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Yes, that’s a plane and not an NYC club.
The Emirates first class suite is flat out one of the most over-the-top seats in the sky. Lined with gold leaf, a vanity mirror, and even an automated minibar, the seat literally screams money. Coupled with the world’s first flying spa, where you can shower at 40,000 feet, taking a flight in first class on Emirates is an unforgettable experience.
The retail cost for a flight from New York to Dubai is over $20,000 one way.
Are you not rich as an Arab sheikh? Fortunately, there is a way to fly the first class suites without breaking the bank. It turns out Emirates has a few airline partners, one of which is Alaska airlines. Besides being able to take connecting flights, you can actually use Alaska miles to redeem a first class ticket on Emirates.I decided to use 100,000 Alaska miles and around $150 for a one way Emirates first class ticket between the US and Singapore.
Now you may think I am a road warrior who flies Alaska Airlines every week. The truth is I earned 100,000 miles without flying a single mile on Alaska Airlines. If you’re an American citizen or permanent resident the process is quite simple.
Most airlines have bank partners. American Airlines is partnered with CitiBank while United is partnered with Chase. Alaska Airlines happens to be partners with Bank of America& Starwood Rewards.
There are four cards that earn miles that can be used on Alaska Airlines.Starwood Rewards currently has two credit cards, the Starwood Preferred American Express Card and the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card, both of which offer 25,000 miles upon meeting minimum spend, which can be converted to Alaska miles.
The Starwood Preferred American Express Card is one of the best credit cards out there for regular,day to day spending. The minimum spend is a bit high though, so make sure you have enough spending planned.
If you don’t have any major purchases planned in the next couple of months, there is an alternative option to earn Alaska Miles easily and effectively.
Bank of America currently offers two Alaska Airlines credit cards: the Alaska Airlines Signature Card and the Alaska Airlines Small Business Signature Card. Each offer 25,000 miles upon sign up and making your first purchase.
If you sign up for both credit cards simultaneously you will have earned 50,000 miles. Each card does come with an initial $75 fee, but if you spend $1000 within 3 months, you’ll get a $100 statement credit, which means you’ll be earning $50.
The best thing about of Bank of America is that they allow you to earn the bonus offer multiple times! The only catch is that you must wait 91 days to apply for each card. This process is known as churning.
You will need to apply for a personal and business card, complete the minimum spend, and apply again in 91 days. In a couple of months, you can have 100,000 miles for little or no cost – enough for a one way first class ticket on Emirates!
Earning miles through multiple credit card sign ups
Once you have enough miles, you can search and book your first class flight with Emirates.
BOOKING THE FLIGHTAfter you find award space, book the flight!
So that’s the general summary of how to book Emirates First Class tickets for dirt cheap. If you’re completely new to miles most of this stuff probably sounds confusing.
To learn more about miles, and to see a more detailed step-by-step guide on obtaining and redeeming Alaska miles for Emirates First Class tickets, create a free account here.