A few data points from my recent trip to Cairo.

When entering T2 departures you don’t need to show your boarding pass as saying ‘British Airways’ seems to be sufficient.

However, keep your passport and itinerary at hand as you will need it when passing through the first baggage and body scan check.

Also, some airport porters may actively take you to the front of the normally long security queue. If so be prepared to tip them.

The new Pearl lounge is very nice. Good food selection and comfy seats. However, despite multiple attempts, I could not connect to the Orange EG public WiFi despite following all the instructions.

The security check at the gate is quite extensive.

If on a B789 then there is a chance of being sat in the First Class cabin if a GCH or GGL (got seat change notification at T-24).

For or whatever reason (route or plane type), this route, especially ex-LHR, is delayed most days. Even the cabin crew are not aware why this is and the reasons seem to be different each time (cargo issues, technical issues, passenger issues, missed slot issues etc).

Oh and I purchased an e-visa which probably saved me at least 30+ minutes especially when the flight is delayed. Run fast from the plane to immigration.

When does the November red-eye schedule revert back to the more humane time? Is it when the aircraft also goes back to a 788/9?

Just to double check no fast track for BA CAI departures?

Am curious with the Ahlan VIP service at cairo airport if the only security check is at the VIP service building vs also having to show up early at the departure gate for the secondary security as well? Paging resident VIP service expert @m0hamed

Also for those who stay at the airport Le Meridien and use the VIP service do you walk to the building or take a car?

You called?

i haven’t flown BA ex CAI in years, since they dropped the 744 and F cabin.

For Ahlan service you are checked in at the private entrance, they take your bags (I presume as I HLO), you go through one security X Ray and you are escorted to one of the four lounges exclusively for their use.

They generally collect you for boarding with your immigration formalities processed, you complete another security X Ray immediately outside the lounge area and you’re driven by buggy to the gate. I believe other lounge guests also pass through this checkpoint.

The LM is connected to T3, not T2 where the VIP terminal entrance and exit is. If using on arrival just call the LM. to pick you up in their shuttle on demand. They will drop you off on demand, as well.

You can walk but you’ll be on the road which I don’t consider safe from vehicle traffic and there in no designated footpath. There’s also a crowd of drivers outside who, although harmless, will hassle you.

N.B. The VIP car service will take you from the bus gate arrivals to the VIP terminal via the tarmac which takes 90 seconds max. It isn’t used for departures as there are generally aerobridges.

This is great info. What I am wondering is if there is really any expedited benefits on departure as it sounds like the VIP service would take me in a buggy to the departure gate but that wouldn’t expedite the enhanced BA security screening at the departure gate or am I missing something?

I suppose at the least the VIP service would monitor the departure and take me to the gate as late as possible for the security screening so I wouldn’t have to wait in a lengthy line or is there no gaurantee or this?

Many thanks!

Thanks, I should have clarified that I didn’t necessarily mean by-pass all together rather get individualized process vs would take place at gate much in the same way one passes through security at LH’s FCT vs the “regular” security at FRA.

I travelled to and from Cairo in May with my family.

on arrival I joined the queue for immigration and had e visas. I queued with everyone else but the queue moved quickly and was no more painful than T5 UK/EU queue on a Sunday night. Exiting the terminal was a bit of a scrum. I did have a tour guide but he pulled no strings and there was no special service.

On departure I arrived just after 6am. Aside from the X-ray of bags it was generally painless. No queues at club and a near empty immigration hall.

The only faff was going to the lounge which was a waste of time. The security check at the gate was painless in real terms and we left on time.

if I did this again I would not even consider a meet and greet service.

very good to know, it does seem like a real limitation that the service on departures does not really expedite the security at the gates and still requires passengers to arrive at the terminal two hours prior to departure— seems like a long time if one is HBO. It seems like in the past when flights didn’t use air bridges at T2 it was a much better service with car transfer to plane on departure.

Thats really sounds like pretty smooth sailing and I am relieved to know showing up shortly after 6Am for the 8AM departure is plenty of time.

The T3 star alliance Gold and/or business class fast track is really very decent so I was concerned without these features at T2 it would not be pleasent.