sutrakhk From Hong Kong, joined Apr 2008, 115 posts, RR: 0 Posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 23803 times:
On 1 October, Emirates started their A380 flight to HKG via BKK, which is the second airlines using A380 to HKG, with this opportunity, I grab a ticket to be the one on this party!
After my Japan trip, I found that all classes was sold for 1 Oct EK385, I call EK’s Hong Kong reservation and waitlisted in the First Class. Two days later, they called me that my waitlist was cleared so I issue the ticket at once!
So let’s start about the trip!
On 1 Oct 2010 18:04, A6-EDM was landing in HKG, hundreds of people waiting her at the end of the runway and in the Skydeck
After parking my car, I arrived aisle G in HKIA
Although the check-in counter was not ready, there were many people queuing for check-in
The line in Business Class was quite long too
Check-in counter finally opened at 19:25
I was the third one to check-in at the First Class counter
After check-in, time for immigration, quiet at this time
After some photos of A6-EDM, head to the lounge for some food
Entrance
There was no more lounge invitation card, all you need is your boarding pass. After the lounge agent scanned my boarding pass, I entered the lounge and found that many people were there already, I even cannot find an empty table for myself!
The staff arranged me to sit in a round table, with three sole travelers. The food offered was really nice, even better than my last visit on May 2009.
When a staff collecting my plates, he said:’ long time no see, how are you?’
Me:’ You remember me?”
Staff:’ Yes!’
Me:’ But it was a long time I haven’t been here.’
Staff:’ 4-5 months, right?’
Me:’ No, it should be more than one year, my last Emirates flight was in May 2009!’
Staff:’ Oh well, then you should use more Emirates, than I can see you more often.’
I really surprise that, and it let me add more points to EK’s service!
Left the lounge, go to Gate 60, a gate with only 2 bridges but next to EK’s lounge
1 October 2010
Hong Kong (HKG) – Bangkok (BKK)
Airline: Emirates
Flight: EK 385
Aircraft: A380-800
Registration: A6-EDM
Seat: 4K (First)
Gate: 60
Gate area
A6-EDM - delivered at 28 September 2010, a 3 days old beauty. According to the information, her first flight was DXB-BKK-DXB on 30 September, so this is her second mission in her EK’s life!
Boarding pass
Boarding was started at 21:30. The gate was showing Suites rather than First Class, same as SQ
On the second bridge
To upstairs
The FA escort me to my suite 4K
I can’t believe I was there
Taking pics here and there like a little boy
View from my seat
My seat 4K, with 2 windows
Still have some times, let’s visit the unique facility in EK’s A380 – The shower
The FA asked whether I want to use the shower, but I denied as the flight time was only 2 hours 5 minutes.
First Class Lounge outside the showers
Stairs to the main deck
Back to my seat, found there were many reading materials……
……including the safety information card
Doors were closed, I switched to the tail camera
Also on the handheld too, amazing!
EK’s 77W, A6-EBN, doing EK381 next to us
We pushed back on 22:25 and taxi quietly to the runway.
The break released, and the 4 GP7200s bring us to the sky silently, compare to the 77L on my last trip, it is really amazing in the A380 with its quiet cabin even in takeoff!
The seat belt signal went out soon after takeoff, let’s change to a more comfortable position
The ICE was full of stuff, I chose Toy Story 3 together with the Dom
Soon after, light meal was served, I chose to have both appetizers
Main: My first choice was gone, this is my second choice, not very good in my opinion
Dessert, rice pudding same as May 2009
I wanted to explorer the cabin, but it is time to descend.
At this moment, the leading purser was presenting the certificate to every passenger.
2 hours was over, we were going to land in BKK, I hope to stay longer!
I took the AOT limousine to the Hotel Banyan Tree Bangkok, this is the room in 40/F
Outside of Banyan Tree Bangkok on 2 Oct
View from the restaurant in 52/F
I planned to try the newly open Airport Link in Bangkok
City Line platform at Phaya Thai Station
Airport Line Concourse at Makkasan Station
The check-in facilities will be available soon
Airport Line Stock
Inside, same as many trains in Europe……
……since they are made by SIEMENS
Not so useful doors control
Route Map
Ticket for Airport Line, promotion price is 100B round-trip
Compartment of the baggage for city check-in
My favorite dessert in Bangkok, Mango and sticky rice
On 4 October, after the breakfast at hotel, I headed to BKK airport again
Aisle T for Emirates check-in
Still early for 13:45 flight
First Class counter
Immigration
Going to the lounge
Inside
The food offerings was great
After some duty free shopping, time to go to the gate
Can I take one?
