Frequent Flyer Program

Breakfast in Business Class

The single most important travel tip I can give you, if you are not a once in a life-timer traveller, is to stick to one airline (or group of airlines) and join their frequent flier program. The benefits can be substantial. Some airlines really look after their frequent fliers! Emirates in one such airline.

Doing a bit of work in the Emirates Lounge in Glasgow.

There are various frequent flier programs which you can join. The two most common are "Star Alliance" and "One World". There are various airlines which fall into either of these groups so you are not limited to one airline. However, as I try to do most of my long haul flights on Emirates, I am a member of the Emirates Skywards program. If you fly quite often (about twice a year), and you live in a country (like South Africa) where your first flight will always be a long flight, it does not take too long to get to the next tire in the Skywards program.
Some of the main advantages of getting to the Emirates Skywards Silver level, are that you seem to be more likely to get a free upgrade. Once I reached the silver level, I got a few complementary upgrades. Once I reached the Emirates Skywards Gold level, I have been getting a complementary upgrade around one in six flights. The only problem with flying Business class is you then realise what it feels like when you have to fly cattle class (Economy class) again! You can also make use of your miles to upgrade your flights as well. Emirates have a complementary Chauffeur service for their Business class passengers in the departure city and the arrival city. This is also very useful and you can make full use of this even if you upgrade with miles. 
Another main advantage of reaching a higher tire is that you can make use of the Business class check-in counter when departing. This might not sound like much, but when you have been standing in the never ending line for economy class check in and you see the people arriving and going directly to the all but empty business class check-in counters, you will appreciate this privilege. Small things like this just makes the travel experience much more enjoyable. You also get to board the plane first. This might also not sound like a big deal, but I like getting onto the plane first, and getting my hand luggage safely stored away above my head!

The bar on Emirates A 380 Business class

With a Skywards Silver level, you can also make use of the Business class lounges in Dubai. There are lounges in all three of the terminals, but the lounge in the newest terminal (Terminal A) is the best one. There are lovey showers with a fluffy white towel and all of the toiletries which you would need for a shower in all of the lounges. It is amazing how much better it is when you start the next long haul flight of your  journey  after you have had the opportunity to freshen up a bit. Of course there is all of the food and drinks in the lounge as well.

Emirates lounge in Johannesburg

Once you reach Skywards Gold, you can also make use of the network of Emirates lounges at the start of your trip as well. The Emirates lounges in different parts of the world are really very good. It is great to be able to experience them. Just makes the task of travelling so much better.

One of the Emirates lounges in Dubia