Originally Posted by
steveholt
I don't have individual experience, but I think they would offer you value if you have a lot of different miles across different programs and were looking to go to one destination or area by maximizing those miles. If you're just looking to fly EK in first, after April, your only option will be Emirates's own program. You can just search for availability on the Emirates website. Those redemption companies may be able to set up ExpertFlyer alerts on your behalf to book F seats when they come available, which you may find useful, but you could also just sign up for your own ExpertFlyer account and do that yourself at a cheaper rate.
For a few months now, ExpertFlyer have not been showing EK award availability. I have asked if they can tell me when this ‘technical problem is expected to be resolved and they can’t tell. I think that is a really poor show and although I am (or rather was) an enthusiastic EF customer I have now suspended my subscription. The drawback is that I now can’t see if / when the problem will be resolved so I would be grateful if someone can warn me when all is good again.
In the meantime, don’t spend your money if award / upgrade availability on EK (and as far as I understand a few other airlines as well) is your main reason to subscribe.