Barcelona had been a great trip. Ferrari achieved a double podium and I couldn't wait to embark on a new journey - to a new track, a new city, a new nation. Budapest, Hungary and the Hungarian GP was the next stop.

I again chose to fly mixed class, i.e. First Class on the Outbound Journey and Business Class on the return journey.

The Flying dates were on the 20th and 29th of July. Emirates operates a solo flight out of Budapest. The afternoon departure meant an early morning arrival into Mumbai, similar to the flight taken to Brussels in 2015.

Mumbai - Budapest ( 20th July 2016 ) :

July is a relatively light in terms of passenger travel from Mumbai and the necessary formalities of check-in, security and immigration were completed in no time. It was time to relax in the First and Business Class Lounge.

Beautiful GVK Lounge hosting First and Business Class Guests :

A Lip-smacking spread. I tend to binge and at such odd hours, makes you really lazy!

The First Class Suite onboard Emirates! Never get tired of this!

An Air India that flies Trans Atlantic Routes :

Breakfast Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Taking off from Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKGMOSpRVk

I had a catch in the back and the Massage Function on the Seat was utilized heavily. Thankful for such a feature :

A quick nap and it was morning and time to land at Dubai International Airport. The Early Morning Flight really robs you of your sleep :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EJ6VGI1plk

Dubai International Airport :

The First Class Lounge in Dubai. Unfortunately no Timeless Spa in this lounge :

A good meal and I was ready for my Flight to Budapest. The First Class onboard the Boeing 777-300 was as per the Old Specification and no Suites here :

Goodies kept separately :

Emirates, Emirates, Emirates everywhere :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Taking off from Dubai Bound for Budapest ( Video Link ) :

Breakfast, Lunch and everything in between. Eat until you land!

Nuts and an Orange Fizz to start it all off :

Lunch Service :

Enroute to Budapest ( Flight Info ) :

Flying over Europe :

Budapest beckons! Nearing Touchdown!

Landing at Budapest ( Video Link  ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsZVdxcao4o

Budapest Airport, small yet very beautiful!

My S Class awaits its guest. It still is the most comfortable Luxury Sedan!

Enroute to the Hotel

Budapest - Mumbai ( 29th July 2016 ) :

My Pickup, A Mercedes S Class :

Enroute to the Airport, taking in the sights of this beautiful city one last time :

First and Business Class Lounge in Budapest. Decent but nowhere near the level of more frequented European Cities :

Business Class in Boeing 777-300 :

The Pushback begins :

Well this is a First! Onlookers, Photographers busy watching planes and taking photographs of Planes taxiing to the Runway :

Bye Bye Budapest, Take Off ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkcObkE1kAs

Taking off from Budapest and taking in the sights of this beautiful city one last time :

The Menu for today!

Lunch Service Commences onboard :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Zy8x615M8

Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

Dinner onboard

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3uXfWygxY

Bye Bye Dubai, until next time :

Nearing Touchdown :

Landing at Mumbai International Airport in torrential rain, Amazing piloting skills! ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrD6uCidx6s

Mumbai International Airport on a Rainy Saturday Morning :

Home!

It was quite an eventful trip and I would remember this trip for various reasons for a long long time. Emirates left no stone unturned in offering World Class Hospitality onboard their flights. Its high time that they earn 5 Star status as an airline.

A special mention for the pilots of Emirates too who ensure smooth landings and takeoffs in challenging weather conditions

I continue to be a patron!

The First Race of the 2016 F1 Season that I had the privilege of attending was the Spanish Grand Prix. The Race was held on 15th May. I decided to opt for a Mixed Class Experience on Emirates since both the legs to Barcelona were Airbus A380 and the Return legs on the Boeing 777-300ER, so First Class on Outbound, Business Class on Inbound.

My Travel Dates : 12th May 2016 to 20th May 2016.

Mumbai - Barcelona ( 12th May 2016 ) :

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

The Spread in the Lounge :

First Class Suite onboard Emirates :

Aero Bridge retracting from Airbus A380 ( Video Link ):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KETtYVIxj4E

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

The Menu enroute to Dubai :

Croissants and Yogurt for Breakfast :

The Airbus A380 has a Lounge behind the Business Class and one must not miss the chance to visit it :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=543O6kDVW_4

Dubai International Airport :

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

After a quick nap it was time to board the flight to Barcelona.

My First Class Suite :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport bound for Barcelona ( Video Link ) :

The Goodies Basket :

The Menu for Flight to Barcelona :

Savoury Snacks to start the journey :

Lunch Service commences :

Spending some time in the Onboard Lounge :

76 Business Class Seats :

A Mini-bar in First Class :

A Quick Walk-through the Business Class ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY5ofM45dKI

A Quick Walk-through First Class ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BvKkMto_VY

The Bed ready and set for the nap :

My First Class Suite ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2rUKmEDEyo

I always choose to have a shower an hour before landing. The Washroom doubles up as a Shower Facility onboard the A380 :

Video Link for Shower Spa :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhvUx6oowK4

Some fruits before landing :

Approaching Barcelona. The Compass Feature is beautiful on ICE :

Nearing Touchdown :

Landing at Barcelona Airport ( Video Link ) :

Barcelona El Prat International Airport :

A quick exit from the Airport Formalities and a spanking new BMW 7 Series was waiting for me to drop me at Novotel Barcelona City.

Enroute to the Hotel :

Barcelona - Mumbai ( 20th May 2016 ) :

The Mercedes Viano Van for return transfer :


Driving to the Airport :


All formalities complete in record time, it was time to relax in the lounge, common for First and Business :


My Business Class Seat to Dubai :


Ginger Ale, not anything else ;)


Dinner Options on-board :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Takeoff from Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




The English Premier League Show. Fairy Tale Story of Leicester City FC :


Dinner :


Such a comfortable looking bed :


"Hitting the Apex" a Fantastic Presentation about Moto GP riders :


Approaching Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmYFMPjrbY


Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


A Very Comfortable Bus Ride to the Airport Terminal :


Business Class Lounge in Dubai :


Business Class seats on final leg :


The Menu for the Final Leg :


Really? A Watch this expensive?!!


Goodbye Dubai, until next time :


Takeoff from Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQb0ayaPOrs


Lunch Service :


Touching down in Mumbai :


Landing at Mumbai Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzli7HRoPLA



Mumbai International Airport :


Being picked up by a Mercedes C Class from Mumbai :

A very relaxing journey, lip smacking food, luxurious transfers, what more can an airline do to pamper you! Thoroughly impressed by the service by Emirates and I can't think of flying with any other airline.

The next trip will feature the Mixed Class Travel to Budapest. Thank you for being patient.

2015 featured 2 Business Class trips to Austria and Belgium. I had plans of attending a match at Old Trafford to see Manchester United play. My last visit was in November 2012 and when the opportunity came knocking, I took it with both hands.

I flew to London Heathrow ( just like 2012 ), taking the early morning flight out of Mumbai. My family friend in the UK was more than glad to have me over and was also accompanying me to the game at Manchester.

The Outbound Flight was on 19th January 2016 and the return on 29th January 2016.

Mumbai - London ( 19th January 2016 ) :

My Ride to the Airport, the Mercedes C220 :

Quick check-in, not so quick Security Check and Immigration ( never seen so much rush in the Fast Track, excruciatingly slow ) and I was at the GVK First Class Lounge. The First Class Lounge offers a complimentary Massage and has a separate seating area with A la-carte menu.

Shots from the Lounge :

After a quick nap, it was time to board the early morning flight. The Airbus A380 boasts First Class Suites and it is such a pleasurable experience. The Traditional Welcome includes Dates and Arabian Coffee :

Breakfast Menu :

Video Link for the Emirates A380 Takeoff from Mumbai International Airport :

Breakfast service commences :

Shots of the Business Class Lounge :

Dubai International Airport :

Video Link for the A380 Landing at Dubai International Airport :

A Quick Security Check and I was at the First Class Lounge :

The Boarding Commenced from the Lounge and it was so nice to be in the FIrst Class Suite of the A380 again!

Taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link for the Takeoff from Dubai International Airport :

The Breakfast, Lunch and everything in between Menus :D

Amazing Lunch Spread onboard :

The Unused but Small Lounge in front of the First Class. The Business Class Lounge is the USP in the A380.

76 Business Class Seats :

The Business Class Lounge :

I roamed the Upper Deck for sometime and returned to find my bed ready for a quick nap!

One Hour before the Flight landed into London, I was awakened by the Stewardess for my On-Board Shower Appointment! A Shower 40000 feet in the Sky!

Video Link of a Quick Tour of the Emirates A380 First Class Onboard Shower :

Refreshed and ready for arrival, I was served some fruits and tea before landing. Now that is Service!

Nearing Touchdown at Heathrow :

Video Link for the A380 Landing at Heathrow International Airport, London :

Touchdown :

Heathrow is the Busiest Airport in the world and these photos prove it :

Fast Track Service at Heathrow is brilliant and all formalities were completed in less than 20 minutes. I then walked into the Emirates Arrivals Lounge for my Chauffeur service.

The Mercedes S Class. Pampered! Business Class passengers get chauffeured in an E Class.

Enroute to my Friend's Place.

London - Mumbai ( 29th January 2016 ) :

A memorable trip came to an end and it was time for the return journey. Once again I had the luxury of the S Class to shuttle me to the Airport :

Amazingly, Heathrow wasn't crowded the way it was in 2012. Fast Track ensured brisk movement and I was in the Departures' Hall in no time :

The Emirates Lounge is quite a walk and the Lounge does have the option of Boarding from the Lounge. However our flight would follow the standard single gate boarding procedure.

Shots of the Lounge :

One thing is certain, when flying in premium classes, you are never famished! Lip Smacking Spread :

I boarded the last flight out of Heathrow, I think its termed as the "Red Eye" Flight since it lands at Dubai in the morning. The First Class Suites number 14 onboard the A380.

Video Link for the Takeoff from Heathrow. Goodbye London, until next time!

Dinner Menu :

Food, food and more food. I wanted to binge on desserts!

Light Snacks at the Lounge in the Business Class :

Its quite a tight space to operate from :

The Lounge Host ( A Liverpool Fan, we indulged in some friendly banter ) decided to give up his job and clothed me in his trademark Emirates Suit. A teetotaler was asked to serve up some mocktails ( supposedly ) :P

What an experience!

The Return Flight wasn't full but many wanted to try the Onboard Shower. Unlike the previous flight, I had to shower midway through my journey :( It was a blessing in disguise as I felt so fresh and slept like a baby, even though the nap lasted less than 3 hours.

Shots from the Onboard Shower :

Video Link :

Time to zzzz :

What a beautiful sight, above the clouds, Thank you Lord! One day we won't need airplanes for such heights :)

Approaching Dubai :

It wasn't a clear day in Dubai and the sky was pretty overcast.

Video Link of the touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Dubai International Airport :

Time to relax in the First Class Lounge of Dubai for the last time on this trip :

The Menu, I opted for an early Brunch :

Yummy :

Boarding at Dubai is always from the Lounge and the final leg of the trip was in the Boeing 777-300ER. There are 16 First Class Suites and the Layout is slightly different. These Suites are next to each other unlike the step formation in the A380 :

A Never ending list of options on Emirates' Multi Award Winning ICE ( Information, Communications, Entertainment ) System, Live TV does offer variety.

The Menu onboard but I had my fill and didn't intend to eat anymore.

