Hi Everyone .... I'm new on this forum but looks like there are many experts here ! so can someone please help me

I've got a query about EK Skywards program:

I've got 23k miles in my Skywards account and i'll be traveling in Oct between Dubai and Qatar - i have the option of going with EK and getting my silver skywards level but just wondering if it's worth it with EK's higher fares ... What are the benefits of silver and gold tiers ? Is it worth it ? as the miles get reset on Jan next year anyway

Also on the website it mentions you need 25k miles for silver and 50k for gold , does this mean when i get the silver i need an additional 50k miles more for gold tier or just another 25k more in the same year ?

If gold is really good then i have a long-haul in Dec which will push me over 50k in total (30k more than my current 20k) hence my dilemma


Thanks in advance for your comments

I've been gold for a the past year and a half, so a bit of a novice compared to some on here.

Apart from the bonus on miles earned, the main benefits of gold are use of all EK lounges worldwide when flying with them, the extra luggage allowance and the increased chance of a complimentary upgrade if the flight is too full. That has happened to me twice on long flights and is a real "feel good" loyalty bonus. Silver does not get global lounge access, a lower amount of extra luggage and I suspect minimal chance of the free upgrades.

Thanks for your reply ! IT seems like Gold is worth it then with more chnace for the upgrades

Did you have to travel an extra 50k miles from the silver tier or is it all up 50k in a year to get gold ?

Thanks ^

50K in total gets it for you - and the same each year to keep it. That used to be 40K, but has gone up. Forgot to say that both get you quick check in and also baggage priority, which can be nice after a long flight.

So i have to do another 50k to keep it ? Sorry what does that mean exactly ? IF i get the Gold this December wont i be gold next year too ??

Thanks for your help sorry for the many questions

Thankfully no. After you've earned 25k for your Silver, just earn another 25k tier miles to earn your Gold membership.

Oh yes, being a Gold member also entitles you to a complimentary E-gate access at Dubai International Airport, provided you're residing in the United Arab Emirates, or nationals of the Gulf Co-operative Council or of the UAE's visa waiver countries. Very handy especially when the queues are long at immigration ^

Thanks for your reply

I was just reading the skywards site and i read that if you reach gold you will be at gold for 14 months ... but then it also says i need to fly 50k miles to retain my current gold tier this is where i am confused ... do they mean if i get gold in Dec 2008 i need to accrue 50k miles by feb 2010 to retain my gold tier ? .. this conflict with the miles reset on Dec31st doesnt it ? ...Help !

No it is the number of tire miles you are awarded in any calender year (Jan ST to Dec ST) that count, but say you are a frequent traveler who flys for the first time in January and earns more the 25K tire miles then you qualify as Silver which will be valid until end of Feb year after next (26 months) if you hit 50K with in that year you then become gold until end of Feb year after next.

BB

BB

26 months ?

Thanks but Sorry you've confused me more Can you please explain again ? Thanks in advance !

u guys 4got the most imp thing being a GOLD..Seat Guarantee on closed flights.

A special guarantee for Skywards Gold
If no seats are available on your Emirates flight and you are holding a First Class, Business Class or designated Economy Class fully flexible ticket*, your Skywards Gold membership guarantees you an Economy Class seat on the flight of your choice. If you have paid for a Business or First Class ticket, you will also be priority waitlisted for the desired class. To avail of this benefit, a copy of your ticket must be faxed to the service centre nearest to you.

Please note that to use Guaranteed Reservations you must make your booking 48 hours prior to departure and you must check-in at least 90 minutes before the stated departure time in Economy Class, 60 minutes in Business Class and 45 minutes in First Class. Please call your Skywards service centre to avail of this privilege.

* For Economy Class tickets, guaranteed seat will only be offered on certain fully flexible fares. Please check with your local Skywards service centre for applicable fares.

Assume you are blue card holder and clocked up 25K Tire miles back in January you will now be silver until 28/2/10, if you were already silver this year you would just be extending the expiry from 28/2/09 until 28/2/10.

If you get Silver this month then you should receive the benefits once you have completed the qualifying flight, and your silver privileges will be valid until 28th Feb 2010.

If you get another 25K before 31st December then you will be gold until 28th Feb 2010.

BB

Tier miles are accumulated from 1st January to 31st December each year, at which time your tier miles account is reset to zero.

Your tier status will be valid for the rest of the year in which it is earned, plus an additional 14 months. For example, if you earn Skywards Silver status in June 2008, you will remain in this tier until February 2010.

I fly Emirates MAN-BKK -I made Silver last December, and since becoming Silver have made 2 more trips, one of which was a reward flight. On both trips have had one sector upgraded to Business Class...... Yes, I was upgraded on to business class between BKK and DXB on my reward ticket. The other upgrade was DXB-BKK. These flights are well patronised, so with me travelling alone I am probably a prime candidate for upgrades.

So is silver worth it? Yes, for me it is..... quick check-in, better baggage allowance and a good chance of a free upgrade. Add the bonus of Lounge access at DXB with complimentary food and drink....

Yep.... it's definitely worth it.

I have flown EK the last 3 years and have gone through the ranks to reach the Gold status .... yet to even get a free upgrade.... so must be very look of the draw .... also i usually travel alone

Maybe it is the luck of the draw, especially since there are more Skywards Gold members these days. Just don't hold your breath for free upgrades with status, I guess it depends on the value of your ticket as well. If you get it, then great!

I've been a Gold member for over 2 years now and only started getting upgraded on flights this year from J to F (twice). Next time I get upgraded, I hope it's on a long haul flight (private suite possibly???)