Strategies for Jetting Off to Dubai Using Airline Rewards and Miles [Detailed Guide]

Emirates Airline: A Comprehensive Guide to Booking Flights with Miles

Emirates, based in Dubai, offers a range of flight options for travellers, with varying mileage requirements for economy, business, and first class tickets. Here's a breakdown of the mileage costs for one-way and round-trip flights on Emirates, as well as alternative programs for booking these flights.

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

For one-way economy flights, you'll need between 45,000 and 47,000 miles, while business and first class require 80,000 to 85,000 miles and 120,000 to 135,000 miles respectively. Round-trip flights in these classes are priced higher, with award prices ranging from 55,000 to 70,000 miles in economy, 110,000 to 130,000 miles in business, and 165,000 to 190,000 miles in first class. Japan Airlines Mileage Bank is often the go-to method for many travellers when booking Emirates business class.

Emirates Skywards

The primary loyalty program to book a business class flight with Emirates to Dubai is Emirates Skywards. Additionally, some points from other programs like Miles & More can be transferred to Emirates Skywards, but Emirates Skywards itself is the main program for earning and redeeming miles directly with Emirates. Emirates Skywards Mileage Program no longer passes on high fuel surcharges, making it a great option for booking flights.

Korean Air SKYPASS

Korean Air SKYPASS is another valuable program worth looking into. Business flights are priced at 140,000 miles round-trip and economy flights are 70,000 miles round-trip with ~$198 in taxes and fees. Korean Air, however, doesn't allow one-way award bookings on Emirates, so you'll have to book round-trip.

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is the go-to rewards program of choice for many travellers and credit cardholders. Flights from the U.S. to Dubai range between 70,000 and 85,000 Atmos Rewards points for one-way business class and 35,000-42,500 points for economy with ~$20 to $50 in taxes and fees. One advantage of Alaska Airlines is the ability to add a stopover or open-jaw on one-way flights.

Booking Emirates Awards Online

Booking Emirates awards can be done completely online following these steps. Simply find the flight you want, note the flight number, date, and time, and then book the award using your preferred mileage program.

Other Considerations

Emirates operates flights out of numerous U.S. cities, but if flying from Orlando, it's best to examine the seat map before booking the flight. Also, keep in mind that Emirates doesn't have a regular schedule for releasing award space to its partners, and the airline began restricting first-class awards to Skywards elite members as of May 12, 2025.

Partner Airlines

In addition to the aforementioned programs, other options for booking Emirates include transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy to Emirates Skywards Mileage Program. Alaska Airlines is a member of the Oneworld alliance and partners with several luxury airlines, one of which is Qatar Airways. Air Canada offers direct flights to Dubai from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Conclusion

Emirates offers a luxurious flying experience, especially in first and business class, but the mileage prices reflect this. By understanding the mileage requirements and available programs, travellers can make informed decisions and book their dream flights to Dubai.

Strategies for Jetting Off to Dubai Using Airline Rewards and Miles [Detailed Guide]