scmd76

Good evening,

This is slightly off topic, but I wasn't sure where to post it...

We're flying First to Dubai on BA109 in a few weeks time and I was wondering if anyone knew what arrivals is like at 7.30am? I've been looking at the Marhaba meet and greet service and wondering if we need it to avoid long queues or if it'll be a waste of money when we stroll through an empty terminal...

We're departing 4 nights later again in First on BA106, and I've heard that departures late in the evening can be a nightmare. Would it be worth making use of the service then as I don't think there's Fast Track?

Any assistance would be greatly received.

Many thanks

BLHD

Always in a taxi within 30-40 Minutes off the 109, including collecting a bag and being in WTP on the flight therefore wouldn't bother with marhaba.

Can't comment on the 106, avoid the overnight flights home like the plague.

abfab80

I have been once in BA109, in F too & used the Marhaba & there was barely any queue at Immigration so I thought we could have done without it TBH, once we arrived at the carousel, our suitcases were already on a separate pile with other F suitcases! Never happened to me before. Have a great trip.

kmccallum13

Immigration has been quick when I've done it. 30 mins tops to get though and get a taxI.

Oaxaca

It's possible that in F, you will get Marhaba service provided by BA. I had it in F on the same outbound flight last month, though as I'm also GGL, not 100% sure just being in F would trigger it. Others have reported that you get it in F anyway.

As to whether it's worth it - my view on those flights is that it's more value on the return than the outbound. I'm not a real regular on the route, but my experience is that immigration not too busy when BA109 arrives. The main benefit for me was the buggy ride shortening the long walk from gate to immigration. They also help you with baggage, but don't think you get it any quicker.

On the return I would recommend it, the terminal is busy at that time of night and Marhaba will take you to a priority immigration queue and then to the front of the security queue, followed by a buggy to the lounge.

Perhaps wait for others to confirm if you will get it anyway in F (or call YouFirst to check?). If you get it on the outbound, you should on the return. If not, it's probably worth paying for on the return, but not the outbound IME. For me, if you're paying the Silver service has always been enough, as you have lounge access anyway so the only real benefit of Marhaba Gold is not sharing the escort/buggy, not worth the extra for me.

simons1

I wouldn't bother either way.

Dubai immigration has raised its game significantly in the last year with automatic gates etc and I think Marhaba is a waste of money. May save you 5 minutes or so but I doubt much more.

Cerebrito

I did it in November last year, when we arrived, immigration was empty, but more than half the desks were open and we were through within 10 minutes.

On the way back on the 106, the airport was busy, but seemed to be working well and we moved through security etc at a good pace.

tillyholly

We flew in first 7 days ago and were whisked through - it was quicker but queues were small anyway

Foltan

Just to reiterate everyone else's comments:

- Immigration will be fine for the 109, you'll be out before the bags, however it's quite a long walk if you're disabled/frail in any way - Marhaba will provide a buggy
- 106 in the evening is pretty horrible, huge disorganised queues of loud-talking people that haven't showered. I'm not doing it again without Marhaba.

akinldn

First should normally have Marhaba service. Be on the lookout for your name.

There is a pecking order but I am not quite sure if GGL > First. On one CW flight, I had the service even though I was not GGL.

Wouldn't pay money for it.

In any case, you will be first off the plane so if you walk faster and stay ahead of the pack, you should be ok.

At immigration, before you join a queue, just see if they are opening a new one since it's very upsetting when you then find that they open a new queue and all the people behind you half an hour ago are now pass immigration.

Not sure if it will work but you can try emailing the BA First helpline to check if are already entitled to the service. They may just say "depends" but I am sure it won't take more effort than posting the question here.

DYKWIA

But not in T1...

It's still horrendous 22:00-02:00.

scmd76

Many thanks for all of your words of wisdom, it's most helpful.

I'm going to give YouFirst a call this morning to see if the service is included. If not, I don't think we'll need it on arrival but may consider the Silver service for our departure.

Physci

At the end of May I went into DXB on BA109 and left on BA106, in F both ways. On BA109 I didn't get provided with the Marhaba by BA (I am GCH) but I did on BA106 although this only seems to be offered if you go to the check-in desk ie the Marhaba team don't stand by F-check-in with names on boards for this flight.

For BA109 I'm not really sure it is worth it anyway - we were through immigration at about the same time as another couple who were given Marhaba. For BA106 it is useful to avoid the overcrowded security queues and to get buggy rides all the way to the BA lounge.

Sixth Freedom

Queues at Dubai can be horrendous so I would take the Marhaba service on any flight arriving in Dubai. It is very cheap and you can sit back and enjoy the flight knowing that there will not be a long wait.

You can even take your time leaving the plane, sorting out your stuff on the ground rather than at 45 minutes before landing. All in all, assured arrivals makes the experience a great deal more pleasant.

You are really investing in peace of mind with a guarantee of 'fast' rather than 'faster' immigration.

If you are going to arrive in Dubai anywhere near the start of the Eid holidays (approximately 17th July, depending on when the new moon is sighted) then I would definitely take the Marhaba service. Eid is always a busy time for travel to Dubai.

jamiebf

I will be interested to hear what they say. I have been many times to DXB, every time in CW, however my trip there in three weeks time will be my first to DXB in F. Travelling on the 109 and 106 and as some have commented Marhaba could be very useful on the return.