Originally Posted by
Yahillwe
Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't do the private, very environmentally and class conscious... and don't go flogging me for flying F...And the solution, if there is another flight with EK, would be to just avoid the lounge and go directly to the hotel...As for sons and 18, I am originally from th biggest country in the gulf and know the customs very well, a son NEVER, EVER ceases to be a "family" on the contrary will always be THE family, since the son carries the family name forward. The daughter stays a family but when she marries (she keeps her maiden name, never belongs to anyone but to her birth family) her children carry her husbands family. Maybe this was were the confusion was, my son carries his father's name and I carry MY father's name. We can go on and on about this ritual, but this is how it works, my 70 some old mother carries her father's name and never has my family's name.
I've lived in Dubai my whole life, so I know what you mean (bin, bint). But in the UAE, for example, one cannot sponsor their son on their own visa once the child crosses 18. For daughters it is fine till they get married. Which is ridiculous because no 18 year old is completely independent. They don't have jobs. And they do need to visit family!
I was suggesting using the VIP terminal (but flying EK). I'm sure they make exceptions for Sheikhas. In fact, T3 has some VIP lounge that's better than the F lounge, used for dignitaries and sheikhs.
Am still not sure if I would use EK when I go to Dubai for the June meet up. Might try Qatar or back to BA.
I think it's unfair to dismiss EK for following their rules. Having said that, have you tried Etihad? They have a pretty solid F product (unless you fancy an onboard shower).