I I travel a lot on EK, as a BA staff traveller. Across the Tasman...BNE/SYD/MEL to AKL, but mainly one way PTH-DXB. Never make myself known to the CC, and have always been treated as a normal punter, with courtesy. Always been checked in with no bother at PTH. No probs or complaints. Haven't used EK ex DXB).