Emirates Skywards+ is a US$1,000 frequent flyer subscription service

Every frequent flyer program has top-level tiers which reward plenty of flying – and money spent on airfares – with a range of prized perks, but Emirates is now adding a US$1,000 twist to the formula with the launch of Skywards+... a paid frequent flyer subscription service which effectively puts a price tag on some of those perks.

Skywards+ promises to deliver "customised rewards and privileges throughout the year", with "personalised benefits" such as

bonus Skywards Miles
bonus Tier Miles
discounted upgrade rewards
airport lounge access, and
preferential Cash + Miles rates

A select group of Skywards members trialled the concept in 2019, and now Skywards+ is live to all 27 million members of the Gulf airline's rewards scheme, regardless of their Skywards tier (Blue, Silver, Gold or Platinum, your money is all the same to Emirates).

Each of the three Skywards+ packages comes with an annual subscription fee, ranging from US$399 to US$999.

At US$399 per year, the Skywards+ Classic Package gives members a 20% bonus serve of Skywards Miles on each flight, two annual lounge passes for Emirates' Business Class Lounge, and 5Kg of extra baggage allowance.

The US$699 yearly Skywards+ Advanced Package comes with a 20% discount on upgrade rewards, five yearly passes for the Emirates Business Class Lounge, and an extra 10Kg of baggage allowance or one additional piece for checked baggage.

For US$999 per year, the Skywards+ Premium Package serves up "a chance to fast-track and retain tier status quicker" with a 20% Tier Miles bonus, along with a 20% discount on flight upgrades, ten yearly passes for Emirates Business Class Lounge access, and 10Kg of extra baggage allowance or one additional piece of checked baggage.

Also read: Behind the design and evolution of Emirates's iconic Airbus A380 bar