At Travel-Dealz, we rarely report on the frequent flyer program Emirates to the sky, Gulf Airline’s loyalty program is currently undergoing an evolution that has made it almost necessary to warn against it. Because the truth is that loyalty isn’t a one-way street, it doesn’t seem to be understood there yet.

In March this year, Emirates drastically increased taxes and fees for award flights. Since then, an additional payment of €600 per direction – in addition to the number of miles required – is not uncommon. as YHBU Reportedly, another adjustment has now been made. The overload has now climbed to astronomical heights. After Australia, mileage earners now pay Over €2,000 in taxes and fees For outbound and return flight. And 285,000 miles on top of that.

Second hike in five months

At the start of the COVID pandemic (in May 2020), Skywards had drastically reduced fuel surcharges. Instead of €400 per direction for Dubai, only around €150 were called at the time.

Now it is going in the other direction again. Emirates had already raised fees in February and March this year. In June it again increased significantly.

You have been upgraded by closely following the development and have been provided with some data points. One . taxes and fees for one way– Flights in business class are because of:

• Business Class Frankfurt – Dubai:
  • March 2022: 345€
  • June 2022: 468€
• Business Class Frankfurt – Dubai – Mauritius:
  • February 2022: 248€
  • March 2022: 644€
  • June 2022: 863€
• Business Class Frankfurt – Dubai – Sydney:
  • February 2022: 350€
  • March 2022: 939€
  • June 2022: €1,205

In our own search, we were able to confirm these values. Emirates Skywards charges 285,000 miles plus an additional €2,319 in taxes for the Hamburg-Sydney return flight in business class. For comparison: the actual tax and airport fee on this connection is €181.79.

unfortunately there isn’t Protector-Award available, payable “only” 180,000 miles then. Still not a good deal.

Things don’t look much better in economy class either. There, surcharges for Sydney are €632. There’s also an additional 157,500 miles (or 90,000 if you find a saver prize).

Fifth Freedom Road remains attractive

the way of fifth freedom, The transatlantic routes from Milan to New York and from Barcelona to Mexico City deserve special attention. there you pay for a return flight,

• Milan – New York: 145,000 miles + €200 (as in 90,000 miles) Protector,
• Barcelona – Mexico City: 160,000 miles + €260 (100,000 as .) Protector,

conclusion

The surcharge that Emirates has been charging for award flights recently is simply bizarre. There are almost already paid business tickets with other airlines at these prices – no need to burn your miles for this.

We strongly advise against bunkering miles along Skyward as a result of these developments. points from membership Rewards or other programs you should transfer only if you want to redeem them immediately. And it’s really only worth considering 5th freedom routes.

Source: YHBU

Cover Photo: Will Waters