Minimum connection time - Dubai
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Singapore
Posts: 38
Minimum connection time - Dubai
We're flying from LHR on EK6 and connecting with EK380 to Hong Kong. I'm concerned that we have barely 90 minutes between flights. Is this likely to be a big deal?
Are the LHR departures usually on time? This flight leaves at 10:15pm and arrives DXB at 08:10am. EK380 leaves at 09:40.
If we miss this flight due to delay what's the likely procedure? (We're on C class) The next EK flight isn't for another 24 hours - we need to be in Hong Kong before that....
Are the LHR departures usually on time? This flight leaves at 10:15pm and arrives DXB at 08:10am. EK380 leaves at 09:40.
If we miss this flight due to delay what's the likely procedure? (We're on C class) The next EK flight isn't for another 24 hours - we need to be in Hong Kong before that....
#2
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,797
The MCT is 75 minutes at DXB. However, with LHR as it is, I'd be slightly concerned with only 90 minutes.
If it were me, I'd book on an earlier flight from LHR, and spend a night in Dubai.
Cheers,
Rick
If it were me, I'd book on an earlier flight from LHR, and spend a night in Dubai.
Cheers,
Rick
#3



Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
Try and switch to EK4, it buys you the time you need. I think the connection is far to tight especially if your plans are not flexible. I often see EK6 parked at a remote stand which means it takes an additional 15-30 minutes just to get into the terminal.
LHR flights are often delayed, but EK leaves a lot of buffer in their timings. I have been on EK6 leaving almost an hour late but still getting in on time.
Cheers
LHR flights are often delayed, but EK leaves a lot of buffer in their timings. I have been on EK6 leaving almost an hour late but still getting in on time.
Cheers
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Singapore
Posts: 38
Thanks so much for the info - we would book earlier flight- problem is I went ahead and booked a flight on BMI EDI - LHR that doesn't arrive until 5:40pm...thought I'd allowed plenty of wiggle room for an EK 10:15pm departure...
We're travelling on a pretty complex RTW itinerary and it was only when I went to check what kind of plane we'd be in DXB - HKG (old one!) that I discovered the short connection time.
If we are stuck in Dubai - any idea what Emirates would do with us??
Thanks!
We're travelling on a pretty complex RTW itinerary and it was only when I went to check what kind of plane we'd be in DXB - HKG (old one!) that I discovered the short connection time.
If we are stuck in Dubai - any idea what Emirates would do with us??
Thanks!
#5



Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
If you misconnect, they would probably put you in either the Millenium or Meridien hotel (push for the latter) and then put you on the 03:15am via BKK if you needed to get there ASAP.
Cheers
Cheers
#6




Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,419
Dusting off a very old thread. While I understand, it exceeds the MCT, is 2 hours enough of a connection time in DXB between 2 flights on 1 ticket or is it cutting it too close and should I try for a much longer connection? As an F passenger would they ensure I make my connection? While I understand they'll do their best to reaccomodate me, if there's no F availability on future flights, I may be out of luck if there's a delay.
#7




Join Date: May 2020
Location: DXB and JNB
Programs: EK Plat; (Happy) QR Exile
Posts: 938
Dusting off a very old thread. While I understand, it exceeds the MCT, is 2 hours enough of a connection time in DXB between 2 flights on 1 ticket or is it cutting it too close and should I try for a much longer connection? As an F passenger would they ensure I make my connection? While I understand they'll do their best to reaccomodate me, if there's no F availability on future flights, I may be out of luck if there's a delay.
Not sure if it is important to you, but the F lounges are nice (if a bit cavernous and impersonal) but I like to eat off the a la carte menu there to break the monotony of the on-board menus, so a longer connection is comfortable.
#8




Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,419
Two hours will be enough. Especially if you arrive and depart from the same concourse. They will not bend backwards to help you make the connection, but as an F passenger you should get an escort on arrival into DXB to your next flight gate or the lounge as long as you are a transfer passenger. Ive never had an issue with re-accommodation, even on separate tickets, but YMMV.
Not sure if it is important to you, but the F lounges are nice (if a bit cavernous and impersonal) but I like to eat off the a la carte menu there to break the monotony of the on-board menus, so a longer connection is comfortable.
Not sure if it is important to you, but the F lounges are nice (if a bit cavernous and impersonal) but I like to eat off the a la carte menu there to break the monotony of the on-board menus, so a longer connection is comfortable.
#9
Ambassador, Emirates




Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,835
Two hours will be enough. Especially if you arrive and depart from the same concourse. They will not bend backwards to help you make the connection, but as an F passenger you should get an escort on arrival into DXB to your next flight gate or the lounge as long as you are a transfer passenger. Ive never had an issue with re-accommodation, even on separate tickets, but YMMV.
Not sure if it is important to you, but the F lounges are nice (if a bit cavernous and impersonal) but I like to eat off the a la carte menu there to break the monotony of the on-board menus, so a longer connection is comfortable.
Not sure if it is important to you, but the F lounges are nice (if a bit cavernous and impersonal) but I like to eat off the a la carte menu there to break the monotony of the on-board menus, so a longer connection is comfortable.
#10




Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,419
If there is no bus gate involved, I find that even just an hour is perfectly doable, especially in F. 2 hours gives you lounge time in addition. And I agree that the a la carte menu is worth the time spent in the lounge. Better food than on board (especially breakfast),
#11




Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 119
Oh I'm glad I've found this thread. We are shortly going LHR -> Dubai -> Male in Business, and we only have 1 hour 35 connection, which has put the sh*tters up me quite frankly! I feel a bit more encouraged now. It's all booked through Emirates holidays though so they obviously think the connection works! I assume we won't get much time in the lounger if at all but never mind.
#12


Join Date: May 2010
Location: BOM
Programs: EK Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 3,000
Oh I'm glad I've found this thread. We are shortly going LHR -> Dubai -> Male in Business, and we only have 1 hour 35 connection, which has put the sh*tters up me quite frankly! I feel a bit more encouraged now. It's all booked through Emirates holidays though so they obviously think the connection works! I assume we won't get much time in the lounger if at all but never mind.
#13




Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 119
If your flight from LHR departs on time then typically you should be arriving a bit early into DXB. And then hoping that you do not have to change concourse for your onward and you are able to quickly get through security - one should be able to get to the lounge and grab a bite or use the loos. YMMV.
#14

Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Manchester/London
Programs: Skywards Plat, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,303
#15
Ambassador, Emirates




Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,835
The problem with ex UK flights at the moment (at least during peak travel times) is that European airspace is so full, that flights that are ready to depart are held at the gate for considerable time before getting permission to depart. I was on EK16 ex LGW two days ago. Flight was ready to go at the correct time (14:30). Doors were closed, airbridges retracted etc. Captain told us that we had a 45 minute wait until our takeoff slot. It would appear that EK takes this into consideration when setting the block time because the flight time was normal and we landed just 10 mins behind schedule. Looking back at FR24, you see this happen very regularly.
EK31 (ex LHR) that same day was not so lucky and passengers on what is normally a doable 1h05m connection had to be rebooked. As Will08 also mentions above, this is standard ops for the airline, but inconvenient for the affected passengers (especially those with no lounge access now having to sit for hours in the terminal)
EK31 (ex LHR) that same day was not so lucky and passengers on what is normally a doable 1h05m connection had to be rebooked. As Will08 also mentions above, this is standard ops for the airline, but inconvenient for the affected passengers (especially those with no lounge access now having to sit for hours in the terminal)

