Emirates - by Krishnan Sundaram
14 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Mumbai to Zurich, London Heathrow to Mumbai on Emirates (mix of business
and economy class). Very good experience apart from the rather painful 5
hour transit at Dubai on the way back. Had a chance to fly 4 different
aircraft types (A332 bom-dubai, A345 Dubai Zurich, B777-200 on London -
Dubai and B777-300 on Dubai - Mumbai) - the A345 was by far the best
with very comfortable seating (even in economy), good food and excellent
IFE. The LHR-Dubai leg (even though it was on a slightly old B777-200)
was very comfortable as well. The to and fro Mumbai legs were rather
average - with very average service (even in business class) and rather
poor food. Check in at Mumbai was ok (but would have been horrible if i
had been flying economy - 2 lines to handle 200 passengers) and at
London was very good. Lounge at both Dubai and London (in particular)
was excellent - what was great was the choice of picking up dinner at
the lounge in Heathrow before boarding a 10:15 PM flight and therefore
getting more sleep in. Overall a good experience - would repeat if
Emirates could work out an earlier flight from Dubai to India - say at
around 10 AM dubai time.
Emirates - by P Thomson
14 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Have been flying Emirates for the last 3-4 yrs. There has been a very
definite decline in quality that seems to be accelerating in many
departments. Flights often delayed, food not what it used to be, cabin
service unpredictable. The only outstanding thing is the entertainment
system which ranks as one of the best. Have noticed that FF benefits are
eroding - last 4 trips as gold member, luggage not sent thru as priority
as promised. Dubai airport is a complete mess being bussed out to your
aircraft every time at the airport - and in the first class lounge you
could not even move because it is so overcrowed during peak times.
Emirates has to invest in its aircraft, give them a make over and send
cabin staff on customer relations course.
Emirates - by Chris Walsh
11 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
AKL-SYD return, Business Class, 31 May-4 June
Took the afternoon shuttle over to Sydney on the 777-300ER. AKL Emirates Lounge fantastic as per
usual with heaps of space thanks to the new extension. Business class about 80% full but the staff
were more than attentive and a great dinner service on offer. Return flight 10% full in Business,
and staff a bit distant. Breakfast was great however and nothing too much trouble. SYD Emirates
Lounge is ok but not as good as the one in Melbourne.
Emirates - by Sami Khaled
11 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
The complimentary limousine to the airport. I was surprised to
note that there was a new Terminal 2 in Hong Kong airport and that Emirates was the only
other airline, with Oasis to be using it. The terminal was deserted but a huge
queue at the Emirates counters. There were 2 flights leaving almost at the same time which
accounted to the crowd. I checked in at the Business class counter and had an irritating staff who
tried to find some fault or the other with the reservation and sent me to different supervisors for
clarifications. Ultimately it got sorted out but made me lose my mood. The purpose of having
Emirates in this terminal makes no sense to me. After checking in and clearing
immigrations, you have to trek back to Terminal one either by walking for 20 minutes or changing 2
trains to reach the terminal and proceed to the lounge or boarding gates!! After a lengthy queue at
both immigration and security, I finally changed 2 trains and reached the lounge. Emirates now has
an exclusive lounge for premium class passengers. Located on the upper level, it gave good views of
the concourse below. Free high speed wireless internet available and good selection of
hot and cold snacks. What surprised me was the lack of "halal" food products for an
airline from an Arab nation which was obviously making many Muslim passengers quite upset. There was
a single shower room which had the most cramped shower cubicle ever seen. Boarding used a
separate entrance for premium passengers. Seats were the same old ones on this A330 series.
The flight was packed fully in each and every seat. Drinks served and after take
off, socks, eye shades and amenity bags distributed with menu cards. Sadly enough, I have flown several long
haul flights from the far east to Dubai during the last 3 years and the menu has remained exactly
the same! Very much uninspiring and boring. A snack service of sandwiches and pastries are served
after take off and then prior to landing at 3am, a hot breakfast is oddly served. The choice was
again between seafood congee, beef noodles or omelet. I have tried all 3 and each one has been worse
than the other- totally uninspiring, dry and overheated. What mattered to me most of all was that I
was able to grab some hours of sleep. On arrival bags appeared quickly which is a feat in Dubai
nowadays as at times there are bags from 3 different flights and carriers on 1 conveyor belt!
Overall a very average flight just basically getting its job done without any extra marks.
Emirates - by N Mossini
5 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
SYD-BNK-DXB-RME on First Class. 777-300ER is an excellent way to fly
especially in First Class. Cabin Crew was attentive during overnight
flight and food was Good. ICE system and LED Mood Lighting system both
working. Sydney and Dubai first class lounges were not too busy and
made the trip very confortable. Limo service on time and no issues.
First Class on 777-300 from DXB-RME needs to be upgraded though. Still
has plenty of room and cabin attention, but the seats need to be
upgraded.
Emirates - by Ihab Abbas
5 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Kuwait to Dubai business class. Easy check-in in Kuwait and a nice
lounge with good facilities and friendly staff. However, seats on
A330-200 are horrible and uncomfortable comparing to B777. Good food and
drink. However they do not update the menu on regular basis (Who said
that the appetizers should be fruits). Driver was waiting in Dubai to
drop me to my hotel. Dubai lounge was OK, the hot food was moderate
hithout no different selection, cold food was OK. DXB to Kuwait A330-200
was not much better and my seat was uncomfortable (1A). The crew advised
that they cannot help as all the business class was full. Food and drink
again OK and crew very friendly. In general emirates has to reconsider
the old A330-200 and replace them by a new one (at least the seats).
