So THATS what I/O looks like
Jul 2, 2012, 6:59 am
#76
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dubai / NYC
Programs: EK-IO, UA-1K2MM, ETIHAD-GOLD, SPG-PLAT LIFETIME, JUMEIRAH SERIUS GOLD
Posts: 5,220
I think the great things about programs such as i/O is the sheer amount of speculation and conjecture that the actual program generates (some might even argue that EK/Skywards do this on purpose).
For example, the EK people I have spoken to have mentioned that criteria is not based on influence (ie your ability to influence corporate spend) but rather on individual spend. There will always be exceptions.
This issue in itself has caused angst within the EK management in DXB.
I am personally of the opinion that the main criteria is RPKM (Revenue per km). It's the fairest way. I doubt if it is based on tier miles, and using RPKM doesn't mean that it is slanted just towards F travel (although I wouldn't think that out of the supposed 400 i/O members, that there would be anyone who would have achieved via Y travel).
For example, the EK people I have spoken to have mentioned that criteria is not based on influence (ie your ability to influence corporate spend) but rather on individual spend. There will always be exceptions.
This issue in itself has caused angst within the EK management in DXB.
I am personally of the opinion that the main criteria is RPKM (Revenue per km). It's the fairest way. I doubt if it is based on tier miles, and using RPKM doesn't mean that it is slanted just towards F travel (although I wouldn't think that out of the supposed 400 i/O members, that there would be anyone who would have achieved via Y travel).
Jul 2, 2012, 3:02 pm
#77
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: EK Gold, EY Gold, BA Gold OW Emerald, A3 *G, SV Skyteam Elite
Posts: 972
I have to believe that the criteria changes with each individual. I fly a lot and so do my employees but not as much as some others. Also, we are not one of the largest companies in Dubai (not even close). My assistant pointed out that if you take revenue + ability to influence revenue + how long that revenue has been consistant (15 years which is a long time for a company as young as EK) AND FINALLY the kicker is adding in the CARGO REVENUE that a great number of UAE companies give to EK including us (it's my #2 expense), then MAYBE that's how I just got this. It's a mystery to me but I will find out when I get back.
Jul 2, 2012, 3:35 pm
#78
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,660
I still think it's being done in alphabetical order.
A cabin crew friend of mine has been checking I/O names she runs across and over 50% seem to begin with "A".
Perhaps this can be partly explained by an abundance of Gulf based passengers having surnames that begin with that letter though...
A cabin crew friend of mine has been checking I/O names she runs across and over 50% seem to begin with "A".
Perhaps this can be partly explained by an abundance of Gulf based passengers having surnames that begin with that letter though...
Jul 2, 2012, 6:27 pm
#79
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: 30,000ft
Programs: EK, BA, EY, SQ, IHG, HH, SPG
Posts: 670
So THATS what I/O looks like
Seems the obsession with the alphabet has gone to a whole new level at emirates!
Joking aside the io card, as I understand it, is officially only given to individuals who fulfil certain travel requirements over a period of time. So plenty of travel over along period of time. So both loyalty and frequency. Unofficially the rules are bent for those who are senior within organisations and who have staff using emirates alot. So most of the big investment banks and consultancies have 2-3 io's not all of them huge travellers. The Dubai government related entities and merchant families will also have some. Beyond that it helps to be higher up the alphabet!!
Joking aside the io card, as I understand it, is officially only given to individuals who fulfil certain travel requirements over a period of time. So plenty of travel over along period of time. So both loyalty and frequency. Unofficially the rules are bent for those who are senior within organisations and who have staff using emirates alot. So most of the big investment banks and consultancies have 2-3 io's not all of them huge travellers. The Dubai government related entities and merchant families will also have some. Beyond that it helps to be higher up the alphabet!!
Sep 14, 2012, 6:04 pm
#81
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dubai / NYC
Programs: EK-IO, UA-1K2MM, ETIHAD-GOLD, SPG-PLAT LIFETIME, JUMEIRAH SERIUS GOLD
Posts: 5,220
I still think it's being done in alphabetical order.
A cabin crew friend of mine has been checking I/O names she runs across and over 50% seem to begin with "A".
Perhaps this can be partly explained by an abundance of Gulf based passengers having surnames that begin with that letter though...
A cabin crew friend of mine has been checking I/O names she runs across and over 50% seem to begin with "A".
Perhaps this can be partly explained by an abundance of Gulf based passengers having surnames that begin with that letter though...
Sep 15, 2012, 5:32 am
#82
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
My last name starts with a letter AFTER "N". A is the most popular I've seen now that you say this but that's cuz I only know 4 other I/O's & 3 of them have last names that start with the letters "AL". This could also be written as a middle name but most don't write it that way
Sep 15, 2012, 12:18 pm
#83
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: EK Gold, EY Gold, BA Gold OW Emerald, A3 *G, SV Skyteam Elite
Posts: 972
But there is a positive correlation between being an IO and having your name starting with an "A".
Sep 15, 2012, 2:11 pm
#84
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
I wonder, however, if the out-stations that use alphabetical op-up procedures do it to favor GCC nationals as so many of their names start with "Al", or if it is just laziness to get it done as quickly as possible. It would be interesting to find out if the load managers are instructed by Dubai to use an alphabetical op-up procedure.
