Currently in an almost deserted F Lounge at DXB. On QF1 and have about 60 mins lounge time. There are just so many places to hide yourself away.
According to BP, QF2 will board DXB for SYD 8:35am for 9:20 am departure (yesterday). I asked at the F lounge entrance what the actual boarding time would be (given that its via elevator directly from the lounge and F can usually board a bit later). 8:35, she says, pointing to the BP; there will be a boarding call.
By 8:30 a number of pax were strategically seated in the vicinity of the elevator.
8:40 - boarding call. About 10 pax walk to the elevator but are turned back saying 'its not time yet' and/or 'security isn't ready yet'.
I was told - there will be a boarding announcement. I point out that there actually was a boarding announcement, just then. Was told pretty coldly by what appeared to be a local QF rep (ie not EK lounge person) - that was for economy - couldn't you tell? I reply - actually no; I just heard a boarding call with is almost consistent with the BP. Retort - There will be a call from this lounge - you will hear it.
OK then!
Pax continue to drift to the elevator area, to be turned back.
About 8:50am - boarding call.
20 pax immediately form queue. Nothing much seems to be happening. I then count 33 people in queue.
Queue moves very slowly - there is a guy checking passport and BPs; 2m further on there is the BP scanner, then 5 m on there is a pretty thorough carry-on bag search (I suspect for Duty Free bottles).
Another 5 mins and am on the boarding level and heading towards the plane.
Not as smooth a process as it might have been.
