Originally Posted by
SeeBuyFly
Thanks for the report!
Lack of pyjamas, slippers, mattress pad are all downgrades, but running out of food is the worst. There was a much-publicized such event years ago when they ran out of food because they upgraded some economy passengers and they spent the whole flight ordering from the DoD menu. But that wasn't the case here as far as we can tell.
I am surprised to hear that the AUH lounge is that overcrowded. I have seen it crowded but not so bad that there is no place to sit. Of course I don't know if they have moved the lounge to a smaller space.
Regarding Precheck at ORD, I see that there is no way to enter my KTN in the EY reservation. Last time I flew EY was before the pandemic, so I can't remember how it is done, maybe the number is entered at OLCI?
Regarding Preclearance at AUH, it is actually useless for those of us who have Global Entry. EY hassles everyone, GE or not, to leave the lounge and go through immigration as early as possible. And upon arrival in the US, we are not used to being the same as everyone else...
My KTN came over with my reservation at booking. You're right, there is nowhere to enter it once the reservation is made. I am sure the check-in agent could enter it in. TSA Pre is a must at ORD to avoid the circus.
Global Entry along with flying business class got me to the front of all 4 EY lines before we left AUH. You're right, had I been in economy, I would have been waiting forefer in a Gen Pop line. But I was able to go to the front of every line. In addition, the Global Entry kiosks were just like the US and the CBP officer put us through no problem. It was nice to arrive in the US as a domestic flight, albeit into the horrible T5 at ORD.
I would fly EY again, but perhaps make sure you order all of your Dine On Demand meals before the food runs out.