Skywards changes - the numbers
 

So I did a little bit of number crunching on every EK route and the implications the changes in the Skywards program would have on frequent flyers. As most people who have been following these changes are aware, there has been a general devaluation of the miles. However, some routes have been affected more than others.

Note that:

- this data is for flights to/ from DXB only. I'll leave the calculations taking into account the various city pairs in the EK network to a statistician.

- these numbers are for earning based on a Flex fare, and redemptions based on a Saver fare, both for Economy Class.

- the values I'm using exclude discounts for booking rewards online.

- by earn/burn I take it to mean the percentage increase in earning trips required for a reward ticket. Because there has largely not been a change in miles for upgrades, I haven't taken these into account.

On most routes to the Americas and Oceania, the mileage award has been reduced by 10 - 15%, with the exception of Perth, 7%. Redemption levels have increased substantially, 14 - 18%, for the newly created N. America (West), S. America and New Zealand zones. The others have increased marginally, Perth reduced by 7%. An increase in earn/burn by up to 40% on these new zones.

In the Far East and Japan, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila and Seoul have seen reductions of 13 - 18%, while Bangkok has increased 15%. Because of the 5% increase in redemption levels, an increase in earn/burn of 20 - 30% for above mentioned cities. Bangkok reduced by 9%, all others increased by about 9%.

In the Indian Sub Continent region, most changes have been marginal. Colombo, Male, Delhi and Lahore have seen 10 - 20% reduction in mileage award, while Karachi increased by 49%. 20 - 35% increase in earn/burn to these cities and Mumbai and Islamabad, with a 25% reduction to Karachi.

In the Africa and Near East region, 26% reduction in mileage award to Cape Town, most others 5 - 15%. Mauritius, Seychelles and Nairobi increased significantly by 10 - 15%. Increase in earn/burn of 20 - 30% to Abidjan, Durban, Johannesburg, Tunis, Khartoum, Addis Ababa and 43% to Cape Town.

In Europe, 15% reduction in mileage award to all Great Britain destinations and Athens. Vienna, Rome, Larnaca, Malta and Moscow have seen significant increases of 15 - 20% (32% for Moscow). Increase in earn/burn up to 30%, excluding Moscow, -15%.

In the Middle East region, increased awards to most destinations, 85 - 100% for Muscat, Doha, Dammam, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Bahrain. Reduction of 25 - 50% in earn/burn to all destinations, excluding Jeddah and Sana'a.

I hope this information gives people who have been a little confused about these changes some clarity! :D

This is great. Can you post this in a table format highlighting the cities who have gained or suffered the most?

Thanks for spending the time on this. As suspected, not good reading - the figures - not your report.

Thanks for doing the maths ung1.
Now let's see how the award availability will go down the sink (if no already).

I've also done the numbers and summarised my analysis here.

I have a spreadsheet I can email to interested people.

You mention that upgrade awards from flex fares are a lot higher, but I see no evidence of this on the Skywards website. The new upgrade awards seem to be exactly the same as the old levels.

No, I said Flex upgrades are broadly the same but Saver upgrades are much more expensive. Relative to awards most of the upgrades are expensive.

Eg North America to Dubai - was 45k miles. Now 45k miles only for Flex upgrade from eastern North America. Saver u/g 57.5k miles from eastern North America, from western North America it is 67.5k miles and 52.5k miles.

The new upgrade costs are much higher than the old costs. Upgrades from flexible fares are generally slightly higher than the old upgrade cost.

That is what I was referring to. I suppose if you want to account for the reduction in miles awarded one could say there is a marginal increase in the upgrade requirements.

I've found the NZ/AUS rewards for J/F have vanished, even on the A380 which in my experience is only ever 10-20% full in Premium Classes... Ive purchased a couple of business class tickets in DEC/JAN and no awards both months to upgrade to F according to Skywards... very frustrating.

That may be in view of the massive increase in award costs for Australia east coast and (especially) NZ. Once the new rates apply I expect there will be more availability.