Skywards changes for Australian originating flights

[dajop]

Well, I have documented in another thread that Emirates have introduced YQ (fuel surcharges) on Skywards redemptions originating in Australia.

The next piece of this jigsaw puzzle has been assembled with increases in award and earn rates on routes originating in Australia, so a bit of a blow for credit card earners or those with existing large balances on EK.

Details here.

I haven't done the broad analysis, but from the top of my head earn on discount Y from Australia-SE Asia (one way) has increased from 1,750 pts to 2,500 pts (43% increase), and redeem (return) from 45,000 to 60,000 (33% increase).

Basically this aligns CC earning for EK cards to QF cards, essentially redemption rates for flights to Europe using both carriers programs are identical so if you earn 1 pt per dollar it doesn't matter if it is on a QF credit card or EK aligned card.

It will of course be advantageous to book flights originating outside Australia, as you still use the existing (lower) EK Skywards table and not get charged YQ.

 

[Mwenenzi]

From comments on the same topic FT, if you look at Aust- Europe in business or first the earning vs rewards cost its not so good. In simple terms its how at many trips you need (earn) to get a reward in econ, business or first (burning)

Also post 1998 1999 here http://www.australianfrequentflyer....s-tie-up-partnership-39712-50.html#post786283