This was published 2 years ago
Emirates' Skywards+: New frequent flyer program costs up to $1355 to join
By Craig Platt
Emirates has launched a new subscription based frequent flyer program, called Skywards+.Credit: Supplied
Airline Emirates has launched a new "subscription" frequent flyer program, offering various perks at a price.
The three tiers of the airline's Skywards+ program cost either $US399 ($541), $US699 ($949) or $US999 ($A1355) to join.
What you get for your money depends on which tier you join.
The Emirates business class lounge Dubai International Airport. Skywards+ members will have access to the lounge several times a year, depending on which tier of the program they join.
The $US399 "Classic" tier offers 20 per cent bonus miles (frequent flyer points), access to Emirates business class lounges twice a year and five kilograms of extra baggage allowance on flights.
For $US699 passengers can join the "Advanced" package, which offers 20 per cent discount on points upgrades; 10 kilograms of extra baggage allowance (or one additional piece for checked baggage) and access to the business class lounge five times a year.
The $US999 "Premium" package offers a 20 per cent bonus on earning points; a 20 per cent discount on flight upgrades, 10 kilograms of extra baggage allowance (or one additional piece of checked baggage) and access to the business class lounge 10 times a year.
Full details can be found here.
Emirates' regular Skywards frequent flyer program has four tiers of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Members of any tier can sign up to any of the three new subscription services.
Of course, with Australia's borders closed to international travel, the opportunities for most Australians to make use of these perks would be severely limited. Normally one of the most frequent international carriers servicing Australia, the number of Emirates flights coming here has dropped to a mere handful due to the reduced cap on arrivals.
As a result of the downturn in air travel, members of the Skywards program have had their tier status extended until 2022 and any points due to expire since April 2020 have also been extended to the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Qantas has this week announced its frequent flyer members, who are facing a status downgrade due to ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions, will be able to extend their status for another year if they book an eligible flight for travel before the end of June 2022. The offer applies to any member whose status is due to be downgraded before the end of June next year.
Virgin Australia earlier this month offered double status credits on bookings from August 2 to August 10.
See also: How Emirates' amazing anxiety-inducing advert was made
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