Pushback :

Taxiing to the runway :

Video Link of an A380 touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Takeoff from Dubai. Bye Bye Dubai. Thanks for the Hospitality :

Video Link ( No Rear Wing Camera on this ) :

Finish watching The Martian, shut the doors of the Suite and get some sleep :

Hovering over Mumbai, as usual delays due to air congestion :

Nearing touchdown at Mumbai :

Video Link of the Landing at Mumbai International Airport Terminal 2, quite a pleasant evening :




The disembarking was quick and I reached the Duty Free section only to realise I had forgotten my Duty-Free bag onboard!! This trip taught me not to get complacent and not just think that its fine to go through the motions. Anyways, so began the run back to the aircraft and the retrieval of the bag. The Contents of the bag were intact and I made it back to the arrivals hall safely. I exited the terminal after an exhaustive 45 minutes but everything in hand. Thank God for that! It would be a crime to leave chocolates behind haha!


Barring the result Manchester United gave me at Old Trafford, it was a memorable trip. It was nice to have a First Class journey early in the year. Set the tone for the coming months and I already have a journey lined up in less than a fortnight. Where to, well patience! Time will reveal it all.

Once again, a Big THANK YOU to Emirates for all the love and hospitality shown to me. Its a blessing to be a Gold Member of Skywards!

2016 will feature more posts in the "Flying Series". God Bless and thanks for the Support for this Blog :)

I had made a short trip to Dubai at the start of 2015. Plans were already in place for the races to attend in 2015. Austria would be the First Destination.

The Track was situated in Spielberg, a considerable distance from Vienna but closer to a city called Graz. Graz was an hour's drive from Vienna and plans were drawn to fly into Vienna for the race.

The Outbound Flight was on 18th June 2015 and the inbound on 25th June 2015.

Mumbai - Vienna ( 18th June 2015 ) :

Business Class lounge at Mumbai Terminal 2.

My Maiden journey in A380 Business Class. Shots of Business Class :

The Menu for the Mumbai - Dubai leg :

Enjoying ICE ( Information, Communication, Entertainment ) :

Quick Selfies in seat :

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

Breakfast time :

Shots of the Business Class Lounge :

A quick nap before landing into Dubai International Airport :

Nearing Touchdown at Dubai :

Video Link to the Emirates Airbus A380 landing at Dubai International Airport :

Dubai International Airport :

A Brisk Security check during transit and I was standing in the Business Class Lounge. I have lost count of the total number of lounges at Dubai!

The spread :

Loads of departures in the morning.

A good rest in the lounge and it was time to board the flight to Vienna. This was a Boeing 777-300ER.

Well Settled in the seat :

Planes, planes and more planes, all around! Codeshare Qantas A380 in the mix as well.

The Menu enroute :

Video Link to Emirates 777-300ER Takeoff from Dubai bound for Vienna :

Gaining Altitude :

Ginger Ale, Nuts, Soup, Seafood Biryani, Ice Cream, what a wholesome meal :

The flight also featured Live TV :

Nearing touchdown in Vienna :

Video Link for the landing at Vienna International Airport :

Vienna International Airport :

A Mercedes E Class to drive me down to Graz, more than an hour away.

Beauty of Austria :

Vienna - Mumbai ( 25th June 2015 ) :

The return pickup was from Le Meridien Vienna. I had a Mercedes Minivan for pickup.

Photos from outside the Airport :


A brisk check-in, security check and it was time to relax in the Lounge :

The view from the Lounge :


Waiting to board :

Business Class, again in a 777-300ER to Dubai :


The Menu onboard :

Taxiing to the Runway :


Video Link for the Emirates 777-300ER leaving for Dubai :




Emirates engines getting us up in the air :


Emirates replicate the night sky in their cabins. Nice touch!


Time to fill the tummy :


Bed time :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Dubai International Airport :

I got some more time to spend in the Business Class Lounge on my return journey and I was awed by the Service Offered.


