Questions and Answers

Recognizing that Emirates flies in and out of Dubai and Etihad flies in and out of Abu Dhabi, for the best ground and air experience flying F in an A380, which airline do you recommend for flying [B]INTO[/B] the UAE and which for flying [B]OUT[/B] of it?

Assume SFO or JFK for the originating and/or return US city.

They both have arrivals lounges so you cant really go wrong with either choice for flying IN. Unless you’re booking award flights with each airline’s own program or are paying cash for an F ticket, you’re not eligible for chauffeur services.

Same applies for flying OUT. Etihad has a fantastic F product on their A380 but JFK is the only US destination served by this aircraft. Emirates is a bit more fun, especially since they have better on board showers and the bar at the back. Both have great F lounges though Etihad’s is smaller and may get crowded. Emirate’s lounge is extremely spacious but can feel sterile.

Personally I’ve flown in and out of both airports, on both carriers and in First and enjoyed them both very much. I’d go with whichever airline has award space and a schedule that works best for you.

Yes, agreed. Both have great products and I can’t subjectively pick one over the other. Have you taken a look at Ben’s reviews on the first class departure lounges? Maybe there is something in one and not the other that attracts you?

EK: [URL]http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/01/09/review-emirates-first-class-lounge-dubai-dxb/[/URL]
EY: [URL]http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2017/02/18/etihad-first-class-lounge-abu-dhabi-review/[/URL]

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 27479, member: 29″]They both have arrivals lounges so you cant really go wrong with either choice for flying IN. Unless you’re booking award flights with each airline’s own program or are paying cash for an F ticket, you’re not eligible for chauffeur services.[/QUOTE]

Most people don’t realise, but qantas award bookings on Emirates actually still come with the chauffeur service as well 😉