Skywards Changes 2010
Sep 17, 2009 | 12:14 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SAN
Programs: Current: UA 1K, AA EXP; BA Silver; Former: EK Gold (2004-11), LH SEN (2007-14)
Posts: 275
Free upgrades would be too much to ask even for Platinum - that would kill the revenues in F.
But what would be a decent compromise is to have all unsold seats in F/J be available for mileage upgrades from J/Y regardless of fare bucket. A 100% tier bonus would be the minimum to expect for Platinum - but it will not be very effective if redemption keeps getting harder.
What I think Platinum should reasonably have (champagne and strawberries in the car is wishful thinking!):
1) A 100% or more tier bonus
2) F lounge access for self and family (or 2-3 guests) with a J ticket; F lounge access for self only with a Y ticket; J lounge access with family (or 2-3 guests) on a Y ticket
3) Much greater non-peak redemption rate inventory availability (Gold should also have some advantages here)
4) Highest priority for op-ups (obvious) but no op-ups if booking class is not oversold. Instead, Platinum should offer:
5) 4 upgrade vouchers/year that are redeemable for confirmed upgrades as long as even a single seat is open in the higher class
6) Reciprocal arrangements for lounge access with at least their bilateral partners (this would help address the BIGGEST weakness of Skywards, which is the lack of membership in a global alliance). This would make a big difference to US residents who EK presumably wants to attract with more gateways in the coming years.
7) Soft landing to Gold for Platinum card holders for 1 year would be awesome.
To make the qualification criteria easy to understand, it should simply be the following:
a) 150K tier miles with at least 100K tier miles in J/F classes, or
b) 120K tier miles in J/F
It might even be easier to just use (b) - sort of like the old SQ PPS system. Having the tiers be 30, 60, 120 has a nice sense of progression!
Look forward to the details!
But what would be a decent compromise is to have all unsold seats in F/J be available for mileage upgrades from J/Y regardless of fare bucket. A 100% tier bonus would be the minimum to expect for Platinum - but it will not be very effective if redemption keeps getting harder.
What I think Platinum should reasonably have (champagne and strawberries in the car is wishful thinking!):
1) A 100% or more tier bonus
2) F lounge access for self and family (or 2-3 guests) with a J ticket; F lounge access for self only with a Y ticket; J lounge access with family (or 2-3 guests) on a Y ticket
3) Much greater non-peak redemption rate inventory availability (Gold should also have some advantages here)
4) Highest priority for op-ups (obvious) but no op-ups if booking class is not oversold. Instead, Platinum should offer:
5) 4 upgrade vouchers/year that are redeemable for confirmed upgrades as long as even a single seat is open in the higher class
6) Reciprocal arrangements for lounge access with at least their bilateral partners (this would help address the BIGGEST weakness of Skywards, which is the lack of membership in a global alliance). This would make a big difference to US residents who EK presumably wants to attract with more gateways in the coming years.
7) Soft landing to Gold for Platinum card holders for 1 year would be awesome.
To make the qualification criteria easy to understand, it should simply be the following:
a) 150K tier miles with at least 100K tier miles in J/F classes, or
b) 120K tier miles in J/F
It might even be easier to just use (b) - sort of like the old SQ PPS system. Having the tiers be 30, 60, 120 has a nice sense of progression!
Look forward to the details!
Sep 17, 2009 | 6:58 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: ABZ & half way up Mekong
Programs: Qatar Gold. Skywards Silver, Etihad, China Airlines, Thai, Flying Blue, BA.
Posts: 173
I wonder how much notification Emirates will give to their loyal patrons before implementing these changes ?? 
Best Regards
Flying Fireman
Best Regards
Flying Fireman
Sep 17, 2009 | 1:49 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: 1A or GS-550
Programs: SQ SPPS, EK I/O, CX DM, SU Plat, Hyatt DM, IC RA Plat, HH DM, AMX Cent
Posts: 498
Sep 18, 2009 | 4:49 am
#20
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,944
I think moving the qualification threshold for Gold to 60K is acceptable.
However, I am surprised about the 150K barrier for Platinum. I would have expected something in the range of 100K. This would be in line with airlines like United Airlines that have their "1K" status at 100K (and the earning structure at UA is similar, too).
However, I am surprised about the 150K barrier for Platinum. I would have expected something in the range of 100K. This would be in line with airlines like United Airlines that have their "1K" status at 100K (and the earning structure at UA is similar, too).
Sep 18, 2009 | 4:51 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: 1A or GS-550
Programs: SQ SPPS, EK I/O, CX DM, SU Plat, Hyatt DM, IC RA Plat, HH DM, AMX Cent
Posts: 498
Atleast this is what I know although others are welcome to correct me if I am wrong.
