Today is Australia Day, and just as the last shrimp is tossed on the barbi (que) Australians are questioning their place in the world. With a population of 25.4 million, Australia ranks 55th out of the 235 nations and territories listed on the United Nations World Population ladder, yet it is no match for a Middle East airline frequent flyer program. So much for self-importance and national pride.

One million miles up for grabs

This week, Emirates revealed its Skywards loyalty program had signed up its 30 millionth member, meaning it has around 25% more members than the population of Australia. While Australians sulk and head home, Emirates Skywards members can win serious rewards, including a whopping One Million Miles. From January 23rd until February 4th, Emirates Skywards members traveling to and through Dubai Airport can bag one million miles, enough to redeem more than ten one-way business class tickets from Dubai to London.

Emirates said that over the last two decades, the Skywards program has grown to become one of the world's most recognized and valued loyalty programs. The program has more than 150 brand partners where members can earn and redeem Miles, including 16 airlines and more than 100 hotel partners.

Emirates Skywards divisional SVP Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher said gaining 30 million members is a major milestone, and "we are very happy to be giving back to our loyal members who have played an invaluable role in our success." He added:

"We always strive to provide our members the best value, choice and exceptional rewards a loyalty program can offer - when they fly, dine, shop or drive. We're very proud of this milestone and look forward to the road ahead of us."

With a fleet of more than 250 Airbus and Boeing widebodies, Skywards members have plenty of aircraft seats to choose from for rewards flights. Fleet data from ch-aviation.com shows that Emirates is currently operating 227 aircraft, including 86 Airbus A380s and 120 Boeing 777-300ERs, with orders for another 200 planes in the pipeline.

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Lookout for the lucky red sticker

Between January 30th and February 1st, Emirates Skywards members traveling to and through Dubai should look out for a red "30 million" sticker on their bags, which will tell them if they are a lucky winner. The prizes include:

• Ten members will have the chance to win 30,000 Miles each
• Ten Skywards+ packages giving complimentary access to the best offers on the program
• Thirty Silver Tier upgrades
• 30 flight Upgrades
• 30 complimentary Chauffer Drive Service vouchers

Customers traveling with flydubai on February 7th can also look forward to some surprising giveaways. These include silver tier upgrades, 75,000 bonus miles, access passers to the flydubai Business Lounge or two complimentary upgrades to business class.

The 30 million Skywards members are an eclectic bunch from more than 180 countries. The UK has the highest membership base with 3.7 million members, followed by the United States (3 million), the United Arab Emirates (2.2 million), Australia (2.1 million) and India (2.1 million).

The program attracts more than 120,000 members per month, and in the twelve months between April 2021 and March 2022, it welcomed more than 1.4 million new members.

Are you an Emirates Skywards member? Let us know about the program in the comments.

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  Emirates

  Loyalty Program:

  Emirates Skywards