Questions and Answers

Looks like LAX to DBX Emirates first/business class awards using Alaska/JAL miles are not available beginning May 11, 2017. I know this has happened in the past (article link at the bottom), but I was monitoring it for a while and most dates in 2016 and up through May 10, 2017 have some availability.

Has anyone heard of that Emirates leg being dropped completely from award bookings using Alaska/JAL miles? Alternatively, is there precedent for availability opening back up (other than 14 days prior to the flight).

Trying to plan my honeymoon (wedding is on 5/13/17) and was hoping that availability for that leg would pop back up, but have been monitoring for a while now and no changes…

[URL]http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/01/15/emirates-first-class-redemptions-using-alaska-miles-going-away/[/URL]

I’d keep monitoring since award space may open up eventually. Do you have any backups? You can book Etihad with AA miles or transfer points from Amex MR/Citi TY to Etihad to book directly. If you book award flights on EY using their own program, I think youre eligible for their chauffeur services at LAX and AUH (which can take you all the way to Dubai) as well.

[USER=29]@David W[/USER] – appreciate the response.

I should have clarified – I am actually looking to book an award ticket that is SEA->LAX->DXB->MLE. So not starting in LAX or finishing in DXB (hoping to take advantage of a long layover in Dubai though). The other legs of that itinerary are fine on first/business availability, but it’s the LAX->DBX leg that I’m worried about as it only shows availability in coach (obviously the most important one to have the first/business class).

Well booking with AA miles allows you to mix AA, AS, CX, QR and EY to get you from SEA to MLE, which are all great alternatives

I see your point, and thanks for the suggestion. I probably need to educate myself and play around with possible award itineraries using AA.

I think I just fell in love with the prospect of flying EK F A380 – especially since this will be the kickoff to our honeymoon and that product seems to have more premium food/drinks that we would indulge in. Probably picking hairs comparing the products though. 🙂

Regarding EK – sounds like I could still hold out the possibility of AS/JAL opening up some of that first/business award availability on that A380 flight. I looked around and tried to find any reporting on it but couldn’t see anything recently on that topic, so hopefully they release it sometime soon.