(Courtesy of EL AL) EL AL’s frequent flyer club just got an upgrade, and Diamonds are now a traveler’s best friend! As of September 1, the Matmid Frequent Flyer Club is all new with additional benefits including points-only award tickets (other than taxes and airport fees) and a shiny new membership status currency, Diamonds.

Diamonds are earned alongside points as part of an enhanced point system and allow travelers to raise their membership status. The new system also ensures that Matmid points remain valid as long as members continue to fly with EL AL. To make the frequent flyer program easier to compare to global loyalty programs, Matmid point totals as of August 31 have been multiplied by 50.

Historically, award fares are earned and “purchased” with points, plus a cash component and taxes, but beginning September 1, members have been able to book award tickets with points only (excluding taxes and fees). The award-point fares will be updated every few months assuring EL AL award fares align with market standards. Members can use their points to purchase tickets from Israel up to one year in advance of a departure date.

In addition, active Matmid members’ points will not expire as long as the members stay active by earning at least one point every 18 months on an EL AL flight.

EL AL will also launch a new user-friendly calculator that displays the new award fares. This innovative tool will make using Matmid points for air travel easier than ever before.

“Our all-new Matmid Frequent Flyer program now ranks among the most attractive programs in the industry,” said Ronen Galperin, CEO of Matmid Frequent Flyer Club. “The new program offers an array of advantages to our active and loyal members.”

The program also offers significant discounts (10-40%) on award tickets to popular destinations.

EL AL has significantly expanded members’ opportunities to earn points. Purchases of “SPACE” seats and extra luggage will now also earn points and Diamonds.

While points will continue to be required for award tickets and products, Diamonds will determine membership status. With a higher status, members will earn more points for every dollar spent as illustrated in the chart below:

New point accrual as of September 1:

Members of the EXECUTIVE Circle will earn 20% more points on all EL AL flights in premium and business class. In addition, members will earn one Diamond for every dollar spent with EL AL. EXECUTIVE Members earn 1.2 Diamonds for every $1 spent on a ticket on EL AL flights in premium and business class.

Significant reductions in thresholds make it faster and easier to reach higher membership statuses. Previously, achieving Gold status required an annual accrual of 1,000 points for spending $7,000 with EL AL (the equivalent of earning 7,000 Diamonds in the new Matmid program). In the new program Gold status can be achieved with 6,000 Diamonds for purchases totaling $6,000.

New tier thresholds as of September 1:

*Subject to the new Matmid Frequent Flyer Program terms and conditions specified on EL AL’s website.