Emirates Skywards is expanding the ways members can spend their Miles with the launch of Skywards Rail, a new online platform enabling loyalty programme members to book train tickets across Europe.
Thanks to this offer, members now have access to over 12,000 rail destinations served by more than 40 operators across 12 European countries. Bookings are made via the dedicated platform, available in five languages on both smartphones and computers.
The service allows users to compare schedules, choose their travel class and ticket type, and then pay for the journey in full using Miles or a combination of Miles and cash. Members can also book tickets for their friends and family, with e-tickets sent directly by email.
For the loyalty programmeEmirates, this development marks a new step in the diversification of its benefits beyond air transport.
"Our members are looking for ever more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles. Skywards Rail offers them more freedom, allowing them to connect two major European cities, continue their journey after an Emirates or flydubai flight, or discover a new destination," explains Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards.
Over 40 railway networks accessible
Skywards Rail covers both domestic and international routes, as well as high-speed rail services. Members can book journeys operated by companies such as Eurostar, SBB, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe, ScotRail, Great Western Railway, and ÖBB. The programme also allows for reward bookings on the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express lines.
For example, some journeys are available from:
- 400 miles between Berlin and Frankfurt
- 4,700 miles on the Heathrow Express
- 5,400 miles between Barcelona and Madrid
- 8 100 miles between Rome and Milan;
- 9,400 miles between London and Paris.
By now integrating European rail transport, Emirates is continuing the transformation of Skywards into a loyalty programme focused on the entire travel experience, beyond just air travel. Skywards is one of the most important loyalty programmes in the world with some 39 million members in 190 countries.
