EK Lounge General Discussion

[Pom-DownUnder]

Hi All,

Who knows what the world will be like by December, but on the assumption things are open and flowing relatively easily (hopefully).

What is the current state of play for people booked into first class via QFF points and the ability of accessing the first class lounge in DXB?

Cheers

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi All,

Who knows what the world will be like by December, but on the assumption things are open and flowing relatively easily (hopefully).

What is the current state of play for people booked into first class via QFF points and the ability of accessing the first class lounge in DXB?

Cheers

Doesn't matter how you paid for it - award or $$ - if you have a first class ticket and boarding pass you get into the first class lounge.

 

[serfty]

Doesn't matter how you paid for it - award or $$ - if you have a first class ticket and boarding pass you get into the first class lounge.

Assuming such a First lounge is open.

 

[exLXCXFF]

Has anyone ever successfully managed to get an adult and a child (3 years old) in addition to the QF Gold cardholder into the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai as Qantas Gold flying on EK metal as QF codeshare? The rules seem to be pretty clear (no, cannot) but I was wondering how strict they are in practice in Dubai.

As a reference, the EK ZRH lounge is still closed and we were directed to the Prime Class lounge where we were politely lectured about the QF lounge rules. And then told, that it‘s fine to get the little one in nevertheless, because „where else would he go“ .

https://www.qantas.com/gb/en/frequent-flyer/the-qantas-club/access.html#children

 

[offshore171]

Has anyone ever successfully managed to get an adult and a child (3 years old) into the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai as Qantas Gold flying on EK metal as QF codeshare? The rules seem to be pretty clear (no, cannot) but I was wondering how strict they are in practice in Dubai.

Qantas gold allows a guest, and there's no rules against a 3 year old. I don't think there's an issue?

 

[exLXCXFF]

Qantas gold allows a guest, and there's no rules against a 3 year old. I don't think there's an issue?

There is in a sense that I want to bring in my wife and my 3 years old. The EK rules as per link above say that a 3 year old apparently counts as 1 guest. So I in theory have 2 guests under this EK rule, my wife and a 3 year old.

 

[levelnine]

The EK rules as per link above say that a 3 year old apparently counts as 1 guest. So I in theory have 2 guests under this EK rule, my wife and a 3 year old.

In this sort of situation, you're entirely at the mercy of the lounge desk agent. You simply have to try your luck and see what they say.

It is quite likely they'll ask you to pay for your second guest, so you should consider ahead of time whether or not you're willing to do that.

A 3 year old is charged at half the adult rate: Paid Lounge Access Terms and Conditions | Paid lounge access | Emirates United Kingdom

 

[offshore171]

There is in a sense that I want to bring in my wife and my 3 years old. The EK rules as per link above say that a 3 year old apparently counts as 1 guest. So I in theory have 2 guests under this EK rule, my wife and a 3 year old.

Ok. Your post said an adult and child, but it’s really 2 adults + 1 child trying to get in right?

I suspect they will let it slide.

 

[exLXCXFF]

Ok. Your post said an adult and child, but it’s really 2 adults + 1 child trying to get in right?

I suspect they will let it slide.

Sorry, my bad for not being entirely clear. I have edited the post that I am talking about 3 pax. I hope they let it slide as well!

 

[exLXCXFF]

It was exactly as @levelnine predicted: At the mercy of the lounge reception staff. When we showed up (2 adults + 1 three year old, 1 adult with QF Gold), we were reminded that the rules are that only 1 guest can come into the EK J Lounge in DXB. The receptionist then told us that we have to pay for the little one. I said, fair enough, how much is it (I think USD 75) and the receptionist had actually no idea and did not seem to know where to look it up either. So, he called his supervisor would immediately let it slide (reminding us that this will be a one time exception ) and in we were. We spent time there from 7pm - 1am and the lounge (A Terminal) - to my surprise - remained dead empty all of the time.

 

[HSB44]

It was exactly as @levelnine predicted: At the mercy of the lounge reception staff. When we showed up (2 adults + 1 three year old, 1 adult with QF Gold), we were reminded that the rules are that only 1 guest can come into the EK J Lounge in DXB. The receptionist then told us that we have to pay for the little one. I said, fair enough, how much is it (I think USD 75) and the receptionist had actually no idea and did not seem to know where to look it up either. So, he called his supervisor would immediately let it slide (reminding us that this will be a one time exception ) and in we were. We spent time there from 7pm - 1am and the lounge (A Terminal) - to my surprise - remained dead empty all of the time.

What are the child amenities like these days?
Any good play area?

I haven't been to EK lounge for years, what with my 2 year old and COVID-19.

 

[exLXCXFF]

There is still the two playrooms with a few installed toys, some 80ies style game consoles as well as modern PlayStations. They have however removed all the shareable toys like lego and duplo.

 

[AIRwin]

There is still the two playrooms with a few installed toys, some 80ies style game consoles as well as modern PlayStations. They have however removed all the shareable toys like lego and duplo.

 

[drron]

Looking at buying J fares to Europe. the cheapest J fare says no lounge access. however a BA gold and a QF plat travelling will either give EK lounge access. Flight would be EK code.

 

[exLXCXFF]

Looking at buying J fares to Europe. the cheapest J fare says no lounge access. however a BA gold and a QF plat travelling will either give EK lounge access. Flight would be EK code.

I think you need to have it coded with a QF flight number if you want to go into the Lounge in Dubai as QF Platinum. I don't think you get lounge as QF Platinum with a paid J ticket that does not include lounge access.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/network-and-partner-airlines/emirates.html

I think your BA status is entirely irrelevant here.

 

[drron]

Thanks I did presume so but always worth a try.
But further research suggested I cab buy lounge access for ~$150 for 2 people, Seeing the no lounge fare is $1500 cheaper than the next fare class I think we might just go for it.

 

[AIRwin]

Looking at buying J fares to Europe. the cheapest J fare says no lounge access. however a BA gold and a QF plat travelling will either give EK lounge access. Flight would be EK code.

Finnair DXB-HEL-LHR in J for ~AUD750 one-way

Nice fare if anyone needs to get from DXB to LHR in the coming months. The cost for Finnair lie-flat J is probably less than the carrier charges alone on an EK J reward seat 😂 Also would earn 120 QF status credits (or a higher number of tier points if crediting to BA).

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[drron]

Have to be in FRA on the same day as we leave SIN due to other connections. However I will ease the pain by linking my Bonvoy account to Skywards and get points for both.

 

[serfty]

I think you need to have it coded with a QF flight number if you want to go into the Lounge in Dubai as QF Platinum

This is incorrect. See following.

a QF plat travelling will either give EK lounge access. Flight would be EK code.

If travelling on an EK flight number and the QF WP has their QFF number in the booking then they have DXB First lounge access (with guest*) regardless of the class of travel.

* guest travelling on the same flight.

 

[11sjw]

Flying SYD-DBX-MXP in a few weeks. First leg is in F and the second in J. I'm sure I had read somewhere that the longhaul F ticket would get me into the F Lounge post flight. Is this correct?

This query might prove to be academic as my wife and daughter are in J all the way (I exerted 50th birthday priveleges when booking) which I suspect will limit us to the J Lounge anyway.