Qantas has announced some significant changes when using Qantas Points to book Emirates reward seats. There are three parts to this rolling out over the next few months:
- 21 January 2026 – passengers will need to be at least 9 years old
- 18 February 2026 – you will need to hold at least Silver status to book Emirates First rewards seats
- 31 March 2026 – you will need more points to snag a rewards seat, particularly in First class
Emirates Redemption Changes
More Points Needed
While the first two changes matter, the increase in the number of Qantas Points needed to book an Emirates reward seat will affect all members. Qantas will implement these increases from 31 March 2026.
This change is coming about by moving Emirates onto its own rewards table. At present, Qantas and some other partners such as Emirates share a Rewards table. However, from 31 March 2026, that will change with a new Emirates specific table coming into being.
While the changes will see priced rise across the board, the largest increases are for the premium cabins, particularly for those wanting to fly in First class.
Using the example Qantas gives on its website “A one-way Classic Flight Reward in Emirates Business from Sydney to Dubai will increase from 130,100 points to 143,000 points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges)”. Try that same exercise in First, and the price goes from 195,400 to 234,500 points.
Emirates Specific Table
One change worth noting is that, rather than moving back to the partner table, Emirates is moving onto its own chart for redemptions. In comparison to other partners, the chart indicates that
- Emirates Economy will be cheaper than most other partners,
- Business Class will be the same price.
- Premium Economy and First will require more points than other partner airlines.
Points Requirements Changes
While there is some variation within a specific class, the following is a general guide to how the changes affect each class.
- Economy: Increases around 10%
- Premium Economy: Increases around 30%
- Business: Increases around 10%
- First: Increases around 20%
While, on paper, Premium Economy has the largest increase, it’s a bit academic. Emirates tends not to release Premium Economy seats to Qantas Frequent Flyers.
Other Changes to First Class Redemptions
Qantas are also rolling out additional restrictions when redeeming for Emirates First Class Rewards. Qantas says that these changes will not impact existing bookings. However, there is a caveat around that if you try to change a booking after the changes come into force. Any changes will be subject to the new rules.
Age Limit (9 years) – 21 January 2026
The first change is that passengers will need to be at least 9 years old to redeem a First-Class reward seat on Emirates. This change has rolled out with immediate effect.
Must Hold Elite Status – 18 February 2026
The second change is that you will need to hold at least Silver status to book Emirates First reward seats. This effectively Bronze members out of being able to redeem for an Emirates First reward.
This change wasn’t unexpected. Emirates rolled out a similar change to its own Skywards members last year.
Final Words
The eligibility changes were always likely to come after Emirates made similar changes in the Skywards program last year. At the time, the changes to restrict eligibility did not extend to partner airlines, but it is now rolling out.
While there is a downside for some members wanting a First Class Award. Bronze members and those wanting to travel with a small child, will be locked out of awards. However, this may reduce competition for the seats, although, even then, they will be more expensive