EGT
Oct 2, 2009 | 5:50 am
#22
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 1,627
If this is true, I imagine that a lot of people who travel between Asia and the US will switch from EK back to US carriers. I would.
Last edited by starflyer; Oct 2, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Oct 2, 2009 | 7:07 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: emirates skywards gold,
Posts: 257
Hi Mates,
Have recieved some very interesting and confirmed news that massive changes ave been planned by EK for SKYWARDS beginning from 2010. This is not a rumour anymore. Its confirmed news.
The changes are being worked out but as of what I have been informed the below mentioned are going to be some of them. But pls don't crucify me if this does not happen 101% as mentioned below because this is EK and they can change their mind 1000 times before 1st Jan 2010.
1) The Silver Tier moves to 30K & Gold Tier qualification will move further to 60K.
bvms: where's the link to the news article confirming all these changes?
2) The much awaited new PLATINUM tier will become avialable and it will be 150k with atleast 70% flights in paid J or paid F. I have no idea what EK plans to offer their PLAT tier paxs.
BVMS: I heard rumors of this last year from a friend who works in ek, yet I wonder when It will be officially announced.
3) Redemption which has already become tough in the premium cabins and it will become even more tougher.
4) No more than 5 seats in I Class for upgrade in any given flight and no more that 2 seats in Z Class for any given flight.
BVMS: by I class do you mean "first class?" if so. better to print out the full word so no one misconstrues anything. BTW what is "Z" class anyway? does that refer to economy redemption slots seating?
This is all that I know of today. I am sure that perhaps you guys in DXB can figure out more of this & add to it sooner rather than later.
Look's like EK pulled a big one off by giving away all those miles to paxs & taking away other airline's business from them. Like thy say nothing comes for free or there is no such thing as a free ride.
Safe Flying
EGT
Have recieved some very interesting and confirmed news that massive changes ave been planned by EK for SKYWARDS beginning from 2010. This is not a rumour anymore. Its confirmed news.
The changes are being worked out but as of what I have been informed the below mentioned are going to be some of them. But pls don't crucify me if this does not happen 101% as mentioned below because this is EK and they can change their mind 1000 times before 1st Jan 2010.
1) The Silver Tier moves to 30K & Gold Tier qualification will move further to 60K.
bvms: where's the link to the news article confirming all these changes?
2) The much awaited new PLATINUM tier will become avialable and it will be 150k with atleast 70% flights in paid J or paid F. I have no idea what EK plans to offer their PLAT tier paxs.
BVMS: I heard rumors of this last year from a friend who works in ek, yet I wonder when It will be officially announced.
3) Redemption which has already become tough in the premium cabins and it will become even more tougher.
4) No more than 5 seats in I Class for upgrade in any given flight and no more that 2 seats in Z Class for any given flight.
BVMS: by I class do you mean "first class?" if so. better to print out the full word so no one misconstrues anything. BTW what is "Z" class anyway? does that refer to economy redemption slots seating?
This is all that I know of today. I am sure that perhaps you guys in DXB can figure out more of this & add to it sooner rather than later.
Look's like EK pulled a big one off by giving away all those miles to paxs & taking away other airline's business from them. Like thy say nothing comes for free or there is no such thing as a free ride.
Safe Flying
EGT
Oct 2, 2009 | 7:21 pm
#24
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: emirates skywards gold,
Posts: 257
Oct 2, 2009 | 7:30 pm
#25
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: emirates skywards gold,
Posts: 257
I believe this will come to fruition .
I have tried to get first class seats for next year and am unable for a reward ticket, it has not been a problem in the past.
I am Gold status and and complete around 10-12 flights per year in F, sometimes J however If they are going the same way as many others and making it near impossible for the loyalty to be rewarded I shall use what points I can , prob on their partners, and ,move to another carrier.
They have waitlisted me for an award which prob will not be confirmed until about 3-4 weeks before , if it does get confirmed , useless to me really .
Anyway I hope they have a change of mind but dont really think that will happen, have to wait and see I guess.
I have tried to get first class seats for next year and am unable for a reward ticket, it has not been a problem in the past.
I am Gold status and and complete around 10-12 flights per year in F, sometimes J however If they are going the same way as many others and making it near impossible for the loyalty to be rewarded I shall use what points I can , prob on their partners, and ,move to another carrier.
They have waitlisted me for an award which prob will not be confirmed until about 3-4 weeks before , if it does get confirmed , useless to me really .
Anyway I hope they have a change of mind but dont really think that will happen, have to wait and see I guess.
Oct 2, 2009 | 7:41 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: emirates skywards gold,
Posts: 257
I believe this will come to fruition .
I have tried to get first class seats for next year and am unable for a reward ticket, it has not been a problem in the past.
