Originally Posted by d00t (Post 37078733)

It has nothing to do with keeping influencers out.

Restricting F achieves:
- Eliminating brokered F seats once and for all (revenue protection).
- Forces Americans to get the co-brand credit card if they don't already hold status (revenue stream for EK).
- Turns F redemptions into a benefit of status rather than a competition against the masses.
- Ratchet up the exclusivity on redemptions because EK has a large high-value-pax base in UAE and has no problems shelling out cash for F.

Remember that Gold/Platinum status already requires at least one paid segment in J/F to qualify.
Achieving EK status costs more than the equivalent status on any other airline, and protecting that revenue from top customers is what drives the profits.

Originally Posted by MELso (Post 37078753)

The interesting question will be whether QF (and AC) will be required to impose similar restrictions. If not, I presume it'd be easy enough to transfer from one of the points currencies across to QF instead of EK itself...

Originally Posted by d00t (Post 37078733)

It has nothing to do with keeping influencers out.

Restricting F achieves:
- Eliminating brokered F seats once and for all (revenue protection).
- Forces Americans to get the co-brand credit card if they don't already hold status (revenue stream for EK).
- Turns F redemptions into a benefit of status rather than a competition against the masses.
- Ratchet up the exclusivity on redemptions because EK has a large high-value-pax base in UAE and has no problems shelling out cash for F.

Remember that Gold/Platinum status already requires at least one paid segment in J/F to qualify.
Achieving EK status costs more than the equivalent status on any other airline, and protecting that revenue from top customers is what drives the profits.

Originally Posted by CanaryWharf (Post 37078832)

By brokered seats do you mean those shady websites that sell J/F tickets for 40-50% discount?

i was always wondering how their business model works - do they just use points to buy on behalf of their customers?

Originally Posted by Sandeep1 (Post 37078508)

I just booked F on GameChanger before this change kicks in.

That being said, anyone in U.S. can just grab the Barclays Emirates card and get silver status for a measly $99 AF

Originally Posted by d00t (Post 37078733)

Remember that Gold/Platinum status already requires at least one paid segment in J/F to qualify.

Originally Posted by CanaryWharf (Post 37078832)

By brokered seats do you mean those shady websites that sell J/F tickets for 40-50% discount?

i was always wondering how their business model works - do they just use points to buy on behalf of their customers?

Originally Posted by ft101 (Post 37080315)

Only Platinum.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9494a35e43.jpg

Originally Posted by d00t (Post 37080293)

Sadly, Qantas bronze members (no status) will have the same first-class access as Emirates Platinum members.
https://flighthacks.com.au/qff-acces...s-first-class/

Originally Posted by A4K (Post 37080945)

If you have an F award booked, do you think they will allow changes?

Originally Posted by holidayflyer83 (Post 37081074)

Yes, they do. Just tried to change an existing ticket and new flights show up. So no worries.

Originally Posted by im.daniel (Post 37080580)

Pretty stupid isn't it. Nothing to stop us from just transferring CC points over to QF to redeem EK F.