Chris Saul's Blog

Sunday September 16, 2007

Express priority slow lane

I managed to get in the Business and First Class line for JFK's security check, by dint of my Emirates gold card. My initial satisfaction at having blagged my way in quickly evaporated as the 'slow' economy lane whizzed through about five times as us. Next time I won't be so cheeky.

Fortunately the incredible Emirates lounge has calmed me down, along with a large, perfectly cooked steak from the buffet. The loung really is superb - large, bright and airy, with an amazing food and drink selection.

In fourteen hours I'll be back in Dubai, ready for three weeks without any long trips.

Smoke free malls, finally

Dubai's malls went smoke free yesterday - finally! I wonder if the authorities decided to move this way after reading this post? :)

I'm still a bit confused about what's being implemented as some of the articles I've read in the press have been a bit contradictory. Some say that smokers won't be able to smoke anywhere inside the malls, others that smoking areas will be permitted.

My personal feeling is that smoking areas should be allowed for the time being. No need to go for a full ban at the moment as this is likely to lead to smokers flouting the ban completely, as well as stoking up general bad feeling in a country where expats and locals alike are used to chuffing all over the place with impunity. By all means have some smoking rooms, or well ventilated sections in cafes and restaurants for now.

As long as people stop smoking on the escalators and general public areas of the malls, I'll be happy.