Notes on recent trip to Dubai
 

I had a short trip to Dubai from Jakarta last week and thought it maybe helpful to others to put a few notes on my experiences

I booked the trip on Emirates leaving 23rd November and back 26th November, both ways in Business Class

I knew i needed a PCR test for arrival in Dubai so arranged one two days before at a hospital in Jakarta (Cost around $150)

Check in for the flight was simple, passport and copy of the PCR test (you need printed copy), immigration in Jakarta was quick and easy, i headed to the lounge which was empty.

Economy on the flight was oversold, so quite a few upgrades to Business which was pretty empty, in the end Business Class was maybe a 33% Full, all passengers well spaced out, service was good, everyone wearing masks etc, a pretty good flight.

Arrival in Dubai on time, immigration was pretty busy, but well managed for social distancing etc, immigration was painless, you needed to show passport and a copy of the negative PCR test, i estimate maybe 15-20 from getting off the plane to passing immigration, i used the fast track but honestly the economy line was quicker.

One thing to note i downloaded the DXB Covid App and completed, i was never asked by anyone to scan.

Dubai itself seemed to manage the new normal very well, in 3 days i didn't see one person without a mask, restaurants where social distanced and the shops in the mall where limiting the number of people.

I had to go to the American Hospital in Dubai to get a PCR for the return, again no issue, i was in and out within 15 mins, the result was sent by email (which you have to print) cost was 150 dhs.

Check in for the return flight was simple, the check in was empty, again just show your Passport and PCR test, lounge and duty free very quiet.

Return flight from DXB to CGK wasn't great, 3 passengers in Business Class basically refused to wear masks for the majority of the flight, honestly i do not know anyone who likes wearing but i guess its kind of essential at the moment, anyone the cabin crew refused to enforce, they said they would just "make a note on the record", maybe if mask wearing was enforced strictly then people would listen. The crew did seem quite soft and dare i say not experienced.

Arrival in Jakarta, consisted of 7 checks, 3 from airport/health staff and 4 from the Army, actually very quick but we where the only flight, i can imagine if 3/4 flights at the same time then it would take much longer.

All in all, a nice trip apart from the experience on the last flight.

Thanks for the post, super useful! In the Dubai lounge, do they serve wine and bubbly these days? Do you know if the showers have re-open?

For a traveller on the go this printout nonsense has been by far my biggest sticking point and the reason why I have avoided going to Dubai. What if i'm unable to find a printing shop somewhere in case my cheap budget hotel or airbnb doesn't have that capability. Then I'm just running around figuring out the print shop maybe on a friday holiday weekend etc.

Wine and champagne are served in the lounge. Showers were not open last time i passed through (11th Nov) but that may have changed

I was able to use the showers when passing through on 19 November.

Hi guys, did you notice people with respirators/exhaust valve masks while onboard?
Some US Airlines banned them already and EK didnt release any guidance whats allowed and what not. Cheers

Yes ive seen people onboard with those. EK didnt check what type of mask you had, most people just had the disposable blue/white paper ones that are included free in the hygene kit