Emirates First, Business and Economy review
Friday, July 4, 2014
EK435: Brisbane to Dubai
Airbus A380-800
14 hours, 20 minutes
Seat 16F
The Emirates Lounge in Brisbane is a perfect place to start a business-class flight experience. The lounge is large and elegant, the food tasty with a plethora of choice, and the best news is you can board directly from the lounge. No queues.
My wife and I are in the middle seats, which are perfect for people travelling together as you can lower the middle partition and chat as much as you like.
The middle seats are also slightly longer than the window seats, so if you are really tall, there is some merit in booking these.
If you are a solo traveller looking for the ultimate in privacy, then I recommend 7A, 7K, 23A or 23K. These offer extra space and allow you to shut yourself off from anything that is happening on the flight.
The layout of the seats is staggered, which means every passenger has access to the aisle without having to step over anyone else.
My favourite part of this plane is the bar area towards the tail of the plane. But not necessarily for a drink.
What I like is, it allows you to stand, stretch and have a chat with the staff, which helps break the journey.
I went to the bar for a nightcap (Baileys on ice) while the cabin crew put the mattress down on my cosy, and comfortable, lie-flat bed. There are plenty of extra pillows available if you need them.
Every one of the 76 business class seats has in-flight power and individual ICE entertainment system.
Emirates has the largest fleet of A380s in the world.
The A380 business class in-flight entertainment.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
EK125: Dubai to Vienna
Boeing 777-300ER
5 hours and 21 minutes
Seat 32K
The flight is about three-quarters full, boarding is in the final stages, and I still have a spare seat next to me.
When the cabin steward announces the door has been closed, I breathe a long sigh of relief. In economy, any extra space makes the journey that little bit easier.
The seat width on this plane is a little narrower than economy on Qantas and Virgin domestically in Australia. But there seems to be more leg room.
Because I’m a gold frequent flyer with Qantas, the purser seeks me out and welcomes me on board. That’s a nice touch.
All drinks, except for Moet champagne ($US15 or $A17), are complimentary.
The dinner menu is small with only two choices — mains of grilled chicken or lamb biryani. Obviously not a lot of vegetarians on board.
The chickpeas and sweet corn salad appetiser is my pick as the best. I opt against trying the blueberry streusel cake as I’m sure I’ll find better in Vienna.
I order a Bloody Mary and am handed some tomato juice, a bottle of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, a sachet of pepper and a bottle of vodka. It’s obviously do-it-yourself in economy unlike business where the drink comes already made.
Passenger reviews say that seats 23 A, B and C are the best on offer.
By the time I get my drink and lunch, there’s only three hours to go. That means it’s time for a Modern Family marathon on the ICE entertainment system.
A private first-class suite, includes Bulgari products in amenity kits, a private minibar, vanity table, mirror and wardrobe.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
EK158: Stockholm to Dubai
Boeing 777-300ER
5 hours and 55 minutes
Seat 1F
There’s no better feeling than boarding a flight and turning left. Only good things happen when you turn left at airports, I’ve discovered.
After almost six weeks on the road, it is time to head home on the first leg of the journey to Dubai.
The flight was delayed because of an airport technical issue but the plane was loaded early and ready to leave as soon as we got permission.
Most of us only dream of first class. In five years of travelling the world for my job, I have had probably 10 first-class flights.
And I thank my lucky stars for that.
The difference is simple. It is all about the attention to detail. It is the little things that happen for you inside your closed private suite. I’m welcomed on board with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. According to the menu, it should be Dom Perignon but, trust me, I’m not complaining.
My seat has a personal mini bar with Pepsi, 7 Up, cranberry juice, and sparkling and still water. I have a collection of snacks including a Mars bar, some pretzels, dried mango and other treats.
The first-class menu is extensive with a choice of six starters, six mains and a handful of desserts.
First class on this flight has eight seats, but only three are filled. We have three crew members to look after us so nothing is too much trouble.
It is a day flight, so there’s no sleep suit to be had, just slippers and Hollywood shades.
I watched two movies on a TV screen that was as big as the one we have in our bedroom at home and then it was time to get off. Shame really. I was made for first class but my wallet was made for economy.
The author was a guest of the airline to write the Emirates First, Business and Economy review.