Wow - I Flew Emirates Yesterday
Back to the topic at hand ....
I fly a lot, way too much for my own liking, as a passenger. Always out of Europe, heading either North, South, East and West. I therefore get to sample both European, North American and Asia legacy carriers, as well as the "new" entrants on the world stage.
If my travel takes me to the ME, I'll always choose Emirates over any European legacy carrier; the hard product, the service and the price is quite simply superior. If I'm going across the pond I'll never, ever, fly on a US carrier. Air Canada is ok, sometimes actually quite good, from a service point of view - but the hard product leaves a bit to be desired (the dreaded herringbone configuration). When going to Asia the choices are so vast it takes a lot of careful consideration. Again, I'll avoid European legacy carriers in favour of either an Asian legacy or ME operator, with a preference for the ME operator. Not because the hard product on the ME carriers is better, or they offer superior service; it's damn near impossible to beat ANA and SQ when it comes to service. But I'm a smoker, and stopping halfway to top up the nicotine level is something I value quite highly. Usually the ME operator will also have the cheaper offer, making my boss happier.
In my experience Asian and ME airlines consistently offer the superior product, the best service and, as good as always, the loweest price.
I do not trouble myself with "labour relations" when it comes to cabin crew and pilots, regardless of where in the world they work. Nobody forced them to sign a contract, and if they think the airline or industry doesn't suit them, there's nothing stopping them from saying adios and finding something better to do. Bonded, you say? Again, you signed the dotted line - either learn to live with the choices you've made, or just do a runner.
There is only one area where ME operators in general, and EK in particular, suck - and that's customer service when something's gone wrong. One is perpetually sent around in circles by employees who have neither the inclination nor, does it seem, the powers to do anything about complaints raised. One is left to wonder if all they've been trained to do is delay, delay, delay until the customer eventually gives up. But as always there's a solution to that as well: Registered mail attn. Mr. Tim Clark. Though I seriously doubt he will read the letter himself, it works every time - or at least the 2 times I've had something to complain about (1 x lost luggage and 1 x missed connection due to EK's consistent inability to depart on time). In both cases all my expenses were refunded (around 100 Euro's worth of shirt, underwear and socks in one case and 150 Euro for a car hire in the second) via a cheque + 50.000 miles in each case.
I fly a lot, way too much for my own liking, as a passenger. Always out of Europe, heading either North, South, East and West. I therefore get to sample both European, North American and Asia legacy carriers, as well as the "new" entrants on the world stage.
If my travel takes me to the ME, I'll always choose Emirates over any European legacy carrier; the hard product, the service and the price is quite simply superior. If I'm going across the pond I'll never, ever, fly on a US carrier. Air Canada is ok, sometimes actually quite good, from a service point of view - but the hard product leaves a bit to be desired (the dreaded herringbone configuration). When going to Asia the choices are so vast it takes a lot of careful consideration. Again, I'll avoid European legacy carriers in favour of either an Asian legacy or ME operator, with a preference for the ME operator. Not because the hard product on the ME carriers is better, or they offer superior service; it's damn near impossible to beat ANA and SQ when it comes to service. But I'm a smoker, and stopping halfway to top up the nicotine level is something I value quite highly. Usually the ME operator will also have the cheaper offer, making my boss happier.
In my experience Asian and ME airlines consistently offer the superior product, the best service and, as good as always, the loweest price.
I do not trouble myself with "labour relations" when it comes to cabin crew and pilots, regardless of where in the world they work. Nobody forced them to sign a contract, and if they think the airline or industry doesn't suit them, there's nothing stopping them from saying adios and finding something better to do. Bonded, you say? Again, you signed the dotted line - either learn to live with the choices you've made, or just do a runner.
