For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, it is a law of physics. In the world of frequent flyers, however, it is not very respected, in the sense that when there is a devaluation like the one that occurred in recent days in the Skywards program, there is never a positive outcome. The third principle of dynamics, however, this time “happens” and it is one partial consolation for what EK decided.
Emirates economy award tickets are now cheaper
From 1 June, as mentioned, those flying in Emirates economy class will accumulate fewer Skywards points. Of course it is a devaluation, but the Emirates frequent flyer has always been known for its parsimony in terms of points awarded on individual flights, even in first class.
The downside is that EK decided at the same time to cut the cost of award tickets and for us Italians this is great news given that this allows you to fly on the A380 from Milan to New York by really spending a handful of points.
How the award ticket changes from Milan to New York (and vice versa)
The first thing you notice, besides the change in tariff, is that finally a one-way ticket costs half of a complete itinerary. Until May 31, a one-way ticket cost 38,750 Skywards miles while 45,000 were needed for a return ticket.
Now instead the minimum price you will get on Emirates’ most “popular” route in Italy is 17,500 Skywards miles for the one-way journey and double, or 35,000, for the round trip. To this we must add the taxes which are €84 for the flight from Milan and $54 for the flight from T4 at JFK.
If 17,500 is the minimum price you can get up to 62,500 plus €300 in taxesobviously a conversion to be avoided like the plague.
Flying to Dubai from Italy using Emirates points
The price to fly to Dubai, again from Milan, is the same in terms of points, but more expensive in supplements. Also in this case you need 17,500 Skywards miles to fly to the United Arab Emirates with the addition of €100 in taxes.
The best economy in the world is (for me) the Emirates A380
If the cut in accumulation is a devaluation, without any ifs or buts, for those who accumulate points in other ways this is great news. For a family of 4, getting 4 tickets to NY for just 140k miles is a real godsendespecially when you consider that you can convert Membership Rewards points into Skywards points for free.
This cut in the cost of award tickets is therefore excellent news for all non-frequent travelers of EK who will now be able to burn fewer points to redeem award tickets to fly in economy on the A380, the most beautiful aircraft ever entered into service in the history of aviation.
 going to NY has never been so cheap){kind=link}