On a recent trip to Italy, I finally had the opportunity to fly Emirates’ fifth freedom route from Milan (MXP) to New York (JFK) on their A380 aircraft. I had used Emirates miles to book business class seats, and at the airport I used additional miles to upgrade to first class (details here). In short, the flight was fantastic. This is definitely one of the best ways to fly between North America and Europe! I enjoyed the on-board shower, top-shelf drinks, excellent food, a very comfortable seat/bed, and terrific service.
How to book Emirates first class with miles
There are a few ways to book Emirates first class with miles…
- Book business class then upgrade. Emirates charges 87,000 points one-way to fly this route in business class. Then, when you arrive at the airport on the day of the flight you can upgrade to first class for 39,000 additional miles as long as there’s still a free seat first class. You can transfer points to Emirates from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Bilt Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards (but with Citi the transfer ratio is going to drop to 5 to 4 starting 7/27/25).
- Book first class if you have elite status. It’s possible to book directly into first class on this route with 102,000 Emirates miles (when award seats are available), but only if you have Emirates elite status. The easiest way to get elite status if you’re based in the U.S. and you don’t fly paid Emirates flights often is to get the Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard. That will give you Silver status for the first year and then you’ll have to spend $20,000 on the card in subsequent years to maintain that status.
- Book first class with Qantas points. With Qantas points, it’s possible to book directly into first class on this route with 107,700 Qantas points. No elite status is required. You can transfer points to Qantas from Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Capital One Miles.
Business class awards are much easier to find than first class awards, so for most people option 1, above, will be your best bet.
My Journey in Photos…
Emirates Lounge Milan MXP
Emirates offers a combined lounge for business and first class passengers. I found it to be perfectly adequate, but not exceptional. The food was fine, but not great. The killer feature of the lounge is that there are gates that take you directly to the plane right from inside the lounge.
First class suite
The first class suite is adorned with all kinds of bling. It includes an automatic door, a stocked drink selection that opens and rises at the push of a button; a pop-up vanity mirror with a tray of moisturizers and things; a lamp; a large entertainment screen; a tablet that can be used directly or to control the big screen; and a separate hand-remote for controlling the entertainment screen.
Additionally, we were given comfy pajamas and slippers; and a thick mattress pad, blanket and pillow for sleeping.
Food & Drink
The in-flight menu was a full-color magazine. Select pages are shown below. Personally, I started the flight with a delightful glass (or maybe two) of Dom Pérignon. While sipping the champagne I thoroughly enjoyed caviar service. Next I had the traditional Arabic Mezze (the Fattoush salad was the best I’ve ever had, but the rest was mediocre). Then I very much enjoyed the lamb cutlet for my main course, along with a glass of Château Mouton Rothschild 2004. I finished with the out-of-this-world-delicious rhubarb and strawberry charlotte dessert, while sipping Hennessy Paradis Cognac.
Shower Spa
One of the coolest features of first class on Emirates’ A380 aircraft is that you can shower in the sky. Even if you don’t want to shower, the ability to change into pajamas and back into your clothes in a huge, beautiful, and clean room was a treat.
Each of the two on-board shower suites looked like this:
Videos
Here are some Instagram reels of my experience…
Emirates Lounge experience
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First class suite and Dom Pérignon
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Emirates first class shower spa
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Anniversary surprise
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Bare with me as I vent a bit. How long must we endure these “reviews” of EK FC? Reviewers hosting a glass of champagne or stretched out? I am reasonably sure that anyone reading this one has either flown EK or read any number of prior reviews. Disclaimer I too have flown EK FC six times long haul.
That’s funny, you gave me a chuckle.
If you don’t want to read any more EK First Class reviews, what made you click on this one? There’s no volume discounts at Frequent Miler, after all.
Nope did not open it, sorry Tim it’s that old “been there done that” ( a number of times both paid and points?
You probably made up the value of the points you used to upgrade on the wine and cognac that you drank. And kudos for choosing the Mouton Rothschild to go with the lamb (you would, of course, have chosen the Poisson Rothschild or the Poulet Rothschild if you had ordered the fish or the chicken).
^ this guy wines
An anniversary flight completely separated from your spouse? Some love the idea…mine wouldn’t have it! It would be side by side Business for us.
Amazing you were able to upgrade on your anniversary trip! My husband and I were staying at GHV last week and saw you a couple times. Didn’t want to disturb your peace so didn’t say hi but was curious if you felt the service has slipped like we did. It was our third visit and our least favorite. In fact the concierge was downright rude! Very surprised.
You should say hi next time! Sorry you had that experience with the concierge. The one I spoke with (multiple times) was great.
Great review Greg. I’ve taken this business class route a couple times but didn’t splurge. Hope it doesn’t get too expensive with of the bank “renegotiations”. Do you predict a points transfer devaluation?
Cit has already announced that they’re reducing the transfer ratio to Emirates, but no I don’t expect others to follow
Thank you for all you do
I wonder which airline will be the first to offer a premium bourbon other than the standard Woodford or Buffalo Trace. The Buccella wine is excellent. Have been to their location in Napa.
Emirates FC looks gaudy compared to the other more refined products like LH AF SQ Etihad ANA and JAL. Just my view but not a product I have a desire to fly.
I took this route in reverse, JFK-MXP, booking directly into First Class without status on April 19th. I was lucky to get this when I did as I don’t have status with Emirates (they ended direct FC booking without status in May).
It was the best flight I have ever been on.
They have gates in the JFK lounge but, unfortunately, they don’t currently have direct boarding from the lounge.
how many pictures of bloggers in fc with a champagne glass must we endure?
Petty, small-minded comment. It’s not about their aggrandizement. It’s about showing us it can be done and showing us how to do it.
Neither of those things is in doubt.
So why do these insist on posting selfies on EVERY post including non trip reports?
It may be a bit trite but it’s not nearly as snooty as some other bloggers. Snooty really isn’t Greg’s style. Would you prefer no pictures?
What? You don’t click this blog to see narcissistic selfies instead of the products being reviewed?
The EK award inventory gods have never looked with favor upon my travel calendar on that route.