NPR posted this ridiculously naive article about flying first on Emirates LAX to DXB for $32,840. I say "naive" because it assumes the only way to do this is "luxury spending" and that the cost is evidence of financial inequality.

So, how about a game for the MSers: Let's see who can do the same flight for the least amount of spend. (I'm going to assume round trip)

To kick things off, here's a super easy (not very challenging) baseline:

Emirates first class round trip 180k miles award via Alaska

• 2x Alaska Visa = 25k miles, $75 fee.
• 2x SPG Amex = 25k miles + 5k transfer bonus, 1st year fee waived: $0
• 70k miles MS at $0.02/mile (just a really generous baseline), $1400.

Total cost: $1550 (not counting taxes+fees on the award ticket). I did 2x per card assuming 1 personal, 1 business.

p.s. I don't think this belongs in the Emirates forum, but if it needs to be moved, then admins should feel free to do so. Also, if you can do it cheaper with a MR, then throw that in... it'll make the challenge more fun.