Emirates Skywards
Convert Skywards miles into cash or other rewards.
How It Works
Submit Your Request
Fill out the form with your miles details and get an instant quote.
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Get a competitive offer based on current market rates.
Complete Transaction
Accept the offer and receive payment through your preferred method.
About Emirates Skywards miles
Emirates Skywards miles book Emirates' well-known first and business class cabins and transfer from Amex, Capital One, Citi and Bilt, mostly at less than 1:1. Emirates is not in an alliance, so redemptions are mostly limited to Emirates and flydubai, which leaves many members with more miles than flights to use them on.
- Alliance
- Not in an alliance
- Based in
- United Arab Emirates
- Transfer partners
- American Express Membership Rewards (5:4), Capital One miles (4:3), Citi ThankYou Points (1:0.8), Bilt Rewards (1:1), Marriott Bonvoy (3:1) See the full matrix
- Expiry
- Skywards miles expire three years after they are earned, at the end of the member's birth month. From June 1, 2027 they expire three years after the month of the last activity. Platinum members are exempt, and a 12-month extension can be bought. Source
Not sure whether to sell? See what Emirates Skywards miles are worth, read how much airline miles are worth or convert your Emirates Skywards miles to another program.
The Emirates Skywards program explained
Emirates Skywards is the loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, based in Dubai. Emirates is not a member of any alliance, but Skywards miles can be redeemed on partners including Qantas, Japan Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Korean Air, South African Airways and TAP, as well as on Emirates' own network of more than 130 destinations.
For US members the program is easy to fund: American Express Membership Rewards (5:4), Capital One (4:3), Citi ThankYou Points (1:0.8), Bilt (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy all transfer in, and Barclays issues Skywards co-branded cards. The main draw is Emirates first and business class, but surcharges and high award prices mean many members end up with more miles than redemptions.
Written and reviewed by the Points Plug team. Last reviewed .
How members earn Emirates Skywards miles
- Flying Emirates, flydubai and partner airlines, with miles earned by fare class and route.
- Transfers from Bilt at 1:1, American Express Membership Rewards at 5:4, Capital One at 4:3, Citi ThankYou Points at 1:0.8 and Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1.
- The Emirates Skywards Barclays cards in the US and co-branded cards in the UAE, UK and elsewhere.
- Partner hotels, car rentals, Emirates Holidays, and the Skywards Everyday app in the UAE.
Best ways to use Emirates Skywards miles
- Emirates business class on shorter international sectors, such as the US to Europe fifth-freedom routes (New York to Milan, Newark to Athens) where surcharges are lower.
- Emirates first class between the US and Dubai and beyond, with the A380 shower spa and onboard lounge.
- Partner awards on Japan Airlines and Qantas, which can be booked without Emirates' higher surcharges.
- Upgrades from paid economy or business tickets, which are often better value than outright awards.
What to watch out for
- Emirates adds significant carrier-imposed surcharges to awards on its own flights, often several hundred dollars in premium cabins from the US.
- Miles expire three years after they are earned, at the end of the member's birth month, unless you hold Platinum status; a paid 12-month extension is available. From June 1, 2027 expiry moves to three years from the last activity month, which shortens the life of some miles.
- Saver award availability in first and business class is limited, Flex awards cost far more, and most bank transfers arrive at less than 1:1.
Elite status tiers
- 1Blue
- 2Silver
- 3Gold
- 4Platinum
Status is earned through Tier Miles from flights on Emirates and flydubai: 25,000 for Silver, 50,000 for Gold and 150,000 for Platinum. Platinum members' miles do not expire, and Gold and Platinum unlock lounge access and guaranteed seats.
Should you sell your Emirates Skywards miles?
Keep your miles if you have a specific Emirates premium-cabin trip in mind and can absorb the surcharges, or if you hold status that stretches the expiry.
Consider selling if your miles are approaching their three-year expiry, if the award prices plus surcharges make the flights you want poor value, or if the balance is idle. Skywards miles can be rebuilt quickly from bank transfers, so a large balance sitting still carries little upside.
Sources
- Emirates Skywards FAQ · official page
- Emirates Skywards program updates · official page
Program rules, award prices and expiry policies change often. Check the program's own terms before relying on any detail here, and see how we research and review this content.
Emirates Skywards FAQ
- How do I sell Emirates Skywards miles?
- Enter your Emirates Skywards balance in the quote form on this page for an instant cash offer. Accept the offer and we handle the rest, with payment sent through your preferred method.
- What is the minimum number of Emirates Skywards miles I can sell?
- We buy Emirates Skywards miles from 50,000 miles. Balances of 200,000 and 500,000 miles or more earn higher per-mile rates.
- How much are Emirates Skywards miles worth in cash?
- Your offer depends on your balance size, and the quote form shows the exact price per mile before you commit. Quotes are free and carry no obligation.
- How long does it take to get paid for Emirates Skywards miles?
- Most Emirates Skywards transactions complete within 24-48 hours of accepting an offer.
- Do Emirates Skywards miles expire?
- Yes. Skywards miles are valid for three years and are removed at the end of the member's birth month, unless the member holds Platinum status. A 12-month extension can be bought, and from June 1, 2027 the rule changes to three years from the month of the last activity.
- Are Emirates award flights expensive?
- Emirates award prices are higher than many competitors and carry sizeable carrier surcharges on its own flights. Shorter routes and partner awards on Japan Airlines or Qantas tend to offer better value per mile.
