EK Lounge FAQs and updates
Oct 27, 2021, 3:13 am
#1111
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 426
I'm flying out of DXB in Y next month and after booking my flights, was able to pre-purchase business class lounge access in Manage My Booking for only 45 euros. Thought the standard rate was 125USD? Did I get lucky and come across a glitch or have others had the same experience?
I've booked another trip for end November and unfortunately this time the price for the lounge is in line with the normal entry fee. Won't be purchasing as IMO the lounge isn't worth the price for what's on offer and it's also not worth getting up at 3:30am for. I'm better off booking an airport hotel and having a lie in till 5:30.
Though if I do come across the 45 euro price point again, I'll book it in an instant!
Dec 11, 2021, 12:02 am
#1113
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: So Cal
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 2,712
Looking at April 2022 for first time flying EK and was hoping to be able to access the F lounge but my arrival is EK F with my onward flight in EK J. I'm seeing some mixed things above as to arriving F being able to get into the F lounge. Just wanted to ask if I will be allowed in or will I only be able to access the Business lounge?
Thx
Thx
Dec 11, 2021, 1:27 am
#1114
Join Date: May 2020
Location: DXB and JNB
Programs: EK Plat; QR Gold
Posts: 507
Looking at April 2022 for first time flying EK and was hoping to be able to access the F lounge but my arrival is EK F with my onward flight in EK J. I'm seeing some mixed things above as to arriving F being able to get into the F lounge. Just wanted to ask if I will be allowed in or will I only be able to access the Business lounge?
Thx
Thx
The exception to this rule is if you’re booked in F, but your second leg is a two-class aircraft (i e there is no F on that aircraft): in this case you can access the F lounge at DXB.
Dec 11, 2021, 2:05 pm
#1115
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: So Cal
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 2,712
Assuming your onward flight has F available, and you’re booked in J, you won’t be able to access the F lounge at DXB, unless you pay to enter.
The exception to this rule is if you’re booked in F, but your second leg is a two-class aircraft (i e there is no F on that aircraft): in this case you can access the F lounge at DXB.
The exception to this rule is if you’re booked in F, but your second leg is a two-class aircraft (i e there is no F on that aircraft): in this case you can access the F lounge at DXB.
My onward flight is to Muscat but if I am not mistaken there is a 773 and 772 so I can do it in F but with only 90 minute layover in Dubai or take 6 hours and then be on a 772. That will be an interesting debate for me to have and make a decision on b/c if I cant get into F then I would take the 773 F flight but I think I rather just fly in J for the what 40 minute flight and enjoy 6 hours in the Dubai lounge, especially since I would be allowed into the F lounge given the 772 flight has no F cabin.
Dec 11, 2021, 7:11 pm
#1116
Join Date: May 2020
Location: DXB and JNB
Programs: EK Plat; QR Gold
Posts: 507
My onward flight is to Muscat but if I am not mistaken there is a 773 and 772 so I can do it in F but with only 90 minute layover in Dubai or take 6 hours and then be on a 772. That will be an interesting debate for me to have and make a decision on b/c if I cant get into F then I would take the 773 F flight but I think I rather just fly in J for the what 40 minute flight and enjoy 6 hours in the Dubai lounge, especially since I would be allowed into the F lounge given the 772 flight has no F cabin.
Dec 11, 2021, 11:14 pm
#1117
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: So Cal
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 2,712
I would be booked in First for the long haul in to Dubai and also when I purchase it I am buying it under the First Class column and it does say "partially available" since the short haul only has 2 class. I think you are saying in this scenario I would be able to use the F lounge upon arrival?
Also, does EK drive you from the plane to the lounge? Or the lounge is accessible right from the plane b/c I know I have read how you can board from the lounge (which I still dont understand how do they have all the A380 gates connect to the lounge?)
Dec 12, 2021, 2:05 am
#1118
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
Now I'm confused.. How can I be booked in F if the flight to Muscat when it only has J & Y (777-200)?
I would be booked in First for the long haul in to Dubai and also when I purchase it I am buying it under the First Class column and it does say "partially available" since the short haul only has 2 class. I think you are saying in this scenario I would be able to use the F lounge upon arrival?
Also, does EK drive you from the plane to the lounge? Or the lounge is accessible right from the plane b/c I know I have read how you can board from the lounge (which I still dont understand how do they have all the A380 gates connect to the lounge?)
I would be booked in First for the long haul in to Dubai and also when I purchase it I am buying it under the First Class column and it does say "partially available" since the short haul only has 2 class. I think you are saying in this scenario I would be able to use the F lounge upon arrival?
Also, does EK drive you from the plane to the lounge? Or the lounge is accessible right from the plane b/c I know I have read how you can board from the lounge (which I still dont understand how do they have all the A380 gates connect to the lounge?)
