Skywards vs Qantas Frequent Flyer

[Jobu]

As someone with both Skywards Gold and QFF Platinum One, I'm curious if the new arrangement means I will no longer need one of these, in which case whether one program will be better than the other?

Currently Skywards only has 3 tiers (excluding IO) and QFF has 5 tiers (excluding CL), and I get much more personal service from QF as Platinum One (and previously as Platinum) than EK has ever given me as Gold, their top tier. With EK Gold I can only use their J class lounge, which is a madhouse in Dubai, whereas with QF I can use F lounges.

I find redemption of award flights easier on EK until P1 came along, and I haven't done the sums yet about which programme has better earn and burn rates. My wait lists hardly ever clear on EK and almost always clear on QF. Curious what others think or know about the new arrangement and whether there will be any incentive to pick one program over the other.

 

[redslert]

QFF of course because of OW benefits.

 

[Danger]

It seems some of QF's approach to awards has rubbed of on EK. I received an email overnight about changes to Skywards, including:

Introduction of Fuel Surcharge
From 31 March 2013, fuel surcharges will be introduced to all Emirates Skywards reward tickets. You will have the flexibility to pay this surcharge with cash or Skywards Miles. The surcharge will be displayed as part of the taxes payable on your reward ticket and will be aligned to the surcharge applicable on commercial tickets.

Until now, the surcharges have been excluded from Emirates Skywards reward tickets. Given the volatility of the fuel price, it is no longer possible for Emirates to absorb this cost on Skywards Reward tickets.

We remain committed to delivering excellent service and value for money to all our Skywards members.​

 

[moa999]

I take it you have read that EK is introducing Platinum tier.

Platinum frequent flyers weigh up benefits of Emirates' new tier - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller