EK new terminal opens in Jan 2013

[kiwitripper64]

New dedicated A380 terminal is opening in Dubai in Jan. Will QF flights be docked here? Have they sorted who will have access to EK lounges (WP, SG, QP?)

In January, Dubai will unveil another world first. And this one is particularly close to our hearts.

Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport is being expanded to include a brand new, dedicated A380 facility. The only one of its kind in the world. Every gate is designed and built exclusively to accommodate the world's largest airliner.

The new home of our Emirates A380 fleet also features:

• Extra spacious, state-of-the-art Lounges
• Direct boarding from First Class and Business Class lounges to the A380's upper deck
• Underground train connecting to Terminal 3's main arrival and departure halls
• Expanded duty-free shopping and dining options
• Full-service hotel and spa for our transit passengers

It promises to transform your travel experience when you fly on the Emirates A380. In the coming weeks, we will be letting you know more about it and all the ways in which it will benefit you, so keep an eye out for further updates.

 

[YQY]

• Direct boarding from First Class and Business Class lounges to the A380's upper deck

How would this work on a QF A380, where the First Class passengers are in the lower deck?
How would this work if you are a QF WP in the First Lounge, but traveling in Business or Economy?

 

[Blackbird]

On the EK A380 first and business are upstairs. Y is downstairs.

 

[kiwitripper64]

Rumour is that QF will be adding dedicated gold plated water slides to get the WP from the first lounge in the terminal down to the F cabin on QF flights

 

[markis10]

. Will QF flights be docked here? Have they sorted who will have access to EK lounges (WP, SG, QP?) .

It was mentioned in the announcement that QF would use it.

 

[bossreggie]

ISTR Qantas flights were going to operate via T3.

For me personally, now living in Shabangabang and UK, this seamless transit in DXB is a godsend. I will be travelling from AKL to Europe in F, at least once per month, so anything that assists with less stuffing about at an airport is valuable to me.

I was going to fly Qantas to UK next month, however, I am now going to choose Emirates. For me, this is not a decision based on cost. I don't tend to compare prices when I am having flights booked. I just think that Emirates offers me the total package from AKL. This will mean, my last 3 trips to Europe have all been with Emirates.

I may use QF flight numbers from April next year, but in this instance ONLY if the cost is the same. If not, Emirates will have a very loyal customer and I will be a lowly WP with Qantas.

Boss

 

[pauly7]

Think that terminal sounds pretty amazing. On the list!

 

[kiwitripper64]

I was looking at the EK/QF codeshare and am confused. It appears that not all flights are codeshare and they have not decided what to do about trans tasman. So Bossreggie it looks possible that you could be EK AKL-SYD then QF SYD-DXB on the same metal......or you could just book the entire trip EK.

 

[Major]

ISTR Qantas flights were going to operate via T3.

For me personally, now living in Shabangabang and UK, this seamless transit in DXB is a godsend. I will be travelling from AKL to Europe in F, at least once per month, so anything that assists with less stuffing about at an airport is valuable to me.

I was going to fly Qantas to UK next month, however, I am now going to choose Emirates. For me, this is not a decision based on cost. I don't tend to compare prices when I am having flights booked. I just think that Emirates offers me the total package from AKL. This will mean, my last 3 trips to Europe have all been with Emirates.

I may use QF flight numbers from April next year, but in this instance ONLY if the cost is the same. If not, Emirates will have a very loyal customer and I will be a lowly WP with Qantas.

Boss

I know it's OT but how do you find the EK experience compared to what you have been used to on QF ?

 

[bossreggie]

I know it's OT but how do you find the EK experience compared to what you have been used to on QF ?

I have been very happy with them. I have only ever flown in F so my experience is limited to that.

About 6-7 years ago, after I had flown them a few times to Europe, (A340 back then with the 'suites') I received an email which I assumed was a standard customer service survey, although given the wording it was only being sent to F travellers.

It had numerous questions, one of which was about my favourite drink. I responded to the email sent it back and thought nothing of it. The next time I was on an EK flight, without any prompting, I was offered Lagavulin as an aperitif. I thought that was amazing customer service. (To my knowledge, it has never been on their drinks list).

Also, earlier this month we went to Venice, Lake Como and Geneva. We had booked via LHR then BA to VCE. When we arrived in DXB we were offered a chance to take a direct flight to VCE which would have us arrive about 10 hours earlier. As we had J tickets with BA, we cancelled them and took EK up on the offer. the DXB-VCE flight was in an A340 and the F was not as good as A380, however service and catering were totally First Class. They even managed a transfer from VCE to the water taxi in Venice which was great, as usually they need 24 hours notice. I also received a credit of nearly $5000 as the new flights were cheaper.

