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Emirates strikes again. The airline that seemingly can't stay out of the headlines has made it even more difficult to book an award redemption through Qantas Frequent Flyer. If you want to book a first class award redemption, you'll face new restrictions and a notable devaluation. However, you still have some time to book an award before the new rates take effect.
Here's what you need to know.
Qantas to Restrict Emirates First Class Award Redemptions
In May 2025, Emirates restricted first class award redemptions to those with Skywards elite status. Later, it restricted children from flying in Emirates First Class on award tickets. It was only a matter of time until this restriction made its way to partner airlines.
Effective immediately, all passengers booking a first class award through Qantas Frequent Flyer will need to be at least 9 years old. And effective February 18, 2026, you will only be able to book an Emirates first class award if you hold Qantas Frequent Flyer elite status.
Here's what Qantas said on its partner airlines page:
“Emirates has announced important changes to the eligibility criteria for booking Classic Flight Rewards in First:
- Minimum Age: As of 21 January 2026, all passengers must be at least 9 years old.
- Frequent Flyer Status: As of 18 February 2026, only Qantas Frequent Flyers who hold Silver status or higher will be eligible to book Emirates First reward seats.
Existing bookings will not be impacted, however any changes made after the effective dates will be subject to the new restrictions.”
Keep in mind that these restrictions are only on award redemptions. You can still book a first class flight using cash regardless of age or elite status.
Related: The Best Ways to Use Points and Miles for Emirates First Class
Qantas to Devalue Emirates Award Redemptions
In addition to restricting first class awards with minimum age requirements and Frequent Flyer elite status, Qantas is devaluing Emirates redemptions across the board:
“The number of points required to book an Emirates Classic Flight Reward will increase from 31 March 2026. Emirates Economy reward seats will continue to require fewer points than partner airlines, while Business reward seats will be adjusted to more closely match other partners based on distance and route.
For example, 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).”
Here's what this will look like. The updated award chart for Emirates flights booked through Qantas on or after March 31, 2026, is as follows:
For instance, if you wanted to book a business class redemption in Zone 8, you'd pay roughly 10% more at the end of March than you would today. However, this might not be much of an issue — availability is hard to come by, even given the high rates. A quick search on Seats.aero shows virtually no first class availability through Qantas.
Final Thoughts
Between the high fuel costs and carrier surcharges that Qantas puts on award redemptions and the increased cost of the redemptions themselves, it's safe to say that Qantas is all but ruled out when you're ready to book an Emirates flight. Luckily, it seems that redemptions for economy flights have remained relatively stable. Even so, these changes will negatively affect frequent Emirates flyers.
If you want to book a redemption before the updated award chart goes into effect (and you're lucky enough to spot a bookable seat), make sure you reserve it before March 31, 2026.
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