SkyGourmet From Germany, joined Jun 2006, 120 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 19768 times:
Welcome to my trip report!
Never having been to Asia before, I had made up my mind to make use of my spare time before courses at university were to start and visit this diverse continent, although I hadn't decided on a country yet. After consulting the flight search engine I found a good offer by Egyptair from Munich to Kuala Lumpur, with a change of planes in Cairo and a stop in Mumbai.
MUC-CAI
Sunday, 12 July 2009
MS 788
Boeing 737-800
SU-GCS
scheduled departure time: 1555
scheduled arrival time: 2040
After a lengthy train ride I arrived at MUC just in time. Lufthansa does the check-in for Egyptair at MUC, Egyptair being part of Star Alliance now. Since the opening of the new terminal at CAI baggage is checked through to the final destination (at least in theory). I managed to secure window seats for the two following flights.
Egyptair flights depart from the Star Alliance terminal. Last time I flew from this terminal I remember some coffee machines set up after security where you could help yourself to some complimentary tea or coffee. This doesn't seem to be the case anymore, but one could choose from a wide range of newspapers.
SU-GCS, the Egyptair Star Alliance jet was waiting at a remote stand. This 737-800 is less than a year old.
Inside the plane was fitted with nice blue seats in economy and drop-down LC-displays every few rows. I caught a glimpse of Egyptair's business class which offers 2+2 seating and PTVs.
A blanket, a pillow and earphones were provided for every passenger. After take-off the flight attendants went through the aisle with some Arabic or German newspapers and magazines to choose from. The male flight attendant was in a good mood, the two female ones seemed a bit indifferent.
Soon the scent of hot food became noticeable indicating the commencement of meal service.
Today's choice was beef or fish. I decided to give the beef a try. The meat was rather bland, but the vegetables were nice and spicy. I enjoyed the orange cream served as dessert.
All things considered, the meal tasted better than the picture might suggest but the portion was kind of small.
Egyptair unfortunately is a dry airline so I had to resort to the soft drinks and juices, all served from bottles and cartons. At least the assortment of juices was satisfactory, it consisted of guava, mango, apple, orange, tomato and pineapple juice. Tea and coffee were served shortly after the meal service. I must say that the coffee tasted terrible, but the tea wasn't bad.
On the screens a movie was shown in English with Arabic subtitles. This lead to the map not being displayed until shortly before landing. Whilst peering out the rather dirty window I recognized what I believe to be the greek island of Santorin (Thira).
About half way over the Mediterranean Sea, nightfall had submerged the world outside the aeroplane into darkness, rendering my camera useless for the remainder of the flight.
After a preposterous security check for connecting passengers and a swine flu check with an infrared camera I entered the new terminal at Cairo. My first impression was the freezing cold which hit me like an ice wall. It couldn't have been more than 15° C in that place. Luckily the temperature at the food court was more pleasant so I settled down there awaiting my next flight.
CAI-(BOM)-KUL
Monday, 13 July 2009
MS 968
Airbus A330-200
Somewhere over the Arabian peninsula the next day dawned and the flight attendants asked the passengers to close the window shades which was okay with me, for I wanted to sleep like most of the other passengers. But before I was going to try to doze off, I first had to sample the breakfast Egyptair was about to serve shortly after take-off.
Everybody who felt like eating at 5:30 in the morning received two rolls, a small cake, a fried egg, a sausage, a potato scone and a rather doughy pasty filled with cream cheese, followed by the usual drink and tea or coffee service. Again the coffee wasn't really to my taste.
The amenity kit handed out is probably one of the nicest ones in economy class. The pouch contained socks, earphones, eye shades, tooth brush and a key chain. After a few hours most of the passengers had determined they had slept long enough and began opening their window shades.
Egyptair doesn't have PTVs in economy class, although their A330s are quite new. A few movies were shown on the screens but I didn't bother watching as I was sitting far away from the nearest screen and time somehow passed quickly even without decent in-flight entertainment.
Shortly before landing at Mumbai a cake was served, followed by a round of drinks. I had got out of my seat a few times prior to that and asked for something to drink at the rear galley, where most of the flight attendants were hanging about.
Mumbai
Jai Ho!
