Originally Posted by
helvetic
I've found EK to be way more _fun_ vs. EY. That for me is the key factor making me enjoy Emirates so much… the outrageous bling, the booze, the bar, the friendly chatty FAs from all around the world.
EY on the other hand is a lot more austere. It's more refined, but less fun.
On the ground, EY lounges are way better than the giant mess that is EK's first class level in DXB.
Totally agree on your characterization of EK vs. EY. It does see more fun, especially with the bar. Can't agree on the lounges though. EY went two year without a FCL and when they finally opened, it wasn't much better than the old one. Their current financials problems have resulted in major cutbacks in quality and food options in the lounge itself. And then there's the biggest issue of all for those of us with Global Entry, that stupid AUH PreClearance that forces you to leave the lounge early and wait in the dump that is the US "Premium Lounge" or at the gate.