Flying Emirates first class is simply… a dream. From insane private suites with sliding doors to an on-demand dining menu featuring caviar service and fine wines, it's a level of luxury that feels more like a literal five-star hotel in the sky.
While the A380 version comes with a shower and onboard bar, the 777 first-class cabin offers an ultra-private suite with mood lighting, virtual windows, and a personal minibar. Either way, it’s an unforgettable way to fly (if you can secure a seat). So, without further ado…
How to Book Emirates First Class
While an Emirates first-class ticket can cost upwards of $8,000, it’s possible to book it with points — often for a fraction of the price. Here’s how to do it:
1. Understanding Emirates Skywards
Emirates isn’t part of a major airline alliance, but its Skywards program allows for direct points transfers from several credit card programs. This means you can use points from issuers like:
2. Best Ways to Earn Skywards Miles
The best way to rack up enough points for Emirates first class is by earning transferable points through everyday spending and welcome offers (obvi!) from premium travel credit cards. Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card allow you to earn points quickly and transfer them directly to Emirates.
3. Finding Award Availability
Emirates first-class seats can be tricky to find, especially on high-demand routes. Here are a few tips:
Check Emirates’ website frequently – Award seats can open at random times, so staying on top of availability is key.
Use partner programs like Aeroplan – While Emirates First Class awards are usually cheapest when booked directly through Skywards, Aeroplan occasionally offers competitive rates.
Consider Fifth Freedom Routes – Emirates operates shorter first-class routes like Miami to Bogotá, which can be booked for as little as 60,000 Skywards miles + $106 in taxes.
4. Booking Emirates First Class
Once you have enough points, the process is straightforward:
Transfer points from your credit card program to Emirates Skywards (transfers are usually instant).
Search for award availability on the Emirates website.
Book your seat and get ready for one of the most boujee flights in the world.
Final Thoughts
Emirates first class is one of the most iconic premium cabin experiences out there, and while it’s expensive in cash, booking with points makes it much more attainable. By leveraging the right credit cards and keeping an eye on award availability, you could be sipping Dom Pérignon and enjoying caviar at 30,000 feet for a fraction of the cost.
