Oneworld: UL: DXB-CGK in J, $800 R/T
May 9, 2019, 1:41 pm
#226
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,075
May 12, 2019, 5:19 am
#227
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 50
Quick question - how long does it take for the tier points accrued from the AUH-CMB-CGK routing to appear in your BA Exectuive Club account? I'm doing this routing twice next week and was wondering how long the TPs might take to show once the flights have completed
May 12, 2019, 6:15 am
#228
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: London
Programs: BAEC | qantas | IHG | Hilton Honors | Priority Pass | Nandos
Posts: 865
Quick question - how long does it take for the tier points accrued from the AUH-CMB-CGK routing to appear in your BA Exectuive Club account? I'm doing this routing twice next week and was wondering how long the TPs might take to show once the flights have completed
Hope that makes sense - not sure it does to me!
May 12, 2019, 10:37 pm
#229
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
This route is fast taking on the role of BA's defunct, intra-Gulf first-class shuttles for minting Golds!
I'm escaping the rigours of a UAE Ramadan for the slightly more relaxed regime in Indonesia next week.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for zombie double back-to-backers at AUH
I'm escaping the rigours of a UAE Ramadan for the slightly more relaxed regime in Indonesia next week.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for zombie double back-to-backers at AUH
May 13, 2019, 12:57 am
#230
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
This route is fast taking on the role of BA's defunct, intra-Gulf first-class shuttles for minting Golds!
I'm escaping the rigours of a UAE Ramadan for the slightly more relaxed regime in Indonesia next week.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for zombie double back-to-backers at AUH
I'm escaping the rigours of a UAE Ramadan for the slightly more relaxed regime in Indonesia next week.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for zombie double back-to-backers at AUH
That being said, for those of us who need to be in CGK for work, it's an extremely good value way to get there - and with a short connection at CMB, it's genuinely comfortable.
M
May 13, 2019, 3:33 pm
#231
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
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Posts: 17,008
But even though there's comfort to be had on board, I find the Sri Lankan route taxing: TK is better, I think because it involves just one long-haul journey, and that overnight in both directions in a wide-body aircraft with beds.
A double back-to-back involving eight successive long(ish) haul flights on narrow-bodies seems gruelling: and also quite risky, particularly as Jakarta doesn't cope at all well with the violent rain storms it's heading for. I'll be there all next week, so fingers crossed ...
May 14, 2019, 12:07 pm
#232
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 420
Already have a trip to Uzbekistan planned in August with positioning flights to the UAE, so taking advantage of that and stacking a run to CGK after the Uzbek trip. It's a convenient way to earn double EQDs toward EXP status for next year.
May 14, 2019, 12:30 pm
#233
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol
Programs: BA GGL, UA Plat, DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,380
May 15, 2019, 11:50 am
#234
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
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I as a bit concerned about all the chat about credit cards and verification as I'm on a replacement card after a recent loss of the original.
But pleased to report I just internet checked-in from Dubai and got the usual straightforward full boarding cards, no "please present yourself at check-in".
I've dredged up some memories that might help some. First, AUH is much smaller and more friendly than you might expect. If you do need to check-in at AUH, don't queue at the nominated UL desks - there's a premium check-in area way over to the left of the bank of desks. It's run by Etihad, it's not their terminal but they should be able to handle UL. If you have boarding cards, use the short-cut to the far left of this area to get into the Etihad's premium security chanel.
If you are a public transport fan and have a hotel in town, use the A2 express bus: it's fast, comfortable and quite frequent. You'll need an electronic travel card, but there's a machine next to the transport/information desk in arrivals, another at the bus stop directly outside. Just ask for help if you have problems following the procedure. AED10 the card and put another AED10 on it - the fare should be a bit less than AED5 each way. Airport taxis run at getting on for AED100, the regular taxis (just across the road and a little further down from the airport black ones) are just a little bit cheaper.
Until the end of Ramadan the bus schedule will be a bit shot.
But pleased to report I just internet checked-in from Dubai and got the usual straightforward full boarding cards, no "please present yourself at check-in".
I've dredged up some memories that might help some. First, AUH is much smaller and more friendly than you might expect. If you do need to check-in at AUH, don't queue at the nominated UL desks - there's a premium check-in area way over to the left of the bank of desks. It's run by Etihad, it's not their terminal but they should be able to handle UL. If you have boarding cards, use the short-cut to the far left of this area to get into the Etihad's premium security chanel.
If you are a public transport fan and have a hotel in town, use the A2 express bus: it's fast, comfortable and quite frequent. You'll need an electronic travel card, but there's a machine next to the transport/information desk in arrivals, another at the bus stop directly outside. Just ask for help if you have problems following the procedure. AED10 the card and put another AED10 on it - the fare should be a bit less than AED5 each way. Airport taxis run at getting on for AED100, the regular taxis (just across the road and a little further down from the airport black ones) are just a little bit cheaper.
Until the end of Ramadan the bus schedule will be a bit shot.
May 15, 2019, 4:09 pm
#235
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,075
Ouch, something I just posted seem to have been erased when posting 
Quick report from AUH. Flight down with low occupancy in Club, we were only 5 in the mini-cabin (rows 6&7) with 14 seats. Immigration even swifter than at previous visit, 1 person before me in the priority lane.
Taxi touts tried to hook me up for a ride to Hilton Grand Capital for AED 180, but 15 m further down the hall, the regular taxi driver estimated the ride at AED 60-65, which was pretty accurate, as meter showed 62.50 when at the hotel.
Contrary to my previous excursion, I've only been able to PYOB the CMB-CGK segment, for AUH-CMB only a 'Confirmation' of my reservation, but (too) clearly marked in red "This is not a Boarding Pass". Will try to sort that out tomorrow with the AUH UL office.
Negotiating with the Front Desk associate, I got a late check-out at 6 pm, key card validated for lounge stay until 9 pm, covering the Happy Hour(s) of 6.30 to 8.30. Considering the tiny difference in room rates compared to the Airport Premier Inn, it certainly felt that money was well invested to have a taxi ride to the Hilton GC. I also got a Diamond upgrade to an Executive Suite. Expecting the EL to be a lot better than the mediocre lounge offered at AUH.
Quick report from AUH. Flight down with low occupancy in Club, we were only 5 in the mini-cabin (rows 6&7) with 14 seats. Immigration even swifter than at previous visit, 1 person before me in the priority lane.
Taxi touts tried to hook me up for a ride to Hilton Grand Capital for AED 180, but 15 m further down the hall, the regular taxi driver estimated the ride at AED 60-65, which was pretty accurate, as meter showed 62.50 when at the hotel.
Contrary to my previous excursion, I've only been able to PYOB the CMB-CGK segment, for AUH-CMB only a 'Confirmation' of my reservation, but (too) clearly marked in red "This is not a Boarding Pass". Will try to sort that out tomorrow with the AUH UL office.
Negotiating with the Front Desk associate, I got a late check-out at 6 pm, key card validated for lounge stay until 9 pm, covering the Happy Hour(s) of 6.30 to 8.30. Considering the tiny difference in room rates compared to the Airport Premier Inn, it certainly felt that money was well invested to have a taxi ride to the Hilton GC. I also got a Diamond upgrade to an Executive Suite. Expecting the EL to be a lot better than the mediocre lounge offered at AUH.
May 15, 2019, 5:54 pm
#236
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: TXL
Programs: BA GGL/CCR; AB Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 55
Just another information or tip for B2B at AUH:
If you havent done your CreditCard Check in advance you can do it at your first trip before the last leg CMB-AUH at the Transferdesk at CMB. They are not allowed to issue the boarding pass for your upcoming booking - or maybe Im not charming enough - but they can do Creditcard check (also for bookings 3days in advance) and Checking you in. After that just do your last leg CMB-AUH and go to transit. Since its the same aircraft you can head to your gate immediately after transfer security and ask to print your boarding pass there (because sometimes the Transfer Desk is very full at AUH)
Worked fine for me.
If you havent done your CreditCard Check in advance you can do it at your first trip before the last leg CMB-AUH at the Transferdesk at CMB. They are not allowed to issue the boarding pass for your upcoming booking - or maybe Im not charming enough - but they can do Creditcard check (also for bookings 3days in advance) and Checking you in. After that just do your last leg CMB-AUH and go to transit. Since its the same aircraft you can head to your gate immediately after transfer security and ask to print your boarding pass there (because sometimes the Transfer Desk is very full at AUH)
Worked fine for me.
