If I'm not wrong, Plat and IO customers get the S-Class when flying both J and F.

I just completed 2 F sectors with EK

Outbound LGW

E Class, no water, pouring with rain outside and the driver didn't get out of his vehicle at either end to open doors.
(I just had a small bag with me so no need to open the boot)


Inbound STN

E Class, friendly driver, helped with doors and luggage.



I wouldn't classify either experience as First Class.

Unclear what is wrong with the second experience here.

Did you pay for F or upgrade into it? If you’re unhappy about getting an E Class then perhaps you should fly another airline with a better Chauffeur Drive service in future then. Oh, wait...

Apart from DXB, no difference in cars between F and J passengers is advertised anywhere (at least to my knowledge).

I have had CD from / to LGW numerous times and have always found the driver courteous, friendly and helpful. And there has always been a bottle of water for me, usually in the door pocket. So the level of service you describe seems out of the 'normal experience' to me. I doubt (but am not sure) if the driver would know that you were / are in F.

CDD has always been S class for me, CDA seems random? Most of the time I get directed to S class but sometimes to the regular cars, despite enough S class waiting... would be good if anyone else can confirm?

At DXB iO usually gets the 7 series or Range Rovers they have lying about. Airside transfer depends on what is available - so can also be the S class. That benefit extends to family members of an iO even when the iO is not travelling hence why you sometimes see S class for airside pickups.

F standard is S class but of course sometimes operational needs will dictate. Platinums will generally be given S class if available but first priority is First pax, so that is a time of day issue and expected loads.

At outstations there is an unpublished differential between F and J pax (iO lumped in with F) but once again operational needs dictate and more importantly what the local contractor can supply given the contract is out to tender at quite a surprisingly cheap price.

In general they will try and give the “better” cars to F pax - better relative to the outstation. Of course if you are 3 pax on a PNR with 5 bags you’re getting a V class or equivalent van regardless of J/F/iO...

The contractor sometimes informs drivers of class of service - that’s a local issue but the contractors have that information.

Hello folks,
Although we have had quite a bit of experience with Emirates J, in all our flights I have never booked a chauffeur service. On this occasion we are LHR/DUR/LHR and stopping off for three days in DXB on the way back and thought we’d take advantage of the chauffeur service from the airport to our hotel which I have just booked via the app. This is a very elementary question but I guess there’ll be someone at arrivals holding up a name card? Also should I tip? Thank you for your advice.

At DXB, once you exit customs and through the doors, turn right and there will be a Chauffeur Drive lounge - if you go to the desk there they will print you off a receipt and then you can join the CD queue whenever you like.

Tipping is not expected but appreciated so it’s entirely up to you.

The pax need to queue up for CD ?
I thought the CD guys would be the ones waiting for us holding a board with our name on it like it happened for all those times I've used EK/QF CD upon landing at MEL ?

When you consider the number of J and F passengers requiring CD in DXB, expecting the drivers to queue up with signs bearing names is completely unrealistic. You would actually struggle to find the one with your name in such a case!
Dont worry, the operation at DXB is extremely slick and the queue - in my experience - is minimal.

I agree. I have never had to wait.

99% of the time I walk straight out and there is no queue at all. There are always cars queued up and it is indeed a very slick operation. Don't worry.

I have always thought that the haphazard line of Hughes drivers at Tullamarine (MEL) doesn't work very well. It takes me ages to read all the placards (usually at least 20) to find my name. Especially with my failing eyesight!

Many thanks to you for that very useful information.

The cars at DXB are not preassigned unless iO - there are too many pax for that kind of thing!

But even if you do have to queue it is a fairly comfortable for the 5 minutes it takes.

Thanks guys for the clarification. What sort of cars do EK have for CD out of DXB ? Still those E-class wagons ? Any differentiation between J and F pax ?
Also, is the place where you go for CD the same place you would go if you have Dubai Connect booked ?
Cheers

BMW 5 Series estate for J and Mercedes S-Class for F.

At one point, they had both E-Class Estates and Saloons with 'Emirates First' stickers on the doors, but they have since disappeared. Haven't seen one in ages.

Right after you exit customs, take a right and the CD hall is right there, get the slip printed and go outside, they will assign a car and driver and you'll be on your way. Has never taken longer than 5 minutes.