Classic Reward and upgrade costs rise roughly 15% on average

102,000 miles (EWR–ATH first, one-way) → 117,000 miles

Effective May 20, 2026, Emirates Skywards increased the miles required for Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards across much of its network by roughly 15% on average, with the change appearing in the online mileage calculator several days in advance and no direct member communication. Documented first class examples include Newark–Athens rising from 102,000 to 117,000 miles one-way and New York–Dubai from 163,500 to 188,000, with roughly proportional increases in other cabins. As a partial offset, Saver-level pricing became available on one-way business class awards, which previously required the more expensive Flex Plus tier or a roundtrip booking. Skywards receives transfers from US currencies including Capital One (1,000:750) and Bilt (1:1).

What to do: Check the new one-way business class Saver rates before dismissing the program; they can undercut the old Flex Plus prices.