Emirates brings A380 back from Milan to NYC, how to book an award ticket with Skywards points
In a few days the wait will be over, on February 1 the giant of the skies will fly again from Milan Malpensa to [...]
Emirates
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In a few days the wait will be over, the Feb. 1, the giant of the skies will return to fly from Milan Malpensa to New York. Emirates, taking advantage of the retreat on the same route as ITA Airways, anticipated the return of the plane that has helped make the company one of the best in the world,
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The two products were incomparable: ITA used the old A330/200 on this route, while EK has always used theA380, except for this brief hiatus taken at the end of October 23. However, by the Italian flag carrier's own admission It was precisely this route of "fifth freedom" to weigh heavily on the decision of the farewell to Malpensa of the blue livery planes.
Now that the A380 will be flying again, EK takes back the title of best economy class and best business class between Milan and New York and, thanks to the size of the Airbus-made double decker for passengers will increase travel comfort and, probably, more affordable prices as well.
Flying for free on Emirates' A380
Through the use of Skywards points you can fly (almost) for free aboard Emirates planes, and not only that, also because we often forget that while not being part of an alliance, the Dubai-based company's loyalty program, you can use Skywards points to Flying with other airlines such as, for example, easyJet or Qantas.
Accumulating Skywards points in Italy is possible not only by flying, but also by simply By turning the points accumulated from daily spending with American Express. The transfer of points is virtually instantaneous and, once transferred for free, you can use them to request an award ticket or upgrade directly from the Emirates website.
How to search for award tickets on Emirates
While some companies complicate life by hiding on the site how to search for award tickets, Emirates is super transparent since all you have to do is go to the site and search as you would for a regular ticket, the only caution is to select the "classic reward" option found in the upper left corner of the search box before clicking "Search Flights."
However, if you forget to select this option you will just have to activate it from the appropriate button on the results page, turning on the switch that activates mileage redemption.
Redeeming an award ticket
Emirates' connection between Milan and New York JFK is one of the most sought-after by serial accumulators of points and miles, book a first class award ticket allows you to enjoy at 100% of the product that has made the Emirates chair one of the most desired in the world.
Setting the search as flexible you will have access to the calendar that allows you to cross-reference dates close to the one you are looking for to find the most cost-effective combination in terms of both points and fees and surcharges. As can be seen in the chart above the delta can be very large, both in terms of required points and fees.
Once the desired rate has been identified, simply select the date sought
Possibly it will also be possible to choose a different cabin between round trip, then simply proceed with payment by settling points and fees as if it were a traditional ticket.
Important to remember that if you opt for an award ticket you will not be entitled to private chauffeur service Both at the start and at the finish.
Upgrading with miles
Emirates allows its passengers to upgrade at all times. Immediately after booking (if the fare allows), at check-in, at the gate and even on board. Subject to availability, of course.
This strategy can be cost-effective, but several factors must be kept in check:
- There must be places available
- The fare of the purchased ticket must include the ability to upgrade immediately
- Need to have the points ready to use
- The initial cost + the cost of the upgrade should be no more than the original cost (this is not a rule, but a tip from the Poodle)
In this case it can be seen that it is possible to redeem an award ticket at 54k points and €131 fee, or pay for the same flight a Flex ticket at 345 and upgrade with 50,700 miles or Flex Plus and add 31,200 miles. While the saver fare is not eligible for immediate upgrade with miles. In both cases I do not find it convenient to upgrade, but would directly pay for the ticket entirely with points.
Same if you aim from business to a first class seat. Paid entirely with points the cost is 102k skywards plus €131 in taxes, while the required miles range from 31.2K to 50.7K against, however, a business ticket paid between €1,252 and almost €2,000.
The only difference is that if you book a cash ticket and then upgrade from business to first class you will be entitled to chauffeur both on departure and arrival.
In conclusion
Obviously these rules apply to all award tickets redeemed with Emirates, but I chose to highlight the rules on the Milan/New York flight because it is definitely the most popular for Italian travelers.