Emirates - by Tim Short
3 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Singapore to Zurich business class. A good experience let down slightly
by inconsistent products from Emirates. Easy check-in in Singapore and a
nice lounge with good facilities and friendly staff despite being early
hours of the morning. Seats on 777 positively ancient, though comfy.
Good food and drink. Despite other comments, Dubai lounge was busy, but
not hectic with excellent hot and cold food. DXB to Zurich A340-500 so
much better with 'clam shell' type seats which whilst not up with
BA/Virgin beds are much more comfortable and the interior of the plane
more up to date. Food and drink again excellent and crew very friendly.
Had a look at the first class 'demi cabins' which look super
comfortable. For the price (significantly less than Swiss or Singapore
airlines), great value.
Emirates - by Sami Khaled
11 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
The complimentary limousine to the airport. I was surprised to
note that there was a new Terminal 2 in Hong Kong airport and that Emirates was the only
other airline, with Oasis to be using it. The terminal was deserted but a huge
queue at the Emirates counters. There were 2 flights leaving almost at the same time which
accounted to the crowd. I checked in at the Business class counter and had an irritating staff who
tried to find some fault or the other with the reservation and sent me to different supervisors for
clarifications. Ultimately it got sorted out but made me lose my mood. The purpose of having
Emirates in this terminal makes no sense to me. After checking in and clearing
immigrations, you have to trek back to Terminal one either by walking for 20 minutes or changing 2
trains to reach the terminal and proceed to the lounge or boarding gates!! After a lengthy queue at
both immigration and security, I finally changed 2 trains and reached the lounge. Emirates now has
an exclusive lounge for premium class passengers. Located on the upper level, it gave good views of
the concourse below. Free high speed wireless internet available and good selection of
hot and cold snacks. What surprised me was the lack of "halal" food products for an
airline from an Arab nation which was obviously making many Muslim passengers quite upset. There was
a single shower room which had the most cramped shower cubicle ever seen. Boarding used a
separate entrance for premium passengers. Seats were the same old ones on this A330 series.
The flight was packed fully in each and every seat. Drinks served and after take
off, socks, eye shades and amenity bags distributed with menu cards. Sadly enough, I have flown several long
haul flights from the far east to Dubai during the last 3 years and the menu has remained exactly
the same! Very much uninspiring and boring. A snack service of sandwiches and pastries are served
after take off and then prior to landing at 3am, a hot breakfast is oddly served. The choice was
again between seafood congee, beef noodles or omelet. I have tried all 3 and each one has been worse
than the other- totally uninspiring, dry and overheated. What mattered to me most of all was that I
was able to grab some hours of sleep. On arrival bags appeared quickly which is a feat in Dubai
nowadays as at times there are bags from 3 different flights and carriers on 1 conveyor belt!
Overall a very average flight just basically getting its job done without any extra marks.
Emirates - by N Mossini
5 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
SYD-BNK-DXB-RME on First Class. 777-300ER is an excellent way to fly
especially in First Class. Cabin Crew was attentive during overnight
flight and food was Good. ICE system and LED Mood Lighting system both
working. Sydney and Dubai first class lounges were not too busy and
made the trip very confortable. Limo service on time and no issues.
First Class on 777-300 from DXB-RME needs to be upgraded though. Still
has plenty of room and cabin attention, but the seats need to be
upgraded.
Emirates - by Ihab Abbas
5 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Kuwait to Dubai business class. Easy check-in in Kuwait and a nice
lounge with good facilities and friendly staff. However, seats on
A330-200 are horrible and uncomfortable comparing to B777. Good food and
drink. However they do not update the menu on regular basis (Who said
that the appetizers should be fruits). Driver was waiting in Dubai to
drop me to my hotel. Dubai lounge was OK, the hot food was moderate
hithout no different selection, cold food was OK. DXB to Kuwait A330-200
was not much better and my seat was uncomfortable (1A). The crew advised
that they cannot help as all the business class was full. Food and drink
again OK and crew very friendly. In general emirates has to reconsider
the old A330-200 and replace them by a new one (at least the seats).
Emirates - by Tim Short
3 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Singapore to Zurich business class. A good experience let down slightly
by inconsistent products from Emirates. Easy check-in in Singapore and a
nice lounge with good facilities and friendly staff despite being early
hours of the morning. Seats on 777 positively ancient, though comfy.
Good food and drink. Despite other comments, Dubai lounge was busy, but
not hectic with excellent hot and cold food. DXB to Zurich A340-500 so
much better with 'clam shell' type seats which whilst not up with
BA/Virgin beds are much more comfortable and the interior of the plane
more up to date. Food and drink again excellent and crew very friendly.
Had a look at the first class 'demi cabins' which look super
comfortable. For the price (significantly less than Swiss or Singapore
airlines), great value.
Emirates - by Zaac Totonjian
20 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
SYD-AKL vv in Y class. Check-in staff polite, and efficient, and took
the extra second to advise me to point out my Skywards number on my
boarding pass. Crew polite and pleasant at all times. Food was fine. The
seat configuration made it a little squishy, but there was ample leg
room. The intro to the ICE system could be cut down. After hearing the
entire introduction in English and then in Arabic, it seemed to go a
little too long considering you can't use it once you've already heard
how to in one language, while it explains it the other. A good airline
that is well-priced, and offers what is arguably, a superior product to
its trans-Tasman competitors.
Emirates - by Kurt Müller
15 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
BLR-DXB and return in Y class. Check-in at BLR generally improved since
moved to ground floor. Still no lounge or any reasonable F&B facility to
speak of. Boarding procedure an embarrassment, as the pre-boarding for
families and those needing assistance was gate-crashed by young men who
seem to be in fear of missing the flight. Flight fine, with older-
generation IFE. Seating reasonable (being an A330). Thanks to my usual
special order for seafood I managed to escape the Indian-style choice of
"veg or non-veg" (on an Emirati aircraft?) catering service. Return
flight the next day on same type of aircraft. I thought poor
organisation of boarding would not be an issue at DXB, but bizarrely the
same happened as in BLR: pre-boarding announced for families with
children and lots of able-bodied men charge for the gate without any
intervention from the gate staff. Aircraft departure delayed at DXB gate
because of "congestion" at Bangalore, but when we arrived there at 3.00
a.m., our flight was the only one in sight, with the next arrival at
4.30 a.m. My attempts at purchasing in-flight duty free liquor were
thwarted by the fact that EK do not sell alcohol on the DXB-BLR sector.
Even the cabin crew could not explain this.
Emirates - by Amadou Sow
14 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Zurich to Addis Ababa via Dubai return in Business class on A330-200,
A340-300 and A340-500. All flights on time and food was really good. The
service given by the multinational crew could hardly be faulted. The
seat is comfortable, especially on the A345, which also has the ICE, a
rich IFE that keeps you busy the whole flight. The lounge at DXB airport
was very crowded during the morning rush hour. Having to spend one night
in DXB, I was driven in a limousine to the TAJ Palace where, amazingly,
I slept in a 3-bedroom suite! All in all, a really astounding service
from Emirates.
Emirates - by C Morgan
13 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
LHR-DXB-BKK-DXB-LGW or LHR four times in the last year in Economy. LHR
legs tended to be on the older 777-300A's which are not AVOD equipped
but are more than adequate. BKK and DXB legs on the 777-300ER. Etihad's
are nicer, but purely because of the couple of inches of seat width.
Emirates is better food though - I am one of those odd people who
actually LIKES airline food and EK's is lovely - after years of flying
United and Delta across the pond every month and the occasional BA hop
EK's food and service etc is streets ahead. DXB airport is an awesome
place to transit but six hours is a bit excessive - its noisy and stuffy
in there 24hrs a day even in the quiet areas. Nice place to sit and
watch the world go by out of the window though. I would like a slightly
wider seat, but other than that, they are spot on.
Emirates - by C Trewick
8 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
SYD-DXB and DXB-BHX. Business class for both legs. Have to admit that
this is the first time my wife and I have travelled business class. It
was the end of a special holiday, so thought it worthwhile for these
long legs back to home. Even so, found the service not so attentive as
SIA or Qatar, and the food poor. Unlike our experience with SIA, the
Emirates office was not helpful in accommodating my wife's food
allergies. However, we did appreciate the extra room. The use of the
Emirates lounges at SYD and DXB made for a particularly relaxed and
civilised wait for the flights. The provision of a chauffeur-driven car
was a valuable extra, but the staff at DXB seemed a bit overwhelmed by
the demand, and there was quite a wait. BHX organisation seemed much
better, and we were quickly (and safely) whisked home - no worries about
having to find our car in the car parks!
Emirates - by Pedro Santos
4 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
FRA-DXB-MLE return Economy. First leg was a new B-777 equipped with the
ultimate devices in IFE. For economy cabin the seats have enough space
for a comfortable rest. The food is plain and tasty and the crew staff
is polite and friendly, although I noticed few fails on service like
long time going on between the meal and the drinks. On the way to Malé
and back to Dubai a A-330. Now, the IFE was just regular with a lot of
problems. The legroom was minimum. As the flight was made during night
time, i watch the crew awaking up some reclined resting pax to allow the
pax seated behind him to eat the meal. Never seen before!! Dubai to
Frankfurt, I had got a delay of 4 hours without consistent information
on ground. I recovered the nice legroom of B-777 but no longer the IFE
of first flight. I got same damaged special luggage on arrival in FRA. I
filled the form but 3 months after, I did not have a single response
from airline. In general, I recommend Emirates but they have to work
better their ground operation.
Emirates - by C Wright
3 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Gatwick - Dubai - Singapore and returned Dubai to Gatwick all business
class. As commented in other reviews the product now offered by Emirates
is very variable and does not match my earlier experiences. The lounge
at Gatwick was excellent but the two used at Dubai were very poor in
comparison and overcrowded. The standard of aircraft , cabin crews and
food were also very inconsistent. One service which must be praised was
the efficiency of the car transfer service. The most inefficient was the
online check in facility which even if used immediately at the supposed
24hr initial opening it only appeared to offer one option of adjacent
seating for two people together. This had then been reassigned for the
majority at actual checkin and this result in problems for some families
with specific needs which the cabin crew had to sort (not a good start).
I will only use them again subject to a significant price advantage
being offered.
Emirates - by Maureen Chand
3 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Economy from Glasgow to Sydney via Dubai and Bangkok - never again -
every single leg of the flight was delayed starting in Glasgow and we
sat on board the plan for over 3 hours in Dubai waiting for another
plane to arrive - messing up travel plans of over 200 people on account
of 20 delayed by fog. I then missed my connecting flight and ended up
flying two more journeys instead of one. In Dubai ground staff refused
to allow us to sit in the Gate and there are hardly any other seats
available. It is very convenient to fly from Glasgow but I do not think
I will try Emirates again.
