Owned by the Dubai government’s sovereign wealth fund, Emirates is one of the two flag carriers of the UAE, with the other national airline being Etihad. Established in 1985, Emirates has grown to become the largest airline carrier in the Middle East, with its headquarters just outside the Dubai International Airport. It operates all over the globe, with more than 150 destinations in over 80 countries, including 12 airports in the United States. Emirates is one of the largest long-haul airlines in the world in terms of passenger kilometers flown, and it also has the largest fleet of both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. It also has a great reputation among business and first class travelers, and has received multiple awards for its luxurious service and attention to detail.
September 28, 2022
Emirates Airlines flies to 185 destinations in 85 countries, with most of its operations conducted from its central hub, the Dubai International Airport. It began non-stop routes between Dubai and New York in June 2004 and has since dramatically expanded its U.S. presence, with 96 weekly flights between the United States and Dubai. Other popular destinations in America include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago. Emirates' fleet consists of 269 aircraft, which make over 400 journeys each day.
Emirates frequent flyer program is called Emirates Skywards. Once signed up, two different types of points are up for grabs. The first of these is Skywards miles, and the easiest way to earn them is either by booking airfare with Emirates or their partner airlines or using certain branded credit cards (Emirates has their own cards, but other providers will allow you to rack up points too). When flying, the number of Skyward miles earned is determined by several factors, including flight price, route taken, and elite member status – something we will get to shortly.
When passengers have enough points, they can be redeemed in various ways. While many options exist - such as hotel stays and holiday experiences - the best value for money is purchasing flights or buying cabin upgrades on existing tickets.
The second type of miles is tier miles, which can only be accumulated by flying with Emirates or FlyDubai. Rather than being redeemed, these are used to determine a passenger's elite status, with higher tiers bringing better perks and benefits.
Emirates Skywards Silver - 25,000 tier miles or 25 flights
25% extra Skyward miles
Priority boarding and check-in
Emirates Skywards Gold - 50,000 tier miles or 50 flights
Same benefits as Silver
50% extra Skyward miles
Priority baggage delivery
Lounge access
Guaranteed seats on booked flights
Emirates Skywards Platinum - 150,000 tier miles
Same benefits as Gold
No expiry of Skyward miles
75% bonus Skyward miles
Extra baggage allowance
Ability to nominate someone for gold membership
Emirates has four main types of fares, with four separate booking classes available for economy.
Economy
Standard seating
Carry on + personal item
Checked-in bag
Last to board
Free food and drinks
Flight amenities kit
Special
Cheapest tickets
15kg baggage allowance
Non-refundable
Non-transferrable
Not eligible for upgrades
Points earned at 25% of miles flown
Saver
Eligible for upgrades
25kg baggage allowance
Refunds/changes available for a fee
Points earned at 35% of miles flown
Flex
Free changes
30kg baggage allowance
Refunds available for a fee
Eligible for upgrades
Points earned at 60% of miles flown
Economy Flex Plus
Free changes and refunds
35kg baggage allowance
Points earned at 100% of miles flown
Premium Economy
Larger and more comfortable seats
Carry on + personal item
Checked-in bags
Specialised dining menu
Some wine options from business class
35kg bag allowance
Business
Lie-flat seats
Carry on + personal item
Checked-in bags
40kg baggage allowance
Restaurant quality meals and drinks
Lounge access
Designer amenities kit
Chauffeur to and from the airport
First Class
Lie-flat seats in a private cabin
Carry on + personal item
Checked in bags
50kg baggage allowance
Restaurant quality meals and drinks
Virtual windows
Temperature controls and mood lights
First-class lounge access at airport
Onboard lounge and bar
Onboard shower
Chauffeur to and from the airport
Emirates has a reasonably generous baggage policy, with allowances varying between different fare classes and routes. Passengers can bring as many bags as they want on most routes as long as the maximum amount does not exceed the overall weight limit. Some individual bags also have maximum weight limits within this. On some routes, passengers are limited to one or two checked-in bags
Economy
7Kg maximum carry-on weight
Total weight allowance:
Special -15kg
Saver - 25kg
Flex - 30kg
Economy Flex Plus - 35kg
Premium Economy
10kg maximum carry-on weight
40kg maximum baggage allowance
Business Class
7kg carry-on + 7kg briefcase or garment bag
40kg maximum baggage allowance
First Class
7kg carry-on + 7kg personal item maximum weight
50kg maximum baggage allowance
Additional baggage charges are listed below:
Buying additional weight at the airport: $15-$40 per kilo, depending on the route
Extra baggage charges: $100-$300 per item, depending on the route
Overweight bags: $75-$275 per item, depending on the route
Oversized bags: $75-$325 per item, depending on the route
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