Hi,

I will take my first Emirates flight soon and even after reading several threads I still have some questions.

I will fly in first class via Dubai to Osaka. On the outbound I will have a 21-hour layover in Dubai, where I booked Dubai Connect. On the return I will have 8 hours in Dubai, which I plan to spend in the lounge. I'm not a regular First flyer and I'm really looking forward to the experience.

At the airport:
(0) I can't figure out the plan of the airport. I suppose I should look for the first class lounge in A, right? Any way to tell where my flights will arrive / depart?

Dubai Connect:
(1) can I spend some time in the lounge before heading on to my assigned hotel?
(2) I assume my assigned hotel will be Le Meridien. What type of room should I expect? Anything I should ask for at check in?
(3) arriving in the early morning and staying until midnight, which meals will be included? Any choice of restaurant? Should I have breakfast in the lounge before I head on to the hotel?

Chauffeur Drive:
(4) where do I find the driver at the airport? Again, can I use the service any time (e.g., after spending some time in the lounge)?
(5) can I change the time of pick up from the hotel back to the airport? How?
(6) there's no CD in Osaka. Does Emirates offer any substitute service (e.g., taxi?)

Flight:
(7) are PJs available on daytime flights? What about a 4-hour redeye?
(8) anything else I need to know to take full advantage of this experience?

Lounge:
(9) are 8 hours in the lounge (on the return) too much? Any tips on how to spend the time?

Many thanks!

Here goes:
0- can't tell although 'most' A380 flights now go to Concourse C.

1- yes but it's an involved process because you would have to clear transit security, go to the lounge, then when you need to get out, you'll have to back track (others will fill in)

2- not necessarily. You should find out when you're handed the hotel voucher at your departure point - though on my last trip they had booked me at the Pullman, arrived to DXB and was told that was changed to Le Meridien which was a good room.

3- just go to the hotel. you should get a lunch/dinner voucher which you can use on in room dining (there's a set menu for that which you'd have to check over the phone). The food was good - generous portions.

4- out of customs turn right - it's well signed. There's plenty of chairs, free water.

5- yes, when they prepare the docket for your drive to the hotel, they'll suggest a pick up time for the return which you could either confirm or have earlier/later than suggested. But it must booked. You can't change it over the phone if say you're 3 hours out.

6- No.

7- No PJ on short-mid hauls F, whether redeye or evening departure.

8- Just relax and try to forget about trying to maximise the experience. You'll enjoy it more, therefor maximising it.

9- Yes. Book in the airside hotel and get some rest or go out to town (may not be worth it if late at night).

Top advice/info there from edy4eva.

I would just reinforce his suggestions on points 8 & 9. A continuous stretch of eight hours in a lounge - even an F DXB lounge - is way too long, and in all honesty is not something to be undertaken by choice. (If you do, I'm willing to bet you would only do so once !!)

Have a great trip ^

I definetely enjoyed my 12 hours in the F lounge in concourse A.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/emira...ess-class.html

I think every first passenger should try it one time. As to what to do in the lounge during this long-over stop, you can:

1) Watch TV
2) Use the business center and surf the net or youtube
3) Take a shower
4) Enjoy the food provided in first class (it is delicious)
5) Try the complimentary shoe-shine & 15-minute spa service
6) Enjoy the view of the tarmac
7) Experience what it feels like to sleep in the F lounge in Dubai
8) Talk to fellow passengers if you get the chance
9) Relax in the meeting room next to the business center
10) Watch the flight departures screen.

You forgot get pissed?

Well I think for a daytime layover it can make sense if one can work anywhere from a Laptop.

Note that you get a good choice of restaurants at Le Meridien. We went to the Thai restaurant (Sukhothai), and got a 3 course menu. Probably worth �40 if buying off the menu. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

There was a list of about 6 restaurants to choose from.

Thank you all very much. This has been very useful.

I'm flying Emirates first from JFK to DXB, and then onwards from DXB to MLE in economy. Does anyone know if I can use the first class lounge during my layover in Dubai?

Thanks!

Sorry but it's a no.

Lounge access determined by class of travel for next onward flight, and not by arrival.

But enjoy that F sector, and welcome to EK forum ^

Welcome to the EK board!

Assuming this is an Alaska reward flight - those male seats are painful and as I'm finding out very expensive to get.

Lounge access will be on the basis of the onward ticket. You could howver pay $100 for the business lounge or $200 for the F lounge if you like.

Ah yes, I omitted to mention the brand new PAYG lounge option (maybe sub-consciously blanking it from my mind ..... given my level of disapproval ...)

Was wondering what differences there might be between a 'male seat' and a female seat. The small case text threw me momentarily, till I remembered that Male is the throbbing capital of The Maldives

Got it - thanks for the clarification!

It's a JAL award ticket. Hopefully some space opens up last minute...

I think BKK is more of a throbbing capital and he word you seek might be thriving?