Originally Posted by
SFO777
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.
I haven't had to experience the pre-clearance issue. I found the bar at the EY F lounge to be way superior to the EK lounge. You have to understand—most of my lounging time is spent at the bar and is extra fun when there's an interesting local bartender to chat with.
When flying LX F, after enjoying a meal at the F lounge, I'll often dip into the SEN lounge to enjoy the whiskey lounge, despite that being technically a "downgrade."
EY delivers: they've got a full bar with a destination-inspired cocktail menu, and the ability to make anything. (My bartender was a Ukranian expat.) QR and EK didn't deliver on that front. EK pissed me off when they brought me a $50 bill for my cigar (EY's cigars are free), and I couldn't find a real bar to speak off. There's just agents who'll make you a mixed drink wherever you want; but there isn't a real bar with a real bartender.
Bartending is not something any lounge agent can do. It's not something that's done in a back room and brought to you like a plate. Ask for even a basic cocktail like an old fashioned and out of the ME3, only EY would be able to deliver.
I also found the food in their restaurant to be vastly better. The haircut / massage is a nice touch, too.
And in terms of atmosphere… once you find it, EY's lounge is quite and relaxing. It feels like a
lounge. EK's F lounge on the other hand feels like a bright shopping mall. And Al Sawfa feels like a museum.