Emirates launching service between New York and Milan on October 1, 2013

Che benissimo!!

how is their first class on b777 compared to a380?

@ Lantean -- It's virtually the same. The only difference is that there's no onboard shower or bar.

@Lantean, in addition to what Lucky said, the b777 first class only has 8 seats, whereas the a380 has 14.

@Joey

Emirates has 12F configurations of the B777 with Suites.

There were only 8 when I flew it on EK204 last year. 🙂 I'd presume EK would fly the one with suites, not the older First Class seats, which would indeed be 12.

http://www.emirates.com/us/english/flying/our_fleet/seating_chart.aspx?id=77WPPJY&from=195345

"New York to Milan roundtrip is 3,995 miles, so by my math that makes a roundtrip journey just under 8,000 miles." I think you meant one-way the first time

@ Mark -- Indeed, thanks!

Wow, that's a nice award. Almost makes paying 2.6 cents for Starpoints until April 30th worth it...

what's happening on april 30th with spg?

@ Joey -- They're offering a 25% discount on the purchase of Starpoints through then:
https://onemileatatime.com/ultimate-guide-spg-marriott/

Nice to know!

Any JAL awards from lax to JFK that I can combine with this flight?

@ Beachfan -- When booking through JAL you can't combine Emirates with travel on other partners, unfortunately.

Hi Ben,

Which do you consider to be the best value; 63k in J or 100k in F? Seems in this case the J-to-F premium is a bit too rich for me.

Best mac

@ Mac -- That's a toughie. It's a premium of 37,000 miles for first class, so that's 18,500 miles per direction. Usually I'd say that's a no brainer for an upgrade to a top first class product, given that some would spend 15,000 miles and a co-pay for a domestic upgrade. But one of the only ways to fund a Japan Airlines account is through Starwood, and those points are really valuable/rare, so that does make it a bit tougher.

I'd probably say that business class is a slightly better relative value.

Not including the positioning flights hurts the value too.. and at such a short TATL flight, i'd go for biz too.

I like the term "fifth freedom."

Can i book one way for emirates with JAL miles

@ TK -- No you can't, only roundtrip.

Oh the joys. MXP-JFK in First late November: 20'067 EUR. That is nearly 26'000 USD return 🙂

Thanks Lucky! Sorry I missed that post since I was away in early March. As of right now, it seems like this is the best way to redeem an Emirates First class roundtrip flight! Using JFK-DXB roundtrip as an example, I'd either use 135,000 miles on JAL or 180,000 miles on AS, is that correct?

Ben

This is awesome news!

But how can we rack up Starpoints? I have had a hard time with Starpoints, while my Ultimate Rewards are multiplying like rabbits.

@ Joey -- That's correct, I'd say Japan Airlines is a better value.

@ Philipp -- Yeah, there's no doubt that's a challenge. Starpoints can really only efficiently be earned through their co-branded credit cards and through hotel stays. So they're much tougher to earn. But keep in mind they do allow household transfers for those living at the same address, so if you have a spouse or roommate you can at least have them sign up for cards as well and combine your totals.

Interesting option....Thank you!

Any idea what fuel surcharges Japan/Emirates assesses?

What's the best way to find award availability?

@ Mike -- The flights haven't been loaded into the GDS yet so no way to know fuel surcharges or availability. That being said, the best way to search Emirates award space is through ExpertFlyer.