Emirates Skywards Program: What Are The Hidden Perks? (2024)

Skywards is Emirates' mileage program. This differs from many other major programs, as Emirates is not part of any airline alliance. However, there are still some good-value areas - mainly around Emirates flights. This guide looks at some of the highlights, split into earning miles, spending miles, and elite status perks.

Earning miles with Skywards

Take advantage of distance-based earning. Unlike many airline loyalty programs, Emirates Skywards has not switched to a revenue-based earning system (with miles/points awarded based on the fare paid). It still awards miles based on the flight distance and booking class. This is generally more rewarding, especially for lower-priced fares. There can also be good earning opportunities on lower priced or sale fares in premium cabins – these earn substantially more than lower economy fares, and this is worth considering when purchasing.

Consider pooling points. Skywards allows families to share miles in one account with the ‘My Family’ program. Up to seven family members can join and select for each flight how much to earn personally and in the shared family account. Unlike miles transfer options offered by some other airlines, there are no limits to earning here. This is more flexible than the sharing policies of many other loyalty programs.

Earn from partner airlines. Skywards allows miles to be earned from many other partner airlines. While it still remains a program for those who regularly fly with Emirates (especially for the status benefits), the opportunity to pool miles when flying with other airlines is useful. You should compare miles earning to alternative options of earning directly with the airline, especially in premium cabins where Skywards earnings tend to be low.

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The current additional airline partners include Air Canada, Air Mauritius, GOL, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, South African Airways, TAP, and United Airlines.

Spending miles with Skywards

Return flights are often better value. Skywards is unusual in that it allows one-way flights, but often, the prices are higher than half of the return price. This varies by route, but in many cases, you will get better value when booking a return. For example, from Dubai to New York in business class is 138,000 miles one way or 174,000 miles return.

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Remember the options for flights between the US and Europe. As well as extensive options via Dubai, Emirates also offers fifth freedom routes, including between New York JFK and Milan Malpensa, and between Newark and Athens. These are priced much lower than flights via Dubai, and, of course, could be much more convenient.

Be aware of surcharges. Emirates adds surcharges to its own flights, and these have increased in recent years. They are particularly high in premium cabins, with rates of up to $800 each way possible on West Coast US flights. Routes to Europe, meanwhile, tend to be lower. These can be checked using the calculator tool.

Elite status with Skywards

Elite status is for Emirates flyers. Despite not being in an alliance, Skywards has plenty of partnerships. These are good for earning and spending miles more widely, but elite benefits do not apply to partner airlines. Members only get elite benefits when traveling with Emirates.

Good benefits are offered at all levels. Starting from the lowest elite level of Silver, you will get additional luggage allowance and business class lounge access in Dubai. This extends to all locations from Gold level. With many programs, valuable benefits like this only apply from mid-tier status.

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Receive additional benefits with Skywards+. Skywards+ is an online subscription that can be purchased from Emirates for an annual fee. There are three different paid levels that offer increasing benefits - separate from any elite status benefits. These include bonus Skywards miles, lounge access passes, discounts on reward tickets, and additional luggage allowance. The top level also offers bonus tier miles to help qualify for elite status.

Earn with credit cards. Like many loyalty programs, Skywards has links with co-branded credit cards to allow earning on everyday spending. This can really boost miles earning. Emirates targets several markets for this, with cards available in UAE, India, and the US. It is also possible to transfer points from several providers - including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, HSBC, and Capital One.

Do you regularly use the Emirates Skywards program? What do you think are the best parts and value areas? Feel free to discuss in the comments section below.