Hi everyone! Welcome to the third leg of my winter 2017-18 travel series! I'm so excited to share this trip report with you all not just because it's my 25th report here on FR, this is an extremely special flight as I'll be flying to Dubai on Emirates for the first time!! I'm super excited also with the fact that I'll be flying first class on my first ever A380 flight! Yep, that's right! I was really looking forward for this flight and holiday as this was the perfect way to spend my birthday with my family!
As always, my family and I had countless discussions in terms of our travel plans since we usually do things last minute. We ultimately came to the decision to go to Dubai during the middle of my stay in Hong Kong with other destinations in mind such as Bali and Australia. However, I can save that for another time! Although there were some conflicts when it came to scheduling flights in regards to when to depart, the booking process for flights and the hotel went smoothly! Anyways, I hope I hadn't bored you all too much with my travel plans. Let's get on with the flight! ;)
Winter 2017-18 Trip Report Index:
1) 24 December 2017: CX845 JFK-HKG, B777-300ER, Business
2) 20 January 2018: CX653 HKG-BKK, A330-300, Business
3) 21 January 2018: EK377 BKK-DXB, A380-800, First
4) 25 January 2018: EK207 DXB-JFK, A380-800, First
Pre-flight
While booking the flights for both sectors, it all seemed like clockwork, although there were a few hiccups during the initial stages. In fact, there were a variety of flights to choose from so it was a bit difficult to choose when to depart and which hotel to stay in. After a few days, my family and I ultimately came to a final decision and booked everything in a flash, including flights and the hotel.
Now, coming back to this report. Prior to departure, I woke up at around 9:30 AM so I would be able to enjoy a nice breakfast with my family before we ultimately proceeded to the airport. We had arranged for the chauffeur provided by Emirates to pick us up at around 12:15 PM, which would give me enough time to pack my belongings check out before proceeding to the airport, making it there by 1:15 PM that day.
Heading towards the check-in area
BKK Departure Lobby
The first few things I noticed upon entering the departure area were the influx of people as it was insanely crowded! I guess it must have been a busy time for departures at BKK
Check-in area for EK
As always, the process of checking-in took 10 minutes. The next thing I knew was that our bags were checked in all the way to Dubai!
Going through security and immigration, which took approximately 15 minutes
Post-security
Duty-free area
Airside
FIDS
Heading towards Concourse G, where the Emirates lounge is located
We ended up going another way to go to the lounge, which was taking an escalator at the beginning of the concourse and heading straight afterwards. What I didn't realise before was that we could've taken the usual way in order to go to the CX lounge as they were right across from each other. However, it was no big deal! At least we were able to explore more of BKK
Heading towards the lounge
Lounge entrance
From a first impression, I would say that this lounge looks very spaced out, especially with the variety of seating area and the amenities offered in the lounge such as a business centre, free WiFi, a massive spread of food and beverages, showers, and a prayer room
More shots of the lounge
Food and beverages offered at the lounge
View of the "garden". I wonder if that's open to the public, and if there could be some improvements to it, making it to a similar structure as the gardens at Changi Airport in Singapore
Boarding pass
Magazine rack
Since I had time before I had to board my flight, I thought I'd get myself something to eat, from then on I immediately started with some sweet and sour chicken with jasmine rice, along with a glass of Champagne
It wasn't until half an hour later before I realised it was time to board the flight
Heading towards Concourse E
Concourse E
An interesting sculpture
Heading towards the gate
Dubai, I'm coming for you!
Walking down the ramp to the gate area
I felt a rush of excitement as soon as I saw the A380 as I've been wanting to fly on this aircraft for a long time and I couldn't believe that one of my ultimate dreams was coming true!! (The plane's registration is A6-EDJ)
Gate area and aerobridges
I was so excited to board!
Some pre-flight information:
Date: 21 January 2018
Airline: Emirates
Flight Number: EK 377
Route: Bangkok (BKK) - Dubai (DXB)
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: A6-EDJ
Distance: 3049 miles
Scheduled Departure Time: 4:00 PM
Actual Departure Time: 4:24 PM
Scheduled Arrival Time: 7:55 PM
Actual Arrival Time: 7:28 PM
Flight Time: 6 hrs 55 mins
Departure Gate at BKK: E8
Arrival Gate at DXB: A2
Inflight
As soon as I entered the first class cabin, I started taking pictures like a crazy tourist! Then, I was lead to my seat by one of the cabin crew members.
