Emirates has released fairly widespread first class award availability on flights to Dubai and beyond for much of 2016. While Emirates first class space isn’t as difficult to find as some other airlines, many of the flights have four seats available which is rare.
Alaska Airlines MileagePlan partners with Emirates and charges 90K each way to the Middle East and slightly more to go to Asia, Africa or Europe via Dubai. Alaska doesn’t charge fuel surcharges on these routes, making it a great deal.
For more information about dates and route availability, see this Points MD post.
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Are you certain there is not a lot of phantom award availability in there? I just recently tried to book DXB->JFK in Emirates 1st from 4 different accounts because it showed availability. After I booked the first award, all remaining availability disappeared. And we paid for and transferred some of those miles in anticipation. Also, Qantas shows none of that first class availability. Has anyone booked or otherwise confirmed 4-seat availability?
I confirmed two seat availability. I booked JFK – DXB, DXB – SEZ last Wednesday. Called to hold the seats, confirmed, and was able to get both booked on same itinerary. It’s hard to see how many are available, may be best to call Alaska, ask to hold the seats then book.