http://www.emirates.com/english/dest...onditions.aspx

The offer reads good. I hold a First class return ticket between SYD and ME.
I called the office to verify I would be eligible, and that I could reserve the complimentary nights.

The first reaction I got: 'Doesn't it say online that the offer is only valid for tickets booked/bought/ticketed after 4th of April?'

Me: 'Well no, it doesn't mention any of this'/

Him: 'I will log onto the website and check; it should be updated. See our marketing people are clever, they could have said that under an asterick next to terms and conditions'

Me: 'Um, no, but I am logging on too. We'll both check'.

Next he claims, that the ticket should have been bought after 27th of April for it to be eligible.

Third, he makes me wait to verify.
Then comes back saying:'It should have been bought after end of May!'

This was getting crazy. Up to this very moment he didn't even bother to ask for my record locator or name or anything. He just asked:'When did you travel first? and when did you purchase this ticket?'

Anyhow, he apologised for having a slow internet connection and put me on hold; only to come back this time with:'When did you travel for the first time on this booking?' Me:'January'.

Him:'See sir this offer is only for travel commencing after 1st of July, it's clear on the terms and conditions'.

End of conversation.

I don't know why I feel mislead. If this promotion commenced end of May, why in the hell did they choose not to clarify this?

I will commence my travel alright in August, and will see this time how it will go.

You better check room availability for the hotel in August otherwise another disappointment is waiting to happen. Last year, tried to get the comp stay at RC DXB but couldn't get a room at any of my variable travel dates back then when flying in F.

Just noticed these contradicting notes:
Free nights do not have to be used immediately upon arrival in Dubai but, when used, must be consecutive.

And
Please ensure that you receive the “Accommodation Voucher” as appropriate from your travel agency or local Emirates office. It is imperative that you bring this voucher, duly stamped by the local Emirates office, and hand it over to the hotel together with your boarding pass. The hotel will not check you in if your boarding pass is not attached to the Accommodation Voucher and if the flight number/sector details on the voucher do not match the details on the boarding pass.


Well, let's say I chose to arrive on August the 5th into DXB, and would be staying there for 4 nights. I most likely will not have my boarding pass for the onward connection until the day before my flight. How in the world will I be able to get that to be accepted at the hotel check in?!

There's also the catch of the $100 voucher. Sure if you're alone that should cover for 2-3 meals. But what if you were a couple?

This is bad a$$ marketing.

Thanks for the tip ngfan, I will call and verify hotel availability before I reserve my new tickets.