# Emirates Skywards Devalues Awards 15%, Introduces One-Way Business Saver Fares

_May 20 15:26_

Tags: Emirates, Emirates Skywards, Athens, Dubai, Middle East, Milan, New York, Newark, loyalty program, policy change

Effective May 20, 2026, Emirates Skywards increases miles required for First, Business, and Premium Economy awards by 15%. It also introduces one-way Business Saver Classic Rewards at 50% of the return fare price

## Summary

Emirates Skywards is implementing changes to its award chart effective May 20, 2026. The primary change is a 15% devaluation, meaning most Classic Rewards in First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy now require 15% more miles than before. Additionally, the program is introducing one-way Saver Classic Reward fares for Business Class, priced at 50% of the corresponding return fare. Updated rates may take a few days to reflect in the Miles Calculator, but miles quoted at booking are final. This move effectively devalues the currency while offering more granular one-way redemption options

Sources add:
• One Mile at a Time: Mixed Bag: Emirates Skywards Devalues Miles Again, With One Silver Lining Emirates seems to think that this is a good time to make mostly negative changes to its loyalty program, which strikes me as a questionable dec…

## Why it matters

Affects Emirates loyalty members and route planners. Likely a devaluation — book before any cutoff if applicable.

## What each source adds

- **One Mile at a Time**: Mixed Bag: Emirates Skywards Devalues Miles Again, With One Silver Lining Emirates seems to think that this is a good time to make mostly negative changes to its loyalty program, which strikes me as a questionable dec…

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/05/20/emirates-skywards-miles-devalued-by-15-introduction-of-one-way-business-classic-rewards?omhide=true) — Emirates Skywards Miles Devalued By 15% & Introduction Of One-Way Business Classic Rewards
- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/emirates-skywards-devalues-miles) — Mixed Bag: Emirates Skywards Devalues Miles Again, With One Silver Lining

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- [IHG pays 4 Skywards miles per dollar on stays booked by 30 November](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/ihg-one-rewards-emirates-skywards-double-miles-for-stays-until-january-31-2027-b.md)
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- [Emirates brings back My Emirates Pass with up to 50% off to March 2027](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/my-emirates-pass-save-money-in-dubai-with-your-boarding-pass.md)
- [ALL Accor adds 25% on Emirates Skywards conversions to Oct 2](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/emirates-skywards-to-all-accor-25-conversion-bonus-until-october-2-2026.md)

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