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