Emirates First Class To Europe (Early 2024)
While there's only one first class award seat available, I thought it was worth sharing since we haven't seen much Emirates first class space lately. There's space on both of Emirates' fifth freedom routes as well so you have options.
It's also possible to upgrade a business class award ticket to first class, so I'll talk about how you can use that option to get a second seat.
Now, let's get into it!
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Straight To The Points:
Routes: JFK-MXP, EWR-ATH
Operating airline: Emirates
Class of service: First class
Dates: January - March 2024
Seats available: 1
Cabin layout: 1-2-1 (A380)
Book with (per person, one-way):
- Emirates Skywards: 102,000 miles
Please keep in mind that partners might not see all award space.
- *Air Canada Aeroplan: 177,000 points
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: 107,700 points
*No surcharges
Taxes/fees with Emirates Skywards (per person):
- From JFK: ~$104
- From MXP: ~$143
Bank transfer partners:
- Air Canada: Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Marriott
- Emirates: Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Marriott
- Qantas : Amex, Capital One, Citi, Marriott
Let me know if you book!
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Available Dates
JFK-MXP
January: 14, 19-21, 23, 24, 26, 28-31
February: 3, 5-7, 11, 14, 19, 20, 27
March: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25
April: 1
MXP-JFK
January: 22, 24-27, 29-31
February: 1, 5-7, 9, 12-14, 20, 21, 27-29
March: 1, 6-8, 12-14, 19-21, 26, 27
EWR-ATH
December: 30, 31
January: 1-5, 8-19, 21, 22, 24-31
February: 1-7, 12, 13, 15-18, 21- 29
March: 1-8, 10-21, 23-28, 30, 31
April: 1, 2
ATH-EWR
December: 29, 1-3, 6, 7, 9, 11-20, 23-28
January: 1, 9 11-31
February: 1-16, 18-29
March: 1-16, 18-23, 25-29
April: 1, 2
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Flight Experience
Emirates first class is known for being over the top. From caviar to Dom Perignon to the inflight shower to the inflight bar... I think you get the picture.
While some think the cabin features are a bit much, I haven't heard complaints about the experience. A few glass of Dom will make anyone happy.
Please note that only the JFK-Milan route is operated by an Airbus A380 which has the inflight shower and bar. The Newark-Athens flight is operated by a Boeing 777. This is NOT the new 777 with the Gamechanger seat.
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Best Ways To Book
Emirates Skywards: Best Award Rate, More Space
This will be the easiest program to use as you can transfer points from Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Marriott. A one-way business class award will require 102,000 miles. Plus, the award rate is slightly better than Qantas.
Upgrade From Business Class
If you want to get a second seat in first class, this is your best bet.
Book a business class award, go to manage booking, select Auto Upgrade, and wait. The upgrade can clear up to 60 days from departure and as late as 48 hours from departure.
If it doesn't clear and there is a first class seat available when you arrive at the airport to check into your flight, you can upgrade with miles at the counter. Please note that you can not upgrade via online check-in so you'll want to be first in line at the counter when it opens for check-in.
You'll need 39,000 Skywards miles to upgrade a one-way ticket. All in, a business class award + an upgrade will require more miles than a first class award, but you'll be able to lock in a second seat.
Emirates Skywards+: Save 20% Once Per Year
Emirates offers three tiers of Skywards+ subscriptions. The Classic option is $399 per year and the one that might be worth considering as this membership provides a 20% discount on one Skywards Classic Reward each year.
If you book round-trip first class on either route, you'll need 204,000 Skywards. At 20% off, you'd save 40,800 points and only need 163,200 miles.
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How To Book
I would search with Emirates' site to start:
- Visit Emirates' site
- Select "Log in to earn and spend Skywards Miles" and log in
- Check the box "Classic rewards"
- Enter your origin/destination
- Select your departure and/or return date(s) via calendar
- If booking one-way, check box "One-way" above calendar
- Check box for "My dates are flexible (-/+ 3 days)"
- Select number of passengers
- Select class of service
- Select date
- Select flight
Once you know the exact dates you want to fly, you can search with Air Canada or Qantas.
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Final Thoughts
Emirates first class might be the most luxurious way to fly to Europe. Personally, I would recommend flying from Milan to JFK as it's a daytime flight which means you'll be awake to enjoy it.
Happy booking!
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