Emirates Skyward Programme

This is one of my favourite frequent flyer programmes together with KLM's Flying Dutchman. If you have flown Emirates Airlines, you know what I'm talking about. It is one of the best known frequent flyer programmes in the travel industry, I happened to be a beneficiary to an upgrade to first class under this programme and I have never had an experience like I did on my journey out of Dubai in First Class just because I was a Skyward member. Skywards offer three levels of membership to travelers
a) Blue
b) Silver
c) Gold.
Business class travelers receive upto 50% more than the amount of points of economy passengers while first class travelers receive twice the points to make getting those extra flights all the more quicker. As a Silver tier member of Skywards you receive 1.25 times the points accrued for the booking while gold tier members earn 1.50 times the points.

Here is why you should join this programme:

Positives:
1. It is Free
2. Accumulate miles each time you fly emirates: 1 point for every mile traveled
3. Travel with Emirates partners like Continental Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Korean Air, South African Airways, United Airlines & Virgin Blue
4. Free travel with accumulated miles upto ..
5. Priority boarding
6. Access to Emirates lounge after a certain level of points
7. Emirates offers other wonderful benefits for business and first class passengers with a chauffeur service to and from the airport in over 40 destinations. This service is a fantastic additional service highlighting the importance of the customer in any Emirates experience.
8. Extra baggage is provided to Skyward members with 12 kgs in additional baggage allowance for silver and 16 kgs for gold over and above the ticketed baggage allowance.
9. Points are valid for three years from start of accumulation

Negative:
It is not the most favourable programme if you are just a blue member. A lot more perks are provided for Silver and Gold members. Well I guess you have to become a Silver or Gold member. I can not really call this a negative because you must start somewhere no? Well it took me two years to become a Silver member and I love the status. Since I do not fly emirates as much as I used to, it will take long for me to become a Gold member.

To join, go to www.emirates.com