Another "enhancement"?
Jun 12, 2013 | 9:02 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,931
Jun 12, 2013 | 9:28 pm
#17
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL, FB Ultimate, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 412
I think they realised exactly what Dave and I were talking about in another thread recently: it can sometimes be cheaper (in terms of $$$ and definitely Skywards Miles) to by a cheap Economy ticket and upgrade with miles to Business.
Therefore, to stop this they are now blocking the cheapest Saver tickets for upgrades until check-in to make them less attractive and to exclude the chauffeur drive.
Yet another devaluation in an already abysmal Frequent Flyer Program. It's amazing how much things changed in just 2-3 years...
Therefore, to stop this they are now blocking the cheapest Saver tickets for upgrades until check-in to make them less attractive and to exclude the chauffeur drive.
Yet another devaluation in an already abysmal Frequent Flyer Program. It's amazing how much things changed in just 2-3 years...
Jun 13, 2013 | 12:46 am
#18
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,801
Yep - only certain economy fares are upgradable on BA. Oftentimes, WT+ is less expensive than the economy fare you want to upgrade.
Jun 13, 2013 | 3:50 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Skywards silver :-(, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 2,572
Jun 13, 2013 | 3:59 am
#20
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Skywards silver :-(, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 2,572
I've already started moving over to BA. Flybe is withdrawing from LGW from 2014 and I used to connect to EK via Fly be anyway. Moreover EK fares have gone through the roof nowadays.
With a BA avios household account I am able to get avios points for all 6 of us including my parents and in-laws into a single household account unlike the rip off 20% of miles on skywards.
With a BA avios household account I am able to get avios points for all 6 of us including my parents and in-laws into a single household account unlike the rip off 20% of miles on skywards.
Jun 13, 2013 | 4:50 am
#21
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: AUS / DXB
Programs: BA Silver | AA LT Gold | EY Silver | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,838
Pretty sad, considering not too long ago (3 years or so? Prior to the changing of redemption levels/flex and saver fares/upgrade inventory) Skywards was actually a very rewarding FFP.
Jun 13, 2013 | 5:10 am
#22
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: 30,000ft
Programs: EK, BA, EY, SQ, IHG, HH, SPG
Posts: 670
Another "enhancement"?
Given this has been one of the best years for a while for the airline industry it seems inevitable that this type of changes will happen. Driving more return per seat when yields are high seems a logical strategy. It will only change if this approach hits profits. As BA discovered some time ago there can be a lag but once passengers start to find alternatives hard to win them back. I think the real impact of these profit driven adjustments will only be seen in 2-3 years time.
Jun 13, 2013 | 5:20 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Skywards silver :-(, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 2,572
EK has lost 8 J returns to sub-continent north from us. Only a drop in the ocean but quite a few colleagues are now switching over to other carriers. Several are gold few platinums as well.
They now prefer one world carriers as there is some flexibility on miles upgrades/earnings IMHO EK is losing its appeal unless based in DXB
They now prefer one world carriers as there is some flexibility on miles upgrades/earnings IMHO EK is losing its appeal unless based in DXB
Jun 13, 2013 | 5:23 am
#24
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,931
EK has lost 8 J returns to sub-continent north from us. Only a drop in the ocean but quite a few colleagues are now switching over to other carriers. Several are gold few platinums as well.
They now prefer one world carriers as there is some flexibility on upgrades. IMHO EK is losing its appeal unless based in DXB
They now prefer one world carriers as there is some flexibility on upgrades. IMHO EK is losing its appeal unless based in DXB
Jun 13, 2013 | 5:38 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
EK has lost 8 J returns to sub-continent north from us. Only a drop in the ocean but quite a few colleagues are now switching over to other carriers. Several are gold few platinums as well.
