How to elevate your flight, even in economy

On a recent media trip – I experienced the unimaginable. An upgrade at the boarding gate from business class to Emirates’ world-famous first class flying from Dubai to Paris. It was seriously – insane. Dom Perignon flowed throughout the flight, the airline’s signature caviar service was like something out of a Michelin-starred restaurant but it was showering at 30,000 feet that had me almost crying tears of incredulous joy.

Flying first class is not realistic for most of us. I’m usually an economy flyer – unless my job has afforded me otherwise. But is it time I started to get serious about points, especially if one day it may afford me an upgrade to first? Or at least use some airline benefits to elevate my flight.

So I wanted to know, how can I luxe my next Emirates flight? From economy to the pointy end, here are the perks you need to know about.

Earning points

Let’s start with earning miles. Apart from the obvious, flying, what else can Aussies do to add to their points balance? Emirates’ frequent flyer program is called Skywards Miles and let’s members accumulate points through their everyday spending. While the program isn’t linked with any major Australian supermarket, you can get points for some of your other big purchases like new suitcases, Lululemon and The Iconic. For example:

• Earn 18 miles for every $10 spent at Lululemon
• Earn 22 miles for every $10 spent at Samsonite and American Tourister
• Earn 14 miles for every $10 spent at The Iconic
• Earn 371 miles per subscription with Hello Fresh

Booking a hotel through Emirates Skywards Hotels is a much quicker way to boost your points balance. You can earn up to 10,000 Skywards Miles per night on every hotel stay. For example I could earn 7000 miles from booking one night at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel hotel on September 3 this year.

Miles can then be used to purchase flights, upgrades, pay for seat selection, excess baggage and lounge access.

Giving economy an upgrade

This is the cabin where most of us play. So, apart from buying your seat, is there anything else economy flyers can do to up their experience?

Wifi

For starters, anyone flying in economy gets free wifi if they’re an Emirates Skywards member. This gives passengers unlimited chat on apps such as whatsapp, imessage, Facebook Messenger and WeChat. For full internet access, Emirates charges up to US$20 (A$31) for the length of the flight.

Lounge access

Economy flyers can’t access Emirates’ lounge but you can buy lounge access which might work for those with a long stopover in desperate need of a shower. In Dubai, a pass to the business lounge costs US$150 (A$230) for economy flyers who are Skywards Miles members giving access for four hours before their next flight. The business class lounges at Dubai International Airport are huge, they pour “real” Champagne with a dedicated Moet & Chandon lounge and depending on your flight you can access your boarding gate directly from the lounge itself.

Meet and greet

If you want a taste of how the rich and famous travel, then the Marhaba meet and greet service gives you a sneak peek. Economy passengers can purchase this service from most of the airports Emirates flies to and it’s particularly helpful for families and the elderly as it fast tracks you through the airport.

I experienced the Marhaba service at Dubai, Geneva and Sydney airport. At Dubai International Airport, a Marhaba representative met me at the gate, then ushered me through the airport, escorted me to the lounge and picked me up when my flight was ready to board. The service costs from $74.50 and is a godsend for weary Australian travelers.

At Geneva Airport, I was fast-tracked through immigration in an area reserved for staff and VIPs. No lengthy queues, no confusion or frustration. In just a few minutes my passport was stamped and I was heading to the Marhaba lounge where a table had been reserved for me filled with snacks and drinks.

Book premium economy

I flew in Emirates’ new premium economy cabin last year and gave it 10/10 in my review. While it of course doesn’t offer a lie flat seat, the cream leather seats and mahogany paneled windows had all the feels of business class. If business class price point is out of reach, this may be your compromise.

Use your miles to upgrade to business class

The best value when it comes to using your points is booking an upgrade. If I bought an economy ticket with Emirates on October 6 this year from Sydney to Dubai, I could upgrade to business class for 147,500 on the Saver fare, 91,260 miles on the flex fare or 70,200 miles on the flex plus fare plus any taxes and fees.

So what does business class guarantee? A dedicated business class check-in desk at the airport, fast lane through immigration, lounge access (at Sydney Airport I’d have access to the Qantas business class lounge) and priority boarding. The perks once onboard speak for themselves. A lie flat bed, an a la carte menu, a bulging wine list, pyjamas, a Bulgari amenity kit and endless TV shows, movies, games and podcasts on the in-flight entertainment, ice.

For full paying business class passengers, one of the best perks of flying with Emirates is their chauffeur car service to and from the airport. They have a fleet of luxury cars, I have been picked up in an Audi and BMW on different occasions, and they are one of the only airlines in the world to offer this perk. It’s the ultimate stress-free way to start your holiday.

On that note, I’m readying myself for EOFY sales – linked to my Skywards Miles account, of course.

This writer was a guest on Emirates business class and was upgraded at the gate between Dubai and Paris. 

This article first appeared at escape.com.au