Originally Posted by NewCaledonia (Post 11851058)

There are many airlines tapping into the same market: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Turkish. The cake is probably too small for everyone to eat from.

A good price can make miracles. I know a few people who have flown from Western Europe to the US with Turkish via IST (paid like 350 euros). I also know someone who flew to Argentina from France... via Doha! because it was the cheapest option. An American friend flew recently to Western Europe from New York with Aeroflot via Moscow (I reckon Russians need to fill those empty seats now).

The other day Qatar Airways had their January sale and some fares were ridiculous ex-Europe. They were selling Brussels-India for 250 euro return with all taxes (and that was not an error fare, it was well advised in their Belgian website). Maybe Ryanair has new competitors. :lol:

Originally Posted by Standanista (Post 11851162)

I fly DXB to São Paulo and Buenos Aires a fair bit and the fares are always significantly cheaper on Turkish or Qatar than Emirates. Via Istanbul is a pain but Doha is no drama at all when you're saving AED 2,000 on the (economy) flight, for equivalent level cabin service. EK need to drop their prices or increasingly lose customers to their rivals in the region. The PPRuNe forum makes interesting reading as well.

Originally Posted by DXBtoDOH (Post 11851168)

Emirates is cheaper for passengers originating outside the UAE, not within the UAE.

Originally Posted by jam25mack (Post 11851240)

I've just booked DXB - Amsterdam return in March. Emirates were 660 GBP odd, Etihad (who I often fly with) were cheaper but not much and KLM (who I frequently use) were a bit cheaper again. In the end booked BA via Heathrow for 450 GBP. Thats a 210 GBP saving! I know its BA which isn't great but at least they are consistently average where as Emirates have been hit and miss for a few years now. Also, theyre night flights so will just be crashed out anyway. There was also a Transavia flight (direct) for 230 GBP but I read their reviews and decided I'm not that bothered about an extra 200GBP.....

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 11851244)

for 200 quid I'd rather fly direct.

Originally Posted by Standanista (Post 11851162)

I fly DXB to São Paulo and Buenos Aires a fair bit and the fares are always significantly cheaper on Turkish or Qatar than Emirates. Via Istanbul is a pain but Doha is no drama at all when you're saving AED 2,000 on the (economy) flight, for equivalent level cabin service. EK need to drop their prices or increasingly lose customers to their rivals in the region. The PPRuNe forum makes interesting reading as well.

Originally Posted by jam25mack (Post 11851258)

I thought about it but going via Heathrow isn't a biggie with hand luggage, just an extra few hours of kip.

Also 300 euros in the Dam will definitely come in handy, especially at hotels running at 100 GBP a night.... and 3 nights of stag beers to finance.

Originally Posted by jam25mack (Post 11851240)

There was also a Transavia flight (direct) for 230 GBP but I read their reviews and decided I'm not that bothered about an extra 200GBP.....

Originally Posted by Bahtatboy (Post 11851305)

I and my family have flown Transavia quite a few times -- no probs so far, new fleet, cheap and cheerful (literally, unlike the surly staff on their parent's planes).

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 11851286)

Suppose it pays two of the nights in the hotel.

I had a wicked in time in Amsterdam, but I did go with two single birds and shared a room. Those were the ****ing days.

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 11851286)

Suppose it pays two of the nights in the hotel.

I had a wicked in time in Amsterdam, but I did go with two single birds and shared a room. Those were the ****ing days.

Originally Posted by Millhouse (Post 11852925)

your mum and sister don't count.

Originally Posted by Meow (Post 11853660)

I'd suggest the takings of Uber and Careem drivers have dropped as many people don't want to pay the increased rates.