Qantas Tightens Emirates Awards With Status Gate for First Class and Higher Points

Overview

• Effective Jan. 21, Qantas no longer allows passengers under 9 on Emirates first-class award tickets.
• From Feb. 18, only Qantas Frequent Flyer members with Silver status or higher can redeem Emirates first class.
• On Mar. 31, Emirates redemptions shift to a dedicated award chart that raises points requirements across cabins, with premium cabins hit hardest by increases reported around 10–30%.
• Example changes include Sydney–Dubai business climbing from 130,100 to 143,000 points and U.S.–Dubai first class reaching 234,500 points one-way.
• Existing bookings are protected, but any reissue after the effective dates follows the new rules, narrowing the window to secure access and current pricing.