Heathrow or Gatwick?
 

Hi FlyerTalk!

I've got a return flight LON-DXB-DUR departing mid-September, returning end of September. I can fly from either LGW (EK10) or LHR (EK6). The return will be to LHR. Which flight should have the lower load? Which flight am I likely to get empty seats next to me?

Thanks,

diontd

P.S. This booking was made online but not through Emirates' website. Can I select seats via MMB? I heard that it was possible on FlyerTalk. If not, am I able to select seats through EK's UK call centre?

I just booked LHR-DEL//SYD-LGW on expedia and could choose seats either from the expedia website or on the Emirates website immediately after the booking was made.

Don't know about loads. But once you get your PNR in the e-ticket, you can access all aspects of your booking via MMB.

Which class are you flying in? Loads are not always proportional in every class.

Sorry, forgot to mention I am in Y :(

I think loads will be similar. LHR flights always have more passengers, but the plane used is also much bigger. IMO LGW is a much easier airport to travel through. I would pick the airport that is easier to get to.

The aircraft used will be the same on both flights, as EK9/10 will be upgraded to an A380 from the end of March. Both airports are equal distance/time by minicab from me.

Similar loads and in my experience at that time of year, you will have little chance of a spare seat next to you. LGW seems to be better anecdotally for empty seats next to me though.

When I last flew with EK in 2008 I went from (and returned to) Gatwick and the aircraft was older and had less entertainment options back then (332 LGW, 77W LHR I believe) than the planes going in and out of Heathrow, that was quite a while ago though.

Saw on the EK website the other day that they're starting to fly the A380 to Gatwick from March 30th so from that point I'd imagine flying out of either of the two will be a similar experience.

If the OP has lounge access, he/she might prefer direct boarding from the lounge at Terminal 3. I understand that it is quite a trek from the North terminal lounge to the A380 gate(s).

No lounge access unfortunately. Just don't travel enough normally to get to Silver or Gold. Was so agonizingly close last year :mad:

Just a question, as this is my first booking online but not via the Emirates website. Can I get miles and tier points from these bookings?

Of course.

Looks like I'll be going from Gatwick. Cheaper & more likely to have empty seats next to me from what you guys have said.