Changing planes at Dubai
 

Peter has booked an Emirates flight from JFK to Dubai, then an Emirates flight to Bangalore, India. He loved the connection with only 1 hour 35 minutes in Dubai, but a boss has suggested that really might not be enough time. Really? The option is to have almost 8 hours layover. So those who have changed in Dubai -- how organized is it and how likely is an hour and 40 minutes going to be a problem? Or for that matter how likely is it that the main flight will be delayed? He's flying Business by the way and only carry-ons. And the time in Dubai is 20:15 to 21:50

If the JFK-DBX arrives in terminal 3, which is the exclusive terminal for Emirates, then the transit too is from the same to BLR. So if the check-in baggage is booked through to BLR, 1 1/2 hrs is more than adequate for a change over.Finish the boarding formalities and collect the boarding pass for the BLR leg at JFK.Emirates is very efficient with a good track record.

Terminal 2 in DBX is a shuttle ride away.

Flying Business has its perks , smaller queues and airport assistance and priority boarding ,it'll be a breeze.

We have transited in Dubai with a 90 min layover and had no problems. As airports go, it is one of the more efficient. As suggested above, collect the BP at the starting airport.

It's doable, although quite tight. On the upside, I have found the Emirates estimates of flight times to be well over, so you will probably arrive earlier than you expect. And if both legs are booked with the same airline then they are obligated to sort your onward travel if you arrive too late for the connection anyway. I am surprised the next one is as long as 8 hours away - when I booked mine they seemed to run every 2-3 hours. But that was London to Bangkok, not Bangalore admittedly. Also do not rely on being able to use the Fast track system - in some cases it just does not exist - even when you show the card you will be directed into the normal security lines in many cases.

The airport is well organised and clearly signposted, and even when using the shuttle train it literally only takes a couple of minutes to get the next terminal. So I wouldn't stress too much. You will probably make it and if you don't it's their problem to sort out.

Thanks for the reassurances. Actually, I realize it is a minor point. If he misses that connection, no doubt they'll put him on the next flight (which is a 7+ hour layover) which would be the alternative he'd be booking if the 95 minutes is too short.

And yes I see his arrival and departure are both at Terminal 3. And I'm thinking perhaps Saturday night from 8 to 10 won't be that busy.

It's also worth noting that Emirates are partnered with Quantas so you may find they have a connection that suits better.

Qantas doesn't fly to Bangalore (BLR) And I'd never find a $4880 round trip with Qantas in Business Class for the main flight! Using Emirates because it's about half the price or less than anything else we could find.

I hate arriving (or departing) India at 3am. Arriving in India is stressful at the best of times (especially if it's your first time), so don't do it in the (pitch) dark.

One of the attractions of the Middle East airlines is they have flights at civilized hours. So I say take an overnight at a comfortable hotel near DXB (I've used Etihad and there's a Premier Inn right at AUH, there must be something similar at DXB) and take the afternoon flight to BLR.

Will you Book that for us in business class for $4880 please? Along with private car to and from airports to hotels (54 miles from office to JFK)? Check it out and let me know the exact price and schedule please. I appreciate your offer.

With the chauffeured car to hotel with 3AM traffic, but at what would be late afternoon at home -- how bad can it be? And 17 hours total sounds so much better than 29 or 30 hours, thank you. Yes they'll be holding the hotel for late arrival. Maybe you'd prefer to mess around with an extra hotel night and two more transfers, getting luggage and rechecking in the next day, but some of us would rather get there and be done with it. Different strokes for different folks.

Just be aware that the Dubai airport is huge

Thanks, but all within terminal 3 from arrival to departure? Same airline (Emirates)?

I've changed twice in Dubai on connecting Emirates flights, in Feb 2015. One was the same turnaround time as Peter's. He'll be fine, flight arrival times willing!
It's indeed a big terminal, with lots and lots of departure gates --but "the flow" and signage was well organized despite the terminal being very busy. Being "directionally challenged" I recall having brief trouble with departure gate signs, but found immediate help from a random uniformed person.
The flights' departure waiting areas are via escalators, to a lower level than the main terminal. So IF he has time, and wants to get food/coffee (prices were exorbitant) get that before going down to the preflight gate.

BLR airport, for his return flight, is smaller and easily navigable, once past the crazy busy check-in lines.

I wonder if for Business Class, staff member might accompany him to the gate? A friend flew Business on Emirates between USA and India in 2015--I will ask.

There's a multicolored map linked below, which confuses the heck out of me but hopefully will help you :

http://www.emirates.com/us/english/p..._your_way.aspx

The next won't apply (re sleeping/showering) as he can use the Business Lounge (assuming the return trip allows more time between flights) but there's other info here:

http://www.sleepinginairports.net/mideast/dubai.htm