In every non DXB Emirates lounge, there is no separate First class section. I think they should make one, especially for lounges like LHR that see a lot of flights per day. The JFK lounge I think needs it as well, because of JFK going double A380 as of Jan 1st. Even though it's at most 28 pax per day (JFK), I think when they introduce Platinum, they can use this section of the lounges.

On another note, when EK introduces platinum, I think they can open a section in the J lounge at DXB for EK/QF plat, instead of giving them F lounge access.

Thoughts?

-ek202

I am a regular at JFK and I feel that the lounge at JFK is an amazing lounge both in terms of service and the food selection (and in a lot of ways, way way better than the F lounges of most other airlines.) In fact most EK run lounges are actually quite good (save the decor) except LHR which seems to get crowded.

Besides, there is hardly any space at JFK to demarcate a section of the lounge for F passengers. EK will probably need to take up some more space if they were to do so.

I haven't heard anyone being disappointed by the JFK lounge and in fact I've heard most of the first timers usually gush 'great' or 'wow' when they first enter. My guess is that the lounge isn't really a factor if your point is that EK might be losing F revenue because they don't have a dedicated F lounge at JFK.

So are you suggesting that EK open a separate lounge for F passengers just as a matter of principle (F customers need something better than what J customers are getting) or because you've had some negative experiences at the JFK J lounge?

I have to disagree with the OP. If catering, toilettes and the business centre will still be 'shared' among F and J, adding a separate section for F within the lounges adds nothing to the F experience.
Don't know about JFK but several EK lounges are on the spacious side and can accommodate a couple of aeroplanes premium loads comfortably.

No, I have not had any bad experiences with the JFK lounge. I too am a regular their, and having been to a few other EK lounges worldwide, the JFK lounge is my favorite. I love it! I'm just saying if there was space, which there isn't presently, but say, if air India closed their JFK lounge. IF they did, since it's right next door, make that for F pax. Don't you think it's a good idea? I don't mind it right now, bc as I said I love the JFK lounge, but I think F pax deserve more. Don't you?

It probably boils down to cost (or at least this factors into the overall equation). I'm always amazed when someone from EK tells me how much so and so lounge cost to fit out etc etc (ie SIN cost $3M, MEL cost $4M). Personally, I think they need to fire their interior designers and lose the bling and become far more "international" in their look and feel. But thats just my personal opinion.

If EK were to create separate F lounges, then would then need to go and find additional lounge space (to lease) plus then fit out, multiplied x 25+ lounges around the world. This aint cheap (even for EK )

I personally have no issue with the lounges I visit (apart from the decor) - and I've only seen one person have a hissy fit because he and his stuck up wife were in F and had to slum it with the rest of us peons in the same lounge (this was at JFK).

EK will pick up F lounges at SYD, MEL, SIN and HKG in April 2013 thanks to the QF alliance (of comparable quality to the DXB F lounge, maybe better). The rumored AA deal might pick up the JFK Flagship Lounge though that is not quite up to the QF and EK lounge standards and is in the wrong terminal for now.

Not sure if it makes sense for EK to create a dedicated F lounge that is going to lie vacant for most of the time and at most 14 people get to use it 3 hours in the morning and another 14 for 3 hours in the evening. Maybe when they have 5-6 daily services to JFK, it might.

As I said before, EKs JFK lounge is much better than the F lounges of quite a few other airlines. Rather than thinking about whether F passengers deserve more, maybe its more like J passengers are 'getting more than they deserve'. But that's a good thing except that it may make F pax quite jealous.

Don't worry, I wasnt the one who had the hissy fit I enjoy my time in the JFK lounge, and I don't mind that its shared with J, but the fact that it gets VERY crowded around 9:30pm with all the golds can get annoying. but I don't care, since i don't always fly F, I also fly J sometimes, and since im always eager to board, it doesn't phase me much In the end, it's EK's decision, so I guess whatever happens if they decide to do anything,is just what we will have to wait for!

On another note, why does everyone complain about EK lounge decor? I think it's nice! Call me crazy

Other premium carriers have the same dilemma. Other than SIN and LHR, does SQ have any F lounges? The new HKG lounge is a combo. Not sure about CX outside of HKG, but SFO is combined and they don't even have one at JFK, where they use the unexciting BA Flounge.

I'm very protective of my first class space but even I must admit there is no reason for this now. EK's lounges are very uniform thruout the system & it works well. The problem might be over crowding at some stations with the QF deal. Then I could see seperate F lounges in LHR, SYD & maybe MEL