Qantas / Emirates tie up (Partnership inc. Codeshare, Status)

[BD1959]

The correct web page with through details on what is not allowed is here:

http://uae-embassy.ae/Embassies/au/Content/1803

All I get is: 404 - Page Not Found


Regards,

BD

 

[markis10]

All I get is: 404 - Page Not Found


Regards,

BD

Same as what you get going through the smart traveller if you have never visited the embassy website before, once you have a cookie with the settings indicating English it works, the chances of the average traveller working it out?????

 

[BD1959]

Have you checked that link in the case of what you find worrying by chance, if you have you would notice that it states certain medicines but after navigating through four pages, it links to a non existent web page that should the specifics. I also note there is no mention of the issue with poppy seeds, while its unlikely one will be travelling with them it should be there.

I agree you should do your research, but the public servants responsible for the smart traveller website would appear to be not so smart when it comes to keeping data current!

What I find interesting is that I have never considered transiting an International Airport to be entering the country (indeed, I always assumed that unless you have a visa to enter the country you couldn't "exit" the International area into that country).

I would never have looked up the restrictions which apply to a particular country when transiting - and yet I'm hearing that (for example) possession of codeine-based meds *may* be problematic when transiting ... or have I got things totally confused??

Regards,

BD

 

[BD1959]

the chances of the average traveller working it out?????

Oh, believe me, I'm very average!!

Thanks Markis.

Regards,

BD

 

[openseat]

I was involved a focus group for Qantas last week. Issues around Dubai and Emirati Law featured very strongly among the participants. Concerns included problems for Jews, Israeli passport stamps, medication, the current detainment of two Australian businessmen, an impression that the law is selectively applied.
Qantas will probably need to offer some sort of reassurance in this regard.

Other problems discussed were the experiences of overcrowding at Dubai airport, but having seen a youtube clip of the new lounge in the new terminal, I think that may be a thing of the past.

Just about everyone thought that the connections into Europe was the greatest benefit, especially southern and central European cities.

 

[ajw373]

Same as what you get going through the smart traveller if you have never visited the embassy website before, once you have a cookie with the settings indicating English it works, the chances of the average traveller working it out?????

Worked fine for me, and my cookies are cleared everytime I shut down Opera.

 

[ozmille]

What I find interesting is that I have never considered transiting an International Airport to be entering the country (indeed, I always assumed that unless you have a visa to enter the country you couldn't "exit" the International area into that country).

I would never have looked up the restrictions which apply to a particular country when transiting - and yet I'm hearing that (for example) possession of codeine-based meds *may* be problematic when transiting ... or have I got things totally confused??

Regards,

BD

I'm with you on that one, still too much remembering intra Europe travel where you can just walk from plane to plane, in my mind during a transit you are not actually entering the country, I have never transited through DXB myself but does anybody know if there is a full blown security check when you just transit?

 

[Fruitcake]

I'm with you on that one, still too much remembering intra Europe travel where you can just walk from plane to plane, in my mind during a transit you are not actually entering the country, I have never transited through DXB myself but does anybody know if there is a full blown security check when you just transit?

Transiting in Europe is different because of the Schengen Agreement (ie you might enter Germany at FRA but you can then fly FRA-CDG-MAD without any border controls. But you will face outbound immigration for a flight from MAD to LHR). Transiting Dubai is like transiting at an international airport in Australia. For example, flying AKL-SYD-LAX you will not enter Australia but you will need to pass through transit security to get upstairs to the departures hall at SYD.

 

[docjames]

Interesting piece by Ben Sandilands.

Would seem it's somewhat opportunistic to single out QF - what about all other ME travellers on all other airlines - how many Aussies already travel on EK, EY, QR etc etc.

Dubai justice campaign leverages QF-EK connection | Plane Talking

 

[ChasingDaylight]

Quick query - anyone know if the Qantas lounge passes given to to QFF Silver members allow access in Dubai?

 

[Danger]

Quick query - anyone know if the Qantas lounge passes given to to QFF Silver members allow access in Dubai?

Definitely not. The passes state they are strictly for use at QF operated lounges, not joint or partner.

 

[dajop]

Re: Singapore QF/BA lounge new changes

In an act of the lamest rebellion every, I once jay walked in Singapore... almost to say that I've done it LOL

Biggest urban myth to exist. I've seen more tickets being handed out in Melbourne than Singapore for jaywalking. Everyday near my place I see thousands of jaywalkers (OK, it is Little India) and never seen police fining anyone.

