(DUBAI) Emirates Skywards has opened Premium Economy flight rewards to its loyalty members, allowing travelers to redeem miles for full Classic Rewards tickets or to upgrade from Economy starting September 10, 2025. The change applies across routes where the Dubai-based carrier flies Premium Economy, now covering more than 66 cities and slated to reach 68 cities by 2026. It marks a wide expansion of redemption options for people who want extra space and better service without paying Business Class fares.
Under the new policy, members can book a full Premium Economy ticket from 15,000 Skywards Miles (one-way), or upgrade an existing Economy booking from 7,020 miles (one-way), depending on route and availability. Emirates confirmed members can use the website, mobile app, or travel agents to complete these redemptions. The move follows a multi-year aircraft upgrade plan and steady demand from leisure and family travelers who want more comfort on long flights.
The decision also lands at a time when airlines face growing competition for loyalty. Emirates has spent heavily to retrofit aircraft, expand Premium Economy on select Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 jets, and refresh cabin interiors. Management ties the Premium Economy rewards release to a broader customer plan, saying the company aims to make the middle cabin easier to book with miles while keeping Business and First Class upgrades available for those who want them.
What’s new for Skywards members
Emirates says members can now choose between Classic Rewards in Premium Economy or Upgrade Rewards when seats are available, using miles earned from flights, partner spending, and cobranded credit cards.
- The airline recently ran a promotion offering up to 70,000 bonus miles for new cardholders from September 10 to November 4, 2025.
- According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the timing of Premium Economy rewards plus bonus-mile offers is likely to drive strong member interest through the winter travel season.
Onboard features and service highlights include:
- Wider cream leather seats with deeper recline, cushioned leg rest, and a six-way adjustable headrest
- Large pillows and soft blankets made with recycled materials
- Spacious woodgrain tables and amenity kits on longer flights
- Dedicated check-in counters and early boarding
- Restaurant-style dining with meals served on china plates, plus complimentary drinks (including wine and cocktails)
- A wide entertainment library with high-resolution screens
Routes with Premium Economy continue to grow. Recent and upcoming additions:
- September 2025: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Madrid, Nice
- October 2025: Milan, Perth, Oslo
More aircraft are being fitted with the product as the airline completes a broad interior refresh. Members should look for the Premium Economy tag when searching flights, since not all aircraft on a route will feature the cabin every day.
For many mid-tier travelers, Premium Economy provides a “middle ground” where miles stretch farther than Business Class but offer a clear comfort upgrade over standard Economy.
Emirates reported more than half a million reward tickets issued in summer 2025 alone, and the extra cabin is expected to further lift redemption activity.
Practical effects for travelers
The new reward path matters for several groups:
- Families visiting relatives across continents can book Premium Economy with miles and arrive less tired.
- Budget-conscious workers on long routes (e.g., South Asia–Europe, Africa–US, Australia–Europe via Dubai) gain more comfort without Business Class prices.
- Students returning home can use smaller mileage balances for last-minute upgrades if seats open.
Members can upgrade at different stages:
- Redeem miles online in advance for an Upgrade Reward if Premium Economy seats show as available.
- Ask at the airport check-in desk for a same-day upgrade if seats remain.
- Use the website or app to complete Classic Reward redemptions for full Premium Economy tickets.
This flexibility helps travelers who must wait on visa approvals or last-minute work decisions. However, upgrades are always subject to availability.
Entry and visa reminders
Travelers should check entry rules before booking. While miles can cover flights, standard border and visa requirements still apply.
- For official guidance on entry visas and visit permits to the United Arab Emirates, consult the UAE government’s visa portal at the UAE Government “Visa and Entry” page.
- Rules vary by nationality and trip purpose — confirm documents before booking nonrefundable add-ons like tours or hotels.
Other Skywards uses and account notes
Emirates Skywards miles remain usable for:
- Business and First Class upgrades
- Hotel stays
- Select live events
Important program detail:
- Miles earned via the Emirates Mastercard do not expire as long as the account stays open and in good standing.
Travelers should always review current program rules on the Emirates site for terms and route-specific exceptions.
How to book Premium Economy with miles
- Log in to your Emirates Skywards account on the Emirates website or the app.
- Search your route and verify if Premium Economy is offered on your flight number and date.
- For full redemptions, choose “Classic Rewards” and select Premium Economy.
- For upgrades, select “Upgrade Rewards” on an existing Economy booking.
- Confirm mileage price and taxes/fees, then complete the booking.
- Alternatively, request an upgrade at the check-in desk on travel day if seats are available.
Tips for first-time users:
- Check multiple dates — Premium Economy capacity varies by aircraft and day of week.
- If your trip connects in Dubai, verify both legs; some flights may not feature Premium Economy daily.
- If you’re short on miles, review partner earning or limited-time promotions to bridge the gap before travel.
Value and availability considerations
From a cost perspective:
- A full Classic Reward from 15,000 miles (one-way) can be compelling when cash fares spike.
- An upgrade starting at 7,020 miles (one-way) can be good value for long overnight sectors.
Always compare mileage prices for Premium Economy versus Business Class, since rates and availability shift.
Current constraints:
- Emirates is still rolling Premium Economy across its fleet; not all aircraft on a given route will feature the cabin every day.
- Popular corridors (e.g., Europe–Dubai–Australia, Dubai–Southern Africa) may sell out well in advance during school breaks.
- Availability remains the primary limiter; airport upgrades are never guaranteed.
Industry observers expect periodic adjustments to mileage charts as more planes get the new cabin. The planned growth to 68 cities by 2026 signals continued investment, and Emirates may fine-tune miles pricing or release patterns to balance demand.
When to call for help
Redemption policy is straightforward for most members, but some situations benefit from direct assistance:
- Families trying to seat everyone in the same row
- Travelers with special meals or assistance needs
- Complex itineraries during peak traffic
In these cases, contacting Emirates or working with a travel agent is advisable. For program rules, FAQs, and updates, members are directed to the Skywards section of the Emirates website.
For many travelers — a parent flying Dubai to Perth, a couple visiting family in Johannesburg, or a student returning to Oslo — Premium Economy rewards make miles translate into tangible comfort: easier sleep, less back strain, and arriving more ready to meet the people waiting at arrivals.
This Article in a Nutshell
Emirates Skywards has enabled Premium Economy redemptions beginning September 10, 2025, allowing members to redeem Classic Reward tickets from 15,000 Skywards Miles one-way or upgrade from Economy starting at 7,020 miles. The rollout covers more than 66 cities today and is expected to reach 68 by 2026 as the carrier retrofits A380s and 777s. Premium Economy offers wider leather seats, cushioned leg rests, larger screens, restaurant-style dining, amenity kits, dedicated check-in and early boarding. Bookings and upgrades are available via the Emirates website, app, or travel agents; availability depends on aircraft and date. A recent promotion offered up to 70,000 bonus miles for new cardholders, likely increasing interest through the winter season. Travelers should verify cabin availability on both legs of connecting itineraries and remember visa requirements still apply. Miles from Emirates Mastercard accounts do not expire if the account remains open. The move aims to provide a middle ground for travelers seeking comfort without Business Class prices while preserving premium upgrade options.
