I choose not to fly via Dubai. OK, but why ???

[Austman]

I've seen it dozens of times on AFF and elsewhere: "I choose not to fly via Dubai".

Well, I've done it twice now - on QF9/10 for 1.5 hours or so each time. And my experience is that DXB is one of the better airports in the world. The terminal that QF uses is modern, efficient, pleasant, courteous and a fair bit wow. It's certainly one of the better experiences that I have had at an airport.

So, what's wrong with DXB? And for those that say "I choose not to fly via Dubai" can you also state if you've actually been to DXB?

I give DXB a thumbs up.

 

[madrooster]

I give DXB a thumbs up too for similar reasons as above - especially the lounges! Did QF9 x/DXB QF1 and QF2 x/DXB QF10 recently.

 

[Mal]

Because I currently have no requirement to go past Europe, and lhr to dbx to europe is a heck of a diversion. Lmao.

Seriously though, can't wait to try out the dbx terminal and lounge.

 

[drron]

Because I now buy Circle Asia J fares and add on AA F Aawards for where we want to go.
Also been to DXB once.Not my favourite place.

 

[tt7]

So, what's wrong with DXB? And for those that say "I choose not to fly via Dubai" can you also state if you've actually been to DXB?

Having spent a few days in Dubai a few years ago, all I can say is that it is an utterly awful place that I have no desire to ever return to, even in transit. If you like wall-to-wall bling and don't mind obnoxious over-entitled locals who don't know how to drive, then perhaps it's your sort of place but it's certainly not mine. I would be the first to agree that it's irrational to not want to even transit there - but that's the way it is. I would much rather transit through SIN or HKG. Having done the QF9/QF10 trip in PE several times in the last few months, my business now goes elsewhere (within oneworld). Currently sitting in the MEL F lounge, about to do my second non QF9/10 Oz-UK round trip post-March 31. I wish QF well with its decision to abandon its longstanding arrangement with BA in pursuit of a desperate alliance with a non-oneworld airline.

 

[vitagen]

Dubai is good to visit once I think, we enjoyed our stopover there for a few days. It lacks 'soul' though and is tailored to the wealthy.

 

[QF1]

If you are in transit, Dubai Airport is good..I would say it is better than T1(QF''s base) in SIN. If spending a few days then Hong Kong followed by Singapore is probably better...but if anyone who has not been to DXB , I would definitely recommend a visit..its not that bad. I have lived and worked in all the 3 countries for a few years.

 

[MrJetset]

and don't mind obnoxious over-entitled locals who don't know how to drive, then perhaps it's your sort of place but it's certainly not mine. e.

All generalisations are self-fulfilling. Xenophobia and racism once again rear their ugly head in relation to this issue.

 

[samh004]

I wish QF well with its decision to abandon its longstanding arrangement with BA in pursuit of a desperate alliance with a non-oneworld airline.

Now I understand - other than not liking the place, which is fine and I'm not attacking you over - you're an AA EXP, so EK could never work for you in the current form, even if you did like DXB.

All generalisations are self-fulfilling. Xenophobia and racism once again rear their ugly head in relation to this issue.

I didn't get that at all, but then I miss a lot

 

[CMak]

I spent 9 days in Dubai 18 months ago - I think that will last me a lifetime!

 

[Deleted member]

I suspect that change in Dubai is rapid, albeit much of the same, so every now and Then I may consider stopping over. however my feeling is that since my first visit it has lost some of its charm.

 

[Pushka]

I think it may be a little more challenging for a solo female traveller to go through Dubai than Singapore. I did hear of a female solo being somewhat challenged by a DBX immigration person recently for something which wouldn't raise an eyebrow normally.

 

[docjames]

I think it may be a little more challenging for a solo female traveller to go through Dubai than Singapore. I did hear of a female solo being somewhat challenged by a DBX immigration person recently for something which wouldn't raise an eyebrow normally.

I think it would be helpful to be more specific.



The OP/Discussion may need to split as there is a difference (to some) in a short (stay in the airport) transit vs 1-3 day stopover.


FWIW, I have no problem with either.

 

[Pushka]

Ok. The person moved an immigration rope to change to a shorter queue. She had a child with her and with all the delays from GB they were very tired. They were only supposed to transit but the delay meant she had to stopover. The immigration person gave her a serve and said he could refuse her access. Just a bit distressing as she'd gone in a hurry to GB for her grandmothers funeral. Just didn't need the delay and then this angst.

 

[sergeyvzn]

fine to transit but I won't be doing a stopover when travelling with my partner. He's positive and won't be able to bring his medication into the country legally. Also, I won't take the risk of being arrested for just being who we are (gay that is)

As far as I understand Qantas has problems with their cabin crew who are positive, they can't work on any flights to/from Dubai

 

[Pushka]

Unfortunately when flights are delayed as per my post above sometimes you may have to stopover. Does raise some issues.

 

[Red Roo]

Well, I've done it twice now - on QF9/10 for 1.5 hours or so each time. And my experience is that DXB is one of the better airports in the world. The terminal that QF uses is modern, efficient, pleasant, courteous and a fair bit wow. It's certainly one of the better experiences that I have had at an airport.

I give DXB a thumbs up.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Concourse A in Terminal 3 opened earlier this year, and is the world's first A380 dedicated terminal. We're very proud to share exclusive access with Emirates and I'm glad it gets your thumbs up.

 

[danny09]

DXB is an amazing airport. Emirates have done a great job in that airport. All 3 concourses are a breeze to be in.

Dubai is an amazing place, you have to respect the culture to appreciate the differences when it comes to rules etc

Love the F lounge

 

[docjames]

As far as I understand Qantas has problems with their cabin crew who are positive, they can't work on any flights to/from Dubai

Interesting.

It also (until relatively recently) used to be an exclusion for entry to the US (being positive), although I gather in essence the US Customs and Immigration took somewhat of a "don't ask, don't tell" policy in regards to that particular diagnosis / medications which made it possible to travel there.

Ok. The person moved an immigration rope to change to a shorter queue. She had a child with her and with all the delays from GB they were very tired. They were only supposed to transit but the delay meant she had to stopover. The immigration person gave her a serve and said he could refuse her access. Just a bit distressing as she'd gone in a hurry to GB for her grandmothers funeral. Just didn't need the delay and then this angst.

Frustrating / difficult situation.

- Do you think the harassment was because she was female, or because she "queue jumped"?
- Do you think other countries would take a similar objection to "queue jumping"? It reads as if the "queue jump" was the issue.

 

[Happy Trails]

All generalisations are self-fulfilling. Xenophobia and racism once again rear their ugly head in relation to this issue.

As generalisations go how would you rate the following statement, which was posted on FT a while ago?
"Most Australians go to Bali for cheap sex, booze and drugs"