Lounge Access for Kids
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HYD
Programs: DL-Diamond, EK-Gold
Posts: 24
Lounge Access for Kids
Travelling Emirates via DXB for a vacation in May by Economy with wife and 2 children. Was wondering if golds get to take kids for free into the lounge or if its strictly for gold + 1 companion.
#2
Moderator, Trip Reports
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 3,697
EK are tough with lounge access. Policy states Golds are allowed only 1 guest and depending on time of day etc, DXB can be quite strict in enforcing the program rules.
#4
Moderator, Trip Reports
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 3,697
Here's what I do.
I ask the wife and kids to wait outside the lounge reception (but where they can be seen). I then walk in and approach the staff and ask politely if they could come in (and admitting that I know that I am officially only permitted to bring ONE guest in).
I've never been denied but I do think it depends on the lounge and the staff on duty. I also haven't tried doing this in DXB, where the quantity of people entering probably needs to be policed quite heavily.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Skywards Gold, Air Koryo Loyal Comrades
Posts: 41
There are some other threads in the forum AFAIR regarding this and apparently, some people have had success with getting their kids in. Overall, I'd say Emirates is very kids-friendly. Give it a shot following eightblack's excellent game plan :-)
#6
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Dubai
Programs: SPG Platinum, Skywards Gold
Posts: 123
It can be hit and miss, I'd go with the advice above of admitting you know it's only one guest but as well mention you'll stay out of the way in the family area at the back (if you don't know where this is, it's all the way at the back of the lounge with its own hotdog and popcorn stand). In no way condoning stereotyping of any sort, but if it were me going up I'd approach the south east asian females at the counter and not the arab males
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,688
My grandfather is a bit of a sweet talker and was once able to get 7 guests in with 3 J class pax and 1 Skywards Gold pax. This was unusual though; I have seen an extra guest being both denied and accepted at DXB. I have only seen denial at LHR.
#9
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve
Posts: 802
It is possible, but don't count on it.
There is another lounge at DXB (Marhaba) but they charge $42 per, and it has to be booked in advance. Not been there so idk how good it is.
There is another lounge at DXB (Marhaba) but they charge $42 per, and it has to be booked in advance. Not been there so idk how good it is.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 55
From my experience as a Gold, more than 2 years ago, I have no problems bringing in my wife and 3 kids (1 infant, 1 toddler and 1 child) at Singapore and Melbourne. Admitting to knowing the rules - which only allow 1 guest - works pretty well back then.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: EK Gold, QR Gold, Miles&Smiles, Miles&More
Posts: 60
I have managed several times to get my wife (she was silver on those days) and son (4 years old now) as a gold member, without even asking for a special permission. And even once our nanny and my son. After my wife got gold, things got very easy for sure.
#12
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 17
Thank you Emirates, for beeing kind to me and my family...
#14
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 56
My experience is that in DXB they have always allowed my wife and daughter (child) in (when we are all in Y and I am gold). In fact in the DXB lounge I even asked politely why this the case, and the lounge attendant made mention of an "unofficial policy" to allow kids under 12 into lounge with pax that have status and with wife (as the +1). Not sure what to make of it, or if it is true, but never once had a lounge attendant in DXB stop me, when I asked for my wife and daughter to come in.
Non DXB lounges are a different story, only once been able to get both in (CMB). The policy was very strictly policed, however I always ask.
Non DXB lounges are a different story, only once been able to get both in (CMB). The policy was very strictly policed, however I always ask.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: 30,000ft
Programs: EK, BA, EY, SQ, IHG, HH, SPG
Posts: 670
Lounge Access for Kids
Policy is policy but I think 8B's old post and advice on this remains valid and the best approach. Try politely and with tact and accept it with good grace if you fail.