May 16, 2019, 10:51 am
#237
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Leeds
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 54
Ouch, something I just posted seem to have been erased when posting
Quick report from AUH. Flight down with low occupancy in Club, we were only 5 in the mini-cabin (rows 6&7) with 14 seats. Immigration even swifter than at previous visit, 1 person before me in the priority lane.
Taxi touts tried to hook me up for a ride to Hilton Grand Capital for AED 180, but 15 m further down the hall, the regular taxi driver estimated the ride at AED 60-65, which was pretty accurate, as meter showed 62.50 when at the hotel.
Contrary to my previous excursion, I've only been able to PYOB the CMB-CGK segment, for AUH-CMB only a 'Confirmation' of my reservation, but (too) clearly marked in red "This is not a Boarding Pass". Will try to sort that out tomorrow with the AUH UL office.
Negotiating with the Front Desk associate, I got a late check-out at 6 pm, key card validated for lounge stay until 9 pm, covering the Happy Hour(s) of 6.30 to 8.30. Considering the tiny difference in room rates compared to the Airport Premier Inn, it certainly felt that money was well invested to have a taxi ride to the Hilton GC. I also got a Diamond upgrade to an Executive Suite. Expecting the EL to be a lot better than the mediocre lounge offered at AUH.
Quick report from AUH. Flight down with low occupancy in Club, we were only 5 in the mini-cabin (rows 6&7) with 14 seats. Immigration even swifter than at previous visit, 1 person before me in the priority lane.
Taxi touts tried to hook me up for a ride to Hilton Grand Capital for AED 180, but 15 m further down the hall, the regular taxi driver estimated the ride at AED 60-65, which was pretty accurate, as meter showed 62.50 when at the hotel.
Contrary to my previous excursion, I've only been able to PYOB the CMB-CGK segment, for AUH-CMB only a 'Confirmation' of my reservation, but (too) clearly marked in red "This is not a Boarding Pass". Will try to sort that out tomorrow with the AUH UL office.
Negotiating with the Front Desk associate, I got a late check-out at 6 pm, key card validated for lounge stay until 9 pm, covering the Happy Hour(s) of 6.30 to 8.30. Considering the tiny difference in room rates compared to the Airport Premier Inn, it certainly felt that money was well invested to have a taxi ride to the Hilton GC. I also got a Diamond upgrade to an Executive Suite. Expecting the EL to be a lot better than the mediocre lounge offered at AUH.
May 16, 2019, 10:56 am
#238
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Leeds
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 54
I as a bit concerned about all the chat about credit cards and verification as I'm on a replacement card after a recent loss of the original.
But pleased to report I just internet checked-in from Dubai and got the usual straightforward full boarding cards, no "please present yourself at check-in".
I've dredged up some memories that might help some. First, AUH is much smaller and more friendly than you might expect. If you do need to check-in at AUH, don't queue at the nominated UL desks - there's a premium check-in area way over to the left of the bank of desks. It's run by Etihad, it's not their terminal but they should be able to handle UL. If you have boarding cards, use the short-cut to the far left of this area to get into the Etihad's premium security chanel.
If you are a public transport fan and have a hotel in town, use the A2 express bus: it's fast, comfortable and quite frequent. You'll need an electronic travel card, but there's a machine next to the transport/information desk in arrivals, another at the bus stop directly outside. Just ask for help if you have problems following the procedure. AED10 the card and put another AED10 on it - the fare should be a bit less than AED5 each way. Airport taxis run at getting on for AED100, the regular taxis (just across the road and a little further down from the airport black ones) are just a little bit cheaper.
Until the end of Ramadan the bus schedule will be a bit shot.
But pleased to report I just internet checked-in from Dubai and got the usual straightforward full boarding cards, no "please present yourself at check-in".
I've dredged up some memories that might help some. First, AUH is much smaller and more friendly than you might expect. If you do need to check-in at AUH, don't queue at the nominated UL desks - there's a premium check-in area way over to the left of the bank of desks. It's run by Etihad, it's not their terminal but they should be able to handle UL. If you have boarding cards, use the short-cut to the far left of this area to get into the Etihad's premium security chanel.
If you are a public transport fan and have a hotel in town, use the A2 express bus: it's fast, comfortable and quite frequent. You'll need an electronic travel card, but there's a machine next to the transport/information desk in arrivals, another at the bus stop directly outside. Just ask for help if you have problems following the procedure. AED10 the card and put another AED10 on it - the fare should be a bit less than AED5 each way. Airport taxis run at getting on for AED100, the regular taxis (just across the road and a little further down from the airport black ones) are just a little bit cheaper.
Until the end of Ramadan the bus schedule will be a bit shot.
May 17, 2019, 12:26 am
#239
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol
Programs: BA GGL, UA Plat, DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,380
I as a bit concerned about all the chat about credit cards and verification as I'm on a replacement card after a recent loss of the original.
But pleased to report I just internet checked-in from Dubai and got the usual straightforward full boarding cards, no "please present yourself at check-in".
I've dredged up some memories that might help some. First, AUH is much smaller and more friendly than you might expect. If you do need to check-in at AUH, don't queue at the nominated UL desks - there's a premium check-in area way over to the left of the bank of desks. It's run by Etihad, it's not their terminal but they should be able to handle UL. If you have boarding cards, use the short-cut to the far left of this area to get into the Etihad's premium security chanel.
If you are a public transport fan and have a hotel in town, use the A2 express bus: it's fast, comfortable and quite frequent. You'll need an electronic travel card, but there's a machine next to the transport/information desk in arrivals, another at the bus stop directly outside. Just ask for help if you have problems following the procedure. AED10 the card and put another AED10 on it - the fare should be a bit less than AED5 each way. Airport taxis run at getting on for AED100, the regular taxis (just across the road and a little further down from the airport black ones) are just a little bit cheaper.
Until the end of Ramadan the bus schedule will be a bit shot.
But pleased to report I just internet checked-in from Dubai and got the usual straightforward full boarding cards, no "please present yourself at check-in".
I've dredged up some memories that might help some. First, AUH is much smaller and more friendly than you might expect. If you do need to check-in at AUH, don't queue at the nominated UL desks - there's a premium check-in area way over to the left of the bank of desks. It's run by Etihad, it's not their terminal but they should be able to handle UL. If you have boarding cards, use the short-cut to the far left of this area to get into the Etihad's premium security chanel.
If you are a public transport fan and have a hotel in town, use the A2 express bus: it's fast, comfortable and quite frequent. You'll need an electronic travel card, but there's a machine next to the transport/information desk in arrivals, another at the bus stop directly outside. Just ask for help if you have problems following the procedure. AED10 the card and put another AED10 on it - the fare should be a bit less than AED5 each way. Airport taxis run at getting on for AED100, the regular taxis (just across the road and a little further down from the airport black ones) are just a little bit cheaper.
Until the end of Ramadan the bus schedule will be a bit shot.
As for the bus there is also the A1 service which runs into Al Meena St then turns right at 5th St, stopping by the mosque behind Electra Park bsfore turning right again into Al Firdous St and terminating at the City Air Terminal - convenient for plenty of hotels in northern Corniche and Al Zahiya. The ride is comfortable and cheap but not the fastest, especially when the driver puls over to pray 🙄
I think it's prudent for me to remain silent on my opinion of Dubai, but I do love Abh Dhabi 😁
May 17, 2019, 1:50 am
#240
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
The other thing that might be helpful for the UL back-to-back hopefuls is getting their passports E-gate friendly. You can do it entering the country if you ask, and you fit the profile; or there's a desk somewhere landside (I think on the Etihad side) where they'll take care of this.
As for the bus there is also the A1 service which runs into Al Meena St then turns right at 5th St, stopping by the mosque behind Electra Park bsfore turning right again into Al Firdous St and terminating at the City Air Terminal - convenient for plenty of hotels in northern Corniche and Al Zahiya.
I'm guessing it's something to do with hotels and the tourism authorities doing nothing to promote public transport to visitors.
OK, AD (the city) isn't yet quite so well served by public transport as Dubai, but it's getting there.
I share those sentiments. I suppose most visitors attracted to Dubai would find Abu Dhabi rather dull. And i can't say I'm unhappy that remains the case. But the only Gulf state to capture my heart is Oman.