Emirates is the Dubai-based long-haul airline, flying a fleet of mainly Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s through its Dubai hub to destinations on every inhabited continent. It is known for a strong economy product and a premium cabin that many travellers treat as the trip highlight.
An Emirates booking goes well when you pick the right cabin and fare brand for your needs, understand the baggage allowance and make use of the connection in Dubai.
Emirates cabins: economy to First
Economy on Emirates is well regarded for long-haul, with a large entertainment system and meals included. On an A380 the upper deck is premium only, so economy is on the main deck.
Premium Economy is the newest Emirates cabin, with wider seats and more recline. It is only on some aircraft and routes, so check whether your flight has it.
Business Class offers lie-flat seats on most long-haul Emirates aircraft, plus lounge access. On A380s the business cabin has an onboard lounge.
First Class is the private suite. Emirates First on some 777s has fully enclosed suites. It is expensive, but award redemptions can make it reachable.
Check the aircraft type for your Emirates flight. A 777 and an A380 on the same route can have very different business seats.
Reading Emirates fare brands
Within each cabin, Emirates sells several fare brands. In economy these have included names such as Special, Saver, Flex and Flex Plus.
The cheaper brands usually carry change and cancellation fees, earn fewer Skywards miles and may not include seat selection. The pricier brands allow changes more freely and earn more.
Look at the full fare rules on the Emirates booking page. The difference in price between two brands can be small next to the cost of one change.
If your plans are firm, the cheapest Emirates brand is fine. If they may shift, a Flex fare often pays for itself.
Emirates baggage allowance
Emirates uses two systems. On many routes allowance is by weight, with a total number of kilograms per person. On flights to and from the Americas it has typically been by piece, with a number of bags each under a weight limit.
The allowance depends on the cabin and fare brand. Your Emirates booking confirmation states it. Check it before packing, since excess charges are high.
Skywards elite members and some fare brands get extra allowance.
Skywards: earning and spending Emirates miles
Skywards is the Emirates loyalty programme, with Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers. Join before your first flight; it is free.
Miles earned depend on distance, cabin and fare brand. A cheap economy fare may earn relatively little on Emirates, while a Flex Plus or business fare earns much more.
Skywards miles can pay for flights, upgrades and partner rewards. Upgrades from business to First are one of the better-value uses. Emirates also offers Cash+Miles on some fares.
Check the carrier-imposed charges on an Emirates award booking. They can be significant, and they reduce the value of your miles.
The Dubai connection
Most Emirates journeys connect in Dubai. The Emirates terminal is large, so leave enough connection time, especially if you need to change concourse.
A long layover can be turned into a Dubai stopover. Emirates has offered hotel packages and, on some itineraries, a Dubai Connect service with a hotel stay for long connections. Check what your ticket qualifies for.
Check visa rules for your nationality if you plan to leave the airport in Dubai.
Seats and meals on Emirates
Seat selection on Emirates depends on the fare brand and your Skywards tier. The cheaper economy brands have often charged for choosing a seat in advance, with free selection opening at online check-in.
Exit-row and bulkhead seats offer more legroom and often cost extra. Bulkhead seats have fixed armrests and are where bassinets go, so they suit parents with infants more than solo travellers.
Check the Emirates seat map when booking and again at check-in, as an aircraft swap can change the layout.
Special meals, such as vegetarian, religious or medical diets, are requested in advance through Manage Booking. Emirates sets a deadline before departure; check it for your flight.
Where the Emirates savings are
Emirates promo codes are often tied to specific markets, departure cities or fare brands. The $100 code is the cleanest saving on an economy return, while the up-to-20% code can beat it on a higher fare. At 20%, the percentage code wins once the eligible fare is over $500.
The student code is for eligible students only, and Emirates may ask for proof of student status. It is worth checking if you qualify, since Emirates student offers have sometimes added extra baggage too.
Codes generally apply to the base fare, not taxes and surcharges. Check that the discount appears in the Emirates booking summary before paying.
Look out for Emirates seasonal sales. They can offer deeper discounts than any code.
Common questions
Is Emirates Premium Economy worth it?
On a very long flight, it often is. Check it is available on your Emirates aircraft.
Can I use a promo code with an Emirates award ticket?
Usually not. Emirates promo codes are for cash fares.
How much baggage can I take on Emirates?
It depends on route, cabin and fare brand. The allowance is on your Emirates booking.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $100 off | Promo code | View at Emirates → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Emirates → |
| Free Ticket to Dubai’s Museum of the Future | Promo code | View at Emirates → |
| 15% off | Promo code | View at Emirates → |