# Emirates Skywards to Change Award Costs Starting May 20, 2026

_May 15 16:51_

Tags: Emirates, Emirates Skywards, loyalty program, policy change, airline, devaluation, award redemption, program change

Emirates Skywards has updated its mileage calculator to reflect changes to award costs for classic and upgrade rewards, effective May 20, 2026

## Summary

Emirates Skywards is implementing changes to its award redemption costs, specifically impacting classic rewards and upgrade rewards. The mileage calculator has been updated to reflect these changes, which take effect for bookings made as of May 20, 2026. While the exact magnitude of the increase is not yet detailed, this continues a trend of devaluation in the program, including restricted First Class availability for elites and worsened transfer ratios from partner currencies. The article notes that Skywards operates more as a commercial entity than a loss leader, focusing on revenue generation through surcharges and transfer fees rather than deep discounting

## Why it matters

Affects Emirates loyalty members and route planners.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/emirates-skywards-devaluing-miles) — Absurd Timing: Emirates Skywards Devaluing Miles Again (It Never Ends!)

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