4 October 2010
Bangkok (BKK) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Airline: Emirates
Flight: EK 384
Aircraft: A380-800
Registration: A6-EDI
Seat: 4A (First)
Gate: E4
My boarding pass
Gate E4
A6-EDI was waiting us already!
Gate area
A6-EDI to take me home
Boarding was commenced at 13:45, a bit delay
My suite 4A, I love this screen wallpaper very much, and you can find a FA standing at the back of the bus
View from my seat
My seat again
Emirates already have a very firm table in their suite, but they have a table holder to the opposite side, very good design
Doors were still open, I take some time to the Business Class
I have tried the business seat to find whether I can stuff myself into it, and the answer is Yes, the seat was even wider than the new OZ seats and longer in flat bed mode!
The famous on-board lounge
Pushed back 14:15, I saw my favorite bird - A340-500 during taxi, I hope I can have chance to ride on them one day
We taxi at 15-30 mph, the pilot hit the break few times to slow down during taxiing
We were on the position to take off, break released for about 20 seconds but the 4 GP7200s were kept idle. The break applied again and an announcement from flight deck:’ Ladies and Gentlemen, we find that our break was too hot at the moment, we have to cool it down before our next takeoff, which may need 15 minutes, sorry for the inconvenience.’
Then we following the below path and stop at a path parallel with the runway
After about 20 minutes, from the flight deck again:’ the break was still hot and we have requested the ground to bring some fans to cool down the break’
10 minutes later from a FA, he said we have requested the fans but we didn’t have any response from the ground, so we need to wait a bit longer.
During waiting, I planned to take some more pics in the cabin
45 minutes have past, the pilot told us we are ready to takeoff again, so we taxi along the taxi way, and go in the runway and takeoff directly, I though it is because the pilot don’t want to overheat the break again when making a stop at runway.
Seat belt sign was off, drinks and nuts were offered, I told the FA that I really love EK’s nuts as they have different kinds of nuts and taste good (but a bit too salty)
And the meal was followed
Starters: Smoked salmon with crab meat, fresh and tasty!
Main course: Fish, a bit overdone
Dessert, really nice one with some tea.
After the meal, I planned to visit the washroom after the first class galley
Nice view in the washroom
We were about to arrive, times fly!
Before landing, the FA gave me a bag:’ it’s for you!’
I opened and say thank you to him, a really nice touch!
I think I will taste some when I miss EK’s service, as my next trip on them would be 1 year later.
Arrived at Gate 60, passed through the immigration and wait for my baggage, which is the end for this trip.
Comment:
After the trip, I can say I love EK more and more, with nice lounges, nice aircrafts and most importantly - nice staff. I found they are working with their passion, the service is from their heart unlike other airlines that those FA were trained to be a robot only. EK’s multi-national crew is also a plus as they were willing to share different experiences in different styles, not many airlines outside middle-east can be the same.
For the A380, it was amazing, super quiet even in takeoff. And EK configure them very well, with luxury and classy feeling. But to the suite itself, I still prefer 77W and 77L as they are more spacious with the super high ceiling.
Hope all of you enjoy my trip report, and hope I will have my next trip sooner!
triple7man From Thailand, joined May 2005, 681 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 23633 times:
Thank you for your TR...I didn't know EK flies their A380 to BKK. I'm flying to HKG in 3 weeks so maybe I can try the A380. I'll be flying in economy class, but I hear the service on EK is really good.
I live in BKK and the new Airport Rail Link makes it so much quicker and cheaper to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport. It's only 15 minutes from Makkasan Station. If you take a taxi it will cost around 300 baht and if traffic is bad it will definitely take much longer than 15 minutes!
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 2, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 23289 times:
Thanks for your report and some very nice pics of your F experience on EK.
Quote: nice staff. I found they are working with their passion, the service is from their heart unlike other airlines that those FA were trained to be a robot only
Interesting that you say this (and that this was your experience). If you read a number of premium class trip reports on EK, this is something that many people have said is lacking in EK today with average to poor onboard service, particularly on flights out of Europe to DXB.
sutrakhk From Hong Kong, joined Apr 2008, 115 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 22208 times:
Quoting triple7man (Reply 1): Thank you for your TR...I didn't know EK flies their A380 to BKK. I'm flying to HKG in 3 weeks so maybe I can try the A380. I'll be flying in economy class, but I hear the service on EK is really good.
I live in BKK and the new Airport Rail Link makes it so much quicker and cheaper to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport. It's only 15 minutes from Makkasan Station. If you take a taxi it will cost around 300 baht and if traffic is bad it will definitely take much longer than 15 minutes!