I was able to catch some fresh air through the open rear door of the Airbus. A friendly cleaning crew came through the aisles with a loud and somewhat outmoded vacuum cleaner. A few passengers disembarked at Mumbai, I couldn't tell whether anyone boarded. After about one hour on the ground, the plane took of into the hazy sky for its final leg to Kuala Lumpur.
Another meal service followed with a choice of chicken or fish. I opted for the chicken which was prepared Indian style. It was tasty and spicy. I wasn't too happy with the dessert which was some kind of cloyingly sweet dumplings soaked in sugar syrup.
The rest of the flight was smooth and eventful and I consulted my guidebook (I actually hate using guidebooks) what my first destination in Malaysia was going to be.
Shortly before landing peanuts were handed out. The first attempt at landing was aborted and we went around due to another plane not clearing the runway in due time.
At the baggage carousel at KLIA, which is quite a nice airport, I was approached by some airport staff who informed me that my luggage was still in Cairo and was going to be delivered to me with the next flight.
Good thing I hadn't made any plans yet.
MALAYSIA
So I could finally pick up my luggage the next day and was set on exploring Malaysia.
Malacca
Singapore
Singapore
Mmm food,,,
Welcome to the jungle!
Kota Bharu
Pulau Perhentian Kecil
Pulau Perhentian Kecil
Pulau Perhentian Kecil
Pulau Perhentian Kecil
Mmm durian...
the jungle train
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia was a blast! It's not too touristy and it's easy to get around with English. I met lots of cool people and the food is absolutely delicious and low-priced. Vacationing in Malaysia is cheaper than staying at home! Keep in mind though that it's rather hot and humid there.
KUL-(BOM)-CAI
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
MS 969
Airbus A330-200
In the late afternoon I took the KLIA transit train back to the airport and proceeded to check-in which was done by Malaysia Airlines. There I received the equivalent of about 30 Euro for my luggage being delayed on the way to Malaysia, which is better than nothing these days I guess.
Luckily airport security at KLIA doesn't give a hoot about the liquids ban although there were some placards referencing it so I could take a bottle of water onboard.
Soon after leaving behind the Malaysian mainland and nothing beneath us as the dark vastness of the Indian Ocean it was time for the same amenity kit in a different color and it was also time for dinner with a choice of chicken or beef.
The beef was a little tough and the whole meal bland, but a healthy dose of salt and pepper made it eatable.
The delicious chocolate mousse on a sponge cake and the smoked salmon salad made up for the rather disappointing main dish.
Leg room is quite generous on Egyptair's A330s and the seat next to me wasn't occupied so I managed to rest up a bit.
On this flight I encountered an extremely unfriendly male flight attendant. Fortunately he left the plane at Mumbai where the whole crew was exchanged.
Breakfast was a lot better this time with a choice of a mushroom omelette or fried rice. Having had more than enough rice to eat in Malaysia I selected the omelette which was accompanied by a tomato, a sausage, spinach, a roll and a croissant. I had tea as I wasn't going to try my luck with Egyptair's coffee one more time.
Back in Cairo I noticed that most of the lounges were still under construction, light fixtures were missing and telephones weren't installed yet.
The food court offers a good view of the apron. Some planes are carrying Egyptair's new livery, which is certainly an improvement in my opinion.
CAI-MUC
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
MS 787
Boeing 737-800
SU-GCR
scheduled departure time: 1145
scheduled arrival time:1455
This plane is the newest in Egyptair's fleet. It was delivered in march 2009 and still was in mint condition.
Pre take-off some candy was offered which I thought was a nice touch.
After leaving the African continent behind the blue of the sky just seemed to be flowing into the sea and it was also time to eat. Three choices were on offer. I don't think I've ever experienced this in Y.
By the time the food trolley reached my seat the original choice of chicken, beef or fish had been narrowed down to chicken or beef, of which I settled for the quite palatable beef. Again the dessert was the best part of the meal.
This time my luggage made it to the destination along with me and I could board the train home.
CONCLUSION
There are better airlines out there than Egyptair, but for the price I paid only two weeks before flying I can't really complain (530 Euro). Quality and quantity of catering could be improved, along with the coffee and the attitude of some of the flight attendants. The new terminal at CAI is a little chaotic and there's not much to do on long layovers. Overall, though, a positive experience.
