sully said:
If you want greater coverage and relevance for the local market join United for free. as it is a member of Star Alliance it probably gives you more flexibility than Skywards.
Only one minor problem with this.
In my experience EK flights never credit automatically to your MP account, even when your MP number is properly recorded in the booking. You invariably have to write to MP with your original BP and ticket details, and then wait, and wait, and wait...... (and if you're lucky, something will eventually turn up in your account).
I'm still waiting for the miles to be credited for my EK flight a couple of months ago. Might be lucky to see it by Christmas.