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I find it quite exciting each time on the expected full flight if I could get the op up. To confess, out of 4 legs, at least 1 of them (sometimes 2) are J for free.
If not given Y to J, I either sleep or watch ICE. By the way, I don't exchange miles for the free flight. I use miles to upgrade myself on a crowded (but not overbooked) flight. Compared to other FF programs, Skywards is far better. To claim missing miles is extremely easy and fair. You get it done in 24 hours, sometimes only 15 minutes. Star Alliance is a TOTAL MESS when you claim and exercise miles. Terrible. It is my own miles but I must follow up like I am begging. Pathetic! Enjoy the world as it is. Emirates is one of the best at the moment. |
I think the issue is how far Skywards has fallen relative to how good it was. I've always maintained that EK needed a superior FFP given it's lack of alliances and limited redemption opportunities - especially to folks outside Dubai who have tons of choices.
I HAVE been disappointed by how hard it's been to redeem miles in advance this year even after having been a Gold member for 8 years in a row. The lack of additional award/upgrade inventory for the top tier elites (unlike 1K for example) is a real problem and so my current plan vis-a-vis EK is to use all remaining miles for J to F upgrades (on day of flight since they won't let me book it in advance!) and then to bid Skywards adieu. It was good while it lasted. The combination of United/Continental/LH works really well together as a 1K/SEN - unlimited domestic upgrades within the US, one stop to India from SAN via EWR, much better timings to India on LH/CO than with EK (which reaches/leaves in the middle of the night), SWU's redeemable on LH, great coverage of Latin America with CO, and mileage accrual towards status (and status benefits) on practically every flight I take anywhere in the world. I have enough flying this year that I'll still make EK Gold (2 RT from US West Coast to India in J), but this is likely my last year. It really hurts to let go after 9 years in a row (including this one) as Gold...but all good things come to an end :( |
Originally Posted by kyym
(Post 14450103)
I think the issue is how far Skywards has fallen relative to how good it was. I've always maintained that EK needed a superior FFP given it's lack of alliances and limited redemption opportunities - especially to folks outside Dubai who have tons of choices.
I HAVE been disappointed by how hard it's been to redeem miles in advance this year even after having been a Gold member for 8 years in a row. The lack of additional award/upgrade inventory for the top tier elites (unlike 1K for example) is a real problem and so my current plan vis-a-vis EK is to use all remaining miles for J to F upgrades (on day of flight since they won't let me book it in advance!) and then to bid Skywards adieu. It was good while it lasted. The combination of United/Continental/LH works really well together as a 1K/SEN - unlimited domestic upgrades within the US, one stop to India from SAN via EWR, much better timings to India on LH/CO than with EK (which reaches/leaves in the middle of the night), SWU's redeemable on LH, great coverage of Latin America with CO, and mileage accrual towards status (and status benefits) on practically every flight I take anywhere in the world. I have enough flying this year that I'll still make EK Gold (2 RT from US West Coast to India in J), but this is likely my last year. It really hurts to let go after 9 years in a row (including this one) as Gold...but all good things come to an end :( |
Originally Posted by eightblack
(Post 14438318)
You're right. My post was a little harsh and for that, I apologise to the OP. It was not my intent.
And no, I have no stock holding or any other reason to endear me to EK apart from the fact that my total experience with them has been nothing but positive (compared to the other airlines I fly). Are they perfect? No. Do I think that their reward scheme could be improved? Yes, most definitely. Do I think they need a 4th tier? Yes. But from personal experience and from the hub I fly from (Singapore), EK delivers for me, the best bang for my buck. |
Originally Posted by ekcrazy
(Post 14443523)
I find it quite exciting each time on the expected full flight if I could get the op up. To confess, out of 4 legs, at least 1 of them (sometimes 2) are J for free.
If not given Y to J, I either sleep or watch ICE. By the way, I don't exchange miles for the free flight. I use miles to upgrade myself on a crowded (but not overbooked) flight. Compared to other FF programs, Skywards is far better. To claim missing miles is extremely easy and fair. You get it done in 24 hours, sometimes only 15 minutes. Star Alliance is a TOTAL MESS when you claim and exercise miles. Terrible. It is my own miles but I must follow up like I am begging. Pathetic! Enjoy the world as it is. Emirates is one of the best at the moment. BTW may I know which route you used in redeeming miles on *? |
Originally Posted by UA Fan
(Post 14459638)
explains your FT handle :)
BTW may I know which route you used in redeeming miles on *? |
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