Globetraveller From Germany, joined Apr 2008, 377 posts, RR: 22 Reply 3, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 19509 times:
An interesting trip report. I especially enjoyed your pictures of your destination; I find that these sort of images always add so much to a trip report.
EkA380 From Egypt, joined Aug 2008, 120 posts, RR: 7 Reply 6, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 18599 times:
I would like to thank you for the very interesting report, you have exactly summed up my opinion about MS , they have improved in many aspects but they still have a long way to go until they meet the standard of other Star Alliance members.
Hopefully MS will be installing PTV's on their upcoming B777-300ER's.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): At the baggage carousel at KLIA, which is quite a nice airport, I was approached by some airport staff who informed me that my luggage was still in Cairo and was going to be delivered to me with the next flight.
I wonder how they spotted you ? and I am really surprised for why didn't they give you the compensation the day you had arrived , that would have been more logical and better for you.
Anyway , I hope I will get to try MS on long haul flights too , as I prefer legroom more then entertainment and secondly because of their lovely prices
Egyptair269 From Egypt, joined Mar 2007, 197 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 18207 times:
Great TR, thanks for sharing
Its good to see MS did pretty well (Amenity kits, legroom, clean new planes etc.) And there is still however some room for improvement (meals, IFE). Some of the meals looked good, whils some weren't as you mentioned. Hopefully this will improve when MS's recently signed contract with LSG SkyChefs comes into effect.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Egyptair doesn't have PTVs in economy class, although their A330s are quite new.
Yes, MS will be installing PTVs in thier new A330s and 77Ws. But I would agree the current A330s and B737-800 are very comfortable, they are currently the best aircraft in the MS fleet.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): The new terminal at CAI is a little chaotic and there's not much to do on long layovers. Overall, though, a positive experience.
Chaotic? I just passed through the new T3, and I found it to be top-notch. It was actually pretty empty and lines flowed smoothly.
MS is certainly not the best of carriers, but its getting there (installing PTVs, and improving catering).
9MMAR From Malaysia, joined Jul 2006, 2099 posts, RR: 21 Reply 11, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 17629 times:
Interesting choice of destinations in Malaysia; Malacca, Kota Bharu, Pulau Perhentian Kecil and of course, Kuala Lumpur. You tried the intercity train too!
Directorguy From Egypt, joined Jul 2008, 1569 posts, RR: 12 Reply 14, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days ago) and read 17462 times:
Well done!
I must say MS's catering looks awful on some of the sectors. I'd definately find MUC-KUL on MS a mundane experience. But thankfully your splendid shots of Malaysia Truly Asia make this well worth the read!
I suppose you get what you pay for on MS-and at least you got 738s and A332s, which I consider the cream of Miserair's fleet.
Was there a change of crew in BOM?
Thanks for sharing and again thank you for those lovely pics!
SkyGourmet From Germany, joined Jun 2006, 120 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (3 years 9 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 17015 times:
I'm glad you all enjoyed my report and photos, thanks for the feedback!
Quoting Jambo (Reply 4): which online search engine did you use to find the fare & book?
I used opodo.de.
Quoting EkA380 (Reply 6): I wonder how they spotted you ? and I am really surprised for why didn't they give you the compensation the day you had arrived
I had been waiting at the baggage carousel for a while and my bag wasn't appearing. They probably wouldn't have given my any compensation had I not paid the Egyptair office at KUL a visit and described my problem.
Quoting Kent350787 (Reply 7): gulab jamon - try them again and you'll be surprised!
It might be a while until I get to an Indian restaurant. Know a recipe?
Quoting OA260 (Reply 8): The food served on a leaf in Singapore looked fab. Where was that?
This was in Little India where you can find some of the best and cheapest food in Singapore.
Quoting Egyptair269 (Reply 9): Chaotic? I just passed through the new T3, and I found it to be top-notch.
Amongst other things, there was a huge waiting line for connecting passengers to pick up their boarding passes. Also the waiting line obstructed the passage for all other passengers.
Quoting BAStew (Reply 12): Did you happen to see what their Business Class was like on the A330?
No lie-flat seats or anything like that, 2+2+2 seating and PTVs if I recall correctly.
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 41 Reply 16, posted (3 years 9 months 18 hours ago) and read 16147 times:
really interesting report, specially as MUC (my old home airport is involved)
I am really wondering how Egypt Air is doing with longhauls ex germany as per my understanding they have always great fares to Asia (also on J and F)
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 17, posted (3 years 9 months 3 hours ago) and read 15870 times:
Great stuff!
