I have been a Skywards member for a number of years.

By using my Platinum Citibank Mastercard, I'm able to collect a maximum of 150,000 miles each year, which I usually achieve in a few months.

I've used these miles for Emirates flights, and I've been happy with the program, although, I wish Citibank would allow us to collect more than the maximum annual amount of 150,000! Because of this, I stop using the card halfway through the year, and switch to my Krisflyer Amex card, to collect Krisflyer miles as well. I have the ability to accummulate around 600,000 miles each year.

A few minutes ago I received an e-mail from Skywards, notifying me of the changes to the program, commencing on the 1st of July.

At present, if I book a one way flight from Sydney to Dubai, Business Class, it requires 100,000 miles. From the 1st of July, according to the chart I just received via e-mail, it is now going to cost 192,000 miles. That's virtually double the amount of miles required at present!

I just called Skywards, and the gentleman I spoke to confirmed this, and said it was because of the new partnership arrangement with Qantas.

It just doesn't seem to make sense!

If this is correct, it seems like a giant ripoff!