Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Egyptair from CAI to Dubai ???

Im in the process of planning a 1 month sojourn for dh and I next Feb which will take in amoungst other places, Cairo and Dubai. We're using award seats in biz for a great portion of our itinerary but there are some flights which we need to book outside the award domain. One segment has us going from CAI to DXB. Emirates only has 1 flight the day we want to travel, and that flight happens to not land in DXB, until after midnight. Since we will be transferring out into the desert(about a 45 min drive), we would prefer to find something earlier. Egyptair has an offering in the morning which would be a much more convenient flight(we would be in biz class). I was tempted to book, but have reviewed a number of past posts and am a tad concerned. Is this carrier "that bad". Are we liable to have significantly more problems ie lost luggage, cancellations, safety, etc. with this carrier than any other of a myriad of carriers out there, or am I worrying for nothing? Of course dh takes the position that if it is better than a donkey cart thats ok, I on the other hand at least want to know that their planes have 2 engines that generally work ;)

Another option (often recommended by EK) is to fly from ALY to DXB. Flight gets in around 630pm.

The best thing is that EK will send a complimentary chauffeur-driven car to pick you up from Cairo [I believe, but confirm this with EK first.]


Alexandria


Business Class passengers:
Within 60 kms radius of Borj El Arab Airport. Within 275 kms radius between Borj El Arab Airport and Cairo city.


Economy Class passengers:
Complimentary bus transfer between the airport and Cairo


Business Class passengers:
Excess mileage: EGP 4.75 per km.

Complimentary Chauffeur Drive service also applies between Borj El Arab Airport & Cairo (Cairo is 220 km from the Borj El Arab Airport).


Cheers

Another option (often recommended by EK) is to fly from ALY to DXB. Flight gets in around 630pm.

The best thing is that EK will send a complimentary chauffeur-driven car to pick you up from Cairo [I believe, but confirm this with EK first.]



Cheers

A free chauffeur may not be forthcomming using redemption tickets? You def need to check that out.

Furthermore, my two experiences with MS from check-in, to lounge, to on board food and service have been very very poor. If it's a one off sector grit your teeth and get it over with. Their modern ac seem safe enough but they are a government owned airline with corruption and nepotism rife!

Try ur EK options first or check out GF, EY, QR or Al Jazeera or Air Arabia ....although you will need to transit via a hub city.

Good Luck:)

A free chauffeur may not be forthcomming using redemption tickets? You def need to check that out.




From EK Website:

Skywards Members as well as Frequent Flyer Members on other airlines redeeming miles on Emirates First and Business Class are entitled to the Chauffeur Drive Service. :)

Cheers,

We are using award tickets from YYZ -FRA-CAI-open jaw-DXB-side trip to mle return-then back home...paying for seats from CAI-DXB then MLE, so we would qualify for the chauffer drive....but....
Im a tad confused about the suggestion to Alexandria....isnt that like about a 3 or 4 hr drive? If it came down to that I think I would either chance Egyptair, or take the late flight out of CAI.....am I missing something, or am I just miles challenged ;)

ALY and CAI are around 115 miles apart, so 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive. Takes me that long to get from central london to Heathrow sometimes. :)

If you would rather only leave from Cairo, I have heard that MS isn't too bad but certainly nothing special.
Cheers

ALY and CAI are around 115 miles apart, so 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive. Takes me that long to get from central london to Heathrow sometimes. :)

If you would rather only leave from Cairo, I have heard that MS isn't too bad but certainly nothing special.
Cheers

The drive from CAI to ALY is no Sunday afternoon drive let me tell you!:D
One has the protection of road rules in UK, furthermore you are likely traveling at a snails pace...in Egypt..the faster and more erratic the driving the better!:p

MS is definitely luck of the draw. Some things truly 3rd rate eg the general cafe in the terminal had a roped off section and called the "Business Class lounge!"

Crew are generally disinterested at worst- I have encountered extremely friendly crew...but still efficiency has always been quite poor.

I say try MS it will be a story to tell at worst or a pleasant flight at best.

CJ Enjoy your trip!:cool:

DXB-CAI is not too long a flight (3 hours maybe at most?) - I would take MS.

I flew with them for an internal flight - expecting the worst - but the service was outstanding (was in Biz Class).

It really does depend I would think too on the aircraft - their 777s and 340s have J class with a 42 inch pitch, their A330s (brand new) seem to have a generous recliner seat 60 inch pitch. I flew their A320 from Cairo, seat pitch was more generous than say domestic first class in america, and the seats were set 2x2. We had the first row on the left behind the bulkhead and it was great - with lots of recline as well (we were surprised by the comfort).

The A321s are different however and have fixed 3x3 seating (or so their website says), which they then leave the middle seat free. Pitch looks tight.

Hope this helps.

Regards

LME FF

(and yes, egyptian airport lounges for premium pax are not that great :) )

CAI-DXB flights are usually on the 330 though other planes do operate the route.