In recent times, we’ve seen major changes made to the Emirates Skywards program, ranging from worsening the transfer ratio when moving points to the program, to adding an age limit on first class redemptions, to requiring elite status in order to redeem for first class.
Continue reading: No Surprise: Qantas Nerfs Emirates First Class Awards With Three Changes
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Don't see the problem here. EK first is easily the most attainable product out there and is priced reasonably (ex-US, ofc)
You can book EK First for 14k from LHR to SYD. That's not bad for 20 hours of flying.
The higher the tier status, the greater the benefit should be. Tier status should be given greater weight with respect to Emirates first class award inventory access. Emirates/Qantas equivalent: Platinum at 12 months out, Gold at 9 months out, then Silver at 6 months out. Non-Qantas partners receive access at 3 months out.
I was not that impressed with Emirstes A380 first class and think Etihad is way better. Glad I tried Emirates, but not really worth it in my opinion.
Qatar is ~$7,500. Seems more "attainable" than Emirates on the Kangaroo route.
I live in Jakarta, Europe is A$6-7000, the US & south America is A$9-10,000 all in EK first, if I departed from say Singapore as a more "premium" city Europe is A$17k+ US and South America A$25-30k!
Very good value for money, and always full.
Thanks for this.. But I've never heard the word "nerf" used as you do herein. It seems like there's a devaluation. Why not just say that QF devalues?
They are synonyms. Nerf means to weaken, cause to be less effective.
This is a correct use case of the word.
Because the writer wants to make you read the article. Use a word that seemingly makes no sense, so that people investigate by reading. It worked on me!
Ben, you make it feel that a devaluation is normal; yes, it is when it happens every few years (at least 3) and is reasonable, i.e., not more than a 10% increase in miles for an award. In this case, there was already a devaluation not even a year ago for all awards on Qantas Frequent Flyer. Zone 10 (i.e., one-way Australia to Western Europe) used to cost 227,500 miles, then moved up to 249,400, and now will move up again to 299,300. This is in addition to the enormous surcharge and tax increase, which went from AUD 400–500 to close to AUD 2,000 between 2021 and 2024. So “normal” is not exactly the right term; I would call this a massive devaluation. At this pace, it will soon be more interesting to fly on a paid ticket.
F.J. I have to both agree and disagree with your impression of the EK A380, F experience. Firstly we have found that it depends upon which version of the A380 one travels in. 14 passengers (usually a full cabin) can place a strain on some FA’s. The ‘Posh & Becks’ bling is not to everyone’s taste and can look tired too. We have never experienced a bad flight, but mediocre can be found.
We have always been 100% satisfied with the EY experience. We have never travelled when the cabin is full, therefore, the service was always exemplary. Being able to adjoin 1&2 H, 3&4 A and 3&4 H, is something we value immensely.
As our flights with both airlines have been on various legs between GB and Oz, we have enjoyed a good exposure to both. That said, my personal A380 choice would always be SQ on that route.
But Willy, that open F Cabin can be a bit much if full of ‘locals’, especially at mealtimes.
Ben, just to check, the first table lists the miles as 'One Way Miles' and the second one lists them as 'Return Miles', so does it not seem like a massive improvement?
More 'interesting' to fly on a paid ticket? What do you mean by that? It may be better value to fly on a paid ticket - not sure what makes it more or less interesting though.
Wow - just a week ago I booked EK F using QF points from CHC - SYD in a few months as have never flown F before. Was considering cancelling and doing another time but now I won’t be!
Emirates taking steps to keep little kids out of premium cabins? I might have to start flying them more. Last month I flew QR business class for 14 hours with loud obnoxious kids, no regulation at all by parents. Kids belong in coach class!
The legendary Trump will sort it out. Greatest ever leader to grace the world.