Thanks for your comments DN, and I should add that my real interest is in travelling as booked rather than seeking compensation. But your comments are valid enough, and I am keen to maintain a sense of balance. Plus, this is hardly a tragedy within the grand scheme of things and with all that's going on in the wider world.

Perhaps my choice of the word 'improper' was not the best. I guess the point I really wanted to make was about consistency of product. I'm all too aware that last minute changes which leave either very limited alternative options, or even none at all, can be more frustrating than those flagged up in good time. But a very late change is to me, in many ways, more understandable than one made well ahead.

My analogy would be that if I chose to book a very specific hotel room - and my booking was accepted and fully confirmed - then I would be VERY disappointed if the hotel suddenly decided to tell me, two months before arrival, that the room was no longer available. If however they told me on the very day of arrival that there had been a wholly unexpected plumbing problem and the room could simply not be got ready in time, then it would be rather more understandable.

Emirates have always sought to set a high standard for themselves, but part of the distinction between an average airline and a top quality carrier is to make sure the promotional blurb and glossy images are matched by the reality. Delivering what is promised is a key element. The more often changes are made to suit the commercial objectives of any large business rather than its customers' own needs, the more danger there is of losing the goodwill and loyalty of those customers, not to mention the long-term reputation and image of the business itself.

Rant over !