Emirates is the newest airline partner to participate in American Express’ Membership Rewards loyalty program.
The program allows American Express card members to convert loyalty points earned from American Express purchases into frequent-flier miles that are deposited into their airline’s frequent-flier account.
On Emirates, Membership Rewards customers in the U.S. can transfer their credit card points into the carrier’s Skyward Miles at a rate of 1 mile for every point. For example, 100,000 Membership Rewards points could be converted into 100,000 Emirates Skywards miles.
Regarded by many as on of the world’s top carriers, Dubai-based Emirates will be the first of the fast-growing Middle East carriers to participate in Membership Rewards’ points-to-miles option.
“It’s such a great fit with American Express,” Josh Silverman, President – American Express Consumer Services, says to Today in the Sky. “Emirates is really known for world-class service and innovation. This is really bringing together two great brands that fit well together.”
Silverman says the addition of Emirates’ route network will be a boon for Membership Rewards customers.
“The places where Emirates is strong are areas that are really growing in terms of the global economy and customer base,” Silverman adds. “So if you think about Middle East, Africa and Asia, this is where you’re seeing a lot of economic growth and a lot of interest.”
“It’s a great opportunity for us to partner and bring even more choices to our customers here in the United States,” Silverman says.
Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, echoed that sentiment in a statement to Today in the Sky.
“The partnership allows us to introduce new customers to Emirates’ award-winning service and frequent-flier program while giving American Express members the opportunity to turn their everyday spend into an unforgettable journey with Emirates,” Antinori says.
Dubai-based Emirates will join more than a dozen other carriers whose frequent-flier programs permit Membership Rewards customers to convert points into miles. They include: AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France/KLM, AlItalia, All Nippon (ANA), British Airways, Delta, El Al, Frontier, Hawaiian, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic.