Iloveek From Netherlands, joined May 2002, 107 posts, RR: 0 Posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 7288 times:
This is really going to be a long report:
AMS-LHR
September 8(Sunday)
Flight: BA 0427
Departure time: 9.55
Expected arrival time: 10.15
Actual arrival time: 10.17
Aircraft: A319-131--> G-EUPG
Seat: 1A
When I came to AMS airport, Schiphol, I walked to row 1and 2, where only rows are for Oneworld members. Row 1 and 2 are located in departure hall 1 and that's the oldest hall but this OneWorld check-in is very new and looks very bright. I went to the special ClubEurope check in desk and in five minutes the check-in was done. The lady was very nice and a typical Dutch women . She also said that I must go to transfer desk in LHR for my other boarding passes. Gate for today was D8. Knowing that the gate is quite far I decided to go direct to the gate in case of the lounge. After I passed the security I saw a lot of planes from Air France to Swiss. At the gate the Airbus was waiting. At 9.30 boarding began and after I bought the Airliners World I boarded. On board I was greeted by a female F/A, like always . When everybody was in the captain spoke. A F/A asked me if I would like something to drink and I ordered an orange juice. One minute later she served me a glass of fresh orange juice with ice and a lemon slice in it: very elegant! Further was the business class very empty; only 3 people! Then it was time for take-off. After a very well done take off another F/A came round with drinks and as little breakfast a ham/cheese croissant (warm) and Ritter Sport chocolates After I ate it all it was time for landing at LHR. Two minutes too late the A319 made a smooth landing on England's biggest airport.
Ten minutes later I left the plane and searched to a transfer desk. I found him very fast and there was a very long row!!!!I waited, waited and waited and when my turn was the women said that there's a special desk for business and first class at the other side. Angry on myself I received the boarding pass to Dubai. I walked around the airport and I came to the conclusion I didn't like LHR. It's just too big, even bigger then AMS!I went to the United Red Carpet Club lounge located next to Gate 12C. It's very nice there with much food and beverages! The club is also used by passengers from United and that's why there were much people.
LHR-DXB
September 8(Sunday)
Flight: EK 002
Departure time: 14.00
Expected arrival time: 23.55
Actual arrival time: 23.52
Elapsed time: 6.52
Aircraft: B777-31H A6-EMS
Seat: 3K
After spending some time at the fantastic lounge it was time to go to the gate. Boarding time was 13.15 and they started, lucky enough, on time. First they invited passengers which are travelling First class and yup, that’s me! A nice lady took my boarding card and said a warm:’ I hope you’ll have a pretty flight, Mr Sheffers.”(Wow, she ordered me by name !) After that I walked via the air bridge to the plane. Another nice lady brought me to my window seat. I sat down and when all the business passengers came in, I was lucky enough to get a glass of champagne (or water, or orange juice etc.). And when all the economy passengers came in the f/a offered me a welcome snack and I thought: This is how First Class must be! The welcome snack was a nice assortment of candies and chocolate bars served on a nice plate with Emirates Exclusive titles. The interior of the 777 is really great and very spacious. I can’t almost wait till Emirates receives their A380’s! But to be exactly the First class looks very bright with natural colours. Every seat has of course his own PTV.
Sorry that the pics are not from the 777-300 but I can’t find them. (These are from 777-200 looks the same).
But it’s not only the cabin, which is perfect. The service is fantastic; they order you by name and talk to you more like a friend then that stupid F/A talk!
Then it was 14.00 and exactly on time the plane departed. It was a very fast and well-done take off!! Compliments not only to the F/A’s but also to the pilots. After take off menus were given, headphones and kits too. This time it was like this:
Sample Menu
* * * * *
COCKTAILS WITH CANAPÉS
* * * * *
SEVRUGA CAVIAR
served with traditional accompaniments, sour cream and blinis
ARABIC MEZZE
a selection of traditional Arabic mezze, including labneh with sumak powder stuffed in cucumber, moutabel, shanklish salad, marinated loubieh in tomato cup, cheese sambousik, sujuk with haloumi cheese, kibbeh stuffed with ratatouille, coated prawns
SMOKED TANGERINE CHICKEN
thin slices of tangerine-marinated smoked chicken breast, served on lentil salad, accompanied with zaatar dressing
* * * * *
TOMATO AND OKRA SOUP
spicy tomato soup with baby okra slices, served with toasted croutons
* * * * *
FRESHLY PREPARED SALAD
salad prepared by your crew to your liking with a choice of accompaniments offered with roasted red pepper mayonnaise or Italian vinaigrette
* * * * *
SAMKA HARRA
marinated fillets of hammour, served with orange flavoured sauce, enhanced with jalapeno pepper
BRAISED BEEF IN COCONUT MILK
shredded slices of tender beef, braised and served in a coconut sauce, garnished with cilantro and fried red peppers
GLAZED DUCK BREAST
duck breast glazed with wild forest honey, roasted and accompanied with a mild cherry sauce
AUBERGINE LASAGNE
layers of spinach pasta and grilled aubergine slices, served with creamy mozzarella sauce, sprinkled with tomato flavoured pesto sauce
* * * * *
VEGETABLES
creamed fennel, broccoli soufflé, mixture of turned vegetables, parisienne potatoes with herbs and steamed rice
* * * * *
BANANA PUDDING
baked banana and pecan nut pudding, accompanied with half whipped cream
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
traditional home made cheesecake with fresh strawberries
* * * * *
INTERNATIONAL CHEESEBOARD
a selection of international cheeses, served with crackers, grapes and crudités
* * * * *
SELECTION OF SEASONAL FRUITS
* * * * *
TEA
Ceylon, China, Earl Grey, Camomile
* * * * *
COFFEE
freshly brewed or decaffeinated
CHOCOLATES
I chose for SMOKED TANGERINE CHICKEN as starter. It was very delicious and nice served!! As main course I chose the best in the cuisine in the sky: AUBERGINE LASAGNE. As dessert I chose STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE, which was better then ever.
