Spot on Man 3,
Do some homework when travelling ID, buy back up tickets, and travel on days that don't start with Frid and Sun.....
In other airlines, no ticks for the siblings, no ticks for the parents, kids lose the benefit at 18....bla bla. (read Qantas, but, oh daaarling you can have your partner on the benefit)
EK not unique in it being difficult, but in around 40 staff trips (mainly on high vol sectors like mel, syd) been left behind twice, 1 ex DXb and 1 BKK. Staff in central europe, and other out stations bust their guts to get you on, (not so in DXB unfortunately).
Mini, hope you feel better with all that off your chest mate.
cheers, got to go order a ticket for me Dad.