FYI, some notes on missing a JFK-DXB Emirates flight, based on conversations today with the airport agent and the NY booking office. Since JFK is now flying 777 aircraft instead of 380, there is a higher chance of overbooked flights.

1) Check-in opens 4 hours before the flight (the online itinerary says check-in opens 3 hours before the flight).

2) If you have a confirmed seat on an over-booked flight and check-in 2 hours before departure, you will likely be offered compensation to voluntarily give up your seat. Strictly speaking, the Emirates contract specifies this cutoff time as 3 hours for Economy passengers.

3) Check-in officially closes 1 hour before the flight. If you have a confirmed seat on an over-booked flight and arrive 1 hour before the flight, your seat will be lost and the following fees will apply:

3a) Standby/waitlist for the next flight: $200 no-show fee (introduced in June 2009), airport ticketing agent may have discretion to waive this fee. If subsequent flight(s) are sufficiently overbooked, the system may not allow waitlisting at all. Your chance of being waitlisted is better at the airport than on the phone.

3b) Travel on another carrier (e.g. Qatar to Doha). Depending on your final destination and how you purchased your ticket, Emirates may be able to put you on another carrier's flight departing close to your original flight. Not sure about fees in this situation.

3c) Confirmed seat on a future Emirates flight: $200 no-show fee + change fee (dependent on ticket class) + fare difference.

3d) If you know that you will miss the flight and call (earlier than 1 hour prior to departure) to request a confirmed seat on a future flight, the no-show fee does not apply: change fee (dependent on ticket class) + fare difference.