INTRODUCTION

Hello fellow A.netters,

The pyramids, the mummies, the Abu Simbel statues… one by one we got through. The next destination would be Luxor, our home base for visiting Valley of The Kings and The Queens and the temple of Hatshepsut.

We eventually have gone so far and gladly experienced the first encounter with LX on our outward journey on the segments of AMS-ZRH and ZRH-CAI.

It went even better with the first time domestic experience with MS on the segment ASW-ABS-ASW.

But before I continue, allow me to share you some impressions out of Luxor.

The Temple of Karnak



The entrance to the temple


Some of the many statues found inside


The obelisks

Valley of The Kings and The Queens

The Egyptian government has reinforced the prohibition of photography on both sites. Since last August it is totally forbidden to bring along your camera with you. Either you have to hand it over at the entrance or leave it behind inside your transportation.



The view before the entrance to Valley of The Kings

I must say that I was very excited to enter the tombs and behold the remarkable work of art hidden for many decades. A truly once in a lifetime experience.  

The Temple of Hatshepsut







Horus, the gatekeeper

PREPARATION

We got to Luxor by the evening train. Another local representative was already waiting for us. He brought us to our hotel and checked us in.

After the check in being organized, I inquired him our tickets to Cairo.

He showed us the E-ticket confirmation. We were booked with Egyptair. (What else?  )
On browsing the details, the first thing I verified was the spelling of our names. They did manage to copy it this time. Then I looked forward to was the aircraft type flown. WHAT? A Boeing? No Embraer?   

I was disappointed. But as the aircraft would be B737-500 and it was a missing type on my log, oh well, I could put up with it. By the way, the departure time was not that bad actually.

Later on, I found out that despite the correct spelling, our representative has mixed up our names. We had been registered on our first names instead of surnames. But I was not so worried about it after our flight experience to Abu Simbel. However, I did point it out when he arrived to collect us to the airport. He just said that he would be taking care of it. OK, that was fine with us!


AT THE AIRPORT

We got collected before nine o’clock in the morning and went straight to the airport.

Outside public view of the terminal

Luxor has upgraded its terminal building in 2005. I must say I like the interior.






Taken from inside our car


Just after getting off our car


CHECK IN

Our representative directed us through the security towards the check in area. He then checked us in.



Inside view from the check in area after security


Check in area


Our check in desk


Boarding pass


FIDS

Our representative handed over our boarding passes and wished us a pleasant journey. We then proceeded through the security to the waiting room.


The airside

Past the security, I saw some interesting paintings on the wall.


One of the paintings




Waiting room


Our assigned gate

There were other crowds as well when we arrived. I presumed that they would be on the same plane with us.





Through the window I spotted this beauty on a distance

I was under the impression that the Embraer would fly elsewhere in Egypt until a boarding call was made for passengers of MS Express bound for……. CAI!

I was bewildered. I could have flown with the Embraer as she just departed forty five minutes earlier than our flight!   





Bye bye sweetheart

I then joined my partner having a strong double espresso. At 10.10 our plane arrived.



Hey, it does not look like a B737-500




It is a B737 Next Generation with winglet

I thought, “Bummer, an aircraft swap!”


FLIGHT INFORMATION



Our itinerary:
Route: LXR-CAI
Date: 25 September 2009
ETD/ATD: 10.45 / 10.50
ETA/ATA: 11.45 / 11.54
Flight number: MS 073
Plane: Boeing 737-866
Registration: SU-GCO
Delivered: 12 September 2007

View Large View Medium

Photo © David Roura - Iberian Spotters

BOARDING

The boarding call was made about twenty minutes before departure time.



Gathering before the boarding gate

We were bussed to the aircraft as she was parked at the far end of the terminal.



The winglet view

Actually, I was getting used to the fact that we were about to fly a Boeing 737 Next Generation. The winglet view gradually changed my mind. It was not bad after all.





The boarding scenes


The airside view of the terminal from the stairs

We were greeted by one male and one female cabin attendant. We then proceeded to the economy section. Apparently, this aircraft is equipped with Business Class cabin. It will not surprise me if MS deploys this bird abroad.



