Taken from the Skywards website under Member Benefits - Membership Tiers:

When you become a Skywards Gold member, you are entitled to a premium level of service and privileges. In addition to all the benefits of Skywards Silver, you'll also enjoy exclusive Gold member benefits, including:
Guaranteed seat reservations, even on fully-booked flights.
Personal travel assistance from our dedicated Gold Desk.
Complimentary E-gate access at Dubai International Airport*.
Complimentary access to members and a guest, to all Emirates and affiliated Business Class lounges. For lounge access in some countries, minors may need to be accompanied by an adult. Members and accompanying guest must be departing on the same Emirates flight.
Premium Skywards Opening Doors benefits from our worldwide partners.


what does "guaranteed seat reservations" mean? does it mean that 1) if the flight is fully-booked you are guaranteed a seat if you attempt to book when the flight is fully-booked? or 2) if you already have a seat reservation and the flight becomes fully-booked, your seat is guaranteed...ie. EK won't boot you off the flight?

i was trying to get a new reservation for this friday from dxb to ist but economy was all booked. so i called skywards gold desk, but they told me they could not book any full-fare reservations (only upgrades, reward travel) and that i'd have to call the regular reservations number - 214-4444. so i called the 214-4444 number and to my disappointment they could not get me a booking. i quoted the "guaranteed seat reservation" clause but that didn't do diddly squat. reservations told me i should call skywards. ha!!!

in the end, i gave up. canceled my hotel booking in Istanbul and now stuck in dubai for the long weekend.