Things are changing in the world of frequent flyers and loyalty programs. Last week it was a waiting list for a new co-branded credit card; this week it's Emirates Airways' plan to create new tiers, with fees, in its awards program, Skywards.
The original free tiers of the program wiil remain, at least for now, and members of those tiers who have achieved elite status have had that extended through next year.
The new 'pay-for-play' version of the program has three tiers, Classic, Advanced and Premium, with membership fees of $399, $699 and an astonishing $999. Each tier has an increasing level of lounge access, extra baggage allowance and bonus on points earning.
For the $399 level, you get a 20% bonus in miles, two lounge visits a year and an extra 5 kilos in baggage. At one step up, you get 10 kilos extra, five lounge visits and 20% off when buying upgrades with miles. At the top tier, you get both the bonus miles and the discount and ten visits. It will be interesting to see whether the program 'takes off!'
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