I know it is quite full on this flight during October and Novemeber, please book your ticket as early as possible ^^
The Rail Link is a very good alternative to the airport, but it was closed at 0:00 when EK's flight arrived at 0:30, therefore I used the AOT limousine.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 2): Interesting that you say this (and that this was your experience). If you read a number of premium class trip reports on EK, this is something that many people have said is lacking in EK today with average to poor onboard service, particularly on flights out of Europe to DXB.
So it is just my experience, on my outbound flight, the leading purser was really nice, she like to chatted with the passengers, like when she give me the menu:' Do you care about the wine list?' I said:' Yes please!' She said:' I will bring you the wine list but I have to make sure you are older than 21, haha!' The short conversations like this bring me a lot of joy during the flight. Another example, there was a little girl with her mum in First Class from Taiwan not in good mood, during taxi, the purser said:' Hey sweety, we are going to takeoff now, so make sure you have your seat belt on. See, just like your mum, you can do it!' She switched to the tail camera in the ICE and the girl stop screaming or move elsewhere after that.
For inbound, the leading purser and the other 2 male FAs was really nice too!
Leading purser (Apple):
When she was distributing the menu,
Apple: Do you want to try the shower onboard, we can reserve a slot for you.
Me: The flight is too short today, maybe next time for a longer flight?
Apple: But it is a wonderful experience to take a shower in the sky, right?
Me: Of course
Apple: You can watch a movie, enjoy a meal or take a shower in this 2 hours, I will defintiely take a shower, haha.
Me: But I will choose the meal...
Apple: Well, air meal is not that great, it would be better to have in on ground. I miss the wonton noodles in Hong Kong so much, so I can have one when we arrived HKG after the flight.
Actually the conversation didn't end here........
When we were delayed since the hot break, I talked to a male FA. During discussion, he knew the aircrafts well. I asked whether the turnaround time was so short but he said it should be no problem as EK is doing SYD-AKL also. He think that maybe the inbound pilot did not choose a good landing approach when arriving BKK, more reverse thrust should be use to avoid the overheating the break......... And later on, we talk about A380, 777, EK.......I learned so much from him!
For another male FA, his service was great, and I've got the bags of nuts from him since he knew I love it.
So according to my experience, they were really nice, or my expectations was too low?
Quoting ronerone (Reply 3): Excellent TR! Very nice to see the perspective of this inaugural flight on the way back from HKG
I had a feeling you were going to be on that flight haha ...
Stay tuned, there will be a TR on the flight from DXB
Cheers,
Roni
Really look forward for your report! You disembark in BKK or HKG?
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1727 posts, RR: 9 Reply 5, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 21805 times:
Hi sultrakhk,
Thanks for the wonderful inaugural trip report! What a small world! I was on the same return flight as you... I was sitting in 3A and generally agreed with you that it was a nice flight. This set of crew was pretty good and Michal is a pretty nice fellow. He made a special pot of peppermint tea for me. That effort was definitely good and better than some other EK flights I had.
However, there were minor cutbacks... they used to offer a pair of slippers, eyeshades and earplugs, but now that is history. I sort of miss the old trolley service where they display all the entrees, but with these new suites, it is not possible.
Anyway, thanks for sharing again and it is good to know who is writing the report too! The lounge is pretty nice right? The flight was too short and on my AKL to SYD flight a few days earlier, the bar was more vibrant and the crew had more time to prep the lounge. BKK-HKG is just too short...
travelR From Australia, joined Sep 2010, 90 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 21777 times:
Great trip report. The pictures were excellent and very detailed. The product looks great. I like how BKK have the rail link which makes it way more convenient than travelling by road.
burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 4 Reply 7, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 21745 times:
Wow....awesome trip report and great photos!
I am really happy to hear the business class seats are roomy too!
I love mangos too! You can't get good mangos in north America.
I don't understand eating mango with sticky rice...is that common in Thailand/Southeast Asia? What is in the other container besides the mango and the rice?
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 8, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 21683 times:
Quoting sutrakhk (Reply 4): Really look forward for your report! You disembark in BKK or HKG?
We disembarked in HKG.
I believe the same set of crew that dropped us off, had taken you to BKK. The purser (Zuleka), and her team pulled of what really was an excellent flight! Same for the set of crew that operated DXB-BKK.
Quoting burj (Reply 7): don't understand eating mango with sticky rice...is that common in Thailand/Southeast Asia? What is in the other container besides the mango and the rice?
It is a great dessert actually. You can also find it served at many Thai restaurants in the USA.
