Not only did tickets get more expensive, what's more worrying is that on many sectors I checked, special tickets are available while CAT C firm (concessional) are not available. So it looks like friends have more priority on a firm ticket then staff and close family…
Of course I can book a special ticket for myself, but the Special tickets are about 500Dhs more expensive and I only have 15 of them per year.
It's obviously a great scheme for the single cabin crew that want to get their friends over, but for the 'loyal' EK long timers with family, it is a pathetic change.
PS: did you also notice that the cheap CAT99 firm tickets aren't available anymore??