Really enjoyed this, we don't see too many Egyptair TR's here on A.NET.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): All things considered, the meal tasted better than the picture might suggest
- I should hope so, looks awful!
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Everybody who felt like eating at 5:30 in the morning received two rolls, a small cake, a fried egg, a sausage, a potato scone and a rather doughy pasty filled with cream cheese
- Hmm, looks yuck too!
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): The amenity kit handed out is probably one of the nicest ones in economy class
- Not bad, not many airlines offer this in Y these days.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Egyptair doesn't have PTVs in economy class, although their A330s are quite new
- Shame, hopefully this will change, especially as some fly pretty long legs.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 8): The best food seemed to be served out of Mumbai
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 18, posted (3 years 9 months 2 hours ago) and read 15830 times:
Great report with numerous nice pictures! Good to see an MS Y Class long-haul report.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Last time I flew from this terminal I remember some coffee machines set up after security where you could help yourself to some complimentary tea or coffee. This doesn't seem to be the case anymore
That's a shame.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): SU-GCS, the Egyptair Star Alliance jet was waiting at a remote stand.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): I must say that the coffee tasted terrible, but the tea wasn't bad.
I'm wondering whether it's possible to serve a worse coffee than Hainan Airlines does...
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Luckily the temperature at the food court was more pleasant so I settled down there awaiting my next flight.
How about viewing?
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Everybody who felt like eating at 5:30 in the morning received two rolls, a small cake, a fried egg, a sausage, a potato scone and a rather doughy pasty filled with cream cheese,
Wow, that sausage looks like a "Weißwurst"...how did it taste?
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): The amenity kit handed out is probably one of the nicest ones in economy class. The pouch contained socks, earphones, eye shades, tooth brush and a key chain.
Good service - and nice to see the kits have different colors.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): It's not too touristy and it's easy to get around with English. I met lots of cool people and the food is absolutely delicious and low-priced.
I can only agree. Malaysia is a great country to visit.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): Breakfast was a lot better this time with a choice of a mushroom omelette or fried rice.
Looks so much better than on the outbound flight.
Quoting SkyGourmet (Thread starter): There are better airlines out there than Egyptair, but for the price I paid only two weeks before flying I can't really complain (530 Euro).
GlenP From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2009, 53 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (3 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 15753 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 18): Wow, that sausage looks like a "Weißwurst"...how did it taste?
You get the same sausages served as part of the breakfast buffet in the Egyptian hotels I've stayed in. They're made from chicken, the alternative being beef ones that look a bit like frankfurters. I've never actually tried them, so I can't comment on the taste.
Sukhoi From Sweden, joined May 2006, 371 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 23 hours ago) and read 13785 times:
Thanks for a great trip report! Egypt Air is a dry airline will the cabin crew complain if someone drinks from the Duty Free alcohol bought at the airport?
HOOB747 From United States of America, joined Nov 2006, 420 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 22 hours ago) and read 13730 times:
Can't wait to get to KL, you have inspired me to take a trip! I got close this year, visited Singapore, but didn't make it to KL. Can one really get around easily speaking English? This worries me, as many in Singapore said English isn't spoken widely in KL. But I want to see the Petronas Towers so badly. And I have always found if you are hungry enough, the quality of airline food is secondary (haa). Thanks for a look at an airline that doesn't get much play. Appreciated.
747 Number One Fan from U.S.A
25 Egyptair269: Not at all, they dont care if you bring your own alcohol on board. I remember EgyptAir Executives saying some time ago that they might be providing a
26 GlenP: Hopefully, if they do follow up on this idea, it'll finally be possible to get hold of Stella & Sakarra lagers before you get to Egypt. Might even be
27 Egyptair269: Dont fly MS from LHR to CAI they use the 777-200s which have old and horrible cabin interiors. On some flights to LHR they use the A330-200 though, w
28 GlenP: Unfortunately, as I genuinely like this city, it's unlikely I'll be returning to Cairo before after the new 77Ws become available, but even now, if yo
29 Egyptair269: The current A330s arent bad theyre actually pretty good, comfy, clean spacious. I wrote a TR on one and the J class product is very good. So yeah, I
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