Emirates - by Kieran McGregor
3 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
MEL-AKL Economy. My only complaint is that the flight is meant to leave
MEL at 7.15am, which means an early start. The flight on this leg is
consistently late and always leaves about an hour after scheduled
departure. Its scheduled as a "brunch" flight even though, most of the
passengers getting on in Melbourne have not had breakfast, so we get
offered a heavy meal. The other issue is the request for second round of
drinks took ages to come. Probably one of the best economy flights with
EK on this leg. Used frequent flyer points to upgrade to business class
on the way home AKL-MEL. The departure lounge in AKL is tasteful, good
selection of hot and cold foods, magazines and newspapers, water wall
feature adding a relaxing air.
Emirates - by James Halley
1 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
A tip for Mr Bateman (and others). The older B777 goes on to HKG from
BKK (EK 384). The new aircraft operate via BKK to Sydney (EK 418). The
food in the HKG lounge is superb and much better than onboard. Even in
business class.
Emirates - by Stuart Young
24 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Inflight customer care was excellent from Sydney to Glasgow and Glasgow
to Sydney. But customer service on skywards programme is non existent
as they do not respond to emails or faxes.(has been on going since
February). Do not book child airfares for children that are 23 months
old at time of travel and expect to receive air miles. Mind you his
sister that was 5 years old and on exactly the same airfare got the air
miles. For the flight section I would give a customer rating of 4 but
the land side the rating would not even make 1 star.
Emirates - by Kevin Tunnicliffe
20 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Birmingham-Dubai-Sydney return. The lounge at Birmingham was poorly laid
out and starved of all but the most basic amenities, not a good start
and Emirates should consider their options here. Dubai airport must be
one of the most crowded in the world with passengers sitting and lying
in almost every available space. Both business class lounges were
massively overcrowded and we were unable to find a seat on the three
hour layover on the return journey and that was at 7am. That said the
food and beverage options were more than adequate with an excellent
range, constantly topped up by the staff. The new lounge at Sydney was
everything a business class lounge should be. In the air, Emirates
provided an excellent service although their business class seats need a
rethink - they do not fully recline flat and on the Boeing aircraft
present real problems for passengers in window and middle centre seats
getting out when the seat in front is fully reclined. The pods on the
A340-500 aircraft were better in that respect but far less comfortable.
Some meal options were unavailable which is unacceptable in business
class overall though the quality of food was very good.
Emirates - by Keith Foster
20 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Placed on Emirates Boeing 777 by Royal Brunei as their 767 needed
fixing. Brisbane to Auckland, Easter Monday. Service was professional
and friendly. Food the best I have ever tasted on an airline and plenty
of it, even in economy class. Plane was clean, new, and felt much more
spacious than 767 or 747.Surprise! Everything worked, not only the seat
but the entertainment system.
Emirates - by Andy Wilson
20 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
BHX-DXB-BKK return in business class. Old Airbus on first leg to Dubai
in 2x3x2 formation seats nothing special, most other airlines seem to
have 2x2x2. Service ok and food good. Newer 777 on DXB-BKK leg again
2x3x2 but this time more comfortable again service and food fine. Return
trip much the same. Lounge in Bangkok very good Dubai good as well
although did start to fill up as I was leaving. Would use again but only
if the price was significantly lower than rivals such as SAS and Swiss
who in my experience have more comfortable seats.
Emirates - by Mark Stoneham
20 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Manchester - Dubai - Singapore - Melbourne return. Flight crew on all
sectors, charming, friendly, attentive and helpful. Food and beverage
service excellent. The seats were okay space wise but one minor thing on
the MEL-DXB sector there was an uncomfortable lump in the base of my
back. ICE excellent just wish they had it on the longer DXB-MEL sectors
also! Dubai airport however lets this airline down abominably!
Emirates - by Liam Doyle
20 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Business class LGW-DXB-MNL. Boeing 777-300ER both legs. Excellent lounge
LGW. Business class lounge in DXB was crowded, however there was seating
available. Would like to see lie flat seats in Business class. IFE is
the best I have ever come across. This was my first trip with Emirates,
and will use them again.
Emirates - by Gareth Hopkin
20 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Economy MAN-DXB-MEL, then MEL-AKL, AKL-MEL-DXB-MAN. Satisfied with the
service on all legs although slightly variable, eg MEL-DXB service was
excellent, DXB-MAN adequate. Boeing 777ER seats noticably less
comfortable than Airbus A340-500; also, cabin in Boeing was noisier than
the Airbus. Food was good, although quality dipped towards then ends of
the flight. Entertainment systems very good. Overall, we were
satisfied with service and value for money and would fly them again.
Service levels seem to have improved since I last flew with Emirates.
Emirates - by Pat Marwick
15 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Glasgow-Dubai-Bangkok-Hongkong return Business class. Lounge at GLA is
shared with others who pay £17.50 entrance fee - very quiet when I was
there. Cabin crew GLA-DXB seemed to be trainees. Boeing pushing it by
putting 3 seats in the middle of business class. This is not a true
business class seat and climbing over other passengers is involved if
you want to go to the loo! Best service came from the crew on the return
DXG-GLA sector. Excellent lunch served with wines. Generally a good
product. I would fly them again on condition that I wasn't in the middle
3 - poorest bit of the journey was the overcrowded lounge in Dubai as
many people have already commented. Hongkong lounge gorgeous and
spacious and not over busy. Pickup and drop-off by chauffeur fantastic,
especially if you have no idea where you're going.
