The 2nd F1 race that I had the privilege of attending in 2022 was the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix. The trip to Belgium was my last Emirates experience before COVID-19. With the Belgian Grand Prix organizers opening the doors to the fans, I couldn't resist returning to my favourite circuit!

I had flown on the Game Changer Suites, the latest offering in First Class in the Boeing 777-300ER and the trip to Brussels gave me the chance to experience opulence all over again! The outbound journey was on 25th August and the return was on 12th September.

Although the Mumbai-Dubai leg was in First Class, I was yet to receive an upgrade ( with miles ) on the Dubai-Brussels leg. Thankfully, just before boarding, Emirates released the seats and I was able to enjoy First Class both ways!

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 25th August 2022 ) :

Bags are ready for the trip to Brussels, a long holiday!

A BMW 5 Series for the drop to Mumbai International Airport, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur Service :

The turnaround time to go through check-in, security and immigration was short and it was time to unwind in the lounge!

The Adani First and Business Class Lounge, looking stunning as ever at Mumbai International Airport :

An elaborate spread in the Lounge. First Class guests also enjoy ordering from an Ala Carte menu. The Kathi Roll and the Molten Chocolate Cake are my personal favourites!

There is a different charm and intrigue while flying during monsoons. Mumbai airport in the early hours of the morning :

Finally, after 3 years, back on the Airbus A380! The First Class Suite looks so amazing! The memories are fresh as ever!

The pushback begins :

Taking off from Mumbai for Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Breakfast service to Dubai :

Stuck to some Yogurt, Cappuccino and Pain au Chocolat :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing Video Link :

I did Vlog on the First Class Experience on board the Emirates Airbus A380. It was a short trip but was able to cover quite a lot en route.

Video Link :

 

Emirates offers an escorted transfer service for First Class Passengers and it was nice to enjoy special treatment while transiting through the airport terminal.

The First Class Lounge in Dubai International Airport :

Boarding wasn't via the aerobridges and we had to take the shuttle to make our way to the aircraft.

Being driven to the aircraft in an Emirates shuttle for First Class passengers :

Hello Game Changer Suites!

As we began preparations for takeoff, I marvelled at how brilliant the suite screens were!

Taking off from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :

Up in the air and amazing views of Dubai :

The Palm Jumeirah!

Breakfast and Lunch on offer for the trip to Brussels :

Starting with a Vitality Boost, with some nuts and crisps, followed by Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawn Machbous and Almond Streusel Cake :

En route to Europe!

Emirates recreating the night sky onboard :

The bed is ready. Time for a nap before landing in Brussels :

Preparing our final approach to Brussels :

Touchdown Belgium!

Touching Down at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :

A Mercedes to ferry me to Hasselt, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur service :

The various drive modes in an S Class :

En route to Hasselt, some really beautiful sights along the way :

I had the opportunity to do a full walkthrough of the Game Changer Suite and created a vlog on my Youtube.

Video Link to the First Class Experience on the Game Changer Suites :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First & Business ) ( 12th September 2022 ) :

A Mercedes Luxury Van takes me to Brussels International Airport :

Check-in, Security and Immigration complete, I made my way to the lounge at Brussels International, a lounge I have gotten well versed with over the years.

Walking to the Lounge at Brussels International Airport :

The Lounge, not the most stocked in Europe and remains the most under-whelming experience still :

The views though are amazing :

It was soon time to board and the Game Changer dons a new look when the sun goes down. The ambience and the lighting effects bring a different vibe to the suite.

The First Class Game Changer Suite looks stunningly beautiful at night :

The Pushback commences :

I have been a big fan of the Voyager app on board Emirates. The flight info software shares a plethora of information to flyers and is quite an interesting feature to enjoy inflight.

The Voyager app shows the plane getting ready for the journey back to Dubai :

Taking off from Brussels :

The Menu for the flight to Dubai, featuring a dinner and breakfast service onboard :

Popcorn, a first on Emirates for me, with Ginger Ale, Chips, Spring Pea Soup, Grilled Chicken and Chocolate Silk Cake :

Bingeing on food left me with no energy but to relax!

