EK vs EY?
#1
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Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: AUH
Programs: EY Guest Gold, Hilton HHonors Gold, Le Club Accor Silver, AAdvantage Gold
Posts: 552
EK vs EY?
I've been contemplating a move from EY to EK for a while - given EY's failing soft product and upcoming devaluation of the FF program. I am an EY gold. I fly primarily in J and have flown EK J once before in 2013 and it was amazing compared to EY - Bvlgari amenity kits, matress pad and plush bedding on a 7hrs LHR-DXB flight and amazing catering. Has cost-cutting also hit EK? And is it worth switching loyalty?
#2
Ambassador: Emirates
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UK/AU
Programs: QF P1 + LTS, EK Gold, BAEC Gold, QR Gold, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 1,150
Hi! Welcome to the EK forum.
I regularly fly both EK and EY ULH flights between AU and the Middle East. Hopefully that qualifies me to speak about the advantages in long haul flying.
The strongest point in favour of EK is their T3 operations which are simply unmatchable worldwide. It’s like Apple products, you use them
because it’s seamless. The EK T3 experience is likewise, and as far as a global hub goes, you will not find anything like it.
In recent years I would say EK has fallen behind EY in hard product in J and F. The design and comfort of EY cabins is excellent. That said, many EU destinations are still serviced by EY A330 aircraft, and these are usually older and less comfortable.
The premium cabin soft product of EK is far greater than EY. Food choices, quality and alcohol selections are far superior on EK. The beds are also better, although the angle flats on EK 777 are getting a bit tired.
The future of EY is perhaps one of the main reasons you should consider EK. Given recent poor investments, performance and brutal cut backs at EY, EK will seem like an airline of the golden age! Not to say we don’t have cut backs, but nothing on the scale of EY.
Also Ek’s lounge and outstation lounge offerings are far superior in J.
Hopefully this gives some direction.
I regularly fly both EK and EY ULH flights between AU and the Middle East. Hopefully that qualifies me to speak about the advantages in long haul flying.
The strongest point in favour of EK is their T3 operations which are simply unmatchable worldwide. It’s like Apple products, you use them
because it’s seamless. The EK T3 experience is likewise, and as far as a global hub goes, you will not find anything like it.
In recent years I would say EK has fallen behind EY in hard product in J and F. The design and comfort of EY cabins is excellent. That said, many EU destinations are still serviced by EY A330 aircraft, and these are usually older and less comfortable.
The premium cabin soft product of EK is far greater than EY. Food choices, quality and alcohol selections are far superior on EK. The beds are also better, although the angle flats on EK 777 are getting a bit tired.
The future of EY is perhaps one of the main reasons you should consider EK. Given recent poor investments, performance and brutal cut backs at EY, EK will seem like an airline of the golden age! Not to say we don’t have cut backs, but nothing on the scale of EY.
Also Ek’s lounge and outstation lounge offerings are far superior in J.
Hopefully this gives some direction.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28913776-post166.html
#4
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
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Posts: 7,801
OP will only be entitled to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge in DXB unless travelling with others.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28913776-post166.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28913776-post166.html
#5
Join Date: Oct 2017
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OP will only be entitled to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge in DXB unless travelling with others.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28913776-post166.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28913776-post166.html
#7
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: New York
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#8
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
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One thing to note is that on EY you are guaranteed full-flat, direct aisle access, 1-2-1 configuration in J (on all but short haul aircraft) whereas on EK J you will currently get the incredibly dated sloping 2-3-2 config on their B777, which still serves a good many long haul destinations. EK A380 is a different, much much better story.
#10
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One thing to note is that on EY you are guaranteed full-flat, direct aisle access, 1-2-1 configuration in J (on all but short haul aircraft) whereas on EK J you will currently get the incredibly dated sloping 2-3-2 config on their B777, which still serves a good many long haul destinations. EK A380 is a different, much much better story.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
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Conversely, all of my long haul EY routes have long haul aircraft & any potential EK routes have B777, therefore, as usual YMMV
#12
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
Unless something has changed it's not going to happen.
#13
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
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#14
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: London, Dubai, Hong Kong
Programs: EK Platinum, BA/SQ Gold, HHonors Diamond, IHG Spire, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 139
My experience on EY has provided mixed feelings, whilst I love the business suite product and the menu, the F apartment experience has on all three occasions been lousy.
Only the other day I flew SYD-AUH in F and I think it will be the last time for EY F
As for EK I do not like their 777 J class sardine can but it’s bearable in the right seat on a relatively short flight. However it beats BA (brilliantly awful) and their coffin world offering
Only the other day I flew SYD-AUH in F and I think it will be the last time for EY F
As for EK I do not like their 777 J class sardine can but it’s bearable in the right seat on a relatively short flight. However it beats BA (brilliantly awful) and their coffin world offering