Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program

The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program is an innovative frequent flyer programme offered by Emirates Airlines. The programme offers members a wide array of options and rewards. Read on to learn all about the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program.

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The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program is an award-winning customer loyalty programme for Emirates Airlines. This frequent flyer programme has been widely acknowledged as being the best in its class. It gives members far more than the ordinary type of rewards generally associated with frequent flyer programmes. In addition, Emirates is one of the most popular airlines in the world, with great customer service and a very high number of destinations to which it flies.

The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program is well known for its innovation and wonderful customer service. One of their unique aspects is the Skysurfers club, a rewards club tailored to young travellers aged between two and sixteen.

Shopping rewards

Apart from frequent flyer miles and other benefits, the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program offers participants the option of spending on other goods and services. The Emirates High Street programme allows customers to shop from the comfort and convenience of their own homes using Skywards Miles, and the rewards chosen and dropped off right at their own doorstep. Participants can choose from over 200 goods and services, from high end luxury products to everyday lifestyle items – with such a wide range of options, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Awards received

The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program has received a number of awards acknowledging its superior service and benefits. Among its many awards received, the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program has been named the Best Loyalty Program by Middle East Traveller Magazine.

The programme has also consistently secured accolades at the annual Freddies Awards, which are known as the “Oscars” of customer loyalty programmes. In 2007, the Skywards programme won a Freddie for Best Frequent Flyer Programme for Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia regions. It also won an award for the Best Bonus in Frequent Flyer Programme in the same regions. In the prior years, the Skywards programme has earned Freddies for Best Member Communications, Best Award Redemption, Best Customer Service, Best Web Site (twice) and the most coveted award, the title of Programme of the Year.

The high number of accolades bestowed on the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program by impartial industry experts indicates that this programme is indeed the best choice for many frequent flyers. Not only does this programme prove its worth by its popularity among consumers, it has also come to be regarded as an exceptional programme in the industry.

Membership tiers

The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program is a three-tiered rewards programme, with the upper tiers receiving greater benefits. Entry into the programme is free and there are no criteria for entering. The entry level tier is Blue, while the next tiers are Silver and Gold.

• Silver tiered status is obtained by earning 25,000 tier miles. Alternatively, members can earn silver status by flying 20 sectors within January 1 and December 31 of each year.
• Gold membership status is earned after accumulating 50,000 tier miles or after flying 40 sectors within one calendar year.
• Tier miles help members progress from one tier to the next. They cannot be redeemed for miles or purchased; they are only earned by flying with Emirates Airlines.

The reward currency of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program is called Skywards Miles. Skywards Miles are earned at the rate of:

• One Skywards Mile for each Economy class mile flown
• 1.5 Miles for each Business Class mile flown
• 2 Miles for each First Class mile flown

Members earn more Miles when they belong to the silver or gold tiers, which allow them to earn rewards faster:

• 25% more Miles are earned on the Silver tier
• 50% more Miles are earned on the Gold tier.

Ascending a membership tier is a great way to earn more Skywards Miles at no extra effort. This tiered structure allows individuals who fly more frequent to enjoy additional benefits with the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program.

Members can also purchase Skywards Miles to top up their account when booking a reward. The minimum quantity that must be purchased is 2000 Miles, at a cost of 2.5 US cents per Mile.

Emirates Airline services

Emirates Airline is one of the most acclaimed worldwide. All passengers on Emirates can enjoy the following services:

• Special meals
• Pre-assigned seats
• Chauffeur drive (only for J and F passengers)
• Sports equipment carriage
• Fast Track
• Dubai Visa services
• Stop-over service

These are a range of services, that when coupled with the exceptional Emirates customer service, has led to Emirates Airlines being widely acknowledged as one of the best international airlines.

Skywards Alumnus programme

The Skywards Alumnus programme is a unique club for members of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program. This club allows members networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. Members can receive valuable business insights about the Middle East as well as live news from AME and the latest calendar of events in Dubai. All members receive invitations to attend presentations by experts and to participate in exclusive Alumnus business events. This Alumnus programme is highly regarded by business professionals as a great way to network with fellow frequent flyers and professionals.

Skywards Opening Doors

This is an exclusive service that is part of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program. It offers participants entry into the most private clubs, resorts and spas throughout the world, as well as the option to enjoy premium offers from partners and a wide range of additional privileges.

How to keep track of your Skywards Miles

Keeping track of the Skywards Miles you’ve earned is easy, with all the options that the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program provides you. You can choose from:

• Quarterly statement – All active members of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program receive a quarterly statement of their Skywards Miles. This allows them to see at a glance how many miles they have earned or redeemed, and their membership tier as well as how soon they can ascend to a higher tier.
• e-statement – Some members prefer to receive their statement via email for greater convenience. Members can register for e-statements by registering at “My Statement” at www.skywards.com
• Account management – Members can log into their membership account online at any time, as long as they have their membership number and password. They can then check their balance of Skywards Miles, use the interactive mileage calculator, view applicable offers and update their preference.

Rewards options

The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program offers a wide range of rewards for members. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for flight rewards with Emirates; they can also be redeemed for a wide array of rewards from other Program partners including airline, lifestyle and leisure partners. Emirates constantly monitors the partner options available, and new partners are regularly brought on board in order to benefit the members.

Reward redemption

Rewards can be conveniently redeemed online. The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program has an online rewards booking system. Members can book any Emirates flight through the Skywards website, www.skywards.com. The Skyward Miles can be used for the purchase of flights. Members must go to the “Earn & Spend” section of the website, and then the “Book Online” section. The instructions of the site are very user-friendly, and members can simply follow those instructions to book their flights. Bookings can easily be made for up to nine travellers, including stopovers. Tickets will be delivered to the member’s doorstep. Members of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program in over 50 countries can enjoy this benefit.

Redemption forms are also available online. Members can use these forms to submit requests for any rewards from any of the reward partners. This form information is then routed to the nearest Emirates service centre and the member is contacted. The entire system is designed with user ease and convenience in mind.

Purchasing Skywards Miles

Users are able to purchase additional Skywards Miles to top up their accounts. These purchased Miles are then automatically added to their account. Members can also give gifts of Skywards Miles to other members of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program.

If members have not earned enough points to obtain a particular reward that they are interested in, they can simply top up their balance by purchasing Miles from Skywards service centres located in Melbourne, Dubai, Manchester, Mumbai and Karachi. Skywards Miles can be purchased at a cost of US 2.5 cents per Mile. The minimum purchase required is 2000 Miles, and the maximum is 25000 Miles purchased in one calendar year. Skywards Miles are non-refundable and must be purchased at least 48 hours prior to departure.

While Skywards Miles can be purchased, tier miles cannot be purchased and must be earned by taking flights with Emirates Airlines.

Emirates flight and upgrade rewards

Rewards flights can be obtained from 10,000 Skywards Miles. Upgrades can be obtained starting from 5000 Skywards Miles. Emirates has no blackout dates, so the Miles can be redeemed at any time of the year. During peak times, however, demand often outstrips supply of seats so it is important to plan your trips in advance.

Economy and Peak Economy

Emirates Economy flights require the lowest number of Miles, however their availability is restricted, especially on popular routes and during certain times of the year. Peak Economy seats cost more than Economy, but they can be obtained more easily.

Skysurfers

Skysurfers is the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program club for children aged between two and sixteen. Skysurfers receive all the benefits that members of the Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program enjoy, and also have their own membership card, luggage tags and password-protected account at the Skywards website. Applications for a Skysurfers account must be signed by the applicant’s parent or guardian.

The Citibank Emirates Skywards Rewards Program offers a wide array of benefits and options for its members.