RAK: Bureaucracy and Lounge
Feb 5, 2019, 3:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,015
RAK: Bureaucracy and Lounge
I'm travelling to RAK for the first time next week and have seen various (negative) reports about the airport experience for both arrivals and departures. I'm travelling CE which I hope will give me a headstart on immigration and various other obstacles but then that won't the case if we're at a bus stand. Grateful for any advice to best manoeuvre myself through the airport in both arrivals and departures or of any tales of recent visits.
I've seen some folk advise to get to RAK over 3 hours ahead of departure due to the amount of security checks conducted. Anyone able to verify this from recent experience? And the lounge? Lukewarm reports, difficult to get entry to and a bit "dry".
I've seen some folk advise to get to RAK over 3 hours ahead of departure due to the amount of security checks conducted. Anyone able to verify this from recent experience? And the lounge? Lukewarm reports, difficult to get entry to and a bit "dry".
Feb 5, 2019, 3:44 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,644
I've not been through RAK in a while, but I recall it taking about an hour from curbside to the lounge when departing, and the airport wasn't terribly busy then. And the lounge was awful. So maybe budget for 2 hours.
Arrival immigration - not much you can do, other than power walk to the end of the line, then wait patiently.
Arrival immigration - not much you can do, other than power walk to the end of the line, then wait patiently.
Feb 5, 2019, 3:51 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Mucci, BAEC Silver, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,038
I put some pictures at this thread in September last year when I was there. Also a quick description of security too.
Is the lounge in RAK (Marrakech) any good?
In summary a good experience all round.
Is the lounge in RAK (Marrakech) any good?
In summary a good experience all round.
Feb 5, 2019, 4:10 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Surrey
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 211
Recently traveller to RAK in CE and it wasnt all that bad. Being South African, I used to slow security and passport control. Id suggest having a pen handy for the landing card.
The lounge is ok, range of food and drink is very limited, as is seating at times.
The lounge is ok, range of food and drink is very limited, as is seating at times.
Feb 5, 2019, 4:24 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,015
I put some pictures at this thread in September last year when I was there. Also a quick description of security too.
Is the lounge in RAK (Marrakech) any good?
In summary a good experience all round.
Is the lounge in RAK (Marrakech) any good?
In summary a good experience all round.
Feb 5, 2019, 4:30 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Mucci, BAEC Silver, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,038
It was in Sept - I assume it is still the case.
Security & Passports on arrival IMO was a little slow but not too bad being in CE and off the plane early, but covered by fast-track on departure.