tomanova

I am trying to determine the best flight routes and FFP for travel between IAH and the UAE. My destination is AUH but DXB looks like it is about 2 hours by road from Abu Dhabi so I would consider that as well. I have top status on United but am not impressed with their product, but mileage accrual and use has been very good for me - I would consider changing FFPs.

I can get direct IAH-DXB on Emirates A380, but have read that their FFP is not very good. Con is two hours by taxi or bus after a 16-hour flight.

I can stay Star Alliance IAH-FRA-AUH (or DXB) on United and Lufthansa - I know what I'm getting and don't mind transiting in FRA. Con is a potentially inferior experience onboard.

I can fly Qatar IAH-DOH-AUH (or DXB). Con is the short "domestic" flight DOH-AUH after 16-hours from IAH.

I can fly IAH-DFW-AUH on Etihad. Con is the short domestic flight on the return.

I know I'll need to connect (unless Emirates + bus/taxi) - am I missing any other routes? I'd like to minimize the time in a narrow-body (or regional jet) and maximize mile earning and burning (and a status match would be nice).

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

rankourabu

My first preference would be QR via DOH or EY via DFW. Second would be nonstop to DXB and then the Emirates bus (or chauffeur if in J)

Emirates runs a bus to Abu Dhabi, no need for taxis
http://www.emirates.com/english/plan...ice_dubai.aspx

United to DXB in E+ is also not a bad option, but solely for E+.
In premium cabins, its no contest EY,EK,QR over anything else

JimInOhio

Another Star Alliance option is TK IAH-IST-AUH.

westmideast

Isn't there an IAH-DXB on United?

tomanova

Nope.

The only direct is IAH-DXB on Emirates, but I'm learning that their FFP is not very good and DXB means 2 hours on the road by bus, taxi, or car service.

Connections to AUH are Etihad via DFW, UA / LH via FRA, or Qatar via Doha.

Any other thoughts?

SAT Lawyer

In addition to the aforementioned options (and TK IAH-IST-AUH), you could also fly BA IAH-LHR-AUH or KL IAH-AMS-AUH.

FYI, LH is cancelling its service to AUH later this year.

Lastly, if you opt for the EK IAH-DXB nonstop, you might consider crediting the miles to AS's Mileage Plan.

Chgo2AD

Can't you go direct from IAD-AUH on Etihad? They have daily service.

extramileage

I think some people are confusing IAD (Washington Dulles) and IAH (Houston).

United flies to DXB from IAD, not IAH. Etihad flies to AUH from IAD. Neither fly from IAH.

IAH, AUH, IAD... confusing enough?


OP - not sure how often you plan on flying IAH-DXB. If it's limited, you could consider crediting to AS as mentioned above. It's a good option.