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Hi all,
Never flown on Emirates before, would appreciate comments from folks who have about whether they recommend it (or not) to fly from US to India. Comparisons with Singapore/Malaysian/Cathay would also help since I am familiar with those. Thanks.

beeamma;328894Hi all,
Never flown on Emirates before, would appreciate comments from folks who have about whether they recommend it (or not) to fly from US to India. Comparisons with Singapore/Malaysian/Cathay would also help since I am familiar with those. Thanks.

It's okay. Prior to flying them, I had heard a lot of positive feedback about the airline and how it might compare with Singapore Airlines (which is the best airline in the world according to most people). But I found the experience on Emirates to be no different than a typical European cross-continental airline (such as BA or Lufthansa). If you have never flown through Dubai, and you can get some time there, it's not a bad idea to see the place. It doesn't compare to Changi airport in Singapore by any means, but it's still a famous place. I got some good golf shirts for inexpensive prices at the airport.

If the fares are comparable, I would fly Singapore Airlines in a heart beat. Otherwise, I don't think there is any difference between Emirates and Malaysian or Cathay.

OP, You can look at this thread too. http://www.r2iclubforums.com/forums/showthread.php/13464-EMIRATES-AIRLINE-Final-trip-Is-it-good Not sure about your origin/destination, you could also try Ethihad (via Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai). It might work out cheaper.

We had traveled twice from JFK to BLR with Emirates and had a good experience with the airline. Pros are 1) Price are competitive with better services 2)Kids friendly- they get complimentary toys, books, crayons and good in flight entertainment 3) Food was exceptionally good when compared to European carriers 4) Leg room is Ok 5)Security at Dubai is a breeze, unlike London airport 6)Facilities at the airport are good with better seating and relaxing area. 7) I never heard anybody losing or missing luggage. Cons are : 1) Cancellation fees are hefty in case you change your return trip, unlike BA, Air France have waived for the first time cancellation for us 2)From BLR RT is not comfortable at Dubai airport due to long layover.

I have used emirates a year ago. Good service.. Great Food (I think I had some yummy chicken biriyani) .. I used their website for booking when they had some deals going on and found out to be a lot cheaper that most travel agents offered... Dubai airport is pretty good for shopping and I had almost 6 hrs of layover there.... I think they give you free buffet at the airport if you have a connecting fight through emirates.... If your layover is more than 6hrs (unlikely), they will give you hotel which is pretty nice and if you want you can take a tour of dubai...

I have used Singapore also, and I would say services are comparable.

My friend traveled to India by Emirates recently and the check in was not smooth at LAX. When my friend's carry on was over the limit she asked us to pay $50.00 more but my friend asked me take home some stuff that he doesn't need to reduce the wait. Then the lady said bluntly "don't think you can put those things back in when you go to the gate and I will be there and you have to pay $170.00". I was shocked and I could only laugh, for some reason I didn't get angry because it was childish for me. Finally she made us pay 50 dollars and check it in. I never had such an experience from any airlines.

If you are tall, there isn't much leg room. Otherwise it is an okay airline.

I have travelled twice by Emirates between Delhi - London via mideast. As good or as bad as any other airline.

I got a free upgrade on Emirates. It is a good airline with decent service. I have traveled by Singapore Airlines a few times. It is also a good airline with decent service. The biggest pain factor is the layover in Singapore on the way to Chennai. Once in Changi is okay, but it gets boring. I did the day trip on another occasion. Again, being tired from the flight from US, didn't enjoy the layover.