EK Staff Travel question

[Killaroo]

Dear EK colleagues, I'm a retired (not EK) captain, planning a trip from Europe to SE Asia with EK and using my ID90 travel. I'm not on a schedule so it's no issue if I get bumped a few times from my start point. But what I don't want is to be bumped in DXB for the second leg.
I've never done this trip on standby before so I don't know how EK handles this. Can any of you guys enlighten me? Will EK check-in at my initial departure point refuse to take me if they can't check me all the way to final destination? Or will they let me go to DXB with no certainty of getting an onward flight?
If I don't get on the second leg I presume I have to exit the airport and try again next day? I imagine issues with checked bags and visas in that case. Any tips? Thanks!

[777boyo]

Pre Covid I travelled roughly every three months for three years from MAN to the Far East via DXB (and vv) using EK Retirement Subload concession tickets (EK Capt, almost 20 years in company).It was very unusual to be checked in all the way through, happened only twice if my memory is correct. Typically I would be checked in to DXB, and on arrival at DXB would receive a text message to the effect of "You have been accepted for flight EKXXX to ABC". Then had to go to transit counter and collect Boarding Pass for the onward flight. Occasionally I had to wait at the Boarding Gate until about 45 mins pre departure before finding out whether I was on the flight. Only got bumped once (at the Gate), and EK Ground Staff escorted me back to Arrivals Immigration. However - I travelled with hand baggage only, which made life simpler. Having checked baggage adds another level of complexity to your trip. Some connecting times between flights in DXB are quite short, and I doubt you would have sufficient time to go through Immigration, collect your baggage, and then proceed to the Staff check in desk for the onward flight. Sorry this is not especially positive, but maybe others have had different experiences and will also comment.

[Mare]

Originally Posted by Killaroo

Dear EK colleagues, I'm a retired (not EK) captain, planning a trip from Europe to SE Asia with EK and using my ID90 travel. I'm not on a schedule so it's no issue if I get bumped a few times from my start point. But what I don't want is to be bumped in DXB for the second leg.
I've never done this trip on standby before so I don't know how EK handles this. Can any of you guys enlighten me? Will EK check-in at my initial departure point refuse to take me if they can't check me all the way to final destination? Or will they let me go to DXB with no certainty of getting an onward flight?
If I don't get on the second leg I presume I have to exit the airport and try again next day? I imagine issues with checked bags and visas in that case. Any tips? Thanks!

most likely they will let you get on at the pint of departure regardless of the load on the second leg. You can get an airside hotel inside dxb terminal.

Best bet is to load the staff traveler app and request loads there. The app is available on the app store for free.

[Mgggpilot]

Off topic (if you would please excuse me) Who is a good pilot?
A good pilot is a retired one!
Congrats champs for being lucky to go all the way to hanging boots! I admire you.

[Red Hackle]

If you are on an ID90 it is highly unlikely EK will check you through bags and all on the second sector. So as you mention it would be a problem if you are a nationality that requires a visa for Dubai. In that case they won't check you in, unless you are on a confirmed second sector ticket. Good luck

[gehenna]

Hi Mare

I too am retired from EK, and have not heard about the app you mention; could you throw so light on that please. The only way I have used to see loads (so far) is to look at TRIPS, and see the predicted loads within 3 days of departure.

Thanks

[Mare]

Stafftraveler app available on Appstore for iphones.

[dream747]

In my experience with EK ID90 travel, they typically do check your bags from the point of origin to your final destination. If the second leg out of Dubai is tight on seats they will issue you a standby boarding pass at your first point of departure. Once you arrive at Dubai you proceed to the EK Connections counter to get your new boarding pass and they will be aware that you have checked bags.

If you can’t get on the flight out of Dubai, likewise they are aware of your checked bags and they’ll ensure they are not onloaded onto that flight. In this case you can choose to list yourself on the next available flight and you can wait in the transit area without having to collect your checked bags. They will tag them to your flight. Same case if you decide to change destination.

Hope it helps.

[Killaroo]

Hi All, and thanks very much for all your replies, they're very helpful. I think I'll take the advice of 777boyo and just travel with handluggage only. It sounds like a lot less hassle.
It's good to at least understand the check-in policy now and plan around that.
I have the Staff Traveller app and will keep an eye on it for loads.
Mgggpilot, yep, I say it often to my retired colleagues, it's a gift to have had a long and safe career and something to be thankful for. Stay safe!

[Boe787]

Staff traveller app is great, loads are generally very accurate