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 9, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 21662 times:
Very nice report. But I'm surprised you declined the shower....it's not like you can take more than five minutes in there lol. Since this is exclusively for F passengers, I think it was an opportunity missed. Those washrooms are immaculate. I am not sure about the J class layout, looks like a glorified Y class!
Looks like you got some really nice crews on this flight, but there is a general belief that A380 crews are better than the main fleet crews. I was lucky when flying in Y (not that I ever fly in the premium cabins) on an EK A345 to JFK, and chatting with the crew, the purser on the flight gave me a tin of mixed nuts from F class...Nice!! If only they weren't such a bag of mixed nuts themselves lol
Regarding that TG A340-500, the A380 can never come up to the sleek elegance of that bird. Yes, it has all the ooh and aahs but from outside it's really an ugly bird. Even though from the same Airbus family the A340-500 and A340-600s are in a class of their own! And we won't even go to the Boeing 747-400 for now!
Thanks for the wonderful inaugural trip report! What a small world! I was on the same return flight as you... I was sitting in 3A and generally agreed with you that it was a nice flight. This set of crew was pretty good and Michal is a pretty nice fellow. He made a special pot of peppermint tea for me. That effort was definitely good and better than some other EK flights I had.
However, there were minor cutbacks... they used to offer a pair of slippers, eyeshades and earplugs, but now that is history. I sort of miss the old trolley service where they display all the entrees, but with these new suites, it is not possible.
Anyway, thanks for sharing again and it is good to know who is writing the report too! The lounge is pretty nice right? The flight was too short and on my AKL to SYD flight a few days earlier, the bar was more vibrant and the crew had more time to prep the lounge. BKK-HKG is just too short...
Thanks again,
Carfield
Oh, I know who are you, we meet at lounge, the way to the gate and I believe we have the same surname as Apple asked me whether we are traveling together.
Slippers, eyeshades were provided on my outbound flight and also available in our flight too as Michal gave the lady in seat 3D a pair.
Michal was really nice although he was quite cool in the begining.
Anyway, nice to meet you!
Quoting travelR (Reply 6): Great trip report. The pictures were excellent and very detailed. The product looks great. I like how BKK have the rail link which makes it way more convenient than travelling by road.
The rail link really help! As I am still nervous to deal with those taxi drivers.
Quoting burj (Reply 7): Wow....awesome trip report and great photos!
I am really happy to hear the business class seats are roomy too!
I love mangos too! You can't get good mangos in north America.
I don't understand eating mango with sticky rice...is that common in Thailand/Southeast Asia? What is in the other container besides the mango and the rice?
I can't say the business class is roomy, but I think I can survive in there for 10 hours flights
The sticky rice was mixed with coconut favour already, and the coconut cream in the container is for eating the mango and the sticky rice together, it's really nice!
I believe the same set of crew that dropped us off, had taken you to BKK. The purser (Zuleka), and her team pulled of what really was an excellent flight! Same for the set of crew that operated DXB-BKK.
So did the BKK-HKG flight have that certificate also? The crew was really great, nice to be with them!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 9): Very nice report. But I'm surprised you declined the shower....it's not like you can take more than five minutes in there lol. Since this is exclusively for F passengers, I think it was an opportunity missed. Those washrooms are immaculate. I am not sure about the J class layout, looks like a glorified Y class!
Looks like you got some really nice crews on this flight, but there is a general belief that A380 crews are better than the main fleet crews. I was lucky when flying in Y (not that I ever fly in the premium cabins) on an EK A345 to JFK, and chatting with the crew, the purser on the flight gave me a tin of mixed nuts from F class...Nice!! If only they weren't such a bag of mixed nuts themselves lol
Regarding that TG A340-500, the A380 can never come up to the sleek elegance of that bird. Yes, it has all the ooh and aahs but from outside it's really an ugly bird. Even though from the same Airbus family the A340-500 and A340-600s are in a class of their own! And we won't even go to the Boeing 747-400 for now!
As I still prefer the meal, so leave the shower next time.
For A340-500s, my only ride on them was SQ SIN-CGK-SIN turnaround, I really love them! But none of the A345 serve Hong Kong now...
TBloemink From Netherlands, joined Mar 2010, 114 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 20770 times:
Excellent trip report! I really enjoyed reading it!
The EK384/EK385 service from and to HKG was flown by a 777-300 before Oct 1. The flights EK372/373 service swapped aircraft with EK384/EK385. EK372 flies from DXB to BKK and back, and the last a380 flight on that leg was flown by A6-EDM. Now ek372 is flown by a 777-300.
