Questions and Answers

Hi Ben, really like your columns and blogs. Independent, thoughtful and fun and willing to commend and criticize in equal measure.

I have just found out that Emirates have stopped issuing Skywards membership cards for those below Platinum. I was a Platinum member until February this year and was awaiting for my new card to arrive (along with the yearly set of new luggage labels that Emirates have issued for years to Gold, Silver and Platinum Members). I have had to start using Qatar more because i do work in Doha and the blockade as made this impossible now to use Emirates from London to Dubai and then jump across on a 30min flight to Doha (always a treat as it’s always on a 777 – great for such a short trip).

The Skywards Club have just informed me that unless you are now a Platinum, they will not issue a card to you. This is both crazy and dismissive to members and a poor commercial decision. I can understand cutting out frills for lower level members like Bronze or even Silver….but Gold?? When i travel in Australia on Qantas flights, i can always board first and use the lounges due to my Emirates Platinum/Gold. You pull out your shining card and show it and then you are off. They have now told me to print a A4 copy off and carry that in my wallet – errr….I don’t think so.

For me, if i am not ‘worth’ a Gold membership card, then Emirates is not worth my money in booking flights. . I do a huge amount of travel from London to the Middle East and Australia/Asia. On principle now I will opt for Qatar.

I just thought i would ‘call this in’ in case you have had reports of similar things.

cheers and thanks for listing