Emirates - by Behramjee Ghadially
12 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Dubai to Karachi on their old Boeing 777-300 return their newer Airbus A
330-200. The seat pitch and width of both aircraft seats had a cramped
feeling which would make a long haul journey unbearable on these
aircraft. DXB-KHI flight was approximately fifty five percent full
whereas the return flight was sold out. The good side was that the cabin
crew service on both sectors was excellent and an improvement was seen
in their standards. Another plus point was their wide variety of
inflight entertainment options as well as duty free. Will fly them again
on flights up to four hours in flying time and not more unless its their
new Boeing 777-300ERs which have bigger economy class seats.
Emirates - by Eric Bateman
10 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Glasgow to Dubai then onto HKG 24 hours later, Business Class. Glasgow
to Dubai flight delayed by 6 hours due to technical problems, meaning
that a planned arrival time of around midnight became a 6.15am arrival.
Obviously a lot of passengers' connections were ruined, but in fairness
to Glasgow ground staff, everyone seemed to be kept informed of when
they would be leaving Dubai, hotels were arranged (in Glasgow, in case
the crew were out of hours) and I understand, in Dubai. The staff dealt
with a frustrating situation with good humour and courtesy and should be
commended for doing so. A fairly big queue for passports in Dubai, but
apart from that, a pretty uneventful flight. Check in for my later
flight to HKG was a breeze in the Emirates Business Class area. On
arrival at the lounge, was advised to go opposite to a different lounge
instead - and which seemed to also be bursting at the seams. For me,
the real disappointment of this trip was when I got onto the 777 for the
HKG flight. The seats looked like the kind of thing you would see on BA
c 1980. Cramped, limited recline, the IFE was a million miles away from
their acclaimed ICE system. Obviously they are in the process of
upgrading their fleet and this takes time, but the inconsistency in
their product is frustrating to say the least. I travel to the Far East
on business and don't know if I would pick Emirates again, if only
because you really have no idea which business class you are going to
get.
Emirates - by Giles Saxby
4 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
LGW-DXB-LGW First Class. Travelled on older A330. No ICE, seats OK for
daytime flight but not sleepers. LGW lounge excellent, staff on outbound
attentive and charming. Food OK, wines superb. Return leg opposite -
dubai lounge nothing special for first class, food old and overcooked.
Desk staff didn't even look up when I entered (or on departure) - what a
joke. Onboard, it got worse. Staff slow, surly, bored, no attention to
detail, didn't call me by name, how on earth this crew got promoted to
first class I don't know. Halfway through the flight a trainee came from
business to assist (maybe the original crew just gave up??) and she was
excellent, as was what looked like the purser when he made an
appearance. Onboard a substandard first class cabin (compared to A340)
it is really up to the staff to make a difference. Only saving grace was
the cost - £700 cheaper than BA business and you get what you pay for.
OK for business trip but for a special trip or a treat, don't be fooled
into thinking Emirates has a world class first offering. Very few routes
offer the A340 private cabins, which is what I imagine everyone hopes
for, and to run an old A330 with awful staff on a major route - well, be
warned!!
Emirates - by Benjamin Kuehn
4 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
CCU-DXB-HAM in Y class. Check in in CCU was a mess, our passports and
boarding-passes being checked eight times, but this is not fault of EK
but due to the unorganized security staff in this airport. Managed to
get seats next to emergency exit with plenty of legroom on older A 330.
IFE was OK, but no AVOD, food was pretty good. The bad thing was the air
condition with the temperature set next to arctic temperatures. Hardly
everybody was shivering from cold, after telling the FAs got the answer:
"Yes, this aircraft is always cold.". Instead of changing the cabin
temperature an additional blanket was offered, but this did not help
that much. In DXB room offered at the Emirates Wing in the Millennium
airport hotel, which was ok, but somewhat aged. Managed to spend the
afternoon and evening in Dubai. Next morning DXB - HAM on a relatively
new 777-300 ER. Boarding in DXB was efficient, again managed to get
seats in emergency exit row, which was good for the legroom, but no
window in a window seat. The bad thing is, that they use their 777 in a
3-4-3 configuration in Y-class, which makes seating really cramped.
Great IFE with AVOD, food was pretty good again, this time the crew
offered additional beverages, maybe because this was one of their
prestigious routes going to JFK. It seems, that EK is better on the
flights from the UAE to Europe and USA, as on the flights their main
business is the transport of workers. Would fly them again if there is
no other option, but would prefer Etihad or Qatar on next trip to the
subcontinent.
Emirates - by Stephen Tunney
29 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
LHR-DXB-SIN-BNE-AKL return business class. First time with Emirates and
found staff and lounges very good apart from the lounge at Dubai which
was very overcrowded and looks a bit shabby. The flights from LHR to
DXB was on one of the newer aircraft and inflight entertainment was
excellent, however the rest were on the older aircraft which had video
on demand and which generally did not work. Food was very good and the
service throughout was excellent. Would fly with Emirates again.