The EK384/EK385 service from and to HKG was flown by a 777-300 before Oct 1. The flights EK372/373 service swapped aircraft with EK384/EK385. EK372 flies from DXB to BKK and back, and the last a380 flight on that leg was flown by A6-EDM. Now ek372 is flown by a 777-300.
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 14, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 20350 times:
Quoting sutrakhk (Reply 13): For DXB-BKK leg? A bit strange then
No, the DXB-HKG-bound passengers were given certificates for the HKG inaugural flight during the DXB-BKK sector. Also, all joining passengers from BKK were given certificates by the new set of crew.
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
sutrakhk From Hong Kong, joined Apr 2008, 115 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 20228 times:
Quoting ronerone (Reply 14): No, the DXB-HKG-bound passengers were given certificates for the HKG inaugural flight during the DXB-BKK sector. Also, all joining passengers from BKK were given certificates by the new set of crew.
Cheers,
Roni
Oh I see, so your certificate is for DXB-HKG and the joining passengers' certificates are for BKK-HKG?
Anyway, a nice touch from Emirates, even better than other gifts like aircraft models!
IBOAviator From Canada, joined Sep 2010, 120 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 19745 times:
Stunning TR!! Immaculate detail and I think I can speak on belaf of us all that your love for photographing every aspect of the trip is more than well appreciated.
burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 4 Reply 17, posted (2 years 7 months 2 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 19635 times:
Quoting sutrakhk (Reply 10): I can't say the business class is roomy, but I think I can survive in there for 10 hours flights
O.K. not roomy, but still comfortable for larger guys. DL had new lie flat seats on their 767s but apparently they are really narrow. I was afraid these seats might have the same issue.
Quoting sutrakhk (Reply 10): The sticky rice was mixed with coconut favour already, and the coconut cream in the container is for eating the mango and the sticky rice together, it's really nice!
Quoting ronerone (Reply 8): It is a great dessert actually. You can also find it served at many Thai restaurants in the USA.
O.K. I'll have to try it sometime...maybe I'm just a rice snob since my parents are South Asian. For me growing up if the rice was ever "sticky" it means someone over cooked it!
sutrakhk From Hong Kong, joined Apr 2008, 115 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (2 years 6 months 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 17443 times:
Quoting burj (Reply 17): O.K. not roomy, but still comfortable for larger guys. DL had new lie flat seats on their 767s but apparently they are really narrow. I was afraid these seats might have the same issue.
For the huge guy like me, the new seats in EK are OK compare with QR's business class seats in their A340 and A330.
And after trying the OZ and EK new business class, I can say the design is very good for sole travellers no matter keeping awake or sleep, but hope the seat can be not that 'platic' feel.
I do not have chance to try any airlines from US yet, hope I can try it some times later.
Quoting burj (Reply 17): O.K. I'll have to try it sometime...maybe I'm just a rice snob since my parents are South Asian. For me growing up if the rice was ever "sticky" it means someone over cooked it!
Hey....sticky rice is not same as normal rice.... ^^
KL838 From Netherlands Antilles, joined Oct 2010, 78 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (2 years 6 months 3 weeks 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 17072 times:
Great trip report! The Emirates First looks quite heavenly I must say, and how the lounge staff remembered you was a big plus point for them! Everything on board looks great and the food is simply mouth watering!
triple7man From Thailand, joined May 2005, 681 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (1 year 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 11358 times:
I just reread your trip report, because yesterday I flew an EK A380 BKK-HKG. Even though I was in economy class, the service on EK was stellar. The flight attendants, one of them in particular, were very helpful, as I was talking to her on the way to the gate. I had asked if I could get a visit to the cockpit and to see the first and business class sections. She had asked the purser and I was accomodated after we arrived in HKG.
I was seated behind the wing, but the cabin was still very quiet, and I loved their inflight entertainment. There were so many choices! And I loved the tail camera view too.
I flew back to BKK on a Thai Airways 747-400 and there was no comparison with the flight I had on EK. I usually fly Thai between BKK and NRT/HND and they use their Airbus 350 and Boeing 777-300ER which do have new inflight entertainment. Their 747-400's do not.
Any time I fly between BKK and HKG I can tell you Emirates will be my first choice.
gr8circle From Canada, joined Dec 2005, 2987 posts, RR: 4 Reply 22, posted (1 year 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 9716 times:
Quoting burj (Reply 7): I love mangos too! You can't get good mangos in north America.
Visit the Indian stores in the months of May - July in most N.American cities....that's where you'll get the best mangoes in the world...imported directly from India and consumed mostly by the local Indian origin population