Emirates goes ‘Platinum’

Lusaka. Emirates Skywards, which is the award-winning frequent flyer programme of the airline, announced on Monday that it had enhanced its offering with the introduction of “Platinum”, a new tier which sits above Blue, Silver and Gold.

Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales Worldwide Mr Thierry Antinori said the Platinum tier has been developed to enhance the travel experience for frequent travellers and to offer additional benefits to members who have earned over 240 000km.

“The additional benefits have been introduced to add an even higher level of comfort, flexibility and convenience for our Platinum members.

“On top of our superior product, world-class service and fast expanding network in six continents with 18 new destinations opened in the last 15 months and two new destinations, Algiers and Haneda, to be added soon, the new Emirates Skywards Platinum tier is definitely another reason to make Emirates the airline of choice,” said Mr Antinori.

He added that Platinum members would for the first time be able to receive exclusive benefits usually reserved for First Class passengers, including First Class check-in, baggage delivery and access to the First Class lounges in Dubai with a guest.

“They can continue to use all Emirates lounges around the world, also with a guest, and they will receive 20kg of additional baggage, regardless of their class of travel.

“To enable Platinum members to share their benefits with the rest of their family, a Gold ‘Partner’ card has been introduced, which means that family members can enjoy Gold privileges even when travelling separately.

“Platinum members will be guaranteed an Economy Class or Business Class commercial seat at Flex fares and receive access to an Economy Class or Business Class ‘Last Seat’ Flex reward.

“Gold Emirates Skywards members who are eligible for Platinum status will be automatically upgraded to the new tier and will start receiving benefits from April 1 2013.

“To qualify for Platinum status, members need to earn 240 000 or more tier kilometres within a rolling 12-13 month period, compared to the existing qualification criteria of 80 000km for Gold members,” he said.