As for DXB vs SIN both different and interesting cities once you scratch beneath the surface. DXB is probably more like to be a stopover for many enroute to Europe, as it's probably too far to be much of a destination in its own right. SIN is close enough for most and good launching pad for LCC flights into SE Asia. DXB has much better beaches and the ultimate in glitz with some interesting older areas, but seems to be built on an inhuman scale. Apart from in the older parts of Dubai, going for a stroll is not an option. SIN can get boring after a while, but the food is great and accessible and despite the density it really is built on a human scale. Car not necessary, walking around entirely possible.

 

[legroom]

Quick query - anyone know if the Qantas lounge passes given to to QFF Silver members allow access in Dubai?

Yes

You can access EK Lounges in DXB.

"Qantas Club members can continue to access the Qantas lounges across the Qantas network as well as the Emirates Business Lounge in Dubai and the American Airlines Admirals Club in London when flying Qantas or Emirates between Australia, Dubai and London."

 

[Flashback]

Yes

You can access EK Lounges in DXB.

"Qantas Club members can continue to access the Qantas lounges across the Qantas network as well as the Emirates Business Lounge in Dubai and the American Airlines Admirals Club in London when flying Qantas or Emirates between Australia, Dubai and London."

The pass you get given with a silver membership does not allow access to AA AC, so would not allow to the Emirates DXB lounge either.

 

[madrooster]

Further to that the passes do strictly state Qantas operated lounges only.

 

[anat0l]

Yes

You can access EK Lounges in DXB.

"Qantas Club members can continue to access the Qantas lounges across the Qantas network as well as the Emirates Business Lounge in Dubai and the American Airlines Admirals Club in London when flying Qantas or Emirates between Australia, Dubai and London."

But ChasingDaylight was referring to the QC Lounge Pass (once-use). These traditionally have been restricted to Qantas operated Qantas Clubs only. You can't use them for associated lounges or lounges not operated by Qantas.

This is a subtle point of differentiation between a QC Lounge Pass holder and a QC member by subscription - the latter can access associated lounges (not necessarily operated by Qantas), and American Airlines Admirals Clubs. The access rights are not equal, and whilst what you cannot access is not made clear on the back of the QC Lounge Pass, what you can access with it is stated.

 

[legroom]

But ChasingDaylight was referring to the QC Lounge Pass (once-use). These traditionally have been restricted to Qantas operated Qantas Clubs only. You can't use them for associated lounges or lounges not operated by Qantas.

This is a subtle point of differentiation between a QC Lounge Pass holder and a QC member by subscription - the latter can access associated lounges (not necessarily operated by Qantas), and American Airlines Admirals Clubs. The access rights are not equal, and whilst what you cannot access is not made clear on the back of the QC Lounge Pass, what you can access with it is stated.

Thanks for pointing that subtle difference out.

I was not holding a pass in my hand so I thought a pass would be equivalent to a one-day QC membership which would give you access to EK lounges.

 

[Danger]

I just received an email from Emirates Skywards noting changes to the program as a result of the QF tie-up:

As a refinement to our programme and as part of our partnership* with Qantas, we
are making the following changes to the Emirates Skywards programme which
includes a more closely aligned reward offering in Australia.
​

• Commencing 31 March, we will increase the number of Skywards Miles and tier
  Miles you will earn for itineraries commencing in Australia.
• Effective 1 July, the number of Skywards Miles required for Emirates flight
  reward itineraries originating in Australia will also increase. You can book
  reward travel at the existing levels until this date.

 

[BD1959]

I just received an email from Emirates Skywards noting changes to the program as a result of the QF tie-up:

As a refinement to our programme and as part of our partnership* with Qantas, we
are making the following changes to the Emirates Skywards programme which
includes a more closely aligned reward offering in Australia.
​

• Commencing 31 March, we will increase the number of Skywards Miles and tier
  Miles you will earn for itineraries commencing in Australia.
• Effective 1 July, the number of Skywards Miles required for Emirates flight
  reward itineraries originating in Australia will also increase. You can book
  reward travel at the existing levels until this date.

Doesn't make much sense to me ... but then I'm not Skywards ....


Not only does it appear that the increase in awards is offset by the increase in redemption levels (and what does it matter if EK award 20,000 and need 70,000 for a redemption if QF award 40,000 and need 140,000 for redemption - they're two separate schemes) but also there's inconsistency in award/redemption across the whole of the OW partnership - as endless threads will attest!

Regards,

BD

 

[eastwest101]

• Effective 1 July, the number of Skywards Miles required for Emirates flight
  reward itineraries originating in Australia will also increase. You can book
  reward travel at the existing levels until this date.

That may be the important one for some people, for existing Australian Skywards members this reads as "Your points are going to be devalued soon on the 1st of July so hurry up and use them or transfer them now, or use your points from another origin."