The bed is set, trying to get some sleep as we advance in time, into Dubai :

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Video Link to the Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

The Emirates shuttle takes me back to the terminal building :

Once again, I enjoyed an escorted transfer service to the lounge, thanks to Emirates' new feature for First Class travellers. The final leg of my journey to Mumbai was in Business Class so I had to walk across to their dedicated lounge area.

The Business Class lounge at Dubai International Airport :

Dubai Duty-Free is a Shopping Haven!

The Business Class seat for my journey home :

Taxiing to the runway :

Up in the air, goodbye Dubai!

Takeoff Video :

Breakfast service to Mumbai :

Vitality Boost, Cappuccino and Vatana ( Peas ) Poha :

Nearing Touchdown in Mumbai, on a rainy Tuesday afternoon :

Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

 A BMW 5 Series to take me home, thank you Emirates Chauffeur Service :

It was an amazing feeling to fly again on the Game Changer Suites. Emirates has a winner in its hands and I hope to see some of the design elements come out on their Airbuses too. A big thank you to Emirates for a memorable experience to Brussels and back! There will be more content in "The Flying Diaries" series in 2023! Thank you for all your support and love over the years!

The Belgian GP is my favourite race on the F1 Calendar and I have attended 4 of the last 5 Grand Prix held at Spa-Francorchamps; also one of my closest friends shifted base to Brussels in 2017 and what better time to meet him than after the Belgian GP weekend. 

Emirates introduced their new Boeing 777-300ER Game Changer Suites ( in First Class ) on the Dubai-Brussels route ( Geneva being the other ) and I was fortunate enough to try it for the first time in 2018. The new fleet of 777-300ER sport not just a fully private First Class suite but also a revamped Business Class and Economy Class! ( more on the First Class Cabin later ).

I opted for EK 501, the solo Airbus A380 service from Mumbai to Dubai ( 430 am departure ) and EK 183 from Dubai to Brussels. The return was on EK 182 ( a red-eye flight ) to Dubai and then EK 506 to Mumbai. The outbound journey was on 29th August 2019 and the inbound on 9th September.

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 29th August 2019 ) :

All set to head for Europe!

Emirates Chauffeur drop at the airport, efficient and courteous as ever :

The First Class Lounge at Mumbai Terminal 2, one of the finest lounges in the world :

Food, food and more food! Business Class passengers enjoy an amazing spread in the Buffet and are offered a 15 minute complimentary Foot or Back Massage. First Class travellers are offered an A-la-carte menu besides a complimentary 30 minute massage!

The First Class Suite onboard Airbus A380, the newer fleet of the A380s have also gone through a revamp ( not plying on this route though )

Arabian Coffee & Dates!

Taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link for Takeoff from Mumbai :

Breakfast service to Dubai :

Fruits, Yogurt, Paneer and Pea Toasties for Breakfast :

The descent into Dubai International Airport :

Touchdown on a beautiful morning :

Landing Video :

It was quite a journey from one terminal to another besides getting to a lounge closest to the departure gate for my flight. 

Unwinding in the lounge, was here for a very brief period though :

It was soon time to board the flight for Brussels and I was excited to enjoy the Refreshed First Class Experience all over again!

My abode for 7 hours..opulence!

Commencing departure procedures :

Arabian Coffee & Dates anyone?

Taxiing to the Runway :

Enroute to Brussels and some stunning views of the Dubai Skyline :

Video Link for Takeoff :

Breakfast and Lunch on the Dubai - Brussels leg :

Ginger Ale with some crisps, Chicken & Lemongrass Consomme, Prawn Brisque and Milk Chocolate Cake..an amazing Lunch onboard!

Post lunch I decided on doing a feature on the Game Changer Suite. 

Emirates have done a stellar job on making premium travel even more comfortable. First Class now is a totally enclosed cabin with full height closing doors, a zero gravity seat designed by Mercedes Benz, Bowers & Wilkins E1 Headsets & a huge Screen to enjoy the entertainment onboard, a pair of Binoculars to enjoy the views from your window, Video Calling facility which enables guests to interact with the flight stewards for their culinary needs, even aisle seats now have Virtual Windows where HD Cameras relay live images onto these window screens so everyone can enjoy a view, mood lighting, mini bar and some essentials like a vanity kit, diary and pen etc. ( Apologies on missing out any other major feature, the list runs long!! )

A Quick walkthrough of the Game Changer Suite ( Video Link ) :

Flying over Europe, Love the Interactive Flight Map, a newer edition as well :

Brussels and its suburbs from above :

Hello Belgium!

Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :

I opted to stay in Hasselt over the weekend since it was only 60 minutes away from the race track. The commute to Hasselt from the airport takes about 75 minutes.

Enroute to Hasselt :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 9th September 2019 ) :

A BMW to ferry me to the airport, this time from the Central part of Brussels :

Driving through the streets of Brussels..so much history around us!

Brussels airport, looks more like a mall :

The Brussels Airlines Lounge which doubles up as an Emirates Lounge. This lounge is in need of a serious makeover.. a mediocre spread, non-existent service, dull atmosphere..quite a disappointment.

Back in the Boeing 777-300ER Game Changer Suite! One of the best seats to fly in!

Dates and Coffee, you just cant get enough of this..the Arabian way of welcoming their guests!

Time to say goodbye to Belgium!

Takeoff Video :

Dinner and Breakfast was offered onboard :

Virgin Cucumber Gimlet with Chips, Spring Pea Soup, Porcini Mushroom Risotto & Chocolate Silk Cake for Dinner..stuffed! 

Enjoying Avengers Endgame in HD on a humongous screen coupled with amazing sound quality from the Bowers and Wilkins E1!

The Voyager App, the interactive Flight Map onboard ICE, Emirates' inflight entertainment system - features 3d Maps, flight paths and 3D views from a virtual cockpit!

With 3 hours to land, I decided to get some sleep!

A foggy morning while descending into Dubai :

Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Shots of the Lounge in Dubai :

Making our way to the Aircraft from the terminal, a 25 minute bus ride :

Seats onboard the Boeing 777-300ER, I decided to not upgrade myself from Business to First for this leg ( preserving miles for a long haul flight next year ).

Pushback and takeoff!

Beautiful views of the Dubai Skyline :

Video Link of the Takeoff, bound for Mumbai :

Breakfast service on the final leg :

Aloo Methi with Sabudana Wada, a proper Indian fare for Breakfast :

Nearing touchdown at Mumbai :

Touchdown Mumbai :

Video Link :

The ride home :

I am a big fan of the Emirates Game Changer Suite! I really hope more routes are added featuring the new fleet. The Food onboard was amazing, the service impeccable, the lounge in Brussels was the only disappointment. 

The Flying Diaries will feature a new airline in the next post..an unexpected journey to the Far East! We take a brief pause in the series to first Review the 2019 F1 Season. 

Watch this space!

My annual trip to the Belgian GP was a little different from the earlier trips. My college friends decided to accompany me to Europe for a 3 nation tour, their first to the Schengen States of Belgium, Switzerland and France. One of my friends accompanied me while a couple left for Europe a few days earlier than us.

This trip also gave me the opportunity to try the New Boeing 777-300ER with a revamped First and Business Class.

We flew out on 18th August 2018 and left Brussels on 29th August 2018.

Mumbai - Brussels ( First Class ) ( 18th August 2018 ) :

The Bags ready for the journey :

The Check-in formalities done and it was time to enjoy the lounge. Since I am a Gold Member of Emirates, my friend was allowed to accompany me.

Some shots of the Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :

Enjoying the Services of our lounge. Mumbai International Airport offers complimentary massage service for the guests :

Food, food and more food!

It was 3 am and time for boarding for our flight to Dubai.

The First Class Suite onboard the A380, top notch and prepped as always :

Preparing for takeoff, the onboard cameras doing a fine job :

Takeoff Video Link :



The Breakfast menu :

Green Pea Poha and Cappuccino for Breakfast :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing Video Link :



Inter Terminal Transfers and Security Checks done, we made our way to the nearest First Class Lounge at Dubai to relax and grab a bite.

A time of Relaxation and refreshing ourselves in the lounge.

It was then time to board our flight to Brussels!

