Offshore171

Interested in hearing some thoughts on what is a safe minimum connection time in DXB. I've got a flight back to SYD from Europe next week and the connection is 1h30.

Ive been through DXB over a dozen times, but this is by far the shortest, and I think the first leg will be a Tarmac disembark, followed by the bus to the terminal, then the Airtrain to the B gates. Oh and security screening too.

This sounds like it might get tight, particularly if there are air traffic delays. The connection is to EK414 - this is the one that scrapes into Sydney just before curfew so I don't imagine they'll hold it for late connections.

Is this cutting it fine?

skywardhunter

1. Can't predict whether you'll arrive at a remote stand. This is decided based on the aircraft's next flight more than where it's coming from.
2. If you arrive at a remote stand and depending on which it is you'll most likely arrive at the security between B/C concourses, so no train.
3. Security is never really that long, even when it's super busy it's <15 minutes for sure.


I think 1h30m is plenty, the biggest risk is an inbound delay.

steveben53

Last time I came through DXB was on my way back from Hong Kong last November. The queue to get through security was awful and it took over 45 minutes to clear. It was not helped that only two of the alleged 'fast track' security points were manned.

If you only have 90mins connection time, dont plan on doing any duty free shopping

Offshore171

Yeah, this is one of my concerns. On the downroute trip the security probably took 30-35 minutes.

HelloKittysMum

With a tight connection you can find someone to take you to front of queue.

I've done it with less than an hour (late arrival due to off loading drynk passenger in SGN) and managed food and a shower in the lounge. Hour and a half is plenty unless you are late in.

kuroko

You can also book this package from Marhaba Service to be on the safe side (they push you trough transit)

edit: http://m.marhabaservices.com/airport-meet-greet-services/transfer

Offshore171

Thanks all. Looks like I'm good unless the first sector is late landing.

ft101

Agree with the above, I've even made an illegal connection of (from memory) 65 minutes.

Nobs&dials

You will probably make the connection ok but your checked luggage might follow on another flight!

DuMaInSin

This is exactly what happened to me and my wife yesterday. We flew from HKT to DUS and had 1h35min connection in Dubai. Our incoming flight departed more than 1 hour late and when we arrived we had only 40 minutes left. Ground staff were waiting at the gate with signs for many destinations and people were escorted to their respective flights. We made it on time but upon arrival in DUS it turned out that our baggage didn't make it. So we had to report to the lost baggage counter (and wait in line since we weren't the only ones) and are still waiting for any news on our baggage.

By the way - while waiting at the gate in HKT for the delayed flight we were upgraded from Economy to Business for the HKT-DXB leg. I am a lowly EK silver and my wife has no status at all. We had seats at the very back of the plane though (47JK in a 77W), so maybe they upgraded us to Business so that we would be out of the plane quicker?

DYKWIA

I reckon it is more likely that there were 2 passengers who didn't have seats together. They kicked up a fuss, and you got the benefit

DuMaInSin

Well, they upgraded quite a few people, and nevertheless not all seats in J were occupied. Not sure though whether the others were also originally seated at the very back of the plane and/or they also had connections to catch.