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Airport meet, greet, assistance - Marhaba, Alhan or ?

1042

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 13:44

My 88 year old Grandmother is arriving in Dubai for a visit in a few weeks. Last time she visited the airline were supposed to arrange assistance for her at both ends but they failed to do so. Therefore this time I would like to pay for a service to ensure there is someone to help her and with the long walk at Terminal 1 she may need a buggy or wheelchair (although she can walk, but not far and at less that 5' tall she is liable to get knocked over by crazy passengers pushing past her)

So I am considering Marhaba or Alhan, can anyone recommend if they've used either or even another service that does a similar thing.

TIA.

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504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 07:12

Ruth - you should ask for wheelchair service (don't say 'assistance', specify wheelchair), make sure it is noted on the booking; if there are any hitches (which there shouldn't be) insist on actually getting it (sit down at check in until they bring the wheelchair; tell your grandmother not to get off the plane until one is provided). The airline doesn't provide the service itself, it pays for the airport to do so; the service is available if they ask for it - what it does sometimes mean is quite a wait. Yes the services have little golf cart buggies (can be quite a wait for those too) but there are walks in between; wheelchair service is effectively door to door - and they accept that people may be able to walk, but need a wheelchair to negotiate the airport and its long corridors, jostling people, etc.

1042

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 23:31

If she's flying business and therefore paying for a superior service, isn't Marhaba, or the equivalent, automatically included? Unfortunately not, business just means priority check-in, priority baggage, lounge access, flat bed seat and better meal. It does not provide assistance from check-in to plane and from plane to exit which is what she really needs. Technically the airline should provide assistance as she is elderly but last time they messed it up which is why I want to book something this time.

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Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 22:03

If she's flying business and therefore paying for a superior service, isn't Marhaba, or the equivalent, automatically included?

294

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 21:30

I used to book airport assistance for our clients on regular basis, Marhaba messed up so many times, Ahlan was much better

1042

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 18:38

Thanks for all the input. I was leaning towards Marhaba as they mention something about wheelchair on their website. But I am going to phone Ahlan and see what they say. She doesn't need a wheelchair but can't walk quickly and can get very nervous when people are bustling past her as she's been knocked over a few times and broken both hips. So if they have a buggy I am sure she will prefer that as she hates being pushed around it makes her feel incapacitated. The lounge isn't a problem as they are flying business anyway so will have access to the business lounge. Although perhaps the service will only agree to take them to "their" lounge. Thanks again. <em>edited by RuthM on 31/01/2013</em>

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Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 18:14

I must have been very unlucky then; as I was very disapointed with the Marhaba service. I arrived early morning with a baby and 2 hand bags from Terminal 2. I have booked specifically this service for the fast lane at the customs and to help me carrying my stuff. The lady did not even help me carrying my bags, nor opened their strollers, nor greeted me, nor offered any sort of help. She was pointing out the elevator, the stroller cabinet, the custom, the carriers, etc (which were obvioulsy exposed) What a waste of money especially when there was no queue at the custom counters :( That's weird. We had a lady and a man. The lady was showing the way and the guy took all our luggage for us and put all of them into taxi. We did not have to lift a finger.

Anonymous (not verified)

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Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 18:02

We always use Marhaba for our special guests and family - never had any complaints about them at all.

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:46

This question has been done before. I took a note because I will need it for visitors. Most posters did vote Ahlan over Marhaba.

amazingdxb50911

331

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:32

I must have been very unlucky then; as I was very disapointed with the Marhaba service. I arrived early morning with a baby and 2 hand bags from Terminal 2. I have booked specifically this service for the fast lane at the customs and to help me carrying my stuff. The lady did not even help me carrying my bags, nor opened their strollers, nor greeted me, nor offered any sort of help. She was pointing out the elevator, the stroller cabinet, the custom, the carriers, etc (which were obvioulsy exposed) What a waste of money especially when there was no queue at the custom counters :(

457

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 14:36

Ditto we used Marhaba Silver for my parents - it was great, takes a load of your mind and worry-free for them too!

200

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 14:04

We used Marhaba as well and they were brilliant!

604

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 14:02

used Marhaba Silver in Dec/Jan for FIL (76yrs with hernia, waiting for op). My only comment would be that on the exit leg, the lounge was so full and no one offered to find him a seat!! If there is a next time I will try Ahlan

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Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 13:59

I booked Ahlan for my parents (both in 70s) and it was the thing that impressed my dad the most for the entire holiday! He wouldn't stop talking about how good it was. Never used Merhaba so cannot compare, but my folks were sure happy with Ahlan. Have used both and would say Ahlan

485

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 13:57

I booked Ahlan for my parents (both in 70s) and it was the thing that impressed my dad the most for the entire holiday! He wouldn't stop talking about how good it was. Never used Merhaba so cannot compare, but my folks were sure happy with Ahlan.

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 13:54

We used Mathaba Silver in January and they were absolutely superb. My sister and her husband were met and taken on a buggy when they came out the gate and escorted all the way to our car along with the porter and helped in duty free too. Cannot recommend them enough. Go to the Dnata site to book and if the online fails, just call them which is what I did. As I have said they were great both in the booking stage and the actual service.

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