Emirates First Check-In at SYD

[dairyfloss]

Hi Guys,

I have my first Emirates-operated [QF codeshare] flight out of SYD (SYD-AKL-SYD)coming up, and wondered what to expect from the EK F check-in (I'm travelling in Y, as a QF WP). I presume a separate F check-in area is defined... does anyone recall which counters they use, relative to QF at D/E? Also wondering if they are likely to give out Express Path cards for me and my travel buddies as QF does (1 x WP + 1 x QF NB), or if I should bring some spares. Anything else worth noting?

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Pvcmenace]

Have not used Syd so can't comment. Though have gone through CDG and the check in was fairly standard go up to counter get some first tags attached to the luggage/hand luggage, given lounge directions and pass. Have also gone through AKL where same thing but also were able to use the dedicated customs counter to process passports before heading to the lounge, which was nice.

 

[dairyfloss]

Have not used Syd so can't comment. Though have gone through CDG and the check in was fairly standard go up to counter get some first tags attached to the luggage/hand luggage, given lounge directions and pass. Have also gone through AKL where same thing but also were able to use the dedicated customs counter to process passports before heading to the lounge, which was nice.

Thanks, Pvcmenace. Anyone know about SYD, in particular?

 

[zainman]

Thanks, Pvcmenace. Anyone know about SYD, in particular?

You should have no troubles using the counters. Used them last month and yes was handed express cards. Not sure if they will give you express cards for your buddy who is NB. Bring a spare just in case.

 

[JB83]

Last time I flew EK out of SYD was in J. The checkin seemed pretty standard, you get to the row (I forget which one) three lanes marked out, and I believe there were 2 desks for F about 3rd or 4th along (service desk being first). Don't expect some mini lounge like at QF checkin, but they do pull out the red carpet.

 

[dairyfloss]

Just updating with a mini-report on how it went for this QF WP at F check-in for Emirates SYD-AKL-SYD, flying Y.

No wait at the SYD F check-in counters, whereas J was active and Y was packed. Nothing special about the service, and definitely not as friendly or attentive as QF F check-in, at least when flying Y!

Both I and my NB companion (same booking) were given Express Path passes - after I prompted them - though we later discovered after a long wait at the AKL luggage belt that only I had been tagged with Priority First; understandable I guess, but it kind of defeats the purpose of my having priority if I need to wait for my travelling companion anyway!

At the other end on the return leg a couple of days later from AKL there was again no wait, but we were quite early to check-in this time. Bags were checked with equal priority on the way to SYD, without asking.

The only thing which was a little problematic at AKL was that the NZ Customs pre-clearance counter for EK, which is next to F check-in, was also open to all EK elites (Silver and up), and so after an express check-in, we had to join a not-so express queue for that. It was still pretty quick in any case. Worth the wait when we saw general immigration outbound!

All in all, no issues for a WP on their own, but watch for any inconsistencies if travelling with others and check to see if they will play nice

p.s. We were coming home the day after having been to the Bledisloe (don't start), and the EK lounge in AKL was an absolute mad house! Hopefully not the norm, and I'd definitely choose the QF lounge over EK if there is a big event on like that!

Cheers,
Matt.