Have been Gold for 8 years straight and EK was my default for US-India trips.

But the massive dilution of Skywards means that EK status is no longer a priority and I don't expect to re-qualify for next year.

I'll receive silver next month, just 2750 miles short of gold. As I'm based in europe, doing a MR for gold is out of question.

But you would need to fly to DXB to earn those tier miles anyway, assuming it's a cheapo saver fare.

The categories are not necessarily exclusive - I checked "already made silver", but probably will make gold this year as well.

I am new to EK, three return trips so far (all SE Asia to Europe). I may make one to Canada later this year. I am currently a United 1K member, but I really don't want to fly on that airline (may retain Premier, or silver, status there due to flying on partner airlines).

Minor EK annoyance - the travel agent didn't put in my #, so I gave the internet pre-printed card (still haven't received my blue physical card, despite second return trip completed in March) at the check-in gate. But they didn't put it in either :( And this was the flight that would have put me over the top for silver. On the plus side, when I discovered this at the website, and put in the ticket number, the missing credit (and my silver status) showed up within a few hours. Unfortunately, my connection on the way back was tight enough that I didn't get to try the DXB lounge.

Had thought about Qatar, but that airport :( Is there supposed to be a new one soon?