EMIRATES: Qantas confirms ability to redeem points for First Class Award bookings

Emirates is changing its policies by excluding some airline partners from redeeming points for Emirates First Class suites from 1 April 2021. We know Alaska Airlines is one of the partners excluded, but more important to Australian frequent flyers is what about Qantas?

The answer as reported by ET is confirmation from Qantas that their frequent flyer scheme is not excluded, and members will still be able to redeem points for First Class awards on Emirates post-March 2021.

Now of course a double confirmation – one from Emirates as well as Qantas would provide frequent flyers with more confidence, but apparently, Emirates is being a little reluctant to confirm either way.

Emirates offers First Class Suites on its A380’s which are mostly grounded at the moment, on some of its 777-300ER and on its new batch of 777-9’s scheduled for operation in 2022. Otherwise it will be the old mainly enclosed version for you!

Lets hope Qantas’s confirmation is correct, and that their long term relationship with Emirates dating back to 2013 is sustained.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

I am yet to travel in Emirates First Class suites – either new or old – so I hope that redemptions will continue for Qantas frequent flyer members well beyond 2021. ( I have travelled in Emirates Business though).