Emirates A380 First Class
My suite, 4A
Suite features
A quick peak at the A380 business class
I'm loving this already!!
I remember being asked if I’ve flown on Emirates First before. Since this was my first time, I immediately said that I haven't, and one of them started to give me the rundown on everything in general in regards to the suite
Snacks
The tablet/remote control, which looks a little bit outdated
Mini-bar
Seat controls
Another view of my suite
Immediately starting the flight with a glass of Moët
This was everything I've ever dreamed of!
I was then handed a bag, consisting of the amenity kit, slippers, eyemask, and a set of pyjamas
Amazing water fountain display at the front
Stairs leading to the lower deck
Writing kit
View from the tail camera, which is always a pleasant site!
Soon after, the captain came on with his pre-flight announcement saying that we would be arriving into Dubai ahead of schedule, with the total flight time of 6 hours and 27 minutes.
One thing I found quite interesting is that once the crew spotted me taking photos, they eventually found out that I was an aviation geek and we ended up chatting, with me saying that this was my first time flying on Emirates and I was super excited to finally be on this airplane, especially the A380! To makes things even special, the captain came up to me and gave me a special greeting and welcomed me onboard my first ever Emirates flight! I'm loving this airline already!
Cabin views
Dates
Arabic Coffee
Hot towel
View from my seat as we are preparing for pushback
Lufthansa Airbus A380-800, D-AIMF, which arrived from FRA as LH772 along with Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-800, PK-GNR, from CGK as GA868
Fast Track passes were handed out prior to takeoff
Flight info. The first sign of this being an older aircraft is the screen, as it looked like as if it was low-resolution. Maybe it was sunny outside, I don't remember.
Taxiing towards Runway 01L
Before I knew it, we lifted off from the runway at 4:24 PM
Peace out, Thailand!
Exploring the inflight map, which had a lot of ways to view it during the flight
Another view of my suite
A few minutes after takeoff, I decided to check out their inflight entertainment popularly known as "ICE". Just a few seconds while browsing through it and I was already in love! Emirates has a wide range of entertainment choices that I didn't even know where to start!
Noise-cancelling headphones along with the case
The "mini-bar" area in front of first class, which a variety of drinks
Now, time to discover the famous first class bathroom onboard an Emirates Airbus A380! I was then told about the shower and how it operates. I then scheduled for a shower 2 hours prior to landing.
From a first impression, it was everything from what I imagined it. In fact, it was so massive that I haven't seen anything like it before in my life!
The shower!
I was loving this flight already!
Soon after, I was greeted by one of the crew members again who handed me a menu, and then explained the "whatever you want, whenever you want" dining concept to me which I was amazed about. I think this idea should be introduced on all airlines!
Drink menu
Menu for today's flight
Wine list
The table was quite massive
After 10 minutes of further exploring my suite, I headed to the bar area located just behind business class!
Business class
Bar area, which was yet again how I imagined it! I must say, dreams do come true!
I thought this would be the perfect time to discover the business class seats, from which I found an empty one and compare it with first class.
Overall, it's a good seat, but it's quite narrow.
Business class controls
View of the A380 wing from the lounge
A nice illuminated light design of the Palm Jumeirah
Lounge seating area
I then headed back to my seat as I already ordered food, which takes 15 minutes to prepare
Orange fizz
After browsing through the inflight entertainment, I decided to watch some 2 Broke Girls
Windows with electronic blinds
Mirror with a variety of skin-care products
The ability to control the inflight entertainment with the tablet
Canapés
After 10 minutes, one of the cabin crew members came up and set the table for me as my second appetiser and main course were ready
Caviar
Main course: Lemongrass chicken with steamed jasmine rice and assorted vegetables. The meal itself was not bad, but I was impressed with the presentation
I pretty much had the best of both worlds. For instance, I was able to watch 2 Broke Girls on the main screen and view the map on the tablet at the same time!
Cabin views
Once I was done with my meal, I switched to the inflight map to find out our current location
More views of my suite
I ultimately went to the bar again and got something to drink
An interesting light design of the Burj Al Arab
Mojito
Business class cabin with a slight change in mood lighting
First class
The privacy doors
I had my shower scheduled soon, but before I do that, I ended up checking up our location again. We already left the coast of India and are now making our way towards the Arabian Sea
Soon after, I was on my way towards the spa and ready to take a shower. Overall, the experience was amazing. Although the only downside was that you only get water for 5 minutes, the heated floors are a nice touch!
