F Award Ticket
 

Hi all. I've seen the question answered that award bookings are eligible for Dubai Connect, but I was just told they are not eligible by an agent on the phone and wanted to reconfirm in case something has changed recently.

EK F award ticket booked directly with Emirates Skywards (Flex Plus if that matters). Layover is 15 hours which wouldn't usually be the shortest possible layover, but it was the only option left to book in F at the time. I've seen a few posts/articles that the system then counts this as the shortest possible connection.

Prior to booking I'd called in and was told the itinerary would be eligible for Dubai Connect, but was told no yesterday (after booking) when I called in because it is a redemption and not a cash fare. Don't see the option in MMB to sign up for Dubai Connect.

Am I able to use Dubai Connect here or are award tickets now ineligible?

The website page with the (detailed) T’s and C’s for Dubai Connect seems to be unavailable at the moment.
But as far as I can remember, there is a minimum spend as well, which would make award tickets ineligible.
Also when you say that it was the ‘only option available to book in F at the time’, what do you mean exactly? Was there an earlier flight with no F cabin (i.e. a 2 class A380 or 77W) or was there an F cabin but no award availability. I would have though the former one would mean that what you have is the fastest F connection, but if it was the latter it would probably mean there is a faster connection. Just theorising, not saying that this is the way EK would interpret the rules.
Generally, if Dubai Connect is not offered in MMB, your itinerary does not qualify.

Thanks for the reply. I did mean the latter option that it was the only option left on miles at that time, while faster connections could have been booked if I paid in cash. I saw a 1-2 articles that said they were in the same situation and the system coded it as the shortest possible connection, but those may be out dated or incorrect. It may be that or the minimum fare you mentioned, I was told by one agent it wasn't eligible because it was a reward booking which is why I was curious. But seems fair enough that I'm not. Thanks!

I’m booked on an award ticket and eligible for Dubai Connect. My itinerary would’ve been the shortest connection available paid with cash.

OK, thanks. Good data point!

Which Hotel?
 

I’m going to be traveling DFW-DXB in F and DXB-BKK in J. In which hotel would Emirates book me?

When I last few on Emirates in Y, it was a decent offsite hotel. The complimentary meals helped make the long layover go faster. I just wished it was a bit closer to the airport.

Usually Le Meridian for J and F. Quite pleasant and a 10 min drive from the airport.

Thanks for the information. I was hoping it would be the hotel inside Terminal 3.

Hello All, I am a little confused about Dubai Connect.

For: BOM-DXB-IAH.
The fastest trip will be to leave BOM via the 04:30AM flight.
The rest of the BOM-DXB flights later in the day will result in a stop in Dubai and connect to the next day's IAH flight.

I booked the BOM flight leaving at 10AM; consequently will have a stop in DXB.
EK (via chat) said that my itinerary does not qualify for Dubai Connect since I could have taken the 04:30AM BOM-DXB flight and had the shortest trip.

Is this correct?

Another question:
If I stick to my flights and "stop" overnight in Dubai - will I qualify for a chaffeur drive to/from a hotel in DXB or do I need to get a taxi on my own?
(currently there is no option to add a chaffeur drive in DXB on "manage my booking")

Correct.

You will qualify for CD in Dubai if you are flying J/F. You will need to exit immigration and customs and then go over to the Chauffeur Drive desk just as you exit. They will help you with booking a car for dropoff to and pickup from your hotel. I just did it for EK503->EK201 last week.

PS: Depending on when you booked your ticket and if you are staying for more than 24 hours in Dubai, you may get a free hotel on EK.

Thank you for this! Sad about the Dubai Connect.
however, great news on the CD in Dubai. That is quite useful.

I just booked the ticket.. staying about 20 hours in Dubai.
So I guess I will not get that free hotel.

Next time will be more careful in reading these rules!

Hi! Dubai connect shows in manage my booking and can be proceed. Does this mean I‘m eligible even though it‘s definitely not the shortest connection possible?

I have experience that once and it worked all the way through (by which I mean I used the service). So anecdotally (and with a sample of 1) the answer Is yes. Confirm it through MMB and you’ll get the vouchers at check in.

You can always try chat...

Yes, the chat system is where I got the information that my trip does not qualify for DUbai Connect