Emirates Skywards has officially reinstated points transfers from all major U.S. credit card loyalty programs, following a suspension that began in late May 2025 due to an upgrade of the airline’s internal loyalty management system.

This upgrade required Emirates and its partners—American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, and Citi ThankYou points—to temporarily halt the ability to transfer points into the Skywards program while technical systems were rebuilt to accommodate the new platform.

The blackout period varied by issuer, with Bilt pausing transfers from May 27 to June 19, Chase from May 29 to June 30, and Amex implementing a suspension from May 28 with no initially announced end date.

The restoration of transfer capability comes as a relief to travelers who rely on Skywards for premium cabin redemptions, especially since Emirates is often the most direct route to booking its sought-after business and first class seats, despite higher award costs and carrier-imposed surcharges. Notably, the transfer process appears to be functioning smoothly, with many users reporting instant transfers, though times may vary by issuer.

However, significant changes are on the horizon. From July 27, 2025, Citi ThankYou points will transfer to Emirates Skywards at a reduced 5:4 ratio, meaning 1,000 Citi points will yield only 800 Skywards miles—a 20% devaluation from the previous 1:1 rate. There is speculation that similar changes could occur with other issuers, though no announcements have been made.

Additionally, Emirates now restricts first-class award redemptions to Skywards elite members, but travelers can still access first-class seats by transferring points to partner programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer, which maintains a 1:1 transfer ratio with several U.S. credit cards.

Emirates Skywards also maintains partnerships with numerous airlines, including Air Canada, Bangkok Airways, Copa Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Qantas, providing members with a broad range of options for earning and redeeming miles beyond Emirates flights. The recent developments underscore both the continued value and evolving landscape of the Skywards program for frequent flyers and points enthusiasts

Emirates and Uber have entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at transforming the travel experience for UAE-based passengers by tightly integrating air and ground transport, enhancing convenience, and expanding loyalty rewards.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim and Uber’s Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility Anabel Diaz Calderon, sets the stage for a range of new services and benefits for travelers across the Emirates network.

A central feature of the partnership is the development of an integrated booking experience, allowing Emirates customers to arrange Uber rides—whether for airport transfers or in-city travel—directly through the Emirates booking platform. This innovation is designed to streamline the entire journey, enabling passengers to seamlessly coordinate their ground transportation with their flight itineraries. For select travelers, Emirates and Uber are exploring the possibility of complimentary Uber rides to and from airports, delivering a true “door-to-destination” service.

The collaboration also brings significant enhancements to the Emirates Skywards loyalty program. UAE-based Skywards members will soon be able to earn Miles on Uber rides taken in select markets within the Emirates network, and plans are underway to allow these Miles to be redeemed for Uber ride credits or vouchers. This initiative is expected to be accompanied by exclusive promotions, bonus earning opportunities, and targeted offers to further incentivize travelers.

Beyond passenger transport, the partnership extends into logistics, with both companies set to explore the integration of Uber’s delivery infrastructure into Emirates Courier Express for last-mile deliveries. This could improve delivery speed and coverage, especially in densely populated urban areas, by leveraging Uber’s global delivery network.

Technical and commercial details, including the specifics of reward structures, eligible markets, and rollout timelines, are still being finalized. Emirates and Uber plan to launch joint marketing campaigns to promote the new services and benefits as they become available.

Industry analysts note that this partnership aligns with a broader trend of airlines seeking to control more of the passenger journey, providing holistic, digitally integrated travel solutions that meet rising customer expectations for seamless, end-to-end service.

Both companies have emphasized their commitment to redefining the travel experience for millions of passengers, with Emirates aiming to expand planning options and Uber gaining increased visibility among premium travelers and airport-centric demand in key hubs like Dubai. The partnership is expected to set a new standard for integrated travel and loyalty benefits in the region.

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest low-cost airline, has announced a special seat sale in honor of the country’s 127th Independence Day, offering one-way base fares from Dubai to Manila for just Dh3. The promotion, part of the airline’s annual Super Seat Fest, is available for bookings made between June 11 and June 15, 2025. The travel period for these discounted tickets spans from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, making it ideal for those planning year-end holidays or summer visits to the Philippines.

The Dh3 fare covers only the base ticket price, with additional charges for taxes and surcharges. Cebu Pacific’s extensive network allows travelers to connect from Manila to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, including popular tourist spots like Boracay, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Vigan, and Davao’s Seven Falls. The airline encourages passengers to explore the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural sites, such as Intramuros and the National Museum complex in Manila.

Booking is available through Cebu Pacific’s official website, with multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets. The airline also offers special guidelines for families traveling with infants or minors: infants under two years old may travel on an adult’s lap for an infant fee, and strollers or car seats can be brought free of charge. Children aged 12 and above are considered adult guests, and minors traveling with parents only need to present documents proving their relationship, such as a birth certificate or valid IDs.