Business Class cabin


Waiting in line


Finally our seats 30J and K: the middle and the window seat

How about the surroundings?
Well, we have got these seat features:



Seat cloth




Seat control unit

The seat pitch, enough for a short flight

These seat views:


View of the left side


Retractable in flight screen with an Google Earth like display


Outside view

In the magazine rack there were the same Horus in flight magazine as showed on my previous report to Abu Simbel and the following things:





The safety card

In the meantime boarding was still in progress.



Our flight was only half full. There were a lot of empty places to be found including the emergency exit rows. Some passengers were moving there after the door closed. We did not bother it this time since it was a short flight.

Among us were two groups of foreign tourists travelling together with their guides. One guide has however decided to move to the empty row right before us. When he was tossing his belongings on the seats, I started to think aloud, “Don’t you dare….”
Even it would be a short flight, I hate having other’s seat lying on my lap. Thank God, the guide took the aisle seat!

We experienced an interesting feature in this aircraft, when the engines were started, they were saying some prayers . Then, we started moving.



Leaving the apron


Taxiing


Entering the runway


TAKE OFF

The engines spooled up and soon we were rocketed to the air.








Leaving the beautiful green landscape in the dessert…











IN THE AIR

About ten minutes after takeoff, the beverage service was started. They have got water, juices and soft drinks on offer.





Just orange juice for me

The in flight screens started broadcasting some comedies, like Just For Laughs and a Mister Bean episode.


Flying above the desert

The nature called. So, it was time for an obligatory visit to the toilet.



Toilet view

MS did a good job on this flight by maintain the toilets properly clean.



Cabin view

Since I did not pay any attention to the pre flight announcement. I did not get the name of the captain. So, I asked one of the flight attendant on duty for his name. She smiled broadly by seeing me taking out my notebook and then hanged on the telephone for further inquiry. At the end, she told me that Captain Mohammed Issem was in charge for this flight.

Twenty minutes after takeoff the attendants started collecting the rubbish. About ten minutes later, we experienced some turbulences. Everyone was requested to return to his seat and keep the seat belt on.

Then I saw a couple sitting on the slanting opposite row getting up and gathering their belongings. To other passengers’ astonishment, they went up and down several times from their former seats to an empty emergency exit row. Apparently, they wished to secure the last empty emergency exit row. Well, be my guest!

The approach

After forty minutes into flight, Captain Issem announced through the intercom that we were approaching the airport of CAI.





The view of pyramid. It is neither Giza nor Sakkara, anybody help?


The pyramids of Sakkara


Someone has left his footprints on the wing!


LANDING

This time, we approached CAI from another side than the one with LX on the outward journey. I noticed a lot of straight street blocks. Perhaps some new built up areas?










A moment before touchdown

And finally the touchdown.









AT THE AIRPORT

We vacated the runway towards Terminal 3. I have captured some interesting shots on the way:



The construction of a new control tower in progress


Sad view of Midwest A313

View Large View Medium Photo © Konstantin Von Wedelstaedt

View Large View Medium Photo © PRM

Saudia B743 and Etihad A332 at Terminal 2


Etihad A332, Alitalia A321 and Emirates B777

We were approaching Terminal 3:



Lufthansa A342


Sistership Boeing ready for her next assignment


SQ B773 right after pushback




Star Alliance gathering


Embraers’ nursery with a babysitting Airbus

And finally our gate:






Back in CAI! Thank you, MS!



It has been a pleasure, MS!  


ARRIVAL

We were disembarking through the domestic terminal. Allow me sharing some impressions on our way to the baggage claim hall.



Last shot from the aerobridge


Going upstairs


Through the corridor


FIDS


Outside view


I just love the interior  


Just follow the sign


The baggage claim hall

The assigned conveyor belt was located behind the glass wall in the background.



Our luggage was delivered on belt 6

Upon leaving the baggage hall, we were met again by the local CAI agent. We were guided to the departure hall on the third floor from where we would get onboard LX for our return journey to AMS.



Arrivall hall


VERDICT

Again, Egyptair was a satisfactory. Friendly and efficient service on board of a newer plane. I would not hesitate flying MS domestically, even if there is no alternative.

I hope that you enjoy reading my trip report. This is the last part of my Egyptian domestic experience. I am working now at the final report of this holiday, the C experience with LX. In the meantime, please feel free to leave some comments and suggestions.

Cheers,
Suryo