Last edited by whimike; Sep 15, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Feb 21, 2013, 7:18 pm
#85
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dubai United Arab Emirates
Programs: Skywards IO, IHG Platinum, RJ Platinum, IC Amb, Sirius Gold
Posts: 1
Its not 500,000.
There is no specific tier miles you have to reach, just fly more often, buy flex fares. and surely above 100,000 Miles. but not much more. its a one year membership you have to maintain, and you get great benefits like, first class lounge access all over the world no matter what class your traveling, a nice car insted of a bus to pick u up from the air craft incase you land on a remote part of the airport. guaranteed free upgrade. and a a guaranteed seat no matter how full the flight is. gifts and greeting cards on occasions. thats about it. besides the dedicated phone line..
Regards,
There is no specific tier miles you have to reach, just fly more often, buy flex fares. and surely above 100,000 Miles. but not much more. its a one year membership you have to maintain, and you get great benefits like, first class lounge access all over the world no matter what class your traveling, a nice car insted of a bus to pick u up from the air craft incase you land on a remote part of the airport. guaranteed free upgrade. and a a guaranteed seat no matter how full the flight is. gifts and greeting cards on occasions. thats about it. besides the dedicated phone line..
Regards,
Feb 21, 2013, 9:17 pm
#86
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,831
Its not 500,000.
There is no specific tier miles you have to reach, just fly more often, buy flex fares. and surely above 100,000 Miles. but not much more. its a one year membership you have to maintain, and you get great benefits like, first class lounge access all over the world no matter what class your traveling, a nice car insted of a bus to pick u up from the air craft incase you land on a remote part of the airport. guaranteed free upgrade. and a a guaranteed seat no matter how full the flight is. gifts and greeting cards on occasions. thats about it. besides the dedicated phone line..
Regards,
There is no specific tier miles you have to reach, just fly more often, buy flex fares. and surely above 100,000 Miles. but not much more. its a one year membership you have to maintain, and you get great benefits like, first class lounge access all over the world no matter what class your traveling, a nice car insted of a bus to pick u up from the air craft incase you land on a remote part of the airport. guaranteed free upgrade. and a a guaranteed seat no matter how full the flight is. gifts and greeting cards on occasions. thats about it. besides the dedicated phone line..
Regards,
Feb 22, 2013, 6:15 am
#87
Moderator, Trip Reports
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 3,715
Its not 500,000.
There is no specific tier miles you have to reach, just fly more often, buy flex fares. and surely above 100,000 Miles. but not much more. its a one year membership you have to maintain, and you get great benefits like, first class lounge access all over the world no matter what class your traveling, a nice car insted of a bus to pick u up from the air craft incase you land on a remote part of the airport. guaranteed free upgrade. and a a guaranteed seat no matter how full the flight is. gifts and greeting cards on occasions. thats about it. besides the dedicated phone line..
Regards,
There is no specific tier miles you have to reach, just fly more often, buy flex fares. and surely above 100,000 Miles. but not much more. its a one year membership you have to maintain, and you get great benefits like, first class lounge access all over the world no matter what class your traveling, a nice car insted of a bus to pick u up from the air craft incase you land on a remote part of the airport. guaranteed free upgrade. and a a guaranteed seat no matter how full the flight is. gifts and greeting cards on occasions. thats about it. besides the dedicated phone line..
Regards,
And secondly, are you basing the above criteria on your own i/O membership?
From my experience or understanding, qualification is certainly not tier mile driven as we have many members who have tier mile balances in excess of 300/400/500 etc, you only get F lounge access in DXB (as this is the only place an F lounge exists, and upgrades are not guaranteed...I also understood that once granted status, this lasts for 2-years (not one as you indicate)
Feb 22, 2013, 9:16 am
#88
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: 30,000ft
Programs: EK, BA, EY, SQ, IHG, HH, SPG
Posts: 670
So THATS what I/O looks like
Actually having seen a few io cards given out and having spoken to the io team a few times. There is no criteria as such. I was told recently of someone who got a prize for most miles flown in a year and didn't get io and others who fly and spend much less but have a status in Dubai eg a CEO or a senior banker who do get it. The platinum card will make it harder for frequent flyers to get io in my view.
Jun 19, 2013, 2:39 am
#89
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: EK GOld, A-CLUB GOLD, SPG PLAT.
Posts: 7
thats not true. my wife hit 850,000 miles last year with J and F class. and her boss was shy of 1 million. They both never made it to I/O.
The target is set at 1 Million and above.
50 sectors first and business
The target is set at 1 Million and above.
50 sectors first and business
Jun 19, 2013, 2:43 am
#90
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: EK GOld, A-CLUB GOLD, SPG PLAT.
Posts: 7
The target is set at 1 Mln Skywards miles and above.
C-level , SVP's, MD's of Corporate Institution.
Elite club members as of April; 286 members at the moment
each year 40 newcomers and 60 downgraded.
50 sectors first and business
C-level , SVP's, MD's of Corporate Institution.
Elite club members as of April; 286 members at the moment
each year 40 newcomers and 60 downgraded.
50 sectors first and business