Emirates - worth joining Skywards FF?

shar46y

We are going on a long-awaited holiday to Malaysia in April :j, will be flying Emirates BHX-DXB-KUL - 2 adults and 2 kids.

I was looking into the benefits of joining the Skywards program. As it is a stand-alone FF program, I don't think we will fly frequently enough on Emirates to earn the miles before they expire (I think they are only valid for 13 months). We do not plan to travel to the Far East more than once a year.

Are there any expert travellers out there who could confirm? Thanks!

Doshwaster

Personally, if an airline has a FF scheme then I will always join it unless they are in an alliance I already have a membership with. There are no costs in doing so and there are occasionally some initial benefits.

Actually, the expiry is 3 years. If you look at
http://www.emirates.com/english/help/faqs/FAQDetails.aspx?faqCategory=193392

Q: For how long are my Skywards Miles valid?

A: Your Skywards Miles are valid for three years from the date on which they are credited to your account. Miles due to expire will be removed from your account once each calendar year, at the end of the month in which you were born.
For example, if you earned Miles in June 2007 and your birthday is in August, these Miles will expire on 31st August 2010.

callum9999

You can spend Emirates miles on Easyjet (between the 4 of you, you should earn enough to get around 2 free Easyjet flights) or get something in their online shop.

It's always worth signing up even if you don't think you'll get anything though. I did with Etihad when I went to Australia and in the end I got a $100 hotel voucher and about £40 in cash.

shar46y

Thanks! I don't know why I thought validity was 13 months :doh:. We will definitely join Skywards then.

booler

I am a member but I don't fly frequently enough to see any great benefit from it. I do know that it gives you other things like self service check in and pre-assigned seating so (as it costs nothing) it is worth it.

http://www.skywards.com/Member_benefits.aspx?SkinID=6

fifeken

13 months is the time frame for accruing miles to progress through the tiers (Blue, Silver, Gold).

Skywards Miles, which are the ones you use for rewards, expire three years following your next birthday.

You'll get minimum 6,000 miles each for your trip (depends on booking class), but as new members you'll get a first flight bonus of 2,500 miles each as well.

Although you can't combine miles (without paying), easyJet's minimum redemption is 7,500 miles so a flight each is possible.

shar46y

fifeken wrote: »

13 months is the time frame for accruing miles to progress through the tiers (Blue, Silver, Gold).

Skywards Miles, which are the ones you use for rewards, expire three years following your next birthday.

You'll get minimum 6,000 miles each for your trip (depends on booking class), but as new members you'll get a first flight bonus of 2,500 miles each as well.

Oh, that is clearer now, thanks!

I've checked and we will indeed get 6,000 miles (cheapest fare class).