Tokyobuta

It’s a very long time since I was a hapless virgin – still fairly hapless though. Where Dubai Connect is concerned, still a total virgin and completely hapless. Like most virgins, will be very grateful for any advice from the more experienced…

Have been transferring at DXB and enjoying the lounges for several years, but timetable changes have extended the transfer time, and for the first time have been offered Dubai Connect. The transfer time between flights is 7 hours and 50 minutes, arrival time at Dubai is 06:45, travel class is business saver. Both inward and outward flights are 777 scheduled to arrive and depart from T3, though experience has taught that flights may sometimes arrive at other terminals. (So much for “dedicated A380 terminal” hype.)
Having only ever transferred at DXB, have no idea of what to expect in either Arrivals or Departures.
Will be very grateful for any advice on what to expect, where to head once off the first plane and, in particular, how long before the second flight to leave the hotel in order to have an unrushed experience. Also, the food in the lounge is pretty good – is food laid on at the hotel, and what is it like?
Any and all advice much appreciated.

ft101

Recent posts on this subject would suggest < 8 hours is not enough to make the service worthwhile, as the time taken with security, immigration and transport (all x2) means you're hardly in the room before it's time to leave again.

diontd

Yes, they all seem to be suggesting that the lounge is better.

jackiedada

Just out of curiosity, what time(s) are the arrival/ immigration lines the shortest at DXB?

Tokyobuta

Just some feedback: have used Dubai Connect several times now during the 7+ hour transit MAN-HND/HND-MAN, and it has worked out very well. Typically quickly through immigration and no more than five to ten minutes wait for car to hotel. Plenty of time for a shower and four hours sleep, in very comfortable room (Al Bustan) or comfortable room (Le Meridian).

Ahmed777

Terribly busy during 5am rush.

Was shocked that there was absolutely nobody in line when we landed on EK216 from LAX. It took less than 5 minutes for a group of 38 to clear immigration. This was at 7pm.

Catusa

What time before flt dept have others been picked up by the driver at the dubai connect hotel?

jackiedada

2 hours prior to departure.

eke1it3f1y3r

I have a layover of ~24 hours and have the option for dubai connect.

Is it standard 3 star accommodation for the layover for economy and 4/5star for business/first class?

If we upgrade via miles vs purchase for the pre dubaiconnect segment, are we guaranteed the better accommodation?

How has your experiences with dubai connect generally been-positive or negative with the transfer/accommodation/hotel transfer etc?

Dave Noble

I have used it when travelling in 1st class and found the hotel to be quite reasonable and fine for a 1 night stay. The shuttle to the hotel is frequent and haven't had to wait long for it

Whether you would get the better of the hotels when upgraded, I am not sure

eke1it3f1y3r

was the whole ticket 1st class or just the segment prior to dubai connect?

Dave Noble

The entire journey

mel.b

I am booked on EK 407 & EK 163 tomorrow, booked via Qantas. When I booked way back, through the Qantas website I was able to select Dubai Connect. I don't know at the time if the second flight into DUB had started. However there is now an earlier flight into DUb with only a 2hr stopover in DXB and not a 9hr stopover like I have, so I thought I wouldn't be eligible for Dubai Connect.

However, checking in for my flights online tonight it clearly says '09hr 10min connection with Dubai Connect'. It says to print the voucher, however I can't see an option to do so. Is not being able to print the voucher typical? Does this mean I am still eligible for Duabi Connect and I'll get the vouchers at MEL?

Thanks

eternaltransit

If computer says yes, you are eligible, don't look a gift horse in the mouth!

You should be able to get the vouchers printed at DXB if all else fails. Go to a transfer desk on arrival (before security/immigration).

jackiedada

Typically, they give you the Dubai Connect vouchers at check-in - at least for the airports that I have used BOM/BLR.