Using Qantas Points to book Emirates premium economy

Frequent flyers will soon be able to use their Qantas Points to book Emirates premium economy seats.

However, the number of points needed for those ‘reward’ seats will be surprisingly close to business class – so close, in fact, that those lie-flat beds will seem a the smarter choice.

As first reported in the Financial Review earlier this week, Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said the move “will unlock more international premium seats with points.”

Qantas has confirmed to Executive Traveller that Qantas Points-based Emirates premium economy bookings are on the way.

You'll soon be able to book Emirates premium economy with Qantas Points.

However, while an announcement may be imminent, we’re not expecting to see Qantas Points redemptions for Emirates premium economy go live until March 31 or later.

That’s because March 31 is when Qantas’ more expensive redemption rates for Emirates flights goes into effect.

Read more: Massive changes hit Qantas Emirates reward rates

Qantas Points rates for Emirates premium economy

So how many Qantas Points will you need to snare one of Emirates’ highly-regarded premium economy seats?

According to Qantas’ Classic Flight Rewards chart, an Emirates premium economy seat from Australia to Dubai will cost you 128,700 Qantas Points.

Emirates premium economy from Australia to Dubai will cost you 128,700 Qantas Points.

By comparison, Emirates business class will cost 143,000 Qantas Points.

Emirates business class from Australia to Dubai will cost you 143,000 Qantas Points.

That’s a mere 14,300 extra points for an experience that’s far more comfortable – with a fully lie-flat bed, to start – more private, has markedly better inflight dining (not to mention that cocktail bar on the Emirates A380), and includes business class lounge access.

The only catch is that based on current rates for booking premium economy with Emirates Skywards miles, a points-based Sydney-Dubai premium economy booking will attract around $350 in fees and surcharges, whereas the business class surcharge is a staggering $1,253.

Likewise, from Dubai to pretty much anywhere in Europe, an Emirates premium economy seat will cost 66,100 Qantas Points, while that business class bed is yours for 73,400 Qantas Points.

Visiting Emirates' A380 bar is a must-do part of your superjumbo experience.

Also read: Emirates reveals 777X business class suites

The Emirates premium economy experience

All Emirates flights to Australia will offer premium economy as of March 29, when Brisbane’s EK430/EK431 is upgraded to a four-class Boeing 777.

Emirates premium economy has its own cabin.

There are 56 premium economy seats on the Airbus A380 superjumbo, 24 on the Boeing 777 and 28 on the newer Airbus A350 flying to Adelaide.

Emirates premium economy is widely regarded as the world's best.

And it’s widely regarded as the world’s best premium economy: the cream-coloured leather seats are 19.5 inches wide, with a 40-inch pitch and 8 inches of recline, paired with a padded legrest and 6-way adjustable headrest.

The deep recline and wide padded legrest make for a very comfortable ride.

The 13.3-inch video screen is packed with content including live TV for news and sports (channels include BBC World News, CNN, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra), and there’s free Wi-Fi messaging for all members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty program.

You can't possibly get bored with Emirates' inflight entertainment system.

Meals and drinks are markedly upgraded from economy, as is the carry-on and checked baggage allowance.

Emirates premium economy meals are closer to a business class experience.

Passengers also enjoy the privacy of a separate premium economy cabin, which on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 this includes dedicated washrooms.

Also read: Qantas Double Status Credits promo for late February?