On arrival at DXB, an EK representative will meet you at the gate and take you to transfer security (with a special First Class buggy) and from there to the lounge. Boarding from the lounge is only available from the A gates. Up to very recently the A concourse was not in use, although it appears that a few flights leave from A now and that the F lounge in the A terminal is also open. The B concourse F lounge is fully operational, but that does not have ‘board from the lounge’ capabilities.
Dec 12, 2021, 2:01 pm
#1119
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: So Cal
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 2,712
Yes, in the scenario you describe my understanding is that you would have access to the F lounge.
On arrival at DXB, an EK representative will meet you at the gate and take you to transfer security (with a special First Class buggy) and from there to the lounge. Boarding from the lounge is only available from the A gates. Up to very recently the A concourse was not in use, although it appears that a few flights leave from A now and that the F lounge in the A terminal is also open. The B concourse F lounge is fully operational, but that does not have ‘board from the lounge’ capabilities.
On arrival at DXB, an EK representative will meet you at the gate and take you to transfer security (with a special First Class buggy) and from there to the lounge. Boarding from the lounge is only available from the A gates. Up to very recently the A concourse was not in use, although it appears that a few flights leave from A now and that the F lounge in the A terminal is also open. The B concourse F lounge is fully operational, but that does not have ‘board from the lounge’ capabilities.
How does that work though- inside the EK F lounge in the A concourse the lounge connects to all the jet bridges? Trying to picture it and dont get how ti works.
Dec 12, 2021, 2:36 pm
#1120
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 28
Reopening of Emirates lounges at DXB
The EK website continues to indicate that only its T3B F and J lounges are open. I note from very recent posts here that the T3A F lounge has in fact reopened. I wonder if anyone can report whether any of the other four EK lounges (J in T3A plus the three in T3C) have also reopened, or are scheduled to open soon, despite the absence of public announcements.
I’m asking because I will have a couple of hours’ transit at DXB next week after a gap of 5-6 years since my last visit. Particularly interested in good shower/washroom facilities which I recall as being very poor in the T3B J lounge: I understand this facility (shower cubicles separate from washroom) wasn't materially upgraded - if at all - in the lounge’s 2016 expansion. Grateful for insights from users with current knowledge of DXB.
I’m asking because I will have a couple of hours’ transit at DXB next week after a gap of 5-6 years since my last visit. Particularly interested in good shower/washroom facilities which I recall as being very poor in the T3B J lounge: I understand this facility (shower cubicles separate from washroom) wasn't materially upgraded - if at all - in the lounge’s 2016 expansion. Grateful for insights from users with current knowledge of DXB.
Dec 12, 2021, 4:14 pm
#1121
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
Cool sounds good thanks. And since the MCT flight is a 777 I dont think those depart with gates connected to the lounge anyways right? I think I read only A380's.. So I doubt I get to experience that.
How does that work though- inside the EK F lounge in the A concourse the lounge connects to all the jet bridges? Trying to picture it and dont get how ti works.
How does that work though- inside the EK F lounge in the A concourse the lounge connects to all the jet bridges? Trying to picture it and dont get how ti works.
In the A concourse, the F lounge is one level above the 'general' departures area, stretching the entire length of the concourse. It's a very very large lounge. The J lounge also runs the entire length of the concourse, one level ABOVE the F lounge. At each gate there is an elevator taking you down from the (J or F) lounge to the boarding level. Difficult to describe in further detail, but trust me: it is real and it works!
If you want more: For the A380, boarding for F as well as J passengers is through the upper airbridge to the upper deck (from there F passengers turn left and are personally escorted to their suite and J passengers turn right and have to find their way themselves (the FA at the door will tell them which aisle to use). You don't really know that there are other passengers on board.
For the 77W, the F (and sometimes the J passengers) use a separate airbridge to door 1L, the rest go to door 2L. Again F passengers are escorted.
If you are unfortunate enough to get a bus gate, there are separate buses for each cabin. The F bus has lots of bling and comfy white leather seats. The J bus has seating for everyone. The Y bus (haven't seen the inside of one for years) has (IIRC) some seats and the rest stands like is the norm at other airlines / airports for everyone. The F bus leaves last and you have to sit in a general holding area and wait for it to arrive. Not very first class, if you ask me. Have not had a bus gate (either arriving nor leaving) since resumption of flights, have no idea if and if so how much bus gates are currently used.
Dec 12, 2021, 4:19 pm
#1122
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
The EK website continues to indicate that only its T3B F and J lounges are open. I note from very recent posts here that the T3A F lounge has in fact reopened. I wonder if anyone can report whether any of the other four EK lounges (J in T3A plus the three in T3C) have also reopened, or are scheduled to open soon, despite the absence of public announcements.
I’m asking because I will have a couple of hours’ transit at DXB next week after a gap of 5-6 years since my last visit. Particularly interested in good shower/washroom facilities which I recall as being very poor in the T3B J lounge: I understand this facility (shower cubicles separate from washroom) wasn't materially upgraded - if at all - in the lounge’s 2016 expansion. Grateful for insights from users with current knowledge of DXB.
