Indecent behavior by American Express, devalues Skywards points without notice
Unfortunately, what we suspected has happened: as of this morning, the ability to convert Membership Rewards points is back available [...]
Emirates
Unfortunately, what we suspected happened: As of this morning, the ability to convert the Membership Rewards points accumulated through the daily use of American Express at Skywards points.
In this article:
The last devaluation in Membership Rewards had been. at the end of 2025 with the change in the conversion from MR to ITALO and previously gone was the possibility of transferring to Finnair, while the last devaluation to an airline loyalty program in Italy was in 2021 With the change of conversion rate from MR to Skywards.
American Express devalues 50% points without notice
Without any advance notice, and in a way that really improper Towards its customers, American Express has devalued its 50% points..
If until the January 31 it was possible to convert five points Membership Rewards in four Skywards points, today the same conversion has been halved, passing by 5 a 2.
Communication absent in Italy, transparency in UK
The behavior held by American Express è deeply incorrect: while being aware of the expiration of the convention, Has not in any way warned its customers.
A communication that, instead, was made by the company itself in the British market.
UK customers had in fact received mid-December The notice that, as of the Feb. 1, this devaluation would come into effect.
On the contrary, the Italian branch did not consider it necessary to adopt the same transparency and fairness.
Only the "centurions" are saved
For the first time (in my memory) a different transfer rate is being offered in the history of Membership Rewards points based on the card held; I am not aware that even in the U.S. or other markets a distinction has ever been made based on the type of product held.
Certainly the content for Centurion customers, who pay 3500€/year dues, is important, But the same have yet to recover from when included in the charter there is no longer Gold status which was instead guaranteed until 2024.
Contact center in the dark and misleading information
No communication was also provided to the contact center, who was not informed about what was about to happen.
In these hours, operators, contacted by customers, they didn't know what to answer, providing misleading information and, in some cases, stating flatly that the collaboration had ended altogether.
A choice of Emirates, not just Italian
It is clear that the decision to Make the points more expensive is attributable to Emirates.
The devaluation does not only affect Italy: in recent months, the American market has undergone a downsizing, albeit much more contained.
Emirates' post-Covid strategy
The strategy of Emirates in the post-Covid period was clearly geared toward becoming less friendly both toward the finance companies, both toward the frequent flyer.
Over time we have witnessed a reduction of points accumulation, to a increase in fees and surcharges on prize tickets and to a Increased complexity in the use of miles.
All from a company that remains undisputed market leader, but that, Not being part of any aviation alliance, is increasingly behaving like an island unto itself.
Disappointment for American Express and new alternatives on the market
Personally, I am very sorry for the choice of American Express of not having wanted to notify their customers, limiting itself to silent devaluation.
Fortunately, even in the Italian market products are coming in that can make real competition to the society's charters by the symbol of the centurion, with an attitude definitely more friendly than that held in the last 18-24 months.
