Emirates opens reward bookings for premium economy

Emirates Skywards members have a new way to swap their miles for flights, with the airline opening up flight rewards and upgrades in its fast-growing premium economy cabin.

Until now, Skywards frequent flyers could only redeem their miles for economy, business or first class rewards. Premium economy – retrofitted to Emirates’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet and now also found on its new A350s – has remained off-limits.

That changes this month, with members finally able to book Classic Rewards outright in premium economy or upgrade from economy using Skywards Miles.

A one-way Classic Reward in premium economy now starts from 15,000 Miles, while an upgrade from economy can be yours from 7,020 Miles. As with other reward seat categories, pricing varies by route, season and seat availability.

Upgrades can be requested ahead of departure or at airport check-in, subject to open seats.

More spacious seats with a pitch of “up to 40 inches” compared to 32-34 inches in economy, enhanced service and a larger entertainment screen are just a few of the premium perks.

Emirates' premium economy passengers can tuck into 'business class-inspired' meals.

However, it won’t be a free for all. The ability to swap miles for premium pews is exclusive to Skywards members for the time being, with plans to extend to other airline partners – such as long running partner Qantas – down the track.

Dr Nejib Ben-Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, says the new redemption option reflects consistent feedback from frequent flyers.

“This has been in development for some time and comes following the huge success, positive feedback, and strong demand by members to utilise Miles on Premium Economy - especially on popular long-haul destinations such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York,” Ben-Khedher explains.

The move follows other recent loyalty tweaks, including revised Cash+Miles rates and the rollout of Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights starting at 5,000 Miles.

Since its introduction in 2022, premium economy has rolled out to 66 destinations globally, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide – with more to come.