- Introduction: First Trip to Dubai with My Son!
- Review: Emirates Airlines 777-200LR (Economy Class) – Dallas to Dubai
- Review: Sheraton Hotel – Mall of Emirates
- Review: Marriott Hotel – Al Jaddaf
- Review: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Review: Burj Khalifa 124
- Review: Dubai Speedboat Tour
- Review: Marhaba Lounge – Dubai International Airport
- Review: Emirates Airlines 777-200LR (Business Class) – Dubai to Dallas
We checked out of the hotel around 11pm to head to the airport. With our flight departing around 0230, we would have plenty of time to enjoy the Emirates Airlines’ Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3…or so I thought.
The Uber dropped us at Terminal 3 at 1130pm. I immediately began looking for the business class check in because I upgraded our return segment for ~$3000 USD a couple of days prior. The upgrade offer was texted to me and I paid for it through the Emirates Airline app.
Not only did I not find the business class check in, I spent a good 30 to 40 going back and forth between areas 3 and 5. Finally, after see us wander around for some time, a staff member welcomed us to check in at Area 3.
We were checked in the economy passenger area fairly quickly. As we were going through the process, the agent asked if I wanted our bags back so we could go to the premium check in counter. No ma’am.
We quickly made our way through security then towards the Emirates Business Class Lounge on level 5.
As we stepped into the queue for the lounge, my excitement had reached a fever pitch. I had read so much about this facility and was longing to experience all it had to offer.
When it was our turn to scan the boarding passes to enter, the color did not change from blue to green like the other before us. I scanned the passes three times and it kept changing to red. An agent came over to scan them because surely I was doing something wrong. No help.
I was sent over to the counter for further assistance. The agent told me I did not have access to the lounge because I paid for an upgrade to business class. In my mind, I should have had access. Nonetheless, we left and headed towards the Marhaba Lounge.
The elevator for the lounge took some time to find, as it was tucked on the other side of the wall near gate B21. The lounge was on level 4.
Ways to enter the lounge:
⁃ Flying in Emirates premium class
⁃ Priority Pass
⁃ Pay $48 USD for three hours
This is a critical piece of information because the line to enter the line was wrapped around the corner. I almost backed out to take my chances in the terminal, but one has to take one for the team…sometimes.
After close to an hour, it was our turn to check in. I provided my boarding pass and priority pass info. The agent apologized for the delay. She stated the lounge was at capacity so it was a one for one to enter. This means one person has to leave before another can enter.
The lounge was big, with plenty of seating even though it was occupied. It is open 24 hours so I am sure there has to be a certain time of day when it is not at capacity.
Upon entering the lounge, there was seating to the left of the walkway and the buffet line to the right. There was an assortment of finger foods and desserts atop the counters while drink coolers could be found below.
The buffet line wrapped around the back into the bar area. There were a ton of community tables. a lot of the seats were occupied by guests’ bags or other items. This was kind of frustrating because I had to approach a guy with three seats taken to kindly ask him to give up one for my son.
I went to the back area of the buffet while Nicholas guarded our bags. The food options were not that appealing. I grabbed an assortment, if you will, and returned to the table.
The chicken dish (on the bottom left) was a bit dry but had a ton of flavor to it. The potatoes with beef (top left) had a bit of spice and were good as well. Nicholas enjoyed the cold pasta (top right). The burritos were a no go for the both of us. OMG. It was as is I was biting into redried cardboard.
We stayed in the lounge for a bit longer. Nicholas was able to get some Netflix time in while I was able to people watch and enjoy some adult beverages.
Final Word
It was a bit disappointing to be denied access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge because we were on paid upgrade tickets. The Marhaba Lounge is adequate, size wise, but could cut down on so many guest access options. All in all, I would visit again.
