Emirates has revised its Skywards Miles policy, now excluding children aged eight years and below from redeeming First Class Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards. The new policy affects passengers seeking to use Miles for First Class upgrades for young travellers.
Under Classic Rewards, Emirates Skywards members can redeem Miles to book flights to any Emirates or flydubai destination in any class. Rewards start from 5,000 Miles, and travellers have the option to pay the full ticket price using Miles, excluding taxes. They can also choose between Saver or Flex Plus fare options.
Reward Upgrades allow passengers to use Skywards Miles to move to a higher class. Upgrades start from 7,020 Miles and can even be applied at the last minute through instant upgrades at check‑in or onboard. Travellers must log in to their Emirates Skywards account to access exclusive upgrade offers.
The new restriction for children under eight applies only to Miles-based bookings. Parents still have the option to purchase First Class tickets for their children using cash or cards, ensuring young passengers can still enjoy the premium experience.
Emirates Skywards is one of the world’s largest airline loyalty programmes, with more than 35 million members. The programme continues to grow rapidly, enrolling seven new members every minute. On average, one passenger receives an upgrade every minute, while 100,000 transactions earning Miles occur daily.
The airline’s decision comes amid its status as the world’s largest international passenger carrier. Emirates carried 53.7 million passengers in the 2024-25 period, a 3 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Seat capacity also grew by 4 per cent during the same period, reflecting the airline’s expanding operations.
Industry analysts suggest that this move is part of Emirates’ effort to streamline Miles redemption for premium cabins while maintaining accessibility for adult passengers. Parents are encouraged to review the policy before planning family travel to ensure clarity on options for young children.
Emirates’ Skywards Miles programme continues to offer substantial benefits for adult travellers, including flight upgrades, access to premium cabins, and flexible ticket options. The updated policy highlights the airline’s commitment to rewarding frequent flyers while balancing operational considerations.
Travel experts recommend that families plan their Miles redemption carefully, especially when travelling with children under eight, to avoid disappointment at booking or check-in. Despite the restrictions, Emirates remains a preferred choice for international travellers seeking premium services and extensive global connectivity.
With this update, Emirates reinforces its position as a leader in customer loyalty programmes while ensuring clear guidelines for reward eligibility across different age groups.