Emirates - by Andrew Mortimer
29 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Auckland - Joburg. B777-300ER throughout. Love the IFE and this will
attract me back. The seats on the Dubai-Joburg flight were more
comfortable than Auckland-Dubai as they did not have that leg support
tilt that most of the newer seats have. 3-4-3 results in a miserly seat
width. Food OK, special meal never with a drink however. Joburg -
Auckland via Dubai, Sydney only. Half the journey on B777 again with
same comments. Dubai - Sydney on A340 and seat width far more generous
for a long sector. I am diabetic and appreciate water service but not
generally forthcoming. Will travel with Emirates again but maybe not to
Joburg from Auckland - just too long
Emirates - by Robert van Tuyll
29 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
JNB-DXB and DXB-DUS in first class. 777ER is a great way to fly. First
class is good only seats could be a bit softer. IFE perfect and cabin
staff was OK not superb. DXB-DUS is a different matter. Old airbus seats
nothing compared to 777ER. IFE old system with separate channels or get
a video tape. Food was excellent same as cabin staff. I do not think
Emirates can sell 2 kinds of first class to its customers. This would
need a change.
Emirates - by Rohan McCarthy
26 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
SYD-DXB-AMM-DXB (Economy); DXB-CCU (Business). Emirates seem to have
improved their service on this and two prior sectors (December 2006)
since flying them back in January 2007 - for both short and long haul.
The cabin attendants friendly, food good, IFE almost all AVOD (except
DXB-AMM-DXB, but this was quite a short flight it didn't really matter)
and on the Business class sector, which was very early in the morning, I
still found it easy to sleep in the older-style non-lie flat seat.
Well done Emirates - a little more work, and you'll be back in the 5
star category!
Emirates - by Michael Taylor
24 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
LHR-DXB return in First class. Well, at last Emirates seem to be getting back to old standards
I knew a few years ago. Excellent flights, friendly staff and efficient service - and great meals
served too. Only downside is the DXB lounge - overcrowded and more like a zoo than what is meant
to be an exclusive facility for premium passengers.
Emirates - by A Gallacher
23 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
MEL-AKL-MEL in economy. My wife and I do this short trip across the
Tasman 5 to 6 times a year and have found Emirates offers the best
value, service and entertainment of all the airlines on this route. The
flight is serviced by a A340-500 with a 2-4-2 configuration. The food is
excellent and cabin staff very friendly. Given this is only a short
flight (3 to 4 hrs) the following are worth mentioning. The seat is wide
and comfortable but a little short on leg room and I am only 5'8" so I
did feel cramped. Last night coming from Auckland the seat in front was
fully reclined, which occurred for the whole trip. I was unable to use
the footrest as the stowed tray was in the way. I could not fully view
the video screen as it was to close to my face and the reading light was
obscured by the seat in front. Great for short hauls but I am afraid I
will look for another airline on planned longer hauls to Asia and
Europe.
Emirates - by Ender Ozsezen
23 March 2007
IST to SIN via DXB in First class. IST to DXB (with only Business class)
was nothing special but OK. DXB-SIN something else. The seats in First
class are not much different than business ones and not lie flats. They
are only a little larger than the business version. The catering was a
joke. Small sandwiches and mini pastries. Breakfast is served about 2.5
hrs before landing and that leaves the passenger another 2 hrs without
being able to sleep again. It is the only airline where I have seen
First class service with trays. There is no VOD but the old system.
Boarding in DXB complete chaos without priority for C or F. We were so
disappointed that we flew back home on another carrier. I have
complained about this to the airline which claims to answer within 24
hours but it has been 5 days and nothing yet.
Emirates - by Luke Morre
20 March 2007
BKK-HKG Return. First flight with Emirates and a little disappointed.
Maybe their excellent marketing and PR set my expectations too high. The
seats are much more narrow that other airlines. We flew a 777 and they
fit 3-4-3 seats across in economy. I am pretty sure most other airlines
only fit in 3-3-3. The plane was full, which is probably because of
their cheaper fares. The food was pretty good, and the personal
entertainment system was good, although a little bit old.
Emirates - by Aditya Sane
20 March 2007
Flew JFK-DXB-BOM in Y class. Flew in from SFO with United on the red-
eye. I had decided to fly Emirates instead of the regulars because I had
heard of their good service. Plus they gave a good fare too. Onboard
service average. Food is average; nothing to crave about. The seats on
the 777-200ER are not comfortable on a long haul flight. Their inflight
entertainment system is the only savior. DXB airport is a mess. They
make you go through security check twice even though you are a
connecting passenger. I had carried a cabin-bag from SFO to JFK on
United and JFK to DXB on Emirates. Yet, at DXB I'm suddenly informed at
the boarding gate by Emirates personnel that the bag is "oversized".
Thats odd - I've taken that same bag with atleast 10 other airlines
without any trouble, and even Emirates accepted it at JFK. They check
the bag in at DXB; I keep my fingers crossed. The worst part began at
BOM airport. Of the two bags that I had checked in direct to BOM from
SFO, none had arrived. Only the cabin bag that was "forced checked" at
DXB had arrived. I have had luggage misplaced on numerous occasions. So
I filled a misplaced baggage report. Emirates, however, had the nerve to
tell me that I have to collect my baggage when it arrives from BOM
airport. I protested that other airlines deliver to my residence or
hotel. But no, Emirates made me come back to the airport after three
days to collect one bag. I asked about interim compensation since I had
no clothes. Emirates answered that since I held an Indian passport they
would offer none. I don't normally stay in India, yet they don't listen.
After fighting over the phone with customer support, they finally agreed
to pay some interim compensation. For which too I had to go to the
airport. Emirates has the worst baggage claims service of all the
carriers I've ever flown. I still haven't heard any news about my second
bag even after three weeks. I've canceled my return ticket with Emirates
to JFK. Can't take their bad attitude.
