I’m searching the Qantas site for classic reward flights to Milan on Emirates in the second half of 2025 and when I do an error message comes up. I can see reward flights in the first half of the year, but none after that until October.
I’m wanting to fly First Class Australia - Dubai for the shower on the A380, then Business Class Dubai - Milan in September 2025.
Can’t seem to bring up any reward flights in the whole second half of '25.
Anyone know why?
Hi @graham,
I’ve noticed of late that Emirates classic reward seats on the Qantas website for premium cabins tend to be released in batches of about 3 months at a time - other than economy class seats which seem to be pretty much always available on many routes.
I have nothing official on this, but rather it’s my “wet my finger and hold it up in the wind” observation as I check the Qantas site for my favourite Emirates routes on a semi regular basis. I think it’s just too far out at this stage to see the seats you’re looking for.
You haven’t mentioned which city you’re looking to fly out of, which could be of help as there are extra flights that have come online from the end of this year (as in right now) - Brisbane is getting an extra daily flight to Dubai, as is Perth (albeit with a 777 plane and no shower in 1st class), and Adelaide has returned to the DXB route after a hiatus. This is all great as it adds additional capacity - and reward seats, but it’s always going to be the dedicated points hacker who can snaffle one of those 1st class suites. Make sure any 1st class reward seats you snag are on the A380 if you’re expecting to enjoy the shower/spa at 40,000ft. You would be very disappointed to arrive on board and turn left, only to discover this difference!
My advice would be to check regularly on routes you are interested in to see and monitor when the premium cabin reward seats seem to drop. You will notice the patterns - could be 1-2 months in advance for example. I’m not sure if they release all Australian cities at the same time. Then once you figure this out, you have a better chance of jumping on quickly when they are released for the specific timeframe you’re after.
If you don’t specifically care about departure dates and have the flexibility to “risk it”… there are always reward seats popping up at the pointy end of the plane at the last minute. I’d be checking and watching these patterns too on a regular basis. Search from today and see what’s there over the next week or so. These can be cancellations, people changing their flights or additional new seats released at the last minute to pull in a little bit more revenue. Remember though, they’re not going to release ALL the seats in 1st class just to fill it up - airlines regularly fly with 1 or 2 passengers in 1st class, or even none. It helps keep the level of exclusivity extra high - especially on Emirates. I’ve experienced this on a classic reward itinerary… been the only person in 1st class on a 777 (8 suites in total - no Spa), and one of 3 on the A380 (14 suites + 2 x Spas) with my wife (both reward seats - so quite possibly only 1 paying passenger).
Also note that September is school holidays timeframe across all states of Oz. So there will be many people flying in the week or so prior and afterwards - which impacts finding those elusive rewards seats. Persistence will pay off for you, so don’t get discouraged. Once you sit down and sip that first glass of fine Champagne while enjoying the divine caviar you will be glad you put in the effort!
Remember too, that Emirates flies from a number of eastern Asian cities - Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Manilla, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, etc… so if you can’t find yourself a direct flight from an Australian capital city, a quick hop to one of these alternatives can open up more opportunities for you to enjoy your dream flight and spa experience.
Best of luck!!
See you up front! 
Many thanks @jenart for taking the time to provide such a very detailed and comprehensive response. 
I’m looking at flying out of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne for the A380. Do you know if we get the “Game Changer” suites in business out of any Australian cities? That would be the other option I would go with otherwise I’ll keep hanging out for First Class with a shower for a once in a lifetime experience for my elderly mum and I.
When you refer to the “game changer” suites, if you’re meaning the 1-1-1 First Class layout - the answer is unfortunately no. That’s only on a very limited selection of routes. Tokyo, Haneda is on the list, so keep an eye on that one!
Be aware though, if you’re going to experience the “game changer”, it’s a 777 with no shower/spa.
Here’s a good article about flying in Emirates First class with 2 people on reward seat bookings:
And another focusing toward the A380:
Given you’re looking at 2 seats, I would be looking at cities that have many/multiple flights per day to Dubai - this may mean Kuala Lumpur (3) or Bangkok (up to 5!!) - to increase your chances of scoring both. It means 3 flights to Milan, but flexibility is key to finding those elusive premium reward seats. I’ve previously paid cash to get me to my “starting point” in an economy class seat, so I can enjoy the 1st class cabin on a classic rewards redemption. 4-6hrs in cattle class is well worth it in my opinion. You can often find reward seats on those routes too - in both economy or business. And once you’re there, with a onward connecting flight in 1st class, you then get the benefit of the premium lounge treatment while you wait. Always a bonus! 
Alternatively, if you must travel at the specific time of year, irrespective of whether you manage to snag the 1st class seats, I’d be booking Business class seats to lock in your itinerary. That way you know you’re on your way. (Be aware too then of the differences between the seat layouts on the 777 and A380 in Business class too 2-3-2 vs 1-2-1 on the A380. A380 is definitely the better option). Then keep an eye on the 1st class seat openings and if 2 pop up amend your booking. Also to help with flight lock-in… book your outbound flights as one itinerary as soon as they become available. Then when the return legs appear, grab those too on a 2nd separate itinerary.