EK384 DXB-BKK 1 DEC 11 (BUSINESS)
Posted: 08 Dec 2011, 19:54I apologise in advance, that by reading through my narrative, you may ascertain that EK is not my favourite carrier and therefore a degree of balance will need to be inserted by you, the reader.
As a loyal VS flyer and holder of the coveted AU card, my first choice of travel partner from DXB is GF as the only airline offering connections to most cities I travel to, except of course to LHR when there is no option other than VS.
A last minute decision (24hrs before departure) to holiday in BKK over the public holiday that was the UAE's 40th independence celebrations meant that my usual GF flights were not available. Oh no, I thought, no airmiles, what to do! Time to step outside my comfort zone... Checking the sites resulted in extortionate fares on both EY and EK and no flights available on TG. A moment of inspiration, check expedia and low and behold TG flights were available (although not advertised through the TG website) with EK codeshare flights outbound, TG return. Several hundred pounds cheaper than the other options... yes, I thought. Why not?
After booking the flights, the first pleasant surprise, checking the EK website my booking appeared and not only this, also the option to book a chauffeur transfer. Super! So, just after midnight, an SMS landed, your chauffeur is waiting for you outside. After a very sedate journey to DXB terminal 3 we checked in through the dedicated J check in area and were transported via elevator to an absolutely 'heaving' (sorry, no other word for it) terminal. Forgetting Duty Free with such crowds, straight off to the lounge we were. The Emirates Business Class lounge is expansive, busy and somewhat lacking. I guess I'm too used to the VS facilities at LHR! We managed (eventually) to find a seat and enjoyed some surprisingly good food and a liquid refreshment. Shame about the surroundings.
Having enough of sitting in a 'waiting room' we decided to head to the gate before the official boarding announcement had been made. Made our way through the scanning process to be hit by a significant queue to make our way to the upper deck of the A380 that was awaiting us (yes, that's why we chose the 0315 departure). Bearing in mind the majority of the upper deck is business class there was only one elevator in operation which, I guess, was due to a mechanical fault so I can't be too negative over this. When the elevator did arrive, along with the mass crowd movement in to it, we were whisked up to the upper level and along the jet bridge to board. I have to say that one of the benefits of flying on the upper deck of the 747 is ascending the stairs, as you board on to the A380 at the assigned level this experience is removed, which I missed.
We were seated in the rear section which I was actually pleased about as it was a smaller area but I did feel that having the majority of this deck being business removes the 'exclusivity' of the cabin. The seats, on first impression, were impressive. There is a lot of space assigned per passenger. I had opted for a window seat which meant the chair was next to the fuselage and to my left was a table and mini bar... nice touch!
The seating area (it is much more than just a seat) was well designed and proportioned, clean and comfortable. The IFE screen was huge and I was excited by (sorry, I've never seen it before) electric window blinds. On the ground, we were offered Moet or orange juice. At that point a member of crew did the rounds welcoming Skywards frequent flyers. Now, this is always an issue I have with VS that it's not always in existence, however... a crew member walking around with a folded over print out of the manifest offering a somewhat lack luster (i don't know how to spell that!) welcome is not really what I would welcome.
Pushed back slightly late, but with the tailwinds an early arrival was expected... The ICE IFE is very good but, I know people will disagree, is only on parr with VPORT. The only difference being that ICE is available from boarding to the arrival gate. The crew, as usual were acceptable... doing the necessary but not making any particular effort (see second para).
We were seated just in front of the bar area which is much larger (obviously) than on VS aircraft. We didn't use it, but it did seem to have a nice ambience and canapes were positioned around the section and seemed to be enjoyed by quite a few passengers.
The food. Now, I've heard / read of issues with VS food but I have never had a problem. This flight, the options were dreadful (and I have used that word under consideration). As the flight departed at 0315 the option was breakfast but noodles, cheese and something I really can't remember doesn't cut it! The aircraft connects on to HKG and even their lunch options were terrible. Needless to say, I declined the kind offer of any substance to accompany my, very nice, Glenfiddich (again my spelling fails me).
A 'mattress' was fitted to my seat upon conversion to the fully flat bed and this was a nice addition. I slept the majority of the flight which is what I had hoped for with just a four day holiday in Thailand.
Upon waking, I was handed a landing card... point to consider... 99% of passengers need to complete a landing card, maybe a pen should be in the amenity pack? (which, btw, is very nice and contains the usual VS items plus mouthwash, disposable razor etc).
Touch down, everyone's phone on straight away (another difference with VS, EK allow phones immediately upon exit of the exit runway). Fast track immigration vouchers issued (thank goodness) and unlike GF, priority baggage handling worked a dream!
It's such a shame that EK crew (in my opinion) and isolated service points don't go the extra mile that their product demands to provide a truly superior passenger experience.
I've just now re-read this and apologise for such a lengthy diatribe that is of little interest to most! I hope that those that agree with this statement will look forward to my DXB - LHR - SFO - LAS - JFK - LHR - DXB report in February :-)