I may have been really lucky, but so far, I would say my experience has been 98% positive.

Boss

 

[markis10]

I was looking at the EK/QF codeshare and am confused. It appears that not all flights are codeshare and they have not decided what to do about trans tasman. So Bossreggie it looks possible that you could be EK AKL-SYD then QF SYD-DXB on the same metal......or you could just book the entire trip EK.

Once interim approval is given for the hookup expect a lot more code shares etc, its too early at this stage to make any assessments.

 

[bossreggie]

Once interim approval is given for the hookup expect a lot more code shares etc, its too early at this stage to make any assessments.

Thanks for that markis10. I was wondering why the codeshares were only on certain services.

 

[samh004]

How would this work on a QF A380, where the First Class passengers are in the lower deck?
How would this work if you are a QF WP in the First Lounge, but traveling in Business or Economy?

As noted, I think this reason would be the stumbling block for F lounge access to QF WP's, as the EK system is based on class of travel really, not status. I would hope that means no EK Gold's in the J-domestic/F-international lounges in Australia per status, just so they can see the flip side.

But it's not weighing on my mind too heavily at this stage.

Sounds like an interesting terminal, though not sure with their endless cash reserves why they can't just upgrade every gate, regardless

 

[Sprucegoose]

As noted, I think this reason would be the stumbling block for F lounge access to QF WP's, as the EK system is based on class of travel really, not status. I would hope that means no EK Gold's in the J-domestic/F-international lounges in Australia per status, just so they can see the flip side.

But it's not weighing on my mind too heavily at this stage.

Sounds like an interesting terminal, though not sure with their endless cash reserves why they can't just upgrade every gate, regardless

AJ has said and I assume this forms part of their submission for approval, that no privileges will be diluted and where they conflict the higher of the two (EK and QF) shall prevail.

We are entitled to rely on these statements.

 

[Must...Fly!]

On the FAQ it mention Gold will have access to QP only.

I suspect Emirates will drag their feet on the skywards overhaul as they have done before.

 

[anat0l]

AJ has said and I assume this forms part of their submission for approval, that no privileges will be diluted and where they conflict the higher of the two (EK and QF) shall prevail.

We are entitled to rely on these statements.

I'm not sure that kind of statement would need to be part of the competition anti-trust immunity submission.

EK Golds in the QF F Lounge - won't happen. EK Golds only get into EK J lounges at the moment; what logic is there to give them straight up F Lounge access?

QF WP access is a bit more interesting, especially before the touted-but-not-confirmed EK Skywards revamp to include a 4th elite tier. Some EK stalwarts are already getting hot under the collar about non-F pax (whether QF elites or EK elites) walking into the EK F lounges. (Mind you, some of these people define "crowded" as to mean they need about 6 seats or 100 square metres to themselves in an F lounge). EK may have to necessarily increase the size of their F lounge (hopefully the new extension F lounge is sufficiently big to cater for this and then a lot more).

The main thing would be hopefully that the new extension creates much more lounge space for the J lounge. The current one in DXB is touted to be horribly insufficient, and lacking in sufficient amenities (toilets, showers).

QF might have to ditto follow suit, especially in SYD. Of course, I can't see that happening as easily (for reasons relating to all of QF and Sydney Airport).

As for the boarding thing, I don't see why QF F pax couldn't board from the top but take the front stairs down to F? Yes, you do have to walk through 3 rows of J before you get to the stairs (God forbid you have to intermingle with the unwashed Business class pax ), though it actually saves having to open 1 jetbridge (i.e. leading to door 1L - F only); exceptions would be accessible pax sitting in F who could probably be priority-boarded through 2L then turn left.

 

[Berlin]

About 6-7 years ago, after I had flown them a few times to Europe, (A340 back then with the 'suites') I received an email which I assumed was a standard customer service survey, although given the wording it was only being sent to F travellers.
It had numerous questions, one of which was about my favourite drink. I responded to the email sent it back and thought nothing of it. The next time I was on an EK flight, without any prompting, I was offered Lagavulin as an aperitif.

Wow- that's what I call customer service! And it's clear that someone knows his drinks if asking for a Lagavulin

Saying that- QF somehow has taken note of my aversion towards rocket: Since I asked to get it off my steak sandwich on a F flight a few years back, they always scrape the rocket off anything I eat in F or J. Must be on my customer file or something, I'm amazed each and every single time!