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Emirates Business Class - The Bad, The Bad And The Ugly
September 30, 2007
I have discovered that travelling business class on Emirates these days means one thing - paying business class fares to get economy class (or even less) comforts. Here are a few "highlights" of my recent experience with Emirates Business Class Travel.
These experiences are on the Dubai - Paris (CDG) sector.
1. Standing Room Only in Business Class Lounge
October 1, 2007 - the day of this writing.
After wading through the usual crowds at Dubai airport, I reach the business class lounge to find a big queue (about 20 in line) to enter the lounge. As I look for some explanation for this, I find passengers holding economy class tickets in the line - apparently some flight was delayed too much and the economy class passengers were given business class lounge facilities.
When I finally reached the receptionist, she told me discreetly that there is another business class lounge. We went there and the situation there was slightly better.
2. Boarding
Emirates do not call first & business class passengers at the beginning of boarding. What they announce is "First & Business Class passengers may board at their own convenience." This means, either wait till all the rush is finished or squeeze through the line, inconvenience other people and get it. Even after you get through the boarding gate, you will be in line with the economy class on the boarding platform. At times, there will be a separate entry into the aircraft further down, but this is rare.
3. Meals Sold Out
One time when I mentioned my selection for dinner, the hostess politely informs me that they have run out of this option.
4. Broken TV
On the Paris - Dubai flight, my TV & remote were not working. The crew tried a few times to 'reset' it, but to no avail. They informed me that the flight was full and no place to re-seat me. I asked if they had a portable DVD player - the answer was no. For the inconvenience caused, they gave me a box of Godiva chocolates.
So, if you are considering flying business class on the 'renowned' Emirates airlines, think thrice. You may be better off flying economy with Emirates or business with some other airline.
Bon Voyage
Posted by liveit at September 30, 2007 8:56 PM