They now prefer one world carriers as there is some flexibility on miles upgrades/earnings IMHO EK is losing its appeal unless based in DXB
They now prefer one world carriers as there is some flexibility on miles upgrades/earnings IMHO EK is losing its appeal unless based in DXB
Jun 13, 2013 | 6:16 am
#26
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: AUS / DXB
Programs: BA Silver | AA LT Gold | EY Silver | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,838
1. You earn actual miles flown, not zone-based miles (which are usually lower)
2. Redemption rates are much better than on EK
3. Only Y to Y+ upgrades require high fare purchases; upgrades from Y+ or J can be done from any fare (Y+ to J upgrades in particular are excellent value and pretty much pay for themselves)
4. Status benefits are generally better, especially since you can use them across the alliance
There's more of course if you look at the likes of AA.
Jun 13, 2013 | 6:22 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
With regard to BA....
1. You earn actual miles flown, not zone-based miles (which are usually lower)
2. Redemption rates are much better than on EK
3. Only Y to Y+ upgrades require high fare purchases; upgrades from Y+ or J can be done from any fare (Y+ to J upgrades in particular are excellent value and pretty much pay for themselves)
4. Status benefits are generally better, especially since you can use them across the alliance
There's more of course if you look at the likes of AA.
1. You earn actual miles flown, not zone-based miles (which are usually lower)
2. Redemption rates are much better than on EK
3. Only Y to Y+ upgrades require high fare purchases; upgrades from Y+ or J can be done from any fare (Y+ to J upgrades in particular are excellent value and pretty much pay for themselves)
4. Status benefits are generally better, especially since you can use them across the alliance
There's more of course if you look at the likes of AA.
Jun 13, 2013 | 1:54 pm
#28
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 46,134
To upgrade to business class on EK, can do it on amy fare though the lowest fares cannot be done until 24 hours before departure
If wanting to upgrade to business class, EK's new policy is still better than BA's
Jun 13, 2013 | 8:33 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Skywards silver :-(, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 2,572
So, in order to upgrade to business class, it is necessary to purchase a higher fare on BA
To upgrade to business class on EK, can do it on amy fare though the lowest fares cannot be done until 24 hours before departure
If wanting to upgrade to business class, EK's new policy is still better than BA's
To upgrade to business class on EK, can do it on amy fare though the lowest fares cannot be done until 24 hours before departure
If wanting to upgrade to business class, EK's new policy is still better than BA's
ICE is one thing I miss
Jun 17, 2013 | 2:22 pm
#30
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 123
Just saw this program update:
On Emirates you are able to upgrade any existing ticket to a higher class of travel using your Skywards Miles. With all Skywards Flex and most Skywards Saver tickets you can upgrade immediately after purchase, whilst effective 15th July, certain Skywards Saver tickets will only allow you to upgrade when your flight is ready for check-in. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure so if you have purchased one of these fares, this is the earliest and best opportunity for you to use your Miles to upgrade. You may also upgrade your flight at the airport before departure, or even on-board*.
Travel in our premium cabins comes with additional benefits** such as extra baggage allowance and lounge access.
Tickets purchased at emirates.com will clearly display whether a fare is eligible for a check-in reward upgrade only or ask your travel agent to check your fare at the time of booking so you know which upgrade options are available.
* Upgrades to a higher class of travel on board are only available to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.
** Please note that Chauffeur-drive service is not available for check-in reward upgrades.
What's your take on this?
On Emirates you are able to upgrade any existing ticket to a higher class of travel using your Skywards Miles. With all Skywards Flex and most Skywards Saver tickets you can upgrade immediately after purchase, whilst effective 15th July, certain Skywards Saver tickets will only allow you to upgrade when your flight is ready for check-in. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure so if you have purchased one of these fares, this is the earliest and best opportunity for you to use your Miles to upgrade. You may also upgrade your flight at the airport before departure, or even on-board*.
Travel in our premium cabins comes with additional benefits** such as extra baggage allowance and lounge access.
Tickets purchased at emirates.com will clearly display whether a fare is eligible for a check-in reward upgrade only or ask your travel agent to check your fare at the time of booking so you know which upgrade options are available.
* Upgrades to a higher class of travel on board are only available to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.
** Please note that Chauffeur-drive service is not available for check-in reward upgrades.
What's your take on this?
I've booked flex tickets yet there's no upgrades available - is it still the same system that there's only a few seats released for upgrades?
Last edited by Northumberland Lady; Jun 17, 2013 at 2:23 pm Reason: Forgot to put my comments