Airbus A380
- Seat Configuration: 1-2-1 layout with all seats having direct aisle access
- Seat Width: 18.5 inches
- Bed Length: 79 inches fully flat
- Special Features: Onboard lounge and bar area, in-seat mini-bar, large entertainment screen
- Best For: Ultimate Emirates experience, social travelers who enjoy the lounge
Boeing 777 (New Configuration)
- Seat Configuration: 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access
- Seat Width: 20.5 inches (wider than A380)
- Bed Length: 78 inches fully flat
- Special Features: Fully enclosed private suites with floor-to-ceiling doors, virtual windows for middle seats
- Best For: Privacy-focused travelers, slightly wider seats, newer product
Boeing 777 (Old Configuration)
- Seat Configuration: 2-3-2 layout (middle seat not ideal)
- Seat Width: 20 inches
- Bed Length: 72 inches angle-flat (not fully flat)
- Special Features: Personal mini-bar, but no direct aisle access for all seats
- Best For: Couples who can secure window and aisle seats together
How to Identify Aircraft Type
- During the booking process on Emirates' website, look for the aircraft type listed under flight details
- For 777 aircraft, check the seat map to determine if it's the old 2-3-2 or new 1-2-1 configuration
- When in doubt, use SeatGuru.com to check the specific seat map for your flight number and date
- A380 routes are generally the safest choice for the best business class experience
Caution: Emirates occasionally substitutes aircraft types with little notice. While the A380 and new 777 configurations offer excellent business class experiences, the older 777 configuration with 2-3-2 seating should generally be avoided when using valuable points.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best availability, book either 11 months in advance when the schedule opens, or look for last-minute availability 2-3 weeks before departure. Emirates tends to release unsold inventory to award bookings closer to departure dates. Partner program availability (like Alaska and JAL) is generally best further in advance.
Emirates' Chauffeur Drive service provides complimentary ground transportation to and from the airport in over 70 cities. For award bookings, only Flex Plus and Flex awards include this service. Saver awards (the lowest mileage option) do not include Chauffeur Drive. Additionally, passengers booking through partner programs like Alaska or JAL are not eligible for this service.
Yes, Emirates allows upgrades from economy to business class using Skywards miles. The number of miles required depends on the original fare class purchased. Only Flex and Flex Plus economy tickets are eligible for upgrades (Special and Saver fares cannot be upgraded). Upgrades are subject to availability in the "UB" fare class. You can request upgrades during booking, after booking through "Manage Booking," or at the airport if available.
Yes, Emirates Skywards miles expire 3 years after they are earned, regardless of account activity. This is different from many other programs where activity extends the expiration date. You can check miles expiration in your account dashboard. Emirates occasionally offers promotions to extend miles validity for a fee, but it's generally not a good value.
Yes, Emirates Skywards allows one-way award bookings at roughly half the cost of a round-trip booking. This provides flexibility to mix and match programs, such as booking the outbound with Emirates miles and the return with Alaska miles. Some partner programs, like Korean Air SKYPASS, only allow round-trip bookings on Emirates.