EMIRATES: Blocks First Class points bookings for entry level Skywards members

I recently reviewed Emirates First Class on the A380. My flight was only a little over three hours, running between Christchurch, New Zealand, and Sydney. I paid for my flight, but I did consider redeeming 64,500 Qantas points for it. It looks like that option might be threatened.

Emirates First Class point redemption restrictions

The Middle East airline has just restricted bookings of its First Class cabins at their lowest classic rates to Emirates Skywards Frequent Flyer program members. It has disqualified entry-level Skywards Blue members from booking First Class seats using points:

“Effective 12th May 2025 classic rewards in First Class will be a Tier benefit available only to Platinum, Gold and Silver tier members.”

Emirates Website

It was feared that this would also apply to partner airlines, such as members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer scheme, who would be prevented from redeeming points for First Class.

Qantas has now confirmed that this is not the case. Qantas Frequent Flyers will still have access to Emirates First Class seats at classic rates. The new restrictions only apply to Skyward program members.

Phew! Frequent Flyer crisis averted!

2PAXfly Takeout

In times when frequent flyer privileges are attracting increasing restrictions and fewer seats, some cynicism about such restrictions is justified.

It looks like initial reports that Qantas frequent flyer points redemptions for Emirates First Class were also going to be affected were a little trigger-happy.

The new restrictions on Skywards members have not been broadened to Qantas loyalty members. So, the good news is that Qantas frequent flyers can still redeem their hard-earned Qantas points for Emirates First Class out of Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney on the airline’s A380 superjumbos and Boeing 777s. If you’re flying out of Melbourne to Dubai, you may even score a seat in the newest First Class cabin (EK 404/ EK 405)