I was part of a small group of friends (6) heading to BEY for the weekend. I was the only one with status (Gold) and as i had not had anything to do with the booking, did not give my skywards number etc.

We were flying Y

I checked in with the others, no skywards number in the locator for me, i figured i would add it at the end, i could not get 5 into the lounge so it was not worth adding it at this point, plus, 5 in the back and me in J if an upgrae was offered - not fair!

So.. i was Mr No Status, Mr regular passenger as far as EK was concerned!

First, after queuing for check in in the regular hall. Argument about my luggage, my luggage that is ALWAYS accepted for cabin a standard roll on TUMI. No check in bags, but was told it was too big. I argued my case, still not mentioning my status, and eventually was told, "take it, but expect to have it taken from you on the plane!"

I used my E card, but was astounded at the queues for immigration. Into the main terminal and headed to the Irish Village.

Flight was called, and we waiting in the holding pit (usually i am one of the last to rock up for boarding). All waiting, for the EK staff to open the doors tothe bridge and wilst i have heard EK board flights by row number etc, the words "Yella"echoed from the front, mad rush

My roll on was NOT taken from me and i walked on with it. I did struggle to find space for it though as many passengers had way too many bags - maybe they had status??

We were slightly late leaving the gate.

As we reversed off, people still stood up, I was squashed up in the middle of a row, almost the very back of the aircraft, but with friends so was fine with it.

Was thrown my food onto a tray, asked for wine no choice? Wallah??

Almost last off the aircraft into BEY, long queue for immigration...

It taught me the benefits of having status and its NOT just getting the occassional upgrade..

Lets NOT complain as much as we do huh????

Nice one DTB - I for one enjojoyed and took something from this experiment / report! Thanks.

Well, you still could have entered/ registered your skywards number for collecting the miles right? Or were you on an Award ticket?

What's the visa situation for spending a weekend in Beirut? I have Canadian or British passports and GCC residence (UAE). I always wanted to go for the weekend, but not sure on the visa rules?

Easy to do it right afterwards now.. Almost instantly when you go to claim my missing miles...

QUOTE FROM UAWorldwide.......... What's the visa situation for spending a weekend in Beirut? I have Canadian or British passports and GCC residence (UAE). I always wanted to go for the weekend, but not sure on the visa rules?

Just rock up at the immigration desk and they give you a month....

Down the Back is right, you dont need a visa on a British passport, just show up and they'll stamp you in.

So long as you don't have an Israeli stamp or any other evidence of having ever stepped foot in Israel in your passport of course

Good point...

Both passports (Canadian and British) get a free visa upon entry to Beirut. So if one of them has a stamp from Israel on it, use the other one...

Thanks for the visa tips, everyone!