How FCF’s Emirates price hike workaround for First Class can still save you up to 67% in cash
Emirates has caught the inflation virus. Miles prices have risen by 20% right across the board in their Premium cabins.
Here are a couple of examples: the price from New York to Milan round-trip was 170,000 miles in First Class, now it’s 204,000; the price from Washington, DC, to Dubai round-trip has climbed from 272,500 miles to 327,000 miles. The charts below document the carnage for First Class and Business. Keep in mind that taxes run about $1,714 to Dubai, and around $250 to Europe.
Mileage Increase in First Class
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Mileage Increase in Business Class
Now let’s look at the Business Class increase, even though we don’t recommend their Business Class product very much, especially because of the relatively high taxes, which are about the same as First Class. I’d look elsewhere for Business Class travel unless the stars all align for some personal reason.
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But Bennett, I Still Want to Brag About Flying Emirates First Class
The first thing we looked at to uncork this First Class bottleneck was Air Canada, since they’re often a great workaround airline to avoid high prices. And as of last year, Emirates and Air Canada became partners. What could go wrong? Well, when we looked at Air Canada’s pricing changes for Emirates flights we nearly had to take a cold shower. It seems that they’re using dirty dynamic pricing, ranging from 444,000 miles round-trip to Europe, and 585,000 to 724,000 miles round-trip to Dubai.
What Kind of First Class Traveler Are You
and How Should You Look at the Price Hike?
You’re a premium traveler who’s never flown Emirates First Class:
If you haven’t done it, and you’re into premium travel experiences, I say it’s time to bite this (gold) bullet. While First Class is staging a mini comeback, there just aren’t that many First Class options in the sky right now. Emirates is simply one of the best. You could even do it just one way. And I think the mileage hike is really insignificant when you consider that these tickets can easily run $15,000 to Europe and $21,000+ to Dubai. It’s still a steal, relatively speaking, even if you missed flying when prices were lower. Stay tuned for FCF’s ongoing availability coverage of Emirates First Class Sweet Redeems here and here.
No Miles? No Problem. Save Up to 67% Off Cash Fares
The chart below shows the cost of buying the miles needed through Amex for these Emirates flights in First Class versus forking out the cash for the typical published airfare. Look at what you can save: nothing less than five figures. Hello, shower. If you pay those fares off the shelf, you’re taking a bath.
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You’re a budget First Class traveler:
Don’t pay this hike. It’s better to forget about it until the next industry crisis occurs (probably later this year if you read FCF’s Crystal Ball report for 2023) and airlines need your business again. Unlike any other industry, airlines yo-yo from not needing your business one day to desperately wanting it the next. Right now, ever since travel has resumed since Lockdown, they don’t need to beg for business. Or alternatively, just fly Emirates First Class one way for the experience.
You’re a less-flexible First Class traveler with a decent budget:
You win! Wait, what? This mileage increase is going to eliminate the large base of travelers who only get into Emirates First Class because they’re hacking credit card sign-up bonuses. The high taxes will eliminate this crowd, along with the other crowd that the 20% mileage increase will leave out. When those travelers exit the game, more availability opens up. So, if you’re less flexible with dates, your options will likely expand and the inflation could work in your favor.
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Check out FCF’s Emirates waitlist strategy for close-in travelers where the temperature is just right..[/aside]