Hello All:

I am a frequent AA One World traveler and a few days ago had occasion to try Emirates. I needed a one way after a long vacation from Venice to Asia....One world routed me through Heathrow and in Business wanted about $3600....Emirates had a fare in First Class which was far less money.

Unfortunately I had a less then positive experience with baggage and fees. I have been traveling for 1+ months and had accumulated lots of "stuff"....once it was in the luggage I weighed in at 80 kilos. The woman nicely informed me at check in that they allow 50 for First and the extra would be 1500 EUROS! I couldn't believe it. I had checked prior and heard 15 EUROS per kilo over...not 50? I must be getting old..... I spoke to everyone and they told me there was nothing that could be done....the rules were the rules.....no negotiating. They were sorry, not their problem.

I fly often with 60-100 kilos of luggage on Cathay and when in F my overage has been nothing OR $200 at MAX. Same on American Airlines.....Iberia, even BA... This 1500 EUROS for one bag was over the top. Thankfully my Parents were departing a day later on Iberia....I checked the bag and left the ticket for them with Emirates and they picked up the bag the next day. They were in business and Iberia charged them for their overage.... 0 ....as they were only over total by 10 kilos overall....They told them not to worry about it.

Onboard, Emirates service was nice.....I was the only one in F on the Venice to Dubai flight...it was posh....4 hour layover in Dubai....even in the F lounge was a drag. Duty free prices were not so great....Next flight was in the Suites on the A380...Service very nice....found the toiletry bag to be just plain ugly....Bulgari amenities minimal. Much Prefer CX or SQ for this. I Loved the big screen and the feeling of privacy however when the bed was reclined, I found it lumpy and not comfortable...I like CX in F or SQ much better for this. I also didn't like having to open or close the doors on the suite...I think they should be manual. Great TV screen and choice of movies.

Overall I did not love flying through Dubai. When you get on the flight in Europe to Asia you know that you will have 91/2-12 hours flying time. You have dinner, some drinks and then you go to sleep..arrive refreshed. With this 4.5 + 5.5 hour flights I found I didn't want to eat or drink or sleep on the first flight because I was going to be stuck in Dubai apt. for 4 hours and on the second one, I just wanted to sleep.

In the future, because of the baggage and the scheduling through Dubai, I probably would pay to fly nonstop or as direct as possible....I am glad I tried Emirates product however it didn't wow me like I thought it would. And the baggage fees are excessive. For now, I will avoid them.

Safe travels to all.