Emirates - by Ewan Barr
20 March 2007
HKG to GLA (rtn, via DXB) on J Class. I have seen inconsistency creeping
in over the last 12 months and these flights were just the same. The
much-lauded new lie-flat seats did not materialise on any of the 4
flights and the older 777-300s used between HKG and DXB are falling
apart, with footrests not working properly and the whole J class cabin
looking tatty. The new 777-300 ER to and from Glasgow is lovely but a
real shame that these still have the older seats - why??? Service on all
legs was pleasant without being spectacular but silly things like taking
food orders before menus were distributed, ICE system crashing regularly
and drinks service taking an age seem to be a common feature nowadays.
The staff were generally pretty good and I have respect for the way that
they try and get things done, however the boarding staff at DXB are
dreadful and the entire process a shambles. Our flight from DXB to HKG
was delayed, according to the gate staff, because the staff were
conducting a security check. On finally boarding the plane the captain
admitted that they had actually arrived onto the plane to discover that
it had not been cleaned! Cue a delayed departure of around 40 mins that
could have been avoided. In addition, the regular transit / drop-off at
BKK has now become a well-worn Ealing comedy that is announced as 1 hour
but actually takes over 2 hours - cue a 1 hour delay into HKG that
everyone seems to accept as "normal". I have made my feelings known to
Emirates over the last few months and have admiration for their
sustained growth but, as a Gold card member, I no longer feel compelled
to travel with them. Put simply - having a great product is surely much
better than having a polished after sales / customer complaints team! I
wish them luck in turning this around and hope that the new terminal
will help matters. Loyalty is admirable but my patience is wearing thin.
Emirates - by A Beardmore
20 March 2007
BHX-DXB-CHC return in economy. Seat requests honoured, flight attendants
professional and friendly, food best I've had in economy. BHX-DXB
A330-200 was clean and tidy with seat pitch of about 32inch. No ICE.
DXB-CHC leg and return to DXB was A340-500. Clean and tidy but seat
pitch no better than a UK charter airline, no more than 31 inches at
best. Why do Emirates choose to put this small seat pitch on the
aircraft with which they fly their longest routes? It was unbearable, 14
hours with the seat in front resting on my knees, unable to use the
footrest. DXB-BHX flight was operated by a B777-300ER. After 14 hours
jammed in the seat of the A340 this was bliss.
Emirates - by Andrew Mortimer
29 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Auckland - Joburg. B777-300ER throughout. Love the IFE and this will
attract me back. The seats on the Dubai-Joburg flight were more
comfortable than Auckland-Dubai as they did not have that leg support
tilt that most of the newer seats have. 3-4-3 results in a miserly seat
width. Food OK, special meal never with a drink however. Joburg -
Auckland via Dubai, Sydney only. Half the journey on B777 again with
same comments. Dubai - Sydney on A340 and seat width far more generous
for a long sector. I am diabetic and appreciate water service but not
generally forthcoming. Will travel with Emirates again but maybe not to
Joburg from Auckland - just too long
Emirates - by Robert van Tuyll
29 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
JNB-DXB and DXB-DUS in first class. 777ER is a great way to fly. First
class is good only seats could be a bit softer. IFE perfect and cabin
staff was OK not superb. DXB-DUS is a different matter. Old airbus seats
nothing compared to 777ER. IFE old system with separate channels or get
a video tape. Food was excellent same as cabin staff. I do not think
Emirates can sell 2 kinds of first class to its customers. This would
need a change.
Emirates - by Rohan McCarthy
26 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
SYD-DXB-AMM-DXB (Economy); DXB-CCU (Business). Emirates seem to have
improved their service on this and two prior sectors (December 2006)
since flying them back in January 2007 - for both short and long haul.
The cabin attendants friendly, food good, IFE almost all AVOD (except
DXB-AMM-DXB, but this was quite a short flight it didn't really matter)
and on the Business class sector, which was very early in the morning, I
still found it easy to sleep in the older-style non-lie flat seat.
Well done Emirates - a little more work, and you'll be back in the 5
star category!
Emirates - by Michael Taylor
24 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
LHR-DXB return in First class. Well, at last Emirates seem to be getting back to old standards
I knew a few years ago. Excellent flights, friendly staff and efficient service - and great meals
served too. Only downside is the DXB lounge - overcrowded and more like a zoo than what is meant
to be an exclusive facility for premium passengers.
Emirates - by A Gallacher
23 March 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
MEL-AKL-MEL in economy. My wife and I do this short trip across the
Tasman 5 to 6 times a year and have found Emirates offers the best
value, service and entertainment of all the airlines on this route. The
flight is serviced by a A340-500 with a 2-4-2 configuration. The food is
excellent and cabin staff very friendly. Given this is only a short
flight (3 to 4 hrs) the following are worth mentioning. The seat is wide
and comfortable but a little short on leg room and I am only 5'8" so I
did feel cramped. Last night coming from Auckland the seat in front was
fully reclined, which occurred for the whole trip. I was unable to use
the footrest as the stowed tray was in the way. I could not fully view
the video screen as it was to close to my face and the reading light was
obscured by the seat in front. Great for short hauls but I am afraid I
will look for another airline on planned longer hauls to Asia and
Europe.
Emirates - by Ender Ozsezen
23 March 2007
IST to SIN via DXB in First class. IST to DXB (with only Business class)
was nothing special but OK. DXB-SIN something else. The seats in First
class are not much different than business ones and not lie flats. They
are only a little larger than the business version. The catering was a
joke. Small sandwiches and mini pastries. Breakfast is served about 2.5
hrs before landing and that leaves the passenger another 2 hrs without
being able to sleep again. It is the only airline where I have seen
First class service with trays. There is no VOD but the old system.
