Fly Dubai (FZ) Business class

Based in Dubai we thought we would have a holiday within the Gulf area and chose to visit Salalah in Oman. Rather than drive the 1500kms from Dubai we decided to fly. Our options were QR, WY or FZ. We chose FZ business class for timings and cost.
This was my first ever experience of travelling with a Low Cost airline (unless you consider BA express and Go Fly as truly low cost.)
FZ introduced a business class cabin last year and the total for 2 of us to SLL was under 800 GBP. The price included dedicated check in, Lounge access in DXB T2 and SLL, all meals, drinks, IFE, 40kgs of baggage per person and 2 pieces of handluggage
There is a dedicated business team who you can contact should you have any issues.
2 days before departure FZ contacted us to see if we wanted to preselect our meals, we were given a choice of 6 main courses which was a very nice touch. We selected both our outward and inbound meals.
We checked in online 24hrs before departure for the DXB – SLL leg.
On line check in was not avaialble for the return

Check in / bag drop DXB T2.
2 dedicated desks were open in T2 DXB for Business class, the check in agents were more interested in talking between themselves, but then again they were not FZ staff but DNATA and i suffer this when travelling BA or QR.
Priority bag tags were added to the checked in luggage. As the terminal was quiet the fast track security lane was closed, but not a problem as we were through in quick time.

Check in for the return was a lot more chaotic by Oman air in the new SLL airport (opened just over 2 weeks previously). The agent could not find our names on the CRS, at the dedicated business class check in. All resolved when the FZ rep turned up – the agent was looking at the wrong flight….

DXB T2 Lounge
FZ operates a small but very modern business lounge, we were the only 2 people in the lounge on this Saturday afternoon. Good selection of snacks and drinks served on request including alcohol even though it is Ramadan.

SLL WY Lounge
New modern comfortable lounge with good food selection – no alcohol available as the licence had not been granted.

Boarding was via a bus as is normal in DXB T2, no dedicated contact gates or business class bus.
Boarding in SLL via airbridge

DXB – SLL – DXB
Seating on the very new B737 – 800 was 3 rows of 2 x 2, seats are upholstered in cream leather and reclining type. Ideal for the anticipated 2hr flight time. Pre take off drinks offered from a very welcoming crew, Mumm Cordon rouge, water or juice. (no Champers ex SLL)
After take off hot towels and menu / drinks cards were distributed and drinks orders taken. There is a well stocked bar but wine limited to 1 x NZ SVB and 1 x OZ red and Mumm champagne.
Tables were laid with a table cloth, and meals presented on a tray, on both legs there was a substantial starter, main as we had chosen, dessert and unlimited selection of breads. Tea and coffeee was available after the trays had been cleared away. Drinks service was very good with constant top ups.
Hot towels were offered prior to landing.
No hard sell for DF shopping.
IFE was available but we were chatting and did not use it.

All in all it was a very good experience and far surpassed our expectations and as good if not better than intra gulf services provided by EK, QR and WY in C class. The eurpoean carriers could take a few lessons, but then again their cost base is much higher.

Would definately use FZ business class again.

Good report inthesandpit, I have only used FZ once, in business RUH-DXB and back and was impressed by the onboard service, very similar to your experience.

I quite liked the arrival in DXB with separate bus to terminal building and escorted right to the front of the immigrantion queue. From walking down the steps to waiting for a bus about 12 minutes.

When I used the lounge in DXB it was quite busy but there was a floor walker getting tables cleared and directing people to vacant seats.

Sadly FZ reduced the number of flights to RUH so it’s no longer an option for me.

Inthesandpit – no relation as far as I know! Although I used to know many BCal people back in the late 70’s when I was a travel agent. Mostly reservations girls!