EMIRATES - AWARD WINNING
Written: Jul 25 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fantastic Airport Hub
Superb Frequent Flyers programme (Skywards)
Regular flights
Cons: Racist Crews
Preferential treatment for staff and friends of the airline
The Bottom Line: Continue the good job. Concentrate of staff training and etiquette - learning to treat passengers the same. Everyone who flies should join their frequent flyers programme.
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| down_the_back's Full Review: Emirates Airlines |
Background
I have taken many Emirates flights, as I am a resident of the UAE, although not local, and am a Gold member (their top tier) in their frequent Flyers programme.
Check-In
The Dubai hub has the most superb dedicated Business and First class (for use by Silver and Gold Skywards passengers regardless of travel) separate Check-In facilities going. With porters outside to usher you and your bags to a check-in desk, where I have been on many occasions and never been more than third in line. Immigration line which is fast and queue less.
Checking in in Economy in Dubai, again, a wealth of check in desks, with few queues.
If traveling to or via Dubai, as Emirates are out to win every competition going, image is all too very important to them. If you are flying from an Airport where there is more than one terminal, you can bet your bottom dollar that Emirates flies from the newer of the two.
Dubai Airport.
Fantastic facilities, Duty Free massive. Clear directions and frequent boarding announcements. Although, if to complain, it would be that the Electronic Information boards stay on Arabic and English for too long, maybe they should invest in am extra set of boards. There are always people waiting, straining their necks waiting for the information to change (usually back to English). Most Arabs that travel are more than capable of reading in English, but I know of very few westerners who can read in Arabic.
Business Class Lounges
Silver and Gold Skywards members can use the Business Class Lounge, which actually makes you check in for a flight earlier than the minimum required times. Good selection of food in the Business Lounge changing for specific meal time, breakfast, Lunch and Dinner then a further night menu for those on a night stop. Generous amounts of seating, separate smoking area upstairs, Internet terminals, Television, plants, very relaxing and you can be disappointed when the flight is actually called. Showers and Toilets are available, although there are not enough toilets upstairs.
Aircraft
Emirates operate 777, 330 and a few 320's. Taking delivery of the new Jumbo Airbus and buying planes all the time.
Interior
Economy
Greatest thing has to be the IFE. Each seat having it's own monitor and a great selection of films, TV channels and games. Some of the games you can play against other passengers. Each seat having it's own footrest, adjustable headrest and on all flights, you are supplied with a pillow and blanket.
Business
Still no flat beat seating yet. More than adequate seating though, a big difference from economy - if you like room. On some planes you can be lucky enough to use the personal videos.
First
Great - until you fly other Airlines! Still lacking in full flat bed seating. Not that different from business class, although the service changes completely (see below).
In Flight Service
Economy.
Has to be the best airline food in economy, regardless of where you are flying. Regular drink services, and a great crew from all over the world. Although, they have many crew members whose first language is of those countries where EK do not fly, such as Bulgarian, Swedish, Spanish etc, whether EK aim to fly these roots at a later date, or whether they are just desperate to find more crew. (Currently they are looking to hire a further 3000 over the next 2 years).
Business
Not the best, but again, more than adequate. Good food and wines, champagne on departure (which is disappearing fast from many airlines). Great pillows and blankets. It is my belief this cabin is where the crew have the most fun. Regular travelers that understands the crew’s positions and jobs. Not over demanding passengers mean for more relaxed and friendly crew. Fresh flowers on the bulk head always make a nice touch.
First
Very demanding passengers from the GCC states. Crew a little on edge. Again, no flat bed seating, I have never seen more than 18 seats in First class and with 4 crew you get great service. Meals take forever, and I have never had the option for a quick meal, unless I have asked for it. I have also often "just slept" when in first class - crew tend to think you are mad, as do fellow passengers as you miss out on the food - the only real difference from First to Business, although there is more room and it is slightly easier to get in and out of a window seat.
Timetable
EK are increasing their flights, making transit time very minimal. Intra-Gulf flights being the worst. Now concentrating on Europe to Australia, South Africa and Asia as their biggest markets. A none stop flight to New York coming soon. Ek will soon operate a none stop Sydney. Making LHR-DXB-SYD as attractive as BA, QF or SQ.
Prices
Extremely competitive. Many travel agents displaying the Emirates signs in the windows. You cannot go wrong. Even for discounted First and business. Booking on-line, also very cheap, you can even change the dates on your tickets. Become a skywards member and get double air miles on line. Booking a LON-SYD-LON even in economy, more or less gets you a free LON-DXB-LON for a freebie.
Overall
They do overbook, just like any airline, but offer great incentives if you bump off (free flights - I always ask!) but you get nothing for offering and not getting off loaded - where British Airways win by giving you Duty Free vouchers for offering. Crew can be racist at times towards South East Asian Passengers. I am a western male, and have been "chatted up" many times by the crew, particularly if I have been in Business or First - I find this offensive. I have witnessed myself get preferential treatment over South East Asian passengers in the same class as I. Also, I have been behind passengers checking in with their friends that work for the Airline, and have seen many "upgrades' happen. Offensive to someone that flies a lot.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
down_the_back
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Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Interested in Airlines and Destinations above all else
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