Emirates Expands Frequent Flyer Program

emirates
Emirates Skywards, the frequent flyer program of Emirates Airline, reports the introduction of ‘Platinum’, a new tier above Blue, Silver and Gold. The Platinum tier will enhance the travel experience for frequent travelers and to offer additional benefits to members who have earned over 150,000 Mile Emirates says.Skywards has 8.6 million members worldwide.

"This is a significant development for Emirates Skywards. The new tier is designed to show our most valued customers how important they are to Emirates and to offer greater recognition and benefits to those who choose to fly with us on such a frequent basis, " Emirates said.

Platinum members will receive benefits usually reserved for First Class passengers, including First Class check-in, baggage delivery and access to the First Class lounges in Dubai with a guest. They can continue to use all Emirates Lounges around the world, also with a guest, and they will receive 20 kgs of additional baggage, regardless of their class of travel. 

To enable Platinum members to share their benefits with the rest of their family, a Gold ‘Partner’ card has been introduced, which means that family members can enjoy Gold privileges even when traveling separately, Emirates says. Platinum members will be guaranteed an Economy Class or Business Class commercial seat at Flex fares and receive access to an Economy Class or Business  Class ‘Last Seat’ Flex reward. 

Gold Emirates Skywards members who are eligible for Platinum status will be automatically upgraded to the new tier and will start receiving benefits from 1 April 2013. To qualify for Platinum status, members need to earn 150,000 or more tier Miles within a rolling 12-13 month period, compared to the existing qualification criteria of 50,000 Miles for Gold members. 

Based on current figures, Emirates estimates that the top five per cent of Emirates Skywards’ Gold tier will be eligible for Platinum status.

Visit www.skywards.com