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

[simongr]

I haven't seen anything but hopefully they might make it a 0600 departure from Oz with a 90 minute stop in DXB which will mean landing at LHR just before 1900. Then again anything is possible though...

I would not be flying on a 6AM flight. If going to DXB I would be happy with 4PM. Nice lunch in the lounge and a 10PM arrival (ish) and off to bed. If going on to LHR that might be midnight out of DXB with a 5-6AM arrival into LHR.

 

[codash1099]

One more great benefit is that we can now do a xONE3 from Australia. We no longer need to travel via Asia. Dubai is in the Europe zone for the Oneworld Explorer fares....

That's quite a big attraction for those of use who currently have to pay for XONE4's

Edit: Stupid comment, codash. XONEx has to be on OneWorld airlines.

 

[codash1099]

If your prescriptions are in your stowed luggage, then the luggage is simply moved from one plane to another, or even stays on the same plane, and your items never 'exposed' to Dubai legislation.

Who carries their medications in checked luggage? Only if they're not essential, which is not the case for most people.

 

[simongr]

That's quite a big attraction for those of use who currently have to pay for XONE4's

I agree - although I wouldnt be surprised if DXB gets moved into Asia.

 

[RSD]

Some of the replies on here have left me a little confused - when I fly it's because I want to go somewhere, but is seems with some of you that you only fly so that you can use the lounges, and nothing else matters but the lounges...

 

[simongr]

On a frequent flier website you would expect that flying is assumed and then the enjoyment of the journey is a key consideration. This is even more important when you are discussing a transit option rather than a destination.

 

[Paddy55]

Some of the replies on here have left me a little confused - when I fly it's because I want to go somewhere, but is seems with some of you that you only fly so that you can use the lounges, and nothing else matters but the lounges...

RSD - yes, we generally have to fly somewhere, but fans of DONE4's, for example, have 16 sectors to play with so the opportunity for "experiences" presents itself.

I've a DONE4 starting in December that finds me in Dallas next June and a weekend with nothing particularly planned. So, I'll go up to Denver for the day... at no extra cost and gaining some miles and SCs in the process.

 

[serfty]

Some of the replies on here have left me a little confused - when I fly it's because I want to go somewhere, but is seems with some of you that you only fly so that you can use the lounges, and nothing else matters but the lounges...

The lounges help ease the burden of travel ... the 'better' the lounge the greater the easing.

I agree - although I wouldnt be surprised if DXB gets moved into Asia.

More likely the rules will be changed to have an implied 'virtual' Asian transit (just like they did with the ORD/DEL flights and having an implied 'virtual' European transit).

 

[k3nnis]

So will everyone here go on QF SYD-DXB-LHR if they wanted to go to London, or would you take another route?

 

[simongr]

The lounges help ease the burdon of travel ... the 'better ' the greater the easing.

I mis-read that as easing the bourbon of flying...

 

[wandersen]

As for prescription medications, almost all states indicate on their consulate or embassy's website to carry the prescription, letter from one's Doctor and to keep the labels on the boxes. This even applied to the UK and the US.

If you are Islamaphobic or scared of Arabs then don't fly EK or venture into the Arab World. I doubt your custom will be noticed or missed!

Back on topic, good to have confirmation on the limousine service. When QF tied up with EY, the QF fares were an additional $2-$3k in F, and the car was not provided.

What about Codeine? It's an over the counter drug here, and heavily restricted, if not banned in UAE. How do you get a prescription for that?

Drugs in Dubai

People have been arrested in Dubai for possession of Codeine: Dubai tourists warned over tough drug stance - Middle East - World - The Independent

That said, I know the rules and would never take anything there. I do wonder about the general travelling public though. Of course, Dubai is now a big tourist destination, particularly for those in Europe and news of any issues is extremely rare (the case above was in 2005).

As the the xenophobia, the UAE has a lower crime rate than either Thailand or Malaysia, the US and even (wait for it), Australia. Not sure what the issues are with that. I've travelled extensively in the middle east including to the UAE, Syria, Bahrain, Jordon and must say I felt less safe in Bangkok than any of them.

 

[JohnPhelan]

So will everyone here go on QF SYD-DXB-LHR if they wanted to go to London, or would you take another route?

I'll continue to go the way I go now - BNE/SYD-HKG-LHR.

I will probably do the DXB route to LHR as a one-off experience though. Would certainly use it if going to the Middle East.

 

[k3nnis]

Ok. So SYD-HKG-LHR would that be via CX?

