Smooth check in and after a bit of duty free shopping, wandered to the lounge which is an EK only lounge and done in their usual style. Hot food was on offer from a buffet style area, including great desserts. Moet was offered instead of their usual Veuve in the lounge. When a plate was finished with, it was quickly cleared away.
Flight was on time and boarding takes place for business passengers from a different gate to economy so no queue jumping needed.
On board, we were in the larger cabin consisting of 5 rows and a 2 3 2 configuration. They were the EK fixed shell lie flat seats which plenty of functions to play with. It was a 2 class plane 777-300ER. There was a private cabin of 1 row (row 6) but we didn't choose this as it backed onto the economy bulkhead which on an overnight flight is not the best as it's very often full of crying babies.
Take off was on time at 9.20pm. However, I did feel the drink service and food was very slow. Other than the pre take off drink, the drinks service was offered at around 10.30pm and food served at 11.30pm, which for a shortish overnight flight is far too late as you just want to get your head down. I opted for main course only and quickly reclined to get some sleep.
The IFE was excellent with plenty of choice to keep anyone happy.
There was no breakfast option on offer but upon waking, offered tea/coffee/juice.
It was a very smooth flight but the flat beds were not fully flat like VS as I seemed to slide down a little toward the foot rest but it was much nicer being able to just recline without having to stand up (and sometimes revive yourself in the process) to get to bed mode.
I took my VS sleep suit for this flight as EK only offer theirs in first class.
On night flights they also give out a nice Bulgari amenity pack - which has different products for male and female. The male bag is a sturdy brown case whereas the female one is a brown satin case with a magnetic flap to close it.
