Emirates Skywards has recently significantly reduced their surcharges on award tickets. This is a great news for many travellers who enjoy Emirates Premium Class's.
Historically the taxes and fees on Emirates First/Business Class ticket would be near $1,000, which has been a huge drawback for the Skywards Program. This is no longer the case.
Lower Fees on Emirates Awards in Premium Class's Now
For example, booking an Emirates award flight, one way between Dubai and Bangkok, in First Class used to cost over $500 tax and fees. This has now been reduced to about 98,750 miles + $116 if using Emirates Skywards to book.
Alternatively, the cost would be 85,500 miles + $106 (A$ 167) if using Qantas points to book. Qantas is an award partner of Emirates.
If you have Japan Airlines Miles to spend on Emirates, the same flight will only cost you 65,000 JAL miles + $36! (Surcharges used to be over $500).
The fees on award booking in Emirates Economy Class are lower than First and Business Class.
Lower Miles on Round-Trip Award Over One-Way
Keep in mind, it is still cheaper to book round-trip than a one way ticket. This is another current draw back at Emirates Skyward Program, in which one way travel is more than half of round-trip.
Overall, this is a really positive development for Emirates. I usually credit my Emirates flights into the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, because of the huge award fees on Emirates Skywards. Let's see if this move will push Etihad into lowering their award fees now.