There is only one area where ME operators in general, and EK in particular, suck - and that's customer service when something's gone wrong. One is perpetually sent around in circles by employees who have neither the inclination nor, does it seem, the powers to do anything about complaints raised. One is left to wonder if all they've been trained to do is delay, delay, delay until the customer eventually gives up. But as always there's a solution to that as well: Registered mail attn. Mr. Tim Clark. Though I seriously doubt he will read the letter himself, it works every time - or at least the 2 times I've had something to complain about (1 x lost luggage and 1 x missed connection due to EK's consistent inability to depart on time). In both cases all my expenses were refunded (around 100 Euro's worth of shirt, underwear and socks in one case and 150 Euro for a car hire in the second) via a cheque + 50.000 miles in each case.
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I see that EASA has just ordered Airbus to check the wing cracks on ALL the 380s. The cabin crew maybe the world's best & according to Tajfaa the pilots walk on water 
, however, I think that I'll avoid them for the time being.
I must admit to being slightly biased as I did spend a year of my young life operating out of Sharjah. (For those geographically illiterate among you, Sharjah is the adjacent sand pit to Dubai.)
, however, I think that I'll avoid them for the time being.I must admit to being slightly biased as I did spend a year of my young life operating out of Sharjah. (For those geographically illiterate among you, Sharjah is the adjacent sand pit to Dubai.)
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Capetonian "I know a couple of EK CC as family friends, but haven't really discussed this with them. They like living in DXB and are both married to men who have high earning jobs, and they live in 'luxury' and have high disposable incomes. It would be my idea of hell but perhaps what makes them happy is that they live in this artifical world and can spend their entire income on designer clothes and expensive rounds of Chardonnay and Veuve Cliquot with the girlies at fancy bars."
Nobody who is married to TRULY "HIGH INCOME" men will deign to do a job as a low-class server.
Perhaps your definition of what's high income is simply just way below the common benchmarks worldwide.
Somebody has testified these low-class servers make £1,200-£1,600 a month. That's disgraceful salary for any age, and are practically third world standards. If you say they can make such pittance and yet live in 'luxury' and have high disposable income, well, it's not because the salary itself is high, but because DBX is a developing cheap place.
Is it? Its easy to live like a king in a cheap place, anyone who's ever had a hardship tour in a third world city like Jakarta or Mexico City knows that. With the sad salary that these supposed adults draw, I wonder how many buckets of tears they will be crying when they leave their low-class servitude and DBX one day, to find the checking accounts looking sadder than a teenager's. 
The service of EK is good not because the staff are paid handsomely. It's simply because they have no labor unions. Either cower and grovel, or out.
Nobody who is married to TRULY "HIGH INCOME" men will deign to do a job as a low-class server.
Perhaps your definition of what's high income is simply just way below the common benchmarks worldwide.
Somebody has testified these low-class servers make £1,200-£1,600 a month. That's disgraceful salary for any age, and are practically third world standards. If you say they can make such pittance and yet live in 'luxury' and have high disposable income, well, it's not because the salary itself is high, but because DBX is a developing cheap place.
Is it? Its easy to live like a king in a cheap place, anyone who's ever had a hardship tour in a third world city like Jakarta or Mexico City knows that. With the sad salary that these supposed adults draw, I wonder how many buckets of tears they will be crying when they leave their low-class servitude and DBX one day, to find the checking accounts looking sadder than a teenager's. The service of EK is good not because the staff are paid handsomely. It's simply because they have no labor unions. Either cower and grovel, or out.
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Have just returned from a long trip out East flying mostly with EK / SQ and as normal found the service from ALL crews to be vey good. Have flown 5 sectors SQ, and 6 EK, no bags lost, no grumpy CC, flights on time and wings still on plane when I left it !. Will I use them again ?, of course I will. Have an odd trip for me in 2 weeks as I have to go to US (not my normal stamping ground since late 1990,s) so will be intrested to see if US carriers are as bad as everyone on here says they are now. Using LH for the crossing however,
as already told by colleague that AA Man - US not good even in Business despite TV adverts.
as already told by colleague that AA Man - US not good even in Business despite TV adverts.
