will be on one in a few hours...
i use them as from bhx its a fast checkin without the heathrow bollox.
as Gildas says you now use T3 which has its own security and can be a total nightmare, not going to get any better with them now using the 380, shit loads of people to get through.
if your on a tight transfer tell them as you get off and they "should" help you through. couple on my last flight to south africa were close but they got met at the gate.
i have lounge access which helps, i have a long transfer this time and like you i could have paid a bit more and got it cut down, meant going to the airport at 930pm instead of 6pm.
can do online checkin so already done that, picked my seat etc.
for the £400 this cost it was a good deal i thought.
also Emerates have been having double mile promotions on so between hols and work i have upgraded my xmas flights to business.
the flyer program with them seems ok and i always get the full miles unlike star alliance, BA, malaysia who cut them at the first chance they get.
25000 gets you silver and lounge access and 32kg luggage.
will stick with them until they screw me over