DEPARTURE

Check-in was efficient. Lounge facilities poor (although new Emirates Lounge opened later in July). Boarding chaotic, with no dedicated boarding facility for F/J passengers, until pax complained. J class pax not allowed to board aircraft through front entrance - had to join the "crush".


CABIN

Cabin was clean. Luggage space taken up by catering equipment and crew bags. Only a few dog-eared magazines in the racka No headsets in my seat pocket. This created an impression of a lack of attention to detail.


SEATING

Old-style seats (even though EK advertises lie-flat seating on this flight). These seats belong to another era, and are really not comfortable.


CATERING

Flight was undercatered, though not full. I was discreetly asked what my choice would be before service began, and was lucky. Food was tasty and well served. Pax sitting next to me had to make do with third choice and returned it uneaten.


INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Excellent


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Very good after I complained!


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Satisfactory. No operational security line at DXB for premium passengers, but queues weren't too long. Lounge at T3 very comfortable. Baggage delivery on arrival at LGW very slow, and priority bags were not first on the belt.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

A shadow of Emirates' former service, and really disappointing.