On arrival at BHX, check in was quick and we were swiftly through security too. We went to find IRIS to register but found they were closed between 12 and 3pm so were unable to register this time. Arrived in the Servisair lounge which had the usual very basic amenities of plastic wrapped piece of cake, biscuits and nuts and a limited alcohol selection. Most people in the lounge were on the EK flight.
Boarding took place in the new terminal with a huge queue but the EK staff advised us to go to the next gate and stay there with the other business class passengers. This was a nice touch as the EK flights now board business class passengers from a separate airbridge from the next door gate. The cabin was half full with the old fashioned deeply reclining EK seats which can be a disturbance to those sitting behind in recline mode. A drinks service followed quickly and the meal orders were taken following menu distribution. The first two courses of the meal service were very good but it took an age for the dessert trolley to come around and in that time, I gave up and decided to get some sleep.
Near to landing, a snack was served and thankfully in DXB, we were allocated a gate into T3 instead of being bussed in which used to be the norm for BHX flights.
Went straight to the 1st class lounge in T3 as we had already lost an hour with our initial delay and requested a massage which was really good. Had a couple of glasses of champagne and a little snack when we checked the board and realised the flight was boarding. The gate was quite close and there were no queues to board at all. We had 1AB and there were a very loud (and I now realise, drunk) German couple sitting behind us. The FAs asked when we would like our breakfast served and we decided to relax and watch a film so requested it be served as close to landing as possible. Thankfully, the couple behind us passed out as soon as we took off so we had a reasonably quiet flight. I dropped off through the film as the seats were so comfortable. They reclined as much or as little as you wanted and went into flat bed mode with massage option. They are quite private in that there is a divider which can be put up or down and a small non alcoholic minibar available. The window seat is much more private than the aisle but if it's not your partner you are travelling with, note you have to step past the aisle seat, with only about 3-4' of space to get through.
Overall, two really good flights, it's just a pity that the BHX leg uses the old style business class seats as it seems so dated now compared to what else is out there.
