Now that 2020 is over, you’re thinking more about diving back into long-haul travel if you haven’t already. And if so, we’ve got good news for you.
We put together this special report to help you kick off 2021 in the right direction. Because hey, we all need some positivity right now. I can’t think of a better way to head into the new year than with a top-tier First Class ticket on Emirates in your hand to an exotic locale across the world.
How much do I love the opportunities we’re seeing? Let’s run through the 9 First Class reasons why I’m excited for travel in 2021 — all available through the airline’s points-to-miles transfers with Amex or Chase points.
1. Dubai Is now Open for Travel
Dubai has announced it is open to tourists and Americans (among many other nations) who only have to present a valid negative COVID‑19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departure. Remember, Emirates also has a vast route network beyond Dubai for those that have been there and done that.
2. The opulent B777 experience Has Arrived in the U.S.
As we’ve reported previously, Emirates came out with an amazing new B777 First Class seat back in December 2017. It’s a top-shelf experience and debatably the best in its class.
Until now, the problem was that their best First Class offering was only available on European routes. But now the door has opened to the U.S. We’re currently seeing it on the New York-Dubai route until March 27, 2021. There’s only limited award availability for this flight, and availability changes by the minute, from okay to nothing, back to okay. So be sure and check often if you don’t snag it the first time around. While it costs 217,500 Emirates miles, remember you can get them by using your Amex or Chase points. Otherwise, the published fare can easily run $23,013+.
3. The Opulent B777 Experience Outside the U.S.
In addition to the seats being the epitome of plush, there are ways to experience this seat outside the U.S. Here are some of the routes we found with discount miles award availability abroad:
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4. Award Travel to Dubai from the Midwest & East Coast
Here are some of the routes you can fly the airline’s normal (still great) First Class cabin at their discount saver award rate of 217,500 Emirates miles: Boston, Chicago, and Washington, DC, to Dubai.
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5. One (Relatively) Low-Fare Transatlantic Route
Let’s say you’re not really a loyalty-program gamer, but you have the budget and want to get good value. Great. There’s one hidden North America gateway that you can save 69% or more off fares like New York-Dubai’s whopping $23,013 regular First Class fare. Which one you ask? Toronto, which comes in at $7,044, and is serviced by both B777s (though not the newest-seat ones) and A380s depending on your travel dates.
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6. The Magnificent A380
If you love flying, this is one of those must-do experiences of a lifetime. I’ve flown on the A380 — the largest passenger aircraft in the world — many times, and it’s a real treat. Even though flying isn’t always fun, it’s almost guaranteed to be interesting when you’re aboard one of these mammoth luxury birds, which come replete with showers. While many are temporarily “retired” right now, here are the routes where you can still enjoy the A380 experience:
Dubai to Amman, Cairo, Jeddah, London, Moscow, and Paris. Here are some of the routes we found with discount miles award availability:
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7. Low-Fare First Class Routes Elsewhere in the World
Perhaps you’re in another part of the world and you want an opulent flight. Well, these options would make a pretty special birthday surprise for a significant other. Here are some routes around the globe we found with disproportionately low fares for Emirates First Class:
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8. High-Fare Routes Yet Low-Mileage Morsels
Like our previous options, these are great if you’re out in the world and want to fly in the grand seats, but pay with your miles. For example, Dubai to Jeddah has a high fare of $3,672 but low mileage requirements at just 45,000 round-trip. More examples below:
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9. Emirates Partner Miles Opportunities
As of September, 2021, Emirates will no longer offer its First Class award space to it’s partner Japan Airlines. So if you want to save miles, book now on JAL –– a Marriott Points transfer partner –– as it offers the best savings, from 37,500 to 52,500 miles round-trip less than Emirates charges.
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Emirates Covid Testing Requirements
Don’t let a little extra effort slow you down. Getting a covid test, which is required for Americans entering Dubai, is worth the effort. Here’s everything you need to fly Emirates today.