In a significant expansion of its UK portfolio, Emirates Skywards has unveiled a new partnership with leisure airline Jet2, opening up a vast network of flight rewards for its millions of members. The collaboration enables Skywards members to spend their accrued miles on Jet2 flight tickets, meals, extra baggage allowance, preferred seat selection, and other travel extras to more than 75 destinations.
Unlocking New Travel Adventures
Announcing the strategic move on social media platform X, Emirates stated: 'Skywards Miles just unlocked Jet2 adventures! Our Skywards members can now spend their miles on Jet2 flight rewards.' This initiative is part of Emirates' ongoing effort to broaden its offerings within the UK market, aiming to provide its extensive membership base with enhanced opportunities, rewards, and travel choices.
A Premier Loyalty Programme Expands
Emirates Skywards, which boasts a global membership exceeding 37 million, holds its largest contingent in the United Kingdom. Recently honoured as the 'Best Global Airline Loyalty Program' at the International Loyalty Awards 2025, the programme structures its benefits across four distinct membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier unlocks exclusive privileges, with higher levels offering bonus miles, lounge access, priority services, and additional baggage allowances.
Members accumulate miles through a diverse network of partners, spanning airlines, hotels, car rental services, financial institutions, and various leisure and lifestyle brands. These Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive array of rewards, including flight tickets with Emirates and its partner airlines, cabin upgrades, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, and unique experiences.
Redeeming Miles for Leisure Travel
Starting from as few as 8,000 Skywards miles, members can now redeem their points for popular holiday destinations served by Jet2.com. Jet2 operates from 14 airport bases across the UK, with plans to launch its 14th base at London Gatwick in March 2026. Its network encompasses destinations throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Canary Islands.
Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, commented: 'The UK is one of our top markets and we’re pleased to expand our portfolio to offer millions of members a chance to redeem flight rewards on popular holiday destinations served by Jet2.com. In addition to flight tickets, members can also redeem miles for meals, extra baggage allowance, preferred seat selection, and more – making it possible to enjoy the perfect start to a holiday, fully covered by Skywards Miles.'
He further emphasised the programme's commitment: 'We’re always looking for new ways to expand our offerings and provide members with the best value, choice, and rewards a loyalty programme can offer.'
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The announcement has sparked a varied response on social media platforms. Some users expressed concern that partnering with a budget airline like Jet2 could dilute the premium perception of the Emirates brand. One critic remarked: 'Ruins the perception of the brand,' while another added: 'Oh gosh…. What a downgrade!'
Conversely, many loyal members welcomed the increased flexibility and choice. Enthusiastic posts included one user exclaiming, 'Free flights!!' accompanied by a celebratory GIF, and another jesting, 'Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday.' This expansion notably complements the existing ability for Skywards members to earn and redeem miles with 20 other airline partners, including United, Air Canada, TAP Portugal, and Qantas, on flights from the UK to global destinations.
