Originally Posted by gorbatzjov (Post 34884322)

I consider myself a loyal EK flyer. I've been 11 consecutive years a Gold member with Skywards. Mostly Economy, but increasingly buying J tickets as I'm getting older and more tired of flying (ok, ok the real reason is that I'm getting heavier too ;)). I remember the times Platinum didn't exist and gaining 10k miles in Y for a long haul was normal. I remember the OpUps being prioritised based on status rather than ticket price. Over the recent years, I've negotiated with myself - and convinced myself - many times to pay the premium for Emirates compared to other airlines. Living in Dubai that's not an easy thing to do.

But that changes in 2023... 50k miles for a Y flex upgrade to West-Europe is a 25% increase compared to 2022. For a ticket that costs 4000 AED (return) instead of 3500 (2020) or 2700 (2016). I've just booked 3 flights of 3700 AED in Premium Economy with Air France for my travel to Europe in Q1 2023. And I booked a flight to Mexico in Business Class for 16,000 AED (against 26,500 AED for EK). That makes me Gold with Flying Blue.

Sorry for the rant. I know Flying Blue isn't ideal and AF/KL have their own issues, but the attitude of EK is just getting at Mount Everest levels and even I cannot justify to myself to continue paying such fares for insignificant benefits. All airlines are in the business of making money, and people are clearly willing to spend huge amounts on airline tickets after COVID, but EK's changes are "too far too fast" in my opinion to keep me loyal.

Originally Posted by gorbatzjov (Post 34884322)

I consider myself a loyal EK flyer. I've been 11 consecutive years a Gold member with Skywards. Mostly Economy, but increasingly buying J tickets as I'm getting older and more tired of flying (ok, ok the real reason is that I'm getting heavier too ;)). I remember the times Platinum didn't exist and gaining 10k miles in Y for a long haul was normal. I remember the OpUps being prioritised based on status rather than ticket price. Over the recent years, I've negotiated with myself - and convinced myself - many times to pay the premium for Emirates compared to other airlines. Living in Dubai that's not an easy thing to do.

Originally Posted by BadoRas (Post 34905474)

Yep, I have been a loyal EK flyer since 1998 and I also remember how much simpler it was in the old days. There was more predictability and we felt more appreciated.

There is a cold wind blowing through the EK offices now, where loyal flyers can be treated quite badly and ignored. It has always been about cash, it's an airline after all. But back then it was definitely more civilised and friendly. They tried to help you, not dismiss you. Being platinum for almost 10 years, I do notice a change in attitude which has affected all levels of membership. I guess it is born of a need to survive financially after tough times.

Understandable maybe, but I don't like it at all.

Originally Posted by lost_in_translation (Post 34908056)

EK bookings now possible through Aeroplan's website. DXB-STN in J is 87K + £360 of fees through EK or 45K + £51 through Aeroplan...

Has anyone settled on the best use for orphan Skywards miles yet?

Originally Posted by HB7 (Post 34911101)

I've got a couple of mates who don't post on these forums who are Skywards Platinum and have over a million skywards points and said they will be looking to change airlines now and no longer fly with emirates apart from finding good award seats to burn through what they have left of their miles.

Originally Posted by BadoRas (Post 34905474)

It has always been about cash, it's an airline after all. But back then it was definitely more civilised and friendly. They tried to help you, not dismiss you. Being platinum for almost 10 years, I do notice a change in attitude which has affected all levels of membership. I guess it is born of a need to survive financially after tough times.

Originally Posted by DYKWIA (Post 34873810)

Yep - ex-UK fares are ridiculous. But people are obviously paying!

Originally Posted by Duck1981 (Post 34914246)

And we are not talking about J. Try to visit friends in Dubai in early May - LH £306 via FRA - BA £454 direct - EK £584 if going from LHR.

Travelling alone and have plenty of time, LH won.

I remember I was booking EK flights to DXB and back for £350 return max before Covid...

Originally Posted by Duck1981 (Post 34914246)

And we are not talking about J. Try to visit friends in Dubai in early May - LH £306 via FRA - BA £454 direct - EK £584 if going from LHR.

Travelling alone and have plenty of time, LH won.

I remember I was booking EK flights to DXB and back for £350 return max before Covid...

Originally Posted by Dirty_Idea (Post 34916856)

The timing is not the best either. A LOT of fairly frequent fliers will have something of a clean sheet thanks to covid. Lots of miles expiring, status needs attention, etc. When you're rolling with a program you tend to experience the (untrue) boiling frog thing. But there will be a lot of people whose flying is just picking up who will be thinking "do I want to stick with Emirates, or is there better available?"

Originally Posted by HB7 (Post 34917144)

Great point about the timing actually. I can see many people who have been loyal to EK will see this as a kick in the guts because finding award availability is extremely difficult these days and this is like another gut punch where miles requirements go up as do taxes/fees.