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I have flown lots with EK on ID tickets and have to say the service onboard has always been top notch. Having worked for a US carier for a while and knowing what their service is like I love EK service on board. The crew are always friendly and go out of their way to accomodate you onboard the aircraft and mostly they always say good morning when you open the door in the morning to them, not like some airlines I could mention!!!
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haha great comments , just finished up workign with emirates airline as cabin crew, if ya got any questions fire away! ,,, back in oz now cant find work so gonna get job with virgin australia
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First of all - we're not 'low class servers' just who do you think you are establishing your own class system that way?
£1200-£1600 a month TAX FREE with no accommodation, bills or transport to pay for and sizeable discounts all over the city is suddenly worth a lot more when you stop thinking in UK terms.
Even by UK standards, to come out with that amount after tax is pretty good. When I left uni, I couldn't get a job that paid more than £1200 a month, and that was at the age of 22. I know plenty of people who can't even get a job full stop. Doing this job, I can afford to save at least £1000 a month. Tell me you can do that at the age of 22 in the UK living away from home?
Have you even been to Dubai (airport code is DXB by the way, not DBX)? I'm pretty sure it's not a cheap place to live.
People like you should think before you open your mouth. Go back to your ******* mansion in the country and spend some more of Daddy's money you idiot.
£1200-£1600 a month TAX FREE with no accommodation, bills or transport to pay for and sizeable discounts all over the city is suddenly worth a lot more when you stop thinking in UK terms.
Even by UK standards, to come out with that amount after tax is pretty good. When I left uni, I couldn't get a job that paid more than £1200 a month, and that was at the age of 22. I know plenty of people who can't even get a job full stop. Doing this job, I can afford to save at least £1000 a month. Tell me you can do that at the age of 22 in the UK living away from home?
Have you even been to Dubai (airport code is DXB by the way, not DBX)? I'm pretty sure it's not a cheap place to live.
People like you should think before you open your mouth. Go back to your ******* mansion in the country and spend some more of Daddy's money you idiot.
any airline that proudly boasts about a largely untested piece of tech (ie not yet in operation for more than x1000 cycles) that is responsible for carrying hundreds of pax is probably jumping the gun.
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I'm a great fan of EK, and the CC are almost always top notch, with a few real stars out there. Sure, there are occaisions when the service is not up to scratch for some reason, but hey, what part of life doesn't have it's dissapointments ?
I always try to treat the CC as I myself would wish to be treated, they are not servants, they are part of a professional team, there to keep me safe, and make my journey as comfortable as possible. Yes, I alawyas go in the comfy seats, and more often than not the VERY comfy seats, and as a regular traveller, am actually made to feel valued and welcome.
See you tomorrow night EK, manila to Manchester, via DXB.
I always try to treat the CC as I myself would wish to be treated, they are not servants, they are part of a professional team, there to keep me safe, and make my journey as comfortable as possible. Yes, I alawyas go in the comfy seats, and more often than not the VERY comfy seats, and as a regular traveller, am actually made to feel valued and welcome.
See you tomorrow night EK, manila to Manchester, via DXB.
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TightSlot
Interesting comment you made on page 1 expressing concern that airlines such as Emirates could put your airline, and others, out of business. I think you should look at the damage your union did several years back which almost cost you and another 45,000 employees their jobs. The same union that's now pushing bus drivers to strike for an extra 500 quid simply because they'll be working harder during the olympics! Unite? What an oxymoron that is. Divide more like! If that's their mentality, Gulf carriers are better off without them. As for your subsidy statement, you're so far wide of the mark it's not funny. A disappointing comment, especially so coming from a moderator!
To take home 1600 pound sterling per month, you'd need to earn 25,000 per annum before tax. Whilst not a huge amount, for a single 23 yr old with accommodation provided, all bills paid, uniform provided and transport to and from work, that's a pretty good starting salary. Not bad for a non unionised workforce.
