It depends on the type of reward. Some can be canceled without penalty and others are nonrefundable.

Canceling a reward ticket:
If you cancel an unused Flex Plus reward ticket, you won’t need to pay any charges.
For First Class Flex tickets, there will be a fee of USD 50.
If you have a Saver reward ticket, a fee of USD 75 will apply. If your ticket has a combination of fare types, separate rules will apply to each type. We can only give you a refund if you submit your reward ticket within one year of the date of issue. We won’t be able to refund any expired Miles.

Modifying travel dates:
If you have a Flex Plus or Flex reward ticket, you can change your travel dates without a charge. If you have a Saver reward ticket, there will be a fee of USD 25 for each passenger in the booking. If you have a combined reward ticket, separate rules will apply to each fare type. For example, if your outward journey is on a Saver fare, Saver rules will apply. If the return flight is a Flex Plus fare, then Flex Plus rules will apply.

Changing destinations:
If you have a Saver reward ticket, you can change your destination to another location on our route network within the same zone for USD 25. As long as the segment you wish to change hasn’t been flown, you can change the destination.

You won’t be charged to change the destination of your Flex Plus or Flex reward ticket.
If you wish to change your destination to a different zone, you’ll need to cancel your ticket and purchase a new one. We will cancel your unused reward ticket and credit your Miles back to your account (minus any expired Miles). We’ll then issue a new ticket with a new validity period and destination. You’ll need to pay any relevant taxes plus USD 25 if it is a Saver reward ticket.

Making other changes:
For any other changes to an unused Saver, Flex, or Flex Plus reward ticket (including a change of cabin class or a change to a different ticket type), there will be a charge of USD 25. We’ll cancel your existing reward ticket and credit your Miles back to your account (minus any expired Miles). We’ll then issue a new ticket with a new validity period. You will need to pay any applicable taxes.

Expired tickets:
If you have an unused, expired ticket, we will refund any taxes you paid in full without charging a service fee. However, we will not be able to refund your Miles.

Upgrades:
To cancel an upgrade reward, please call your nearest Emirates Contact Center. If you do not use an upgrade reward, we will refund your Miles in full (minus any expired Miles).

Partner airlines

Different airlines may have different terms and conditions relating to reward tickets. Please check at the time of booking the reward.

Reward ticket summary:

The charge to change your travel dates is USD 25* per change, per person.
Refunds can be made before travel for USD 75* (minus any expired Miles), if it’s possible within the ticket validity.
All other changes are USD 25* per change, per person.
On most partner reward tickets, one stopover and a point of turnaround are allowed. Please check at the time of booking.
Reward flights on partner airlines must be booked and ticketed at least seven days before you fly. Once flights are ticketed, only date changes are allowed.
Some airline rewards cannot be redeemed more than six months in advance due to scheduling requirements.
All fees are nonrefundable.

*Fees waived for infants.

Partner hotels

Rocketmiles:
Once redeemed, Skywards Miles are not refundable on all bookings, whether the reservation is paid for solely with Skywards Miles or with a combination of Miles and a credit or debit card.

Marriott:
Miles are not refundable for any cancelation of rewards within 72 hours of arrival date.

Retail & Lifestyle

Arabian Adventures:
Miles are not refundable for any cancelation of rewards within 72 hours of arrival date.

Gift vouchers:
Vouchers for Budget, Damas, Danat Dubai, Magrudy's, Le Meridien (Natural Elements Spa & Health club in Le Meridien Airport Hotel, Dubai), Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi Water Park are not refundable once you have purchased them with your Miles.

Please see individual partner pages for more information and any specific conditions regarding rewards.

Can I upgrade using my Skywards Miles on a partner airline or on a codeshare flight?