Seats at the promotional rate are limited and subject to availability, so travelers are encouraged to book early. Cebu Pacific’s Super Seat Fest is a recurring event, celebrated alongside major milestones and holidays, and continues to be popular among Filipinos abroad looking for affordable ways to reunite with family or explore the country’s diverse attractions.

Etihad Airways has officially unveiled an exciting new competition aimed at both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Dubbed "The Extraordinary Challenge," this initiative invites participants to embark on a journey to visit 15 new year-round destinations added to Etihad's route network in 2025.

The first member to complete this challenge will be awarded an astounding five million Etihad Guest miles, marking the largest prize in the loyalty program's history.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “This challenge embodies Etihad’s purpose to give flight to ambition. We’re inviting our adventurous members and travelers to explore 15 incredible destinations while competing for our largest-ever miles prize.”

The Challenge Overview

Participants in The Extraordinary Challenge will compete to be among the first three members to visit all 15 destinations, which include:

• Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
• Algiers (Algeria)
• Atlanta (USA)
• Chiang Mai (Thailand)
• Hanoi (Vietnam)
• Hong Kong (China)
• Krabi (Thailand)
• Medan (Indonesia)
• Peshawar (Pakistan)
• Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Sochi (Russia)
• Taipei (Taiwan)
• Tunis (Tunisia)
• Warsaw (Poland)

Prize Breakdown

The competition's top three finishers will be rewarded as follows:

• 1st Place: 5 million Etihad Guest miles
• 2nd Place: 3 million miles
• 3rd Place: 1 million miles

These miles can be redeemed for flights, holidays, and a wide array of items from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. For context, five million miles could equate to over 500 Economy flights, more than 70 Business class trips, or around 40 First class journeys.

Engaging Features

To enhance the experience, participants will have access to a dedicated race dashboard, complete with a digital passport that gets stamped with each destination visited. This feature encourages continued travel and rewards every milestone. A live leaderboard will track each member's progress, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition among passionate travelers.

How to Participate

The challenge is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members, making it an inclusive opportunity for anyone eager to explore. To enter, members must register through the official competition link and track their progress throughout the challenge. Terms and conditions apply.

Participants are required to fly on an Etihad-operated flight to or from all specified destinations by 25 May 2026.

Join the Adventure

Those interested in joining The Extraordinary Challenge can register at click here. Members are encouraged to share their journey on social media using the hashtag #EYextraordinarymiles as they race toward this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With this innovative initiative, Etihad Airways is not only enhancing the travel experience but also inspiring its members to explore the world in a competitive and rewarding way.

Travelers looking to save on their next journey have reason to celebrate: KU Airways has unveiled a limited-time promotion offering discounts on both Economy and Business Class fares. The special offer, available with the promo code MAY15, is valid for bookings made between May 15 and June 7, 2025, for travel through December 2025.

How to Avail the Offer

Customers can access the promotion in several convenient ways:

• Online: Enter the promo code MAY15 when booking via the KU Airways website or mobile app.

• Phone: Book through the KU Airways call center by dialing 171.

• In Person: Visit any KU Airways office or authorized travel agent.

Promotion Highlights

• Cabins: Valid on both Economy and Business Class.

• Travel Period: Book now, fly anytime until December 2025.

• Flights: Offer applies exclusively to flights operated by KU Airways. Codeshare, interline, and partner airline flights are not included.

• Discount: The promotion provides a discount on the base fare only. All applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges remain payable by the passenger.

• Availability: Seats are limited and subject to availability at the time of booking. Fares are not guaranteed until ticketed.

Important Terms and Conditions

• The promotion cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

• KU Airways reserves the right to discontinue the promotion at any time.

• All other fare rules and conditions apply as per the ticket at the time of booking.

Why Book Now?

With flexible travel dates extending through the end of the year and savings available in both Economy and Business cabins, this promotion is ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Whether planning a family holiday, a business trip, or a spontaneous getaway, passengers can enjoy significant savings on KU Airways’ renowned service.

Travelers are encouraged to act quickly to secure the best fares, as availability is limited and the offer ends June 7, 2025.

For more information or to book, visit the KU Airways website, app, call 171, or contact your nearest KU office or travel agent today.

Travellers eyeing affordable summer getaways are in for a treat as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announces a 15% discount on select flights to and from the UAE capital. The offer is valid for bookings made for travel between May 1 and June 30, 2025.

The ultra-low-cost carrier, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) and Hungary-based Wizz Air, is rolling out the promotion to fuel summer travel demand. Bookings can be made exclusively via the airline’s official website and mobile app.

While Wizz Air hasn’t released a complete list of discounted routes, the offer includes several popular regional and European destinations, targeting budget-savvy flyers looking to explore more for less during the peak travel season.

The promotion aligns with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s ongoing expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to growing a cost-effective network out of the UAE capital. Since its launch in 2021, the airline has focused on short- and medium-haul destinations, aiming to make travel accessible for all.

Travellers are encouraged to act fast—discounted seats are limited and only available within the promotional booking window.