Boarding in DXB complete chaos without priority for C or F. We were so
disappointed that we flew back home on another carrier. I have
complained about this to the airline which claims to answer within 24
hours but it has been 5 days and nothing yet.
Emirates - by Luke Morre
20 March 2007
BKK-HKG Return. First flight with Emirates and a little disappointed.
Maybe their excellent marketing and PR set my expectations too high. The
seats are much more narrow that other airlines. We flew a 777 and they
fit 3-4-3 seats across in economy. I am pretty sure most other airlines
only fit in 3-3-3. The plane was full, which is probably because of
their cheaper fares. The food was pretty good, and the personal
entertainment system was good, although a little bit old.
Emirates - by Aditya Sane
20 March 2007
Flew JFK-DXB-BOM in Y class. Flew in from SFO with United on the red-
eye. I had decided to fly Emirates instead of the regulars because I had
heard of their good service. Plus they gave a good fare too. Onboard
service average. Food is average; nothing to crave about. The seats on
the 777-200ER are not comfortable on a long haul flight. Their inflight
entertainment system is the only savior. DXB airport is a mess. They
make you go through security check twice even though you are a
connecting passenger. I had carried a cabin-bag from SFO to JFK on
United and JFK to DXB on Emirates. Yet, at DXB I'm suddenly informed at
the boarding gate by Emirates personnel that the bag is "oversized".
Thats odd - I've taken that same bag with atleast 10 other airlines
without any trouble, and even Emirates accepted it at JFK. They check
the bag in at DXB; I keep my fingers crossed. The worst part began at
BOM airport. Of the two bags that I had checked in direct to BOM from
SFO, none had arrived. Only the cabin bag that was "forced checked" at
DXB had arrived. I have had luggage misplaced on numerous occasions. So
I filled a misplaced baggage report. Emirates, however, had the nerve to
tell me that I have to collect my baggage when it arrives from BOM
airport. I protested that other airlines deliver to my residence or
hotel. But no, Emirates made me come back to the airport after three
days to collect one bag. I asked about interim compensation since I had
no clothes. Emirates answered that since I held an Indian passport they
would offer none. I don't normally stay in India, yet they don't listen.
After fighting over the phone with customer support, they finally agreed
to pay some interim compensation. For which too I had to go to the
airport. Emirates has the worst baggage claims service of all the
carriers I've ever flown. I still haven't heard any news about my second
bag even after three weeks. I've canceled my return ticket with Emirates
to JFK. Can't take their bad attitude.
Emirates - by Ewan Barr
20 March 2007
HKG to GLA (rtn, via DXB) on J Class. I have seen inconsistency creeping
in over the last 12 months and these flights were just the same. The
much-lauded new lie-flat seats did not materialise on any of the 4
flights and the older 777-300s used between HKG and DXB are falling
apart, with footrests not working properly and the whole J class cabin
looking tatty. The new 777-300 ER to and from Glasgow is lovely but a
real shame that these still have the older seats - why??? Service on all
legs was pleasant without being spectacular but silly things like taking
food orders before menus were distributed, ICE system crashing regularly
and drinks service taking an age seem to be a common feature nowadays.
The staff were generally pretty good and I have respect for the way that
they try and get things done, however the boarding staff at DXB are
dreadful and the entire process a shambles. Our flight from DXB to HKG
was delayed, according to the gate staff, because the staff were
conducting a security check. On finally boarding the plane the captain
admitted that they had actually arrived onto the plane to discover that
it had not been cleaned! Cue a delayed departure of around 40 mins that
could have been avoided. In addition, the regular transit / drop-off at
BKK has now become a well-worn Ealing comedy that is announced as 1 hour
but actually takes over 2 hours - cue a 1 hour delay into HKG that
everyone seems to accept as "normal". I have made my feelings known to
Emirates over the last few months and have admiration for their
sustained growth but, as a Gold card member, I no longer feel compelled
to travel with them. Put simply - having a great product is surely much
better than having a polished after sales / customer complaints team! I
wish them luck in turning this around and hope that the new terminal
will help matters. Loyalty is admirable but my patience is wearing thin.
Emirates - by A Beardmore
20 March 2007
BHX-DXB-CHC return in economy. Seat requests honoured, flight attendants
professional and friendly, food best I've had in economy. BHX-DXB
A330-200 was clean and tidy with seat pitch of about 32inch. No ICE.
DXB-CHC leg and return to DXB was A340-500. Clean and tidy but seat
pitch no better than a UK charter airline, no more than 31 inches at
best. Why do Emirates choose to put this small seat pitch on the
aircraft with which they fly their longest routes? It was unbearable, 14
hours with the seat in front resting on my knees, unable to use the
footrest. DXB-BHX flight was operated by a B777-300ER. After 14 hours
jammed in the seat of the A340 this was bliss.
Emirates - by P Salti
9 March 2007
Amman-Dubai-Singapore-Dubai-Amman. I do this trip twice a year business
and first but have found the whole trip deteriorating. Two of the four
flights this time were parked in a remote area. Dubai Airport is not a
pleasant experience now, with the whole terminal overcrowded and both
first class and business lounges with too many people in them. I wish
Emirates could design some comfortable seats. On the whole the crews
are good and the food not bad but I am trying to find another way to get
to Singapore.