When does achieving EK status make sense?
Nov 16, 2015 | 11:38 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,932
Nov 16, 2015 | 9:21 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
When flying via DXB and based on the typical flight timings. I generally transit DXB between midnight - 4am one direction and 7-9pm the other. The the middle of the night stop the lounge really makes it bearable.
Also if your routes tend to be routinely very full you might have better chances of op-ups. I've had three so far this year on DXB - HYD/HYD - DXB
Also if your routes tend to be routinely very full you might have better chances of op-ups. I've had three so far this year on DXB - HYD/HYD - DXB
Nov 16, 2015 | 9:34 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,932
When flying via DXB and based on the typical flight timings. I generally transit DXB between midnight - 4am one direction and 7-9pm the other. The the middle of the night stop the lounge really makes it bearable.
Also if your routes tend to be routinely very full you might have better chances of op-ups. I've had three so far this year on DXB - HYD/HYD - DXB
Also if your routes tend to be routinely very full you might have better chances of op-ups. I've had three so far this year on DXB - HYD/HYD - DXB
Nov 17, 2015 | 3:40 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,819
Would agree with the general sentiment here that if you fly mostly in Y, then staying loyal to one carrier (at least as far as network coverage allows) - and thereby gaining status - can help make life a little more comfortable.
But if flying regularly in J or F, there just isn't the same impetus to stick to one airline. You can instead spread the love ........
But if flying regularly in J or F, there just isn't the same impetus to stick to one airline. You can instead spread the love ........
Nov 17, 2015 | 3:58 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but surely status should be a function your travel pattern, rather than achieving status as a goal?
In other words, I think you will have a better time if you choose your carrier depending on your routes, budget, product and schedule. After all if you fly J or F, status doesn't get you much - you already have the premium amenities that status gets you over Y.
If you are flying Y enough to gain status, then I think the priority would be on choosing the best Y product out there for your needs (i.e. seats/IFE/transfer experience if any/flight time). Minimising your time in Y or making sure that Y is at least tolerable for your many hours and many trips in Y surely takes priority over getting a shiny card?
So to answer your question: it never makes sense to achieve EK status per se, but is most beneficial if you travel in Y often (transit or no transit, because the major benefit is lounge access and priority boarding). However, this is no different to every other FFP out there.
In other words, I think you will have a better time if you choose your carrier depending on your routes, budget, product and schedule. After all if you fly J or F, status doesn't get you much - you already have the premium amenities that status gets you over Y.
If you are flying Y enough to gain status, then I think the priority would be on choosing the best Y product out there for your needs (i.e. seats/IFE/transfer experience if any/flight time). Minimising your time in Y or making sure that Y is at least tolerable for your many hours and many trips in Y surely takes priority over getting a shiny card?
So to answer your question: it never makes sense to achieve EK status per se, but is most beneficial if you travel in Y often (transit or no transit, because the major benefit is lounge access and priority boarding). However, this is no different to every other FFP out there.
Nov 17, 2015 | 4:44 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but surely status should be a function your travel pattern, rather than achieving status as a goal?
In other words, I think you will have a better time if you choose your carrier depending on your routes, budget, product and schedule. After all if you fly J or F, status doesn't get you much - you already have the premium amenities that status gets you over Y.
If you are flying Y enough to gain status, then I think the priority would be on choosing the best Y product out there for your needs (i.e. seats/IFE/transfer experience if any/flight time). Minimising your time in Y or making sure that Y is at least tolerable for your many hours and many trips in Y surely takes priority over getting a shiny card?
So to answer your question: it never makes sense to achieve EK status per se, but is most beneficial if you travel in Y often (transit or no transit, because the major benefit is lounge access and priority boarding). However, this is no different to every other FFP out there.
In other words, I think you will have a better time if you choose your carrier depending on your routes, budget, product and schedule. After all if you fly J or F, status doesn't get you much - you already have the premium amenities that status gets you over Y.
If you are flying Y enough to gain status, then I think the priority would be on choosing the best Y product out there for your needs (i.e. seats/IFE/transfer experience if any/flight time). Minimising your time in Y or making sure that Y is at least tolerable for your many hours and many trips in Y surely takes priority over getting a shiny card?
So to answer your question: it never makes sense to achieve EK status per se, but is most beneficial if you travel in Y often (transit or no transit, because the major benefit is lounge access and priority boarding). However, this is no different to every other FFP out there.
Nov 17, 2015 | 5:45 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: QF(Platinum) VA(Platinum) EY(Platinum) NZ(Gold) AZ(Platinum) SPG(Gold)
Posts: 278
Frequent Flyer Membership Tier earn is most valuable to regular business travellers. They might enjoy Business Class travel paid for by their employer (which generates good tier mile earn) - where frequent flyer status isn't so important - but when it comes to their own personal leisure travel (that they have to pay for themselves) they can fly Economy but still enjoy the lounges, ground priority, and slightly enhanced service. They are the biggest beneficiaries.
Nov 17, 2015 | 1:12 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Europe
Programs: EK plat, ex-FB gold, Accor plat
Posts: 1,074
Frequent Flyer Membership Tier earn is most valuable to regular business travellers. They might enjoy Business Class travel paid for by their employer (which generates good tier mile earn) - where frequent flyer status isn't so important - but when it comes to their own personal leisure travel (that they have to pay for themselves) they can fly Economy but still enjoy the lounges, ground priority, and slightly enhanced service. They are the biggest beneficiaries.
And Platinum members can name someone to get Gold status right away.
Therefore, a family of four may enjoy all the perks (mainly lounge) even flying Y for a private trip.
As a personal remark, it makes sense to aim for status if you fly Y, but, you need to fly a lot. So, if EK is a natural choice, go for it. If not, it's not worth it.