I’m asking because I will have a couple of hours’ transit at DXB next week after a gap of 5-6 years since my last visit. Particularly interested in good shower/washroom facilities which I recall as being very poor in the T3B J lounge: I understand this facility (shower cubicles separate from washroom) wasn't materially upgraded - if at all - in the lounge’s 2016 expansion. Grateful for insights from users with current knowledge of DXB.
Have not tried to shower there for many years as you tend to get out of the shower more sweaty than you go into it. Way too hot and poor ventilation. It looked like the showers were closed when I was there last but I can't be sure.
Dec 12, 2021, 4:47 pm
#1123
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 28
Was in the B J lounge a few weeks ago. The restroom facilities are inadequate, you even queue for the urinals. And the lounge was not even busy.
Have not tried to shower there for many years as you tend to get out of the shower more sweaty than you go into it. Way too hot and poor ventilation. It looked like the showers were closed when I was there last but I can't be sure.
Have not tried to shower there for many years as you tend to get out of the shower more sweaty than you go into it. Way too hot and poor ventilation. It looked like the showers were closed when I was there last but I can't be sure.
Dec 12, 2021, 8:34 pm
#1124
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: So Cal
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 2,712
Originally, the A concourse only served A380's, but (pre Covid), I have experienced 77W flights from there as well. But for practical purposes I think you should expect the MCT flight to leave from the B (or C) concourse. Last time I was in C concourse (end September), the lounges there (which are not that nice anyway) were still closed, just the B lounges were open.
In the A concourse, the F lounge is one level above the 'general' departures area, stretching the entire length of the concourse. It's a very very large lounge. The J lounge also runs the entire length of the concourse, one level ABOVE the F lounge. At each gate there is an elevator taking you down from the (J or F) lounge to the boarding level. Difficult to describe in further detail, but trust me: it is real and it works!
If you want more: For the A380, boarding for F as well as J passengers is through the upper airbridge to the upper deck (from there F passengers turn left and are personally escorted to their suite and J passengers turn right and have to find their way themselves (the FA at the door will tell them which aisle to use). You don't really know that there are other passengers on board.
For the 77W, the F (and sometimes the J passengers) use a separate airbridge to door 1L, the rest go to door 2L. Again F passengers are escorted.
If you are unfortunate enough to get a bus gate, there are separate buses for each cabin. The F bus has lots of bling and comfy white leather seats. The J bus has seating for everyone. The Y bus (haven't seen the inside of one for years) has (IIRC) some seats and the rest stands like is the norm at other airlines / airports for everyone. The F bus leaves last and you have to sit in a general holding area and wait for it to arrive. Not very first class, if you ask me. Have not had a bus gate (either arriving nor leaving) since resumption of flights, have no idea if and if so how much bus gates are currently used.
In the A concourse, the F lounge is one level above the 'general' departures area, stretching the entire length of the concourse. It's a very very large lounge. The J lounge also runs the entire length of the concourse, one level ABOVE the F lounge. At each gate there is an elevator taking you down from the (J or F) lounge to the boarding level. Difficult to describe in further detail, but trust me: it is real and it works!
If you want more: For the A380, boarding for F as well as J passengers is through the upper airbridge to the upper deck (from there F passengers turn left and are personally escorted to their suite and J passengers turn right and have to find their way themselves (the FA at the door will tell them which aisle to use). You don't really know that there are other passengers on board.
For the 77W, the F (and sometimes the J passengers) use a separate airbridge to door 1L, the rest go to door 2L. Again F passengers are escorted.
If you are unfortunate enough to get a bus gate, there are separate buses for each cabin. The F bus has lots of bling and comfy white leather seats. The J bus has seating for everyone. The Y bus (haven't seen the inside of one for years) has (IIRC) some seats and the rest stands like is the norm at other airlines / airports for everyone. The F bus leaves last and you have to sit in a general holding area and wait for it to arrive. Not very first class, if you ask me. Have not had a bus gate (either arriving nor leaving) since resumption of flights, have no idea if and if so how much bus gates are currently used.
Really hope I do get into the F lounge. I have it on my bucket list. I will be hitting Al Safwa on this trip too. Very interested in comparing them.
Dec 12, 2021, 10:55 pm
#1125
Join Date: May 2020
Location: DXB and JNB
Programs: EK Plat; QR Gold
Posts: 507
Appreciate the details. It really is hard to picture but I guess if its Huge and spans the A concourse then I can understand access to the gates. That would be so cool to board there. Doubt I get it going to MCT but maybe an A380 will be swapped in. When you exit the elevator from the lounge where exactly does it leave you though? On the jet bridge? So as you step off the elevator you would see the regular boarding folks coming down the bridge from the terminal? Just trying to picture it.
Really hope I do get into the F lounge. I have it on my bucket list. I will be hitting Al Safwa on this trip too. Very interested in comparing them.
Really hope I do get into the F lounge. I have it on my bucket list. I will be hitting Al Safwa on this trip too. Very interested in comparing them.