DUBAI- Emirates (EK) has introduced a new restriction on young travelers using miles. Children under nine can no longer access First Class when redeeming Emirates Skywards miles.
As of August 15, 2025, the airline’s updated policy applies only to award tickets and mileage upgrades. Kids may still fly First Class on paid fares out of Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Emirates Airbus A350 | Photo: Clément AlloingEmirates First Class Miles Redemption Policy
Emirates Skywards has revised its terms and conditions, barring passengers aged eight and below from redeeming Classic Rewards or Upgrade Rewards for First Class. While cash bookings remain unrestricted, this change affects families relying on loyalty points.
The decision creates a distinction between cash-paying and mileage redeeming passengers. In practice, a child on a full fare Business Class ticket may not upgrade to First Class using miles, even if the cost surpasses discounted First Class fares.
This highlights Emirates’ strategy of controlling access to premium cabins through loyalty redemptions rather than outright banning children.
The update is unusual compared to global airline practices, where children are rarely restricted from First Class access.
Although Emirates’ booking system still permits redemptions for ineligible children, the policy is expected to take full effect soon. Passengers with existing bookings are unlikely to be impacted.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesImplications for Travelers
The new policy has sparked varied reactions. Some travelers support the change, arguing that it preserves the premium experience they expect when redeeming miles for a costly first class award.
Others view it as discriminatory, as it restricts families using miles from accessing the same privileges as those paying cash.
For example, a family flying from London Stansted (STN) to Dubai (DXB) on a business class cash fare cannot upgrade their young children to first class with miles, even if their total spend exceeds a discounted first class ticket.
The inconsistency in enforcement also raises concerns. Since Emirates’ booking system still permits mileage redemptions for children under eight, travelers may inadvertently book ineligible tickets.
It remains unclear whether Emirates (EK) would cancel such bookings, rebook passengers in a lower cabin, or honor them for reservations made before the policy’s full implementation.
According to OMAAT, travelers planning to redeem miles for first class from hubs like Dubai (DXB) or connecting cities like Bangkok (BKK) should verify passenger eligibility to avoid complications.
Photo: EmiratesWhy Policy Matters
The selective restriction may reflect Emirates’ sensitivity to balancing its premium image with loyalty program economics.
By limiting redemptions rather than cash sales, the airline avoids backlash from high-spending regional families while preserving revenue opportunities.
The move also signals a broader trend: airlines may increasingly tie loyalty benefits to profitability, rather than simply rewarding customer loyalty.
This change makes Emirates one of the first global carriers to set child-specific rules tied to award tickets rather than outright age based restrictions.
Photo: Clément AlloingPrevious Ban Incident
A First Class passenger was banned from Emirates (EK) after winning a credit card chargeback related to a canceled flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) via Dubai (DXB).
The dispute arose after historic floods disrupted flights, leading the passenger to book alternate travel.
Despite his card issuer ruling in his favor, Emirates later demanded repayment and blocked him from future flights.
Photo: Wego TravelBottom Line
Emirates (EK) has implemented a policy that bars children under nine from redeeming miles for First Class. While cash fares remain unaffected, this change reshapes how families can use Skywards points.
It also underscores the airline’s intent to balance exclusivity with revenue priorities, even if the policy sparks debate among loyal travelers.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Emirates Airline Bans Power Bank Use Onboard from October 2025
The post Emirates Bans First Class Miles Redemption for Kids appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
