I think that its hard to see anything seriously unreasonable in a change that has been communicated to passenger 2 months in advance where it is possible for the relelevent impact to be 1 hour. Type of aeroplane is not a guarantee when purchasing a ticket. a 380 is not a downgrade from a 777

If type of aeroplane is important, then can always take the next flight out of Gatwick. The impact of this is a lot less than would be by other carriers who only have few services a day

I was looking on Expert Flyer and it shows a few days over a couple of weeks where EK16 operates without 1st class.

380 f is great (never had a full flight with all seats taken though)

Have you considered changing to the EK008 flight from LHR? This is a great option IMO as :-

1. It's very quick to check in and get to the lounge
2. The flight arrives at DXB at a great time. The place is deserted
3. As it doesn't connect to much, it's not too busy
4. You can have a nice breakfast in the lounge, followed by lunch at your leisure.

Granted, you'll have a longer layover at DXB, but it will give you the option to leave the airport and get dinner outside.

Thanks for the suggestion. It does sound an attractive option when you put it like that !

However, I would think it's far from certain that they will offer to switch me from LGW to LHR (?). There is an alternative departure at a similar time from LGW (EK012) and perhaps they will direct me to that. Then again, there is every possibility that I could be affected by a post-booking equipment change on EK012 in the same way that I have already been affected by EK016.

My itinerary actually involves a stay for a few days in UAE (and Jordan) anyway, so the "longer layover" you mention would not be an influencing factor in this case.

They will not care about the airport switch. They will let you change it - I'd go 380 in F for the shower, its great although on that flight not so necessary!

Thanks m3red. I now sufficiently well-prepared to discuss the enforced change to the booking as requested, by contacting my "nearest Emirates Reservations Centre" !

I would be looking to maintain a window seat, as on the 777. Any particular seat number I should aim for on the A380 (of which I have no experience) ??

Row 2 or 3

avoid row 4 for the galley noise.

No real bad seat in F but I pick 2.

Duly noted ^

EK12 is 4 hours earlier than EK16 rather than similar. With the airline dropping 1st class on that service that day, I doubt that there would be any issue rebooking you on a flight from Heathrow, though if you prefer to take EK12 , I'm sure that would not be an issue

If considering EK8 ( as suggested ) then , since your preference seems to be the 777, then EK12 would seem a better option

Once you have your preferred option decided, give EK a call and should be able to get it done

If you have a fare that is restricted by flight number, then if you choose to make futther changes later, those restrictions will apply on future changes. EK does ( or has ) had cheaper ex UK fares limited to certain services

Thanks for this additional info.

By way of clarification, When I referred to EK012 as having a similar departure time, I meant similar in relation to EK008, rather than EK016.

I had conversations earlier today with a number of EK people who passed me around until I finally got to speak to someone who seemed genuinely interested in helping. (I was in all honesty disappointed and surprised by the overall quality of telephone support, not least because on previous calls relating purely to administrative matters, I seem to have received more professional attention).

I was asked if I was flexible on departure airports, and in light of DYKWIA's suggestion I said yes, and that my preference was for EK008. All the indications were that this change would be agreed, but that it just required formal approval from someone higher up the food chain. After holding the line I was then told that LHR would NOT in fact be offered due to "ticket restrictions". EK012 was offered instead, from LGW, but during the time I was kept hanging on the line I had established that there have been as many as fifteen equipment changes on that flight over the last thirty days alone (more even than EK016) and so I pointed out that I would have only a 50% chance of travelling as originally booked.

All rather unsatisfactory I have to say , and things are currently at a stalemate.

They are "getting back" to me tomorrow ..........

I have come across numerous fares which are restricted to LGW but am surprised that the airline would not allow the airport change in this situation

Fortunately, if EK cannot provide a desirable option , at least well in advance enough to be able to cancel and rebook trip on another carrier

Although there is still plenty of time and opportunity to find a solution, given the apparent intransigence of EK, I feel should be noted the only time limit for EU regulation 261/2004 in specific relation to Downgrading is that reimbursement (30%/50%/75%) shall be provided within "seven days".

I don't believe that this will work; the airline can just rebook the passenger on a later flight with no penalty since it is > 2 weeks before departure

technically I agree that there is no provision for a downgrade time limit wise, but since the airline can just cancel booking / rebook onto another service is why I suggested that the compensation wouldn't likely apply

Row 4 is still better than row 1, imo, as row 1 is a bit narrower and also has the curtain separating the toilets/ bar/ social area right next to the door.

4K is my favourite seat on an EK A380