I am Gold status and and complete around 10-12 flights per year in F, sometimes J however If they are going the same way as many others and making it near impossible for the loyalty to be rewarded I shall use what points I can , prob on their partners, and ,move to another carrier.
They have waitlisted me for an award which prob will not be confirmed until about 3-4 weeks before , if it does get confirmed , useless to me really .
Anyway I hope they have a change of mind but dont really think that will happen, have to wait and see I guess.
I have tried to get first class seats for next year and am unable for a reward ticket, it has not been a problem in the past.
I am Gold status and and complete around 10-12 flights per year in F, sometimes J however If they are going the same way as many others and making it near impossible for the loyalty to be rewarded I shall use what points I can , prob on their partners, and ,move to another carrier.
They have waitlisted me for an award which prob will not be confirmed until about 3-4 weeks before , if it does get confirmed , useless to me really .
Anyway I hope they have a change of mind but dont really think that will happen, have to wait and see I guess.
Oct 2, 2009 | 7:41 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: emirates skywards gold,
Posts: 257
I believe this will come to fruition .
I have tried to get first class seats for next year and am unable for a reward ticket, it has not been a problem in the past.
I am Gold status and and complete around 10-12 flights per year in F, sometimes J however If they are going the same way as many others and making it near impossible for the loyalty to be rewarded I shall use what points I can , prob on their partners, and ,move to another carrier.
They have waitlisted me for an award which prob will not be confirmed until about 3-4 weeks before , if it does get confirmed , useless to me really .
Anyway I hope they have a change of mind but dont really think that will happen, have to wait and see I guess.
I have tried to get first class seats for next year and am unable for a reward ticket, it has not been a problem in the past.
I am Gold status and and complete around 10-12 flights per year in F, sometimes J however If they are going the same way as many others and making it near impossible for the loyalty to be rewarded I shall use what points I can , prob on their partners, and ,move to another carrier.
They have waitlisted me for an award which prob will not be confirmed until about 3-4 weeks before , if it does get confirmed , useless to me really .
Anyway I hope they have a change of mind but dont really think that will happen, have to wait and see I guess.
Oct 2, 2009 | 11:28 pm
#28
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: EK
Posts: 358
I think that speaks out for a lot of us, we all have a lot of Brand Loyalty, and are concerned about our miles becoming useless, yet with the huge numbers of new pax Ek's won with the fantastic service levels, I doubt they'll bother much if a few "vote with their feet" by these changes, In fact it's almost as if they are "double daring us" to do so...by such changes.
I am a huge fan of ek.. for service + the planes + skywards.. skywards was key because it was one of the best ff programs.. but I dont see how I could ever justify purchasing J with EK when other airlines are cheaper.
Oct 5, 2009 | 2:06 pm
#29
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: Skywards, Miles&More
Posts: 16
Simply disappointed!
I'm somewhat surprised and shocked! Having just read that tier (re-!)qualifications will move up 5k resp 10k I have to say:
No, it's not acceptable to move tiers that easily from one barrier to another! This is a 20% increase, but what's the add-on as a customer? Me, being company-wise forced to travel strictly in Y [although relatively frequently] will strike the new regulation quite harsh. Emirates should keep in mind that: Every little helps.
Anyhow, while I have been able to "easily" maintain my status in recent years, I'm less optimistic for my future. Maybe, Emirates has really lost trust/relationship in/to those customers that brought up the airline in the past. As it seems to me, they try to establish another (more than daunting) LH/BA/AF-style system, which has lost me (except the case of lacking opportunities) as a customer already. However, if this might be the case, myself might better change to a similar ...... system offered by a European carrier.
Discussions about additional - even more - exciting membership levels are fine with me, but one should also keep in mind those customers, who made the business growing...
Simply disappointed!
marc-DE
No, it's not acceptable to move tiers that easily from one barrier to another! This is a 20% increase, but what's the add-on as a customer? Me, being company-wise forced to travel strictly in Y [although relatively frequently] will strike the new regulation quite harsh. Emirates should keep in mind that: Every little helps.
Anyhow, while I have been able to "easily" maintain my status in recent years, I'm less optimistic for my future. Maybe, Emirates has really lost trust/relationship in/to those customers that brought up the airline in the past. As it seems to me, they try to establish another (more than daunting) LH/BA/AF-style system, which has lost me (except the case of lacking opportunities) as a customer already. However, if this might be the case, myself might better change to a similar ...... system offered by a European carrier.
Discussions about additional - even more - exciting membership levels are fine with me, but one should also keep in mind those customers, who made the business growing...
Simply disappointed!
marc-DE
Oct 6, 2009 | 1:54 am
#30
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: EK Gold, EY Gold, BA Gold OW Emerald, A3 *G, SV Skyteam Elite
Posts: 972
Nothing is confirmed.