Perhaps those concerned with the plight of our abused slaves could enlighten us as to the starting salary of BA cabin crew?
Interesting comment you made on page 1 expressing concern that airlines such as Emirates could put your airline, and others, out of business. I think you should look at the damage your union did several years back which almost cost you and another 45,000 employees their jobs. The same union that's now pushing bus drivers to strike for an extra 500 quid simply because they'll be working harder during the olympics! Unite? What an oxymoron that is. Divide more like! If that's their mentality, Gulf carriers are better off without them. As for your subsidy statement, you're so far wide of the mark it's not funny. A disappointing comment, especially so coming from a moderator!
To take home 1600 pound sterling per month, you'd need to earn 25,000 per annum before tax. Whilst not a huge amount, for a single 23 yr old with accommodation provided, all bills paid, uniform provided and transport to and from work, that's a pretty good starting salary. Not bad for a non unionised workforce.
Perhaps those concerned with the plight of our abused slaves could enlighten us as to the starting salary of BA cabin crew?
Last edited by BYMONEK; 3rd Jul 2012 at 19:48.
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The union that you refer to did no damage to 45,000 employees Of my airline because it does not represent them. It does represent the UK based employees (circa 400). The airline that I work for doesn't have 45,000 employees, or even half that figure. I'm sure that there is a valid point somewhere in your statement, but as it stands, it is factually inaccurate: Possibly your assumption about my employer is incorrect? The moral of the story would seem to be not to base personal attacks on mods on assumption?
The slave labour referred to in my previous post does not refer to FA's but to the many tens of thousands of other residents of Gulf States for whom the statement is correct: I stand by each of the statements made above, but would be interested to hear any evidence that you may have to the contrary. I have no issue with your rebuttal, beyond the fact that it fails to answer the actual position and statements made. Try again, maybe?
Originally Posted by Tightslot
... a society that criminalises homosexuality, promotes slave labour, restricts Trade Union membership and promotes Nepotism and Graft
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Firstly, let's clarify one very important point here. Nobody is forced to work in the UAE. The 'slaves' that you refer to are mainly unskilled labourers, mostly from rural India, Bangladesh and Nepal. They come out of desperation to earn a wage to provide food for families back home. Most earn no more than 150 pounds a month. They accept this because employment opportunities back home are non existent. What jobs are available to them are paid at around $2 per day. Maybe some feel that Arabs exploit that fact. Unfortunately, some do. What is sad, however, is that Countries like India, a nuclear state with one of the highest number of millionaires in the World and Bangladesh, the most corrupt Country in the World, care less of their own people than the Middle East.
We can't change the mechanics of poverty and whilst we may find it unpalatable at times, the fact is that there will always be those that have and those that don't. Having lived here for 10 years, I find it easier to accept than when I first arrived. It doesn't make it right, but that's just the way it is. As a seasoned crew member, surely you must appreciate that too as you travel the Continents? Because you aren't confronted with it everyday, maybe that makes it harder to accept. Ever been to Calcutta, Dhaka or Lagos? Remember how you felt the first time you left the airport. Live with that for 30 years and you come to accept it. It does not, however, ever justify treating them or anyone else differently. I treat everyone the way I'd like to be treated and I instil that philosophy in my children too. Unfortunately, that's not common amongst everyone here.
So, whilst we could debate the ethics of poverty to the point of thread drift, I too stand by my comment regarding subsidy. You have no firm evidence to substantiate that accusation other than crew room chat and tabloid sensationalism. The only money EK received form the Dubai Government was $20 million back in 1985 when it was formed. It's been totally self sufficient since then. Fact.
I'd also like to know what the starting salary is of your airlines most junior crew. As you correctly pointed out, try again, maybe?
