What to do miles exp 1/31?
 

Hello,

I have a friend who has 60K miles in Emirates Skywards program that are about to expire on 1/31.
I am not familiar with their program, but when I looked at the chart the "prices" are very high. And major problem is (if I am correct) the miles can't be used on partner airlines.

What can be done at this point, please suggest?
I don't want him to waste those miles on the mall.

Thank You

Where does he stay? That's enough to upgrade a future booking from Dubai to anywhere assuming availability exists. Could also book a redemption and change dates later.

Alternatively, if he has a friend/relative travelling, the points can be used to upgrade their booking

After I posted, I looked back to the site and now I found that there are rewards on partner airlines. He wants a free reward, not an upgrade. He lives in Moscow.

This is precisely the problem with Skywards. Upgrades are difficult to reserve well in advance due to poor availability, and saver awards are virtually non existent.

Your last option is to buy overpriced garbage on Emirates High Street.

I have an idea: I have another friend who needs to fly from FUK (Japan) to PHL (USA) one-way in March. Would it be possible to get a ticket on JAL ( I saw them as a partner)?

On some routes/flights perhaps. Often good availability on others.

I have never been able to find Y>C upgrade availability (search for 6 months !) on flights to SFO/LAX. This in spite of EK having poor load factors to/from LAX (due to 2 flights), so much that they often cash upgrades LAX-DXB at check in.

How to check award availability for JAL? You need to call or fill out a form online? Is there an easier way to find out if economy award seat is available?