All the meals were perfect served and not to forget: fresh! Definitely the best meal ever in a plane for me. After this unique experience I took a look at the entertainment system: much films and also travel information with onboard cameras showing how it is outside on 35.000 feet! I watched minority report with Tom Cruise. When I watched the film a F/A came to me and he said that the movie has a great end! So I watched the whole movie, while he gave me snacks and drinks. And he was right: GREAT MOVIE. And that with special thanks to the big personal TV screen. Then I fell in sleep and when I woke up I saw a coat on me and a pillow. One and half hour before landing on Dubai the second meal service started. This time it was more a supper. I ordered a Caesar Salad and some Ben&Jerry’s ice cream. The salad was very tastefully and the ice cream, like always , too. After the dessert they give me (again) a plate with emirates candies. And then, 20 minutes before expected it was time to prepare for landing. Before landing they give me a glass of Perrier water served with a personal printed card where this text was on: Mr Sheffers, we hope you had a pleasant flight and we look forward to have you onboard another time. Very nice!! Then it was finally time to land. The landing, in the dark, was perfect! Then was my second confrontation with Dubai Airport. Saw a couple of Emirates planes and also KLM (767), Swiss (?) and Air France (777). When the plane was connected with the air bridge, a F/A came to me and asked if I would go by walk to departure hall or driven by chauffeur. I chose for the last option because I wanted to know how that goes here. After the cabin crew wished me a good journey to Mauritius, I went first into the air bridge and took direct the stairs down where a luxurious limousine (a Volvo) was waiting for me. The chauffeur opened the door for me and I went into the car. He drove very fast to the entry from the arrival hall and said to me if I could wait a moment. After 5 minutes he came back, holding in his arms my luggages!!How he knew that is was my luggage??? With a big smile he said: this is service! Then he drove me to my hotel, the Hyatt Regency!
After spending 1 night in the great city of Dubai, it was time to go to next destination Mauritius. The plane was going midnight (2.45!!) but at 24.00 a limousine stopped for the hotel and brought me to the airport. This guy wasn’t that nice like the other chauffeur but it’s always nice! He brought me to the special check in hall for Emirates First and Business class. That’s a very bright area with natural colours like the Emirates cabins. A concierge showed me the business class check-in desks. I checked in for my flight and I was surprised when the lady asked me: How was your flight from LHR?? I said it was perfect and I hoped it would be the same on this flight. She said: I think so but today the flight will be operated by an A330. No problem for me!!She showed me then how to come by the business class lounge. I walked to the lounge next to gate 21. Beautiful spacious lounge, the best one I’ve ever seen. I sat at the bar and drunk something and watched TV at the enormous TV screens. Then it was time to go to the gate again.
