Emirates announce double status points promotion for Skywards

For those who are chasing status in the Skywards frequent flyer programme, Emirates has an offer that might interest you – if you can meet the requirements… and buy the right ticket…

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER “Year of Zahed” arriving at Dublin Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond

The hoops

Of course, if you thought this would be simple… it is. But you need to be aware of what hoops you need to jump

• Register at Emirates Skywards (either at the site or via its app).
• Book your tickets on Emirates or flydubai by 3rd December 2018
• Fly between 26 November 2018 and 31 March 2019
• And the kicker – check the fares as these do matter:
  • On Emirates, you will need to ensure your fares are marked Flex or Flex Plus
  • On flyDubai, fares marked Free to Change or Business Basic

Emirates say that

As an illustration, a new Emirates Skywards Blue tier member completing a return flight between London and Sydney, or New York and Johannesburg, on an Economy Class Flex or Flex Plus fare will be able to earn sufficient Tier Miles to upgrade to Silver tier through this offer. On a Business Class Flex or Flex Plus fare, the same member will earn enough Tier Miles to immediately achieve Skywards Gold tier. 

Emirates Skywards is split into different tiers – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum

• Blue – Entry Tier
• Silver – 25,000 Tier Miles or 25 flights
• Gold – 50,000 Tier Miles or 50 flights
• Platinum – 150,000 Tier Miles

What’s the cost?

Let’s look at numbers and see if this has any truth. So, to be fair, let’s look at the London to Sydney example given above.

I’ve loaded in the three class types – First, Business and Economy. Dates of travel are 8th February to 22nd February 2019.

Firstly, First Class. This is sold as Flex and Flex Plus, so you’ll be fine. And you can get Skywards Gold in the bargain.

Next is Business Class – which does have a Saver option. Remember, the Saver option does not qualify for this promotion. Therefore you’ll need to spend more – around £392. Is £392 worth double status credits? It depends on your circumstances, and what benefits you want.  Both options will give Skywards Silver without any worries – although you might want Gold, and plan for another run if needed.

Meanwhile in Economy Class – again, there are saver options to stay clear of. Flex and Flex Plus are your friends. On this fare, you’re looking at spending nearly 50% extra on your fare with a £205 excess compared to the saver fare. Neither fares will give you enough miles to climb to Skywards Silver sadly.

In quotes

Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Senior Vice President, Emirates Skywards states

 “We always strive to provide greater value to our customers and offer them access to a much wider range of benefits and rewards,” 

“Through our latest offer, a first of this scale and reach, Emirates Skywards members will be able to accrue bonus Tier Miles from flights and this means that they can reach their next Emirates Skywards tier faster,” he added.

Is it worth it?

It depends on your flying patterns as always. If you’re connecting through Dubai on a regular basis, this offer does have some attraction if you can utilise the benefits of Emirates Skywards. But if you do decide to take advantage of this offer you must pay attention to the fare classes.

Get the wrong fare, and you just get the basic miles and points.

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