A Luxurious Journey to Cebu: Flying Emirates Business Class with Points
This past summer, we had an incredible opportunity to visit the Philippines when our friend got married there. And it was the fanciest wedding I have been to. As some of you know, we have a few rentals in the United States. However, we have also been looking outside the US, in hopes of one day expating to another country. Don’t get me wrong, the United States has its wonderful aspects and our families are here so we are firmly planted here for the time being. However, with the ever growing expenses and increasing taxes, especially in California, it has made us think that perhaps, California is not the best place to retire.
Our recent adventure from San Francisco (SFO) to Cebu, Philippines (CEB), with a layover in Dubai (DXB), was nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to the power of points from Capital One Venture X and American Express Membership Rewards, we booked two business class round-trip tickets on Emirates. At 335,000 points and $2,530.90 in taxes and carrier fees round trip, it was a splurge—but one worth every penny and point.
Here’s a detailed look into this incredible experience:
Booking the Tickets
Booking with points made us feel like savvy travel hackers. Emirates business class typically costs several thousand dollars per ticket, but transferring points from both Capital One and Amex to Emirates Skywards saved us a fortune. This particular round trip flight would have cost us over $8K each. We were thrilled to snag seats for the dream journey, ensuring a level of comfort and luxury that would redefine long-haul travel for us.
Lounge Life: SFO and Dubai
SFO Lounge Access
Before our flight, we started with the Business Class Perk to the Emirates business class lounge. With plush seating, a curated food menu, and premium beverages, it was the perfect way to kick off our trip.
Dubai Business Class Lounge
The Dubai layover was an experience in itself. We had a 7 hour layover in Dubai, but there was plenty of see, shop and do at the Dubain Airport. There were 2 main Emirates lounges we visited. The main Emirates' business class lounge spans nearly an entire floor of the airport. It’s a world-class haven featuring:
Showers: Refresh mid-journey with luxury toiletries.
Multiple dining stations: From Middle Eastern delicacies to international cuisines, every bite was delectable.
Sleeping and quiet areas: Perfect for those needing a nap.
Computer stations: For catching up on emails or browsing.
Hand-scooped ice cream: Yes, dessert lovers rejoice!
Private plane boarding: The lounge has its own entrance to the aircraft, offering priority boarding with ease.
Onboard the Emirates Experience
Seating and Comfort
Boeing 777-300ER: The 1-2-1 configuration provided direct aisle access for every seat. It felt spacious and private.
Airbus A380-800: A slightly tighter 2-4-2 arrangement, but still supremely comfortable.
Both planes featured plush seats that reclined into fully flat beds. For added luxury, flight attendants provided a mattress cushion, plush blanket, and pillows.
Amenities Galore
The thoughtful touches made us feel pampered:
Free pajamas and slippers.
A Bvlgari amenity kit (yes, the jewelry brand makes incredible toiletries!).
Premium headsets for their excellent in-flight entertainment.
We even enjoyed the onboard bar and lounge area on the Boeing 777, a unique space to socialize or sip a cocktail mid-flight.
Dining in the Sky
From the moment we boarded, we felt like royalty. Pre-flight drinks and nuts were just the start. Dinner followed shortly after, served on real ceramic plates with metal cutlery. The menu included gourmet options, such as lobster—yes, lobster on an airplane!
The food wasn’t just “good for airplane food,” it was restaurant-quality. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, flavorful, and filling. By the time we landed in Cebu, we were blissfully full, having dined like kings for the duration of the flights.
Special Perks
If we had paid cash for the tickets, Emirates even offers a chauffeur service to shuttle business class passengers from home to the airport. While we didn’t use this service due to our points booking, it’s a luxury we’ll keep in mind for future trips.
Final Thoughts
Flying Emirates business class was a dream. From the impeccable service to the over-the-top amenities, it was worth every point and dollar. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. Top-notch service, unparalleled comfort, and a dining experience better than many restaurants. If you have the opportunity to book with points, don’t hesitate—Emirates business class is a bucket-list experience that you’ll treasure forever.
Until Next Time,
Faith