The latest edition of the First Class Suite onboard the New Boeing 777-300ER is a class apart and a winner! Emirates currently flies the new configuration to Brussels and Geneva and will slowly expand to other routes as well. The updated First Class boasts of a lot of new features - Fully enclosed First Class suite with full height privacy screens, seats designed by Mercedes Benz, Virtual Windows, Bigger LCD Screens, Bowers and Wilkins headsets, Binoculars and Dine on Demand service with Video Calling facility. Video calling is quite a cool feature, you can make a call to the Flight Steward and interact, taking the definition of "Room Service" to a whole new level. In-flight showers aren't available though.

The view of the Suites from the front of the aircraft. Quite artistic I must say :

Preparing for takeoff :

Bound for Brussels :

Video Link :



The Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard :

The Flight Map :

You simply can't stop taking pics of this beautiful suite :

Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawns with Garlic and Coriander and Chocolate Ricotta Pudding for Dessert!

The First Class also has Virtual Windows for aisle seats, the cameras relay live feed onto the Screens to give the aisles a window seat feel.

The bed is made. Time to rest!

Afternoon siesta done and it was time to land into Brussels International Airport :

Video Link :



Mercedes S500 to pick us up at the airport!

Brussels - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 29th August 2018 ) :

A Mercedes E250 to ferry us back to the airport :

The Atomium, one of the highlights of Brussels made in Chocolate by Neuhaus :

Not much on offer in the lounge. Passable. Its a common lounge catering to a number of airlines. Hope to Emirates have one of their own soon.

The Seats in Business Class, designed by Mercedes Benz, a bit narrower but equally comfortable :

Takeoff Video :



Whats for dinner?

The Flight Map with Satellite Views :

Live TV, a feature on Emirates Flights :

Crisps and Ginger Ale, Broccoli Soup, Roast Chicken with Pistachio Stuffing and Chocolate Delice for Dessert :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

Landing Video Link :



Dubai International Airport :

The Plane is parked a fair distance from the Terminal building so we are picked up by a bus :

Enjoying services of the lounge while we wait for boarding :

Business Class, a slightly older aircraft this :

The lunch menu :

Some shots while taxiing to the Runway :

Up in the air, homebound :

Takeoff Video Link :



Nuts and Ginger Ale followed by Dhingri Paneer Methi Masala and Badami Halwa!

Hovering above Mumbai :

Landing at Mumbai :



Back in the Bay!

I must say that Emirates have a winner with the new Boeing 777-300ER Offering. It simply is a class apart when you compare it to rival airlines on similar sectors. I hope to see the new plane on my other journeys too. Once again, the hospitality onboard Emirates was flawless and being a Gold Member makes the experience even more special.

It isn't just "Fly Better" with Emirates...Its "FLY THE BEST"!

My Business Class Experience to Dubai in November follows shortly...so watch this space!

The Belgian Grand Prix was the second race in 2017 that I had the opportunity of attending. Emirates offers only service to Brussels so it was imperative to have bookings done on time. I decided on a Mixed Class Journey - First to Brussels and Business on Return.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd August and the Return on 30th August

Mumbai - Brussels ( 22nd August 2017 ) :

Shots from the First and Business Class Lounge in Mumbai :

Midnight Binging in the Lounge!

They also have A-La-Carte on offer for Guests flying First Class :

Kathi Rolls, delicious as ever!

The First Class Suite, a new Airbus A380 this :

Mumbai - Dubai Breakfast Menu :

ICE - Emirates Award Winning In-flight Entertainment System :

Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Enjoying some Yogurt and Poha for breakfast :

A Short Haul journey, so the Bar bears a deserted look in front of the First Class Cabins :

Dubai awaits our arrival!

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport :

The 2nd leg of the Trip was in a Boeing 777-300ER and the layout is slightly different to the Airbus A380. I feel the seats are slightly wider.

The Goodies Basket, Mini Bar and Arabian Dates with Arabian Coffee!

Taxiing to the Runway. Emirates Airlines all around us!

Enroute to Brussels!

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Arabic Mezze, Prawn Machbous and Sticky Date Pudding!

The Bed is made, Time for a snooze!

Nearing touchdown at Brussels :

Brussels International Airport!

Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :



A Mercedes S Class to ferry me to the Hotel :

Brussels - Mumbai ( 30th August 2017 ) :

Mercedes E Class for the return pickup :

Enroute to the Airport :

The First and Business Class Lounge in Brussels. The Mousse was excellent :

My Business Class seat for the 1st leg of the return journey :

Live TV on offer onboard!

The Pushback and it was time for takeoff :

Goodbye Brussels :

Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Lunch is served!

Touching down in Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

I was boarding my flight for Mumbai when I got informed that Emirates had upgraded me to First Class! Well Thank you!

First Class Suite :

Breakfast Menu :

Making our way to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Some Crisps, Pakodas and Cappuccino :

Descending into Mumbai :

A Lovely morning at Mumbai International Airport :

Landing at Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Emirates once again ensured that I had a memorable trip. The Upgrade to First Class for the Final leg of the Trip was really appreciated since it was a Red Eye Flight from Dubai. Being a Gold Member on Emirates always has its perks!

Emirates First and Business Class Experience to Cape Town is up next!

The 2nd Race I had the privilege of attending in 2015 was at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium. Spa is a fair distance away from Brussels, the capital of Belgium but closer to the German Town of Aachen & Dutch Town of Maastricht. I had to make a choice and chose Maastricht as my resting place for the First 4 days of my trip.

I flew out of Mumbai on 20th August 2015 bound for Brussels. Maastricht was an hour away from the airport. The return pickup was form the heart of Brussels and on 28th August 2015.

Mumbai - Brussels ( 20th August 2015 ) :

A brisk check-in, not so brisk Security and Immigration check and it was time to relax in the lounge.

Shots from the Lounge :

The Boarding commenced and I received a big surprise. I had been upgraded to First Class due to the Flight being overbooked. I had Bollywood Celebrity Akshay Kumar and I wasn't complaining.

Well, who doesn't enjoy an upgrade! My First Class Suite!

Shots of the Suite from the GoPro Hero4 Black :

The Best Piece of News I received on boarding the flight. Ferrari had retained Raikkonen for 2016! YES!

The Menu onboard :

Taxiing to the runway :

Video Link to the Airbus A380 taking off from Mumbai International Airport :

Breakfast service :

I decided to sleep during the flight and was awakened when the flight was nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Video Link for the Emirates A380 landing at Dubai International Airport :

A quick transit and it was time to relax in the Business Class Lounge :

Business Class enroute to Brussels :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Spoilt for choice when it comes to food!

Video Link for the 777-300ER takeoff from Dubai :

Up in the air, Brussels beckons!

Live TV on ICE, Emirates' entertainment system :

Kimi Raikkonen sounds so happy about his contract renewal at Ferrari :

Food, food and more food!

Flying over different European Cities :

Nearing touchdown at Brussels :

Video link of the Emirates 777-300ER landing at Brussels :

Mercedes E Class for pickup at Brussels, nicely done!

Enroute to Maastricht, Netherlands. Emirates chauffeur drive are allowed to cross borders.

Brussels - Mumbai ( 28th August 2015 ) :

My Pickup was a Mercedes Minivan again :

Enroute to Brussels International Airport :

The formalities complete, time to enjoy the Hospitality in the Lounge :

Business Class onboard Boeing 777-300ER :

Heading towards the Runway :

Video Link for the Takeoff from Brussels Airport :

Up in the Air :

Flight Path :

Lunch Service onboard :

Time to have a nap :

Video Link for the landing at Dubai Interantional Airport :

Business Class Lounge at Dubai :

The return flight was also a 777-300ER and a red-eye flight.

The Menu Onboard :

Bye bye Dubai :

Video Link of the takeoff :

Breakfast Service :

Touching down at Mumbai Airport on a very rainy morning!

Video link to the touchdown at Mumbai Airport :

It was the first time that I had to travel in the afternoon on a return flight since Emirates only operates one flight to Brussels. I landed at 9 in the morning which was pretty bizarre and personally I would still prefer a night flight for my return.

Nevertheless the service onboard was impeccable. Only one post remains in the Flying Diaries series ( Mumbai - London ) but rapid updates coming your way. The latest being the F1 Season preview.

Watch this space!