We can't change the mechanics of poverty and whilst we may find it unpalatable at times, the fact is that there will always be those that have and those that don't. Having lived here for 10 years, I find it easier to accept than when I first arrived. It doesn't make it right, but that's just the way it is. As a seasoned crew member, surely you must appreciate that too as you travel the Continents? Because you aren't confronted with it everyday, maybe that makes it harder to accept. Ever been to Calcutta, Dhaka or Lagos? Remember how you felt the first time you left the airport. Live with that for 30 years and you come to accept it. It does not, however, ever justify treating them or anyone else differently. I treat everyone the way I'd like to be treated and I instil that philosophy in my children too. Unfortunately, that's not common amongst everyone here.
So, whilst we could debate the ethics of poverty to the point of thread drift, I too stand by my comment regarding subsidy. You have no firm evidence to substantiate that accusation other than crew room chat and tabloid sensationalism. The only money EK received form the Dubai Government was $20 million back in 1985 when it was formed. It's been totally self sufficient since then. Fact.
I'd also like to know what the starting salary is of your airlines most junior crew. As you correctly pointed out, try again, maybe?
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Going back to the OP
I flew Emirates a couple of weeks ago and the airport is a disaster. Stairs not ready at the aircraft, which are parked in the arse end of nowhere, insufficient security checks open on arrival at the terminal, gates miles apart, etc.
Perhaps if they hadn't designed it as a massive duty free shop it might function a little better.
Cabin crew and in-flight top notch though.
Perhaps if they hadn't designed it as a massive duty free shop it might function a little better.
Cabin crew and in-flight top notch though.
Last edited by ChicoG; 5th Jul 2012 at 13:35.
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Asre end
Just wait till the intergalactic space port, down road opens then you will really be at the far end......of no where.....
All airports are glorified shopping malls, as the rents and commissions from these are much higher than the aircraft related fees.
I live in DXB, and prefer to use Qatar rather then Emirates, but only because I think they have even better cabin service then EK.
DXB airport will only get bigger and busier, as DXW (space port) will be some time yet.....
Agree re CC, they are all ace......
Glf
All airports are glorified shopping malls, as the rents and commissions from these are much higher than the aircraft related fees.
I live in DXB, and prefer to use Qatar rather then Emirates, but only because I think they have even better cabin service then EK.
DXB airport will only get bigger and busier, as DXW (space port) will be some time yet.....
Agree re CC, they are all ace......
Glf
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hey i work for ek as a crew member, am happy to hear all the positive comments about the service standards, can't say much coz i have not had a chance to fly with many other airlines to compare especially the european, hopefully i will soon. thanks i alot
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Glf, I have flown with QR and EK. Having spoken to crew from both, what I believe they have in common is a tyrannical work environment with a fear of retribution for any transgression made worse by an entrenched reporting culture.
In QR, the ramifications of any "crime" are even worse than at EK and the crew perform to a higher standard as a result. To be able to work your staff in this manner is a western airline CEO's wet dream.
The relatively high service standard you enjoy is not brought about by the economic subsidy environment in which they operate but by employing young, malleable crew with no industrial protection and exposing any miscreants to threats (and deeds). In a word: Fear.
In QR, the ramifications of any "crime" are even worse than at EK and the crew perform to a higher standard as a result. To be able to work your staff in this manner is a western airline CEO's wet dream.
The relatively high service standard you enjoy is not brought about by the economic subsidy environment in which they operate but by employing young, malleable crew with no industrial protection and exposing any miscreants to threats (and deeds). In a word: Fear.
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I do not condone the fear culture
It is endemic in the area.
There are other threads discussing the same problem, specifically junior CC reporting senior CC for permitting longer rest breaks on ULH.
GlF
There are other threads discussing the same problem, specifically junior CC reporting senior CC for permitting longer rest breaks on ULH.
GlF
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I had to ring the Emirates recently. No e.mail to confirm my booking. Nice chap answered quickly,took my Skywards number and confirmed my booking was OK. He then sent me an E.mail to confirm everything. According to my phone the whole call was only 52 seconds long! Definately great service.
Found later the G.mail had put the original message in spam???
Found later the G.mail had put the original message in spam???
