Emirates airport lounge access: Airline to open up access to lower-tier frequent flyers

Emirates is opening up its lounges at its Dubai hub to lower-tier frequent flyer members in what is the latest move by the airline to look for new ways to boost revenues. Emirates, which reported a 75% drop in half-year profit in November, had previously restricted access to these lounges to higher-tier frequent flyer members and business or first class travellers. Skywards frequent flyer members with Blue-tier status, the lowest of 4 membership categories, can pay US$100 to access the airline's Dubai business lounge and $200 for the first class lounge. Other changes to the lounge access policy include Skywards members being allowed to pay for access for non-member travel companions and upgrading from business to first class lounges. <br/>