As soon as I was done freshening up, I headed back to my seat and found an assortment of fruits, which I later found out was offered post-shower
Once I was done, I decided to check out the bed, from which we only had 2 hours prior to landing. Hence, I asked one of the cabin crew for the turndown service.
Cabin with mood lighting, which eventually led to darkness
Seat as a flat bed
Time for a quick nap!
Cabin view with the illuminated star ceiling
It wasn't long until the captain came on again announcing that we were now starting the descent into Dubai and we would be arriving approximately 30 minutes ahead of schedule
The seat belt sign came back on giving the indication that we had to prepare for landing, which didn't take long.
Descending into Dubai
Final shots before landing
Mood lighting in preparation for landing
We landed approximately 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 7:28 PM with a very short taxi to the gate, which made the arrival process really quick
Docking at gate A2
Actual flight route
Post-flight
Last pics of First Class before I actually disembark. I was so sad to leave the plane!
Disembarking/Arrival into DXB
It was quite a long walk to immigration, along with the involvement of lifts and the automated people mover.
Making our way towards immigration
Dubai International Airport is exactly how I imagined it!!
Waiting for the automated people mover in order to go to immigration
The whole walk to immigration took 15 minutes. However, I'm not complaining as I've heard many times that DXB Terminal 3 is extremely massive
Finally making it to immigration
Baggage claim area
We were able to get our bags in 5 minutes.
From then on we proceeded to the arrival hall where I scheduled the chauffeur-drive service in advance in order to drop us off to our hotel
DXB Arrival Hall
Exterior, which a wide arrange of chauffeur cars!
We were then smooth sailing to our hotel to enjoy our quick getaway in Dubai!
Greetings RBIX and thank you for sharing this excellent detailed report of your first flight in EK F. I agree it's a special way to travel and there really isn't anything like it in the sky. From the showers, to the suites, to the bar and extensive food and beverage. Your excellent photos really place us there in the moment with you. Thanks again for sharing. Happy flying.
Thanks for the comment and kind words, socalnow!! It's always nice to hear your feedback! I definitely agree with you, there's nothing like a flight on EK F! I felt like I was living in a dream for a second while onboard, but I must say, it was an amazing experience! Happy travels! ;)
Hello rbix!
What a nice surprise, and what a great way to get your first A380 flight in! Your excitement for this flight certainly shows through. I love the attention to detail in the photos as well. I feel like I “know” both EK premium cabins just from this report.
I hear you on finding the EK lounge in BKK. I also had a bit of an adventure trying to find it, and ended up only finding it after coming back to the same area from a different direction. And I’ve aslo wondered what the deal is with that garden area.
I love the subtle, soothing tone of EK F. So understated. LOL.
I wonder about that writing kit. Does it ever get used?
Nice that the crew recognized your avgeekness, and great to get a special greeting from the captain. I had a similar experience with TG F, and even got to sit in the left seat after we pulled into FRA. A top memory for me.
The load looks liiiiiiiight in business class. I’m not surprised you found a seat to explore.
The lounge looks pretty cool… I wish I’d had time to check it out on my brief EK F experiences.
And oh, the experience of a shower on a plane. What a unique treat. Truly an avgeek “bucket list” item to check.
Thanks for sharing… and happy 25th flight-report!
Thanks for the comment and kind words! Well, I do try my best in order to bring each and every detail when it comes to the flight. In regards to the writing kit, I don't know about it that much, but I took it with me once I disembarked. I definitely agree with you when crew members recognise our interest in aviation, especially getting a special greeting from the captain! I'll be reviewing the same exact cabin for my flight back to New York. I should have that posted within a few days, so stay tuned! Happy travels!
Hi Rbix. great report and excellent photos. You enthusiasm jumped off the page. I'm not sure I've seen a more through report with pictures than yours. Great job.
Thanks for the comment and kind words! I just felt this flight was like a dream come true and I'm really glad I finally got to experience a flight on EK F! I must say, it's worth exploring. Happy travels!
Hi Rbix, thanks for sharing an awesome report as always! Looks like you had a perfect first experience on Bling-Bling Airlines ^^
Thanks for the comment and kind words, KévinDC!! Although the outdated seat features and controls were somewhat of a letdown, everything else made it up, making it one of the best flights I've been on. Besides that, I definitely did have a perfect first experience and I can't wait to fly them again and share reports like these here on FR! (Loved the comment about Emirates, btw!) Happy travels!