Emirates Skywards is the loyalty program for the Dubai-based airline Emirates. It utilizes a 'hard expiry' system for its miles, meaning they expire after a fixed period, irrespective of account activity.

Emirates Skywards Miles Expiration Policy

Emirates Skywards miles have a fixed expiration date. Miles are generally valid for three years from the date they were earned. More specifically, they expire at the end of the month of the recipient's birthday in the third year after being earned.

For example:

  • If your birthday is in July and you earned miles on May 15, 2025, those miles would expire on July 31, 2028.
  • If your birthday is in December and you earned miles on February 10, 2026, those miles would expire on December 31, 2029.

Important: Account activity, such as earning or redeeming miles, does not extend the validity of Skywards miles you have already earned. Each mile has its own ~3-year lifespan tied to your birthday month. Emirates Platinum members may have exceptions where their miles do not expire as long as they maintain Platinum status.

This policy requires members (especially non-Platinum) to track when their miles expire and plan redemptions accordingly.

Keeping Track and Using Miles

Since activity doesn't prevent expiration for most members, the only way to avoid losing Emirates Skywards miles is to redeem them before their specific expiration date.

  • Check your Skywards account regularly. It should indicate when batches of your miles are set to expire.
  • Plan your redemptions, such as booking award flights on Emirates or partner airlines, or using miles for upgrades, well before the expiration date.
  • Emirates sometimes offers the option to pay a fee to extend the validity of expiring miles for another 12 months, but this is generally not cost-effective compared to simply redeeming them.

Official Policy

For the most accurate details, including specifics for Platinum members and extension options, always consult the official Skywards program documentation:

Understanding Emirates' hard expiry policy, tied to your birthday month three years after earning, is crucial for managing your Skywards miles effectively.

Disclaimer: Program terms and conditions, including elite status benefits and expiration rules, can change. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Verify details directly with Emirates.