I just bought my ticket. The HSBC code did not work. Well it worked, right up to the point where i tried to pay and it kept saying invalid card....even though I bank with HSBC UK......
i tried the arsenal code UKARSN1 and it worked
http://www.arsenal.com/membership/emirates-flights
if you click on the link to the emirates page, it has the code and info there. Supposedly valid till end march this year.
nothing indicates you need to be a member to get it. perhaps someone can try using the code outside the UK as well?