Special Services at DXB for GGL
Oct 22, 2013, 11:33 pm
#1
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Special Services at DXB for GGL
I remember seeing a topic about this a while ago but as I have just experienced it myself I thought I'd mention what happens.
Just before landing into DXB the CSD came over and explained that we would be met at the door of the plane and escorted through the airport.
The SS person did indeed meet us and took us to a lift (short cut). She then called for a golf buggy which whizzed us through to passport control. After passport control they met a porter who collected our bags and took them through to arrivals.
The porter had a Marhaba uniform so I wonder if the SS lady worked for Marhaba too?
Very good service and a nice surprise. ^
Do GGL members get SS service at any other airports?
Just before landing into DXB the CSD came over and explained that we would be met at the door of the plane and escorted through the airport.
The SS person did indeed meet us and took us to a lift (short cut). She then called for a golf buggy which whizzed us through to passport control. After passport control they met a porter who collected our bags and took them through to arrivals.
The porter had a Marhaba uniform so I wonder if the SS lady worked for Marhaba too?
Very good service and a nice surprise. ^
Do GGL members get SS service at any other airports?
Oct 23, 2013, 12:15 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: France
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Oct 23, 2013, 2:31 am
#5
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Note that this service, the Marhaba Gold service, is available to anybody willing to pay a relatively affordable sum of money for it.
Another version, without the golf buggy but with priority passport clearance (where most of the value lies in my view), is available for GBP 15 or so. This is the Marhaba Bronze service and I reviewed it here.
More information at the DNATA site.
Another version, without the golf buggy but with priority passport clearance (where most of the value lies in my view), is available for GBP 15 or so. This is the Marhaba Bronze service and I reviewed it here.
More information at the DNATA site.
Oct 23, 2013, 2:53 am
#6
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Were you in F or J? I got it in F the other week, and I know others who have - but I've not been able to work out if it's just GGL in F or GGL in any cabin. Either way, it's a welcome enhancement indeed ^
You will get it on departure too (again, at least in F anyway) with the escort through security and buggy to and from lounge.
You will get it on departure too (again, at least in F anyway) with the escort through security and buggy to and from lounge.
Oct 23, 2013, 2:57 am
#7
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It is worth mentioning that:
a) once you get down the stairs there are usually plenty of buggies (look behind you!) waiting to carry you to the other end, otherwise a long walk ... just wave to the drivers and one will come!
b) there are quite a few buggies coming to the lounge to pick up passengers heading for the gate ... it is not a problem to ask the driver if you can jump on - I've done this twice and it is great fun sitting in the backwards-facing rear seat ... inevitably a group of Omanis will wave and say 'yalla' (hurry)!
a) once you get down the stairs there are usually plenty of buggies (look behind you!) waiting to carry you to the other end, otherwise a long walk ... just wave to the drivers and one will come!
b) there are quite a few buggies coming to the lounge to pick up passengers heading for the gate ... it is not a problem to ask the driver if you can jump on - I've done this twice and it is great fun sitting in the backwards-facing rear seat ... inevitably a group of Omanis will wave and say 'yalla' (hurry)!
Oct 23, 2013, 4:42 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London, ARN, HEL, ..... or MAN
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Never been fortunate enough to be looked after by SS other than once at JFK when "only" 
Gold.
Since becoming GGL I haven't seen any difference in onboard greeting or service, or any difference on the ground. I have however been luckier than others in invitations to GGL events - so I guess it's swings and roundabouts. None of these benefits is published as GGL benefits so anything that comes my way is welcome
Gold. Since becoming GGL I haven't seen any difference in onboard greeting or service, or any difference on the ground. I have however been luckier than others in invitations to GGL events - so I guess it's swings and roundabouts. None of these benefits is published as GGL benefits so anything that comes my way is welcome
Oct 23, 2013, 5:11 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: BA Gold, Starwood Gold, Hilton Diamond VIP, Shangri La Jade, Amex Plat
Posts: 93
I've not had (and actually don't especially want) any special treatment at any airports - well, maybe MIA on a bad day would be nice, where a queue jump would be welcome!
But I agree with others - broadly speaking, I don't see any difference in on-board or on-the-ground service. In fact, I flew to JFK on Tuesday and wasn't spoken to by any cabin crew for the entire flight. (First time in WTP in the throne - usually fly J or F and thought the throne was great! Def happy to do it again.) Again - not worried about lack of fawning as I'm of the "quite happy sitting quietly alone" camp. But just really wanted to add an observation, as I've had other flights as reg gold where the crew have fallen over to greet me.
Oh - and on the way in to GF at T5, I noticed a msg pop up as my boarding pass was scanned saying something like, "Customer is important GGL member. Must have personal greeting", or words to that effect. The lounge angel clicked ok without acting - which was fine by me as I find it a little uncomfortable. And I'm sure they see that message hundreds of times a day. But adds to the 'no different than before' observation.
But I agree with others - broadly speaking, I don't see any difference in on-board or on-the-ground service. In fact, I flew to JFK on Tuesday and wasn't spoken to by any cabin crew for the entire flight. (First time in WTP in the throne - usually fly J or F and thought the throne was great! Def happy to do it again.) Again - not worried about lack of fawning as I'm of the "quite happy sitting quietly alone" camp. But just really wanted to add an observation, as I've had other flights as reg gold where the crew have fallen over to greet me.
Oh - and on the way in to GF at T5, I noticed a msg pop up as my boarding pass was scanned saying something like, "Customer is important GGL member. Must have personal greeting", or words to that effect. The lounge angel clicked ok without acting - which was fine by me as I find it a little uncomfortable. And I'm sure they see that message hundreds of times a day. But adds to the 'no different than before' observation.
Oct 23, 2013, 5:17 am
#10
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It is most useful on departure but was a nice touch and a welcome surprise on a recent trip. I was concerned when I was told on the plane that I would be met by SS that my bag had got snarled up in the T5 baggage meltdown so it was a welcome relief to find only the Marhaba meet and greet service.
Along with others I know who have had this service I was travelling in F is this for GGL's in F only or does it extend to J etc. too?
Along with others I know who have had this service I was travelling in F is this for GGL's in F only or does it extend to J etc. too?
Oct 23, 2013, 6:49 am
#11
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Were you in F or J? I got it in F the other week, and I know others who have - but I've not been able to work out if it's just GGL in F or GGL in any cabin. Either way, it's a welcome enhancement indeed ^
You will get it on departure too (again, at least in F anyway) with the escort through security and buggy to and from lounge.
You will get it on departure too (again, at least in F anyway) with the escort through security and buggy to and from lounge.
I'll look forward to the departure service too then.
Oct 23, 2013, 7:19 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: UK North
Posts: 314
How do SS know you are Gold and traveling in F ? How do they pick you out of the immigration line ?
Oct 23, 2013, 7:25 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 210
I think it's all F passengers and all GGL. I've certainly had the Marhaba service both ways in CW, not just F.
I also think it's an excellent touch from BA. The buggies in particular both under the runway and from the lounge to gate (opposite ends of the terminal) are great!
I also think it's an excellent touch from BA. The buggies in particular both under the runway and from the lounge to gate (opposite ends of the terminal) are great!
Oct 23, 2013, 7:41 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
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Posts: 1,779
I think it's all F passengers and all GGL. I've certainly had the Marhaba service both ways in CW, not just F.
I also think it's an excellent touch from BA. The buggies in particular both under the runway and from the lounge to gate (opposite ends of the terminal) are great!
I also think it's an excellent touch from BA. The buggies in particular both under the runway and from the lounge to gate (opposite ends of the terminal) are great!