DisgustedofSwieqi - 03/02/2012 10:21 GMT
I was transferred to this flight from Austrian Airlines and check in at the gate, so cannot comment on the normal experience. The flight was from Vienna to Dubai.
Once in the gate, EK staff had cordoned off a section next to the gate with moveable barriers, which made waiting a little more comfortable, as it prevented the normal 'jockeying for position' that one sometimes encounters.
Boarding was on time and I was shown to my seat 6F) by a courteous flight attendant. This configuration has the fully flat business beds, which are comfortable and appreciated, even on a short 5 hour flight. My seat was on the right aisle side of a middle block of three and the sides of the seat shell are quite high, with a divider available via the push of a button, which neither my neighbour nor I felt the need to use.
We were offered a choice of fruit juice or champagne (Bollinger NV) before pushback, which was on schedule, followed by a mid length taxi and departure.
The aircraft was fitted out beautifully, with clean carpets and plenty of faux walnut, even around the window frames, which gave the aircraft the ambience of an executive jet.
Service was outstanding, efficient and friendly, delivered by an FA who (I guess) was Indian and both charming and attentive (knowing when to offer service and when to leave me alone with the in flight entertainment.)
Post take off drinks arrived very quickly after the captain released the crew and we were handed a wine list to complement the menu cards left in the pocket holding the safety card - also I found a 500ml bottle of water in the same place, a nice touch to quench the thirst before the drinks service.
There was a menu choice of starters and mains and I received my preference, even though I have no status with EK. Some other airlines would do well to understand how much this is appreciated when one has paid a premium for a ticket.
The starter I chose was mezze and it was a good selection of cold bites, with warm bread of different types, quite delicious. The main was pike-perch and was lovely. I would have been happy to have this meal in a restaurant, especially as it was lubricated with another glass of 'bolly', which was a difficult choice given the main wine list and the temptation to try that.
After dinner, it was time to have some entertainment and there is little to add to previous reports of Emirates ICE system (information, communication, entertainment.) It is very comprehensive and the screen was huge.
Before running a newly released movie, I did quickly call my wife using the facility to make mobile calls for 4 euros per minute; As I was going to arrive later than scheduled, I wanted to let her know in advance and this is a perfect use for the system, worth it despite a tariff nearly nine times more expensive than my normal roaming rate.
One movie and one documentary later and we were descending into Dubai, from the west. Arrival was at a remote stand and the usual separate bussing of premium pax was the order of the day. Although handed a fast track immigration card, this was not really required at circa 2230 and the arrivals hall was quiet.
Nonetheless, baggage delivery took over 30 minutes and this was a little disappointing, although my case arrived amongst the other premium baggage, which was a relief considering the late switch of flights.
Once painlessly through customs, the Emirates chauffeur drive desk quickly found a large Chevy Caprice with my name on it and the transfer to Jumeirah was fast and painless.
In summary, the flight was exemplary and a demonstration of how the pain can be removed from mid haul flying.
I have been critical of EK in the past for highly variable product and still feel this way, but on the basis of this flight, give the company top marks.
