A couple of thoughts.
For family reasons, we are regular visitors to DXB. Since 2008, we have used QF, EK and BA[ex-LHR] to get there.
Why would folks
NOT fly QF? Try this for size.......
Looking at 6 week trip to Europe/UK with stopovers in DXB [3 days on the way up and 10 days back.] Internet check EK for the itinerary in J-class - $16,000. Thinks to oneself "Didn't mind the look of Premium Economy [W-class] on the QF A380 last time we flew, why not book that?" Internet booking gives a fare of $15,999. However, like the Demtel man, there's more. The QF itinerary at this price SYD-DXB-FRA is codeshare Y-class on EK; one doesn't get W-class until leaving LHR on QF!!
So, as we've done before, phone to EK "Do you still have the combi fare to DXB/Europe [this is J-class Oz-DXB-Oz and Y-class DXB/Europe/UK-DXB]?" Answer "Yes....for that itinerary $11,623." "Excellent, here's the credit card number!"
Couple of things here. First, the QF deal is simply a blatant rip-off! Secondly, it would seem that the EK agreement which Alan signed has no stop-over rights in UAE [or, worse, QF don't sell fares based on these rights if they exist.] It's not just my experience. My dentist [plenty of time to chat waiting for the anesthetic to take] had the same deal trying a simple Y-class fare to Europe; QF straight up and back ~$1700, QF with stopover in DXB on the way home ~$10,000, EK for the stopover itinerary, $1800. Guess what!!??
Others may care to confirm the additional flights which CX, BA and SQ have run to pick up the flow of we Aussies voting with our feet to fly to Europe through Asia.
Idiots!!
G'day
