Originally Posted by
tomanova
I may be traveling from IAH to UAE 6-8 times a year for the next 2-3 years. My destination would be AUH but I'm curious about EK non-stop to DXB.
I'm Global Services on UA (invitation only above 1K) and am pretty flexible on routing and connections - I have extremely low expectations after flying UA for the past 12 years!
Most flights will be personal (not business expense) in Y. Award travel would be US to Africa, South Asia, ME.
Questions:
Pros and Cons of EY vs. EK? Ground transportation from DXB to AUH? Mileage earning / redemption better with either program?
Would either program status-match or challenge-match my UA level?
Do I just stay top status on UA and connect in FRA or IST? How are non-EK / non-EY arrivals and departures?
Any other tips or recommendations?
Thanks,
Tom
DXB and AUH are relatively close to each other, but both EY and EK have complimentary chauffeur drive within the UAE for J and F class passengers (to and from the airport). It is also relatively straightforward to take a taxi as well - around 70 USD or so.
The EK program is honestly incredibly bad for earn and burn, with quite extortionate surcharges - the best use of mileage earning is for upgrading Y-J or J-F. It's relatively easier to get status with EY, as they award by mileage flown and have easier renewal requirements.
I can't speak for EY but EK is currently running some quite aggressive status-matching (unpublished) for US based top-tier fliers: you may have luck contacting the local US based sales offices - there is in fact one in Houston, so you could even pop in there.
I prefer DXB as an airport to AUH - but if your final destination is in AUH, I think it comes down to whether you want to spend an additional hour in the car from DXB to AUH. Also on whether you prefer non-stop service or having a connection to an EY gateway, or via Europe. The A380 in Y is not a bad product - I think it's definitely superior to UA, but as a GS I presume you enjoy quite a good upgrade rate: that won't happen (very often) on EK.