I'll continue to go the way I go now - BNE/SYD-HKG-LHR.

I will probably do the DXB route to LHR as a one-off experience though. Would certainly use it if going to the Middle East.

 

[ajw373]

What about Codeine? It's an over the counter drug here, and heavily restricted, if not banned in UAE. How do you get a prescription for that?

Drugs in Dubai

People have been arrested in Dubai for possession of Codeine: Dubai tourists warned over tough drug stance - Middle East - World - The Independent

What about chewing gum in Singapore. People have been arrested and fined for that. End of the day when ever you travel you need to check and comply with the local laws. If that means no codine then no codine, and know before hand. No excuse in this day and age with the Internet.

 

[markis10]

If your prescriptions are in your stowed luggage, then the luggage is simply moved from one plane to another, or even stays on the same plane, and your items never 'exposed' to Dubai legislation..

Again this incorrect! If your on the same plane then there is no reason to be concerned that whats in your luggage will be exposed, however all transit baggage is scanned as part of the baggage transfer for plane changes, with contraband being detected and passengers tracked down, as another poster has already been mentioned, Codeine is an example of where its not a prescription drug in Australia but one that requires a prescription, with arrest history for transit passengers on more than one occasion hitting the news.

Frankly I support all transit baggage being scanned, its a good practice and one that mostly catches the correct targets, but with the changes to the way we travel in terms of routes, a traveller needs to be aware of these things, after all ignorance is not a defence nor is the excuse "It was OK when I went through Singapore last time" ;0. Emirati law also states presence in the blood stream is possession which can result in arrest for drug use.

Poppy Seeds are also an issue:

"During the defendant's one-hour transit visit from Kandahar where he was on an anti-narcotics campaign, he was caught at the airport carrying the poppy seeds, which he was taking to Canada for experiments."

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/un-drug-advisor-gets-4-year-jail-term-1.184901

UAE airports have excellent technology and security, so transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs are arrested. Passengers in transit under the influence of drugs may also be arrested and can face four years in jail. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/united-arab-emirates

 

[chrisb]

What about Codeine? It's an over the counter drug here, and heavily restricted, if not banned in UAE.

From memory you need a doctors letter to take it into Singapore too.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Ok. So SYD-HKG-LHR would that be via CX?

No, I always fly BA between HKG and LHR, because:
* I really like the BA J seats
* I like being able to use the excellent BA Terminal 5 Arrivals Lounge at LHR
* I like using the range of BA departure lounges in Terminal 5
* I dislike LHR Terminal 3 in general (which is what I would have to use on QF, CX or EK)
* I like HKG!

 

[k3nnis]

Fair enough. I haven't actually flown with BA before. Just some reports I read say that thier FA's don't have much interest in providing service. Is this true in your opinion for the HKG-LHR vv route? I usually fly VS,MH or SQ to LHR.

No, I always fly BA between HKG and LHR, because:
* I really like the BA J seats
* I like being able to use the excellent BA Terminal 5 Arrivals Lounge at LHR
* I like using the range of BA departure lounges in Terminal 5
* I dislike LHR Terminal 3 in general (which is what I would have to use on QF, CX or EK)

 

[Robert Qld]

Saying the above- I am gay myself and atheist and still have been to Dubai many times. Hey, I wouldn't route through DFW either if the political attitudes of most Texans keep me from traveling there. I would never want to live in such a place (I've happily lived in Singapore for almost two years and had zero problems in this respect...) .

I've actually lived in Fort Worth (many moons ago). Dallas itself is pretty cool... it is just the suburbs that can get scary! LOL

Plus I've always been amused that while politically I disagree heavily with Texans, their charm and hospitality is extremely world class.

 

[Pushka]

What about Codeine? It's an over the counter drug here, and heavily restricted, if not banned in UAE. How do you get a prescription for that?

From your Doctor, like all prescriptions.

Again this incorrect! If your on the same plane then there is no reason to be concerned that whats in your luggage will be exposed, however all transit baggage is scanned as part of the baggage transfer for plane changes, with contraband being detected and passengers tracked down, as another poster has already been mentioned, Codeine is an example of where its not a prescription drug in Australia but one that requires a prescription, with arrest history for transit passengers on more than one occasion hitting the news.

So, you are suggesting that someone will have their bags scanned, and, for a personal supply of drugs, let's say, a strip of codeine, - 10 tablets, and it will be detected and they will/could be apprehended?