A status run within a status run: QF J, CX J, UL J (plus 2 days in CMB)

[defurax]

Actually, I've always used the Business class immigration counters on the right side and not a single word was spoken, no questions, no itinerary requested... I'll see what happen this time!

I thought I would just update this for anyone reading this thread. The Business class immigration counter was not there last time I went through CMB (the business sign had been covered with black cardboard). Also, while J PAX travelling on UL can still use the "Silk route" dedicated check in located before the main terminal, they can't use emigration counter #1 anymore (for diplomats/crew/special passports).
So basically, no more express immigration/emigration at CMB when travelling UL in J.

 

[Austman]

Also, while J PAX travelling on UL can still use the "Silk route" dedicated check in located before the main terminal, they can't use emigration counter #1 anymore (for diplomats/crew/special passports).
So basically, no more express immigration/emigration at CMB when travelling UL in J.

The last few times I've been there the queues have been small - so it didn't really matter. Contrast that to some years ago when it really DID matter.

To note the "Silk Route" is now almost a complete joke especially if you are travelling HLO and already have your onward PB. It doesn't help you at all really. In fact it can be slower than the main terminal with the faux fuss they make.

And heaven help you if one in your party is travelling in Y. They will just kick you out onto the street, even at 5:30am regardless of weather. With not even a sign to the main terminal in the darkness. Horrible.

That's not actually UL's fault as they don't run it. Although the staff look like UL staff in the same colours.

They want USD 50 for what they do. Which in my experience is almost nothing.

 

[moa999]

T
They want USD 50 for what they do. Which in my experience is almost nothing.

?? As a tip?

 

[defurax]

?? As a tip?

The "Silk route" is a disappointing version of VIP checkin. It is free to use for UL J PAX only, all other PAX (F, J or Y) need to pay for the service, which as Austman stated is not worth much and I would never pay for it. Although during the recent runway upgrade work the Silk route was a good way to bypass the mayhem of the main terminal entrance.
I think the Silk route also offers lounge access and other services for a fee.

 

[defurax]

That's not quite correct.

The "Silk Route" is an airport service that several airlines allow their premium class passengers to use.

I only ever flew UL in J out of CMB. I thought it was only free for UL J PAX after reading some comments on FT (e.g. EY J PAX not having access to Silk route, but maybe things have changed).

 

[Austman]

The "Silk route" is a disappointing version of VIP checkin. It is free to use for UL J PAX only, all other PAX (F, J or Y) need to pay for the service, which as Austman stated is not worth much and I would never pay for it. Although during the recent runway upgrade work the Silk route was a good way to bypass the mayhem of the main terminal entrance. I think the Silk route also offers lounge access and other services for a fee.

That's not quite correct.

The "Silk Route" is an airport service that several airlines allow their premium class passengers to use.

The staff look like UL staff (almost identical uniforms) but they are not UL.

Unlike every other premium check-in experience I've ever used, world-wide, they might refuse to allow you if even one of your party is travelling in Y. That might be OK except that in CMB the "Silk Route" entrance area is nowhere near the main terminal entrance area. You actually have to walk along a road for a while to get to the main entrance. Not fun in bad weather or in the heat or in the darkness at 5:30am!

It's a rubbish service anyway. It might be good if you have lots of luggage. I once went through and then wondered where to go. They don't escort you and it's not obvious. I walked to the end of their "lounge" (no-one in it) to meet a dead end. Staff seemed astounded that I didn't know to go though some nondescript glass doors (with nothing written on them). Once on the other side of the doors you are in the regular airport check-in area. Then it's off to passport control just like all the other pax. Wow!

 

[Austman]

I only ever flew UL in J out of CMB. I thought it was only free for UL J PAX after reading some comments on FT (e.g. EY J PAX not having access to Silk route, but maybe things have changed).

:: Welcome to Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited ::

Note:Silk Route Departure is available for all airlines..

It's up to the airline (or the pax if they want to pay). Note how the staff look like UL staff...