I went to my gate and saw a couple of Emirates 777’s and an A310. Then the call for my flight was and they invited first the business passengers (because on this plane was no First class). So I boarded and I went fast to my seat and ordered a cup of warm tea. She came with a whole trolley and asked which I would like to drink: there were 6 sorts. And everything while the other passengers boarded. After I drunk my tea I asked for a coat and some pillows. 30 seconds later I had again a chose of coats and pillows. I reclined my seat (happy that there was nobody behind me!) and waited for take-off. When it was time for take-off I asked the F/A if she would wake me up when the breakfast begins. So I fell in sleep. 2 Hours before landing she woke me up. And while I waited for breakfast I took a deeper look into the cabin. It was again a natural spacious cabin with nice colours. Of course the First class was a little bit better but for me I can even fly economy on Emirates! Then the breakfast came: not only a plate or something but again a whole trolley. She set the trolley next to me and said that it was a kind of buffet when I looked surprised. So I was one hour eating hahaha! Then I ordered some tea and she said: would you like the breakfast tea or another taste? I agreed Then I gave her back the coat and pillows and watched to the entertainment system which was practically the same like in the 777 but now a more little screen. 1 hour before landing I ordered some coffee. The F/A came with a big plate (wearing Visit Mauritius and Emirates business class titles) of Godiva chocolates and some fruit. (And coffee of course) It’s typical for Emirates, yes now I know, to give that little bit extra service which you mostly don’t have at another airlines. And I’m sure that when I fly economy once the crew will be the same. Efficient, fast, friendly and nice. The different between the 777 and the 330 is not that much. I both like the aircraft. But back to my story: it was time for landing. I did my seat in normal position and received another card from the F/A. The text was: Mr Sheffers, we hope you enjoyed your flights with Emirates and we hope to see you onboard soon. Very nice and now I know that they print another cards on different flights. It’s not a standard card! Well, the landing was perfect and like I said once before: pilots are very good at Emirates. When I looked out my window saw an Air France 747 and an Air Mauritius A340. The plane parked at his parking place. I said goodbye to the great cabin crew and left the plane, looking into the nice morning sun!! Finally I’ve reached my destination but on a great way. No wonder that they’ve won the Skytrax award. This time no limousine service but an express buss for business class passengers. All the other passengers had to walk to the arrival hall. I picked up my luggage and outside my business partner was waiting for me. So I jumped on his car (a great Lexus!) and started my vacation/work
Next week I’ll write my back journey on Air Mauritius First Class! So watch out the trip reports!
Cmk10 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 513 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 7004 times:
Excellent report. What was on that breakfast buffet?
DC-10's Forever
"Traveling light is the only way to fly" - Eric Clapton
Iloveek From Netherlands, joined May 2002, 107 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 6995 times:
Well,it was a intercontinental buffet, with all kinds of bread, cheese ham etc. And also warm dishes like scrambled eggs. Also (fruit) salad,yoghurt and 3 sorts of cornflakes. Fresh orange juice and apple juice to drink. Also kinds of sweet bread and chocolates. Maybe you can't imagine how everything on the trolley was but it was a big one(maybe 1x1 meter). It was really fantastic and I think it's a good idea for breakfast!
Mehtabrahman From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2002, 228 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 6899 times:
Explain something to me... you are just 15 years old and still go to school - so how in the world do you have a business partner in Mauritius? At such a young age, I am sure you are not involved in any kind of business!!
KaiTakFan From United States of America, joined Oct 1999, 1585 posts, RR: 7 Reply 4, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 6881 times:
Great trip report for sure! Makes me want to fly Emirates even more as well as see Dubai. But really at your young age how do you have a business partner? I wouldnt doubt it since my friend at age 15 had his own highly successful business. and I myself was traveling international first and business class to Asia and Australia at age 15... but do explain your situation a bit more!
Iloveek From Netherlands, joined May 2002, 107 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 6843 times:
Well all right,
I've a company with my dad together. And because I must do the internet work(he don't know how that everything works!) I also have to travel. But I'm not travelling much!! Only four five times a year. So I went with my dad to MRU but it's MY businesspartner cause he does also the internet work. And by the way..I'm 14. Do you understand it now a bit???( I know it's a kind of weird!)
KaiTakFan From United States of America, joined Oct 1999, 1585 posts, RR: 7 Reply 6, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 6794 times:
Not weird at all! As I said, my friend at age 15 was on the local news about his company that he started. now at age 20 he is driving 2 very nice cars and living in a brand new 2 floor 4 bedroom house. So I give young business men the benefit of the doubt most of the time these days. Its great your going at it so young. You sure will benefit from it in a few years! Just curious, from your experience is Dubai relatively a safe and enjoyable place for westerners to visit? I have always wanted to visit, but to many believe it would not be wise to go there this day in age being an American. Any comments about that?
Iloveek From Netherlands, joined May 2002, 107 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (10 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 6811 times:
Yes, Dubai is quite safe for westerners. There's very much police on street and it looks a bit like Singapore(you mayn't dump something on street otherwise you get a fine!). I was not afraid of attacks etc. But they don;t hate Americans at all because Americans are part of their economy!It's absolutely worth to go to Dubai!!
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From Netherlands, joined May 2002, 107 posts, 
. She also said that I must go to transfer desk in LHR for my other boarding passes. Gate for today was D8. Knowing that the gate is quite far I decided to go direct to the gate in case of the lounge. After I passed the security I saw a lot of planes from Air France to Swiss. At the gate the Airbus was waiting. At 9.30 boarding began and after I bought the Airliners World I boarded. On board I was greeted by a female F/A, like always 
After I ate it all it was time for landing at LHR. Two minutes too late the A319 made a smooth landing on England's biggest airport.
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