The Spread at the Lounge :

My Seat on the Final Leg of the Flight :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Menu onboard :

Video Link for the Takeoff from Dubai International Airport :




The Burj Khalifa towering above everything else in the sky :


The Elaborate Wine-list onboard, irrelevant for a teetotaller

The Final meal before landing :

Nearing Touchdown :


Mumbai! Home!

The Mercedes taking me home :


I really enjoyed the trip to Austria and Emirates ensured that the journey was as good as the destination.

There is nothing that is found wanting in Emirates' Hospitality.

I continue to be a patron.

1999 was the last time I visited Toronto, Canada. The Next Race I lined up for 2014 was the Grand Prix at Austin Texas. The Itinerary was drawn up and my mum and I chose to fly to Toronto for a trip to visit my uncle as well as attend the race down south.

My Mum and I had gathered enough miles to upgrade from Business Class to First Class all through.

The Only disadvantage was that upgrades were done in sectors rather than a whole trip which was due to availability opening up at different periods of time. As a result, we had to shed more miles than we would have liked to.

This was also the first time when mum would experience First Class aboard the Airbus A380.

The Outbound Flight was on 22nd October 2014 and the return on 7th November 2014.

Mumbai - Toronto ( 22nd October 2014 ) :

The dropoff at Terminal 2, Mumbai :

A brisk completion of the necessary formalities and it was time to relax in the Lounge :

The Spread at the lounge :

An hour of rest and it was time to board our flight bound for Dubai. The A380 boasts of spacious Private Suites and these never fail to impress :

Mum settling into her Suite :

The Menu for the Flight to Dubai :

Breakfast!

We walked to the back of the aircraft, through the Business Class to enjoy the atmosphere in the Lounge, unique to Emirates A380!

In Dubai, First Class Lounge. Feels so different compared to the Business Class one.

Onboard the flight to Toronto, the Private Suite feels so different in the day!

So cozy :) :)

Whats for Lunch, Snacks and Lunch???

Up in the air and the Lunch Service commenced!

We even indulged in some snack time during the 13 hour long flight.

The Lounge in the Business Class :

I always make it a point to have a shower and change an hour before landing. The Emirates Airbus A380 offers a shower spa 40000 feet in the air.

Touchdown in Toronto :

Video Link for landing into Toronto Pearson Airport :

Our Pickup from Toronto Airport, Lincolns!

Enroute to my Uncle's place :

Toronto - Mumbai ( 7th November 2014 ) :

Our Pickup for the Toronto Pearson Airport :

The Lounge at Toronto is pretty ordinary.

Our Private Suites in the Airbus A380 :

Mum in her Private Suite :

The Menu for the return journey :

The fare started with snacks before moving onto a 3 course dinner. Lip-smacking to say the least.

The Bed readied for a quick nap :

Business Class in the A380 with the famous lounge :

Up in the sky, enroute to Dubai in the setting sun.

Dinner Service :

Shots from the Shower Spa, 1 Hour before landing into Dubai :

Nearing touchdown into Dubai :

Video Link for landing into Dubai :

The First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :

The First Class Suites for the final leg of the trip :

We loved the experience in our Suites. One Last time..

The Menu for the Flight to Mumbai :

Dinner Service :

Landing into Mumbai, our pickup was waiting to take us back home

The Emirates A380 First Class is still the best in business when it comes to hospitality. One might say that competitors now have a more premium product but Emirates are the pioneers in dreaming, believing and providing such hospitality since a long time.

My mum cherished this experience onboard the First Class Suites of the A380! I cant wait to be back on one of these and I know the time is not far.

This concludes the Flying Diaries posts from 2014. Dubai ( Business ), Vienna ( Business ), Brussels ( Business ) from 2015 coming up..soon..

Watch this space and thanks a ton for your support! God Bless!

July 2012 was my maiden flight on Emirates Airlines. I have always dreamt of flying First Class on Emirates A380 and the wish came true in July 2012 when I visited the UK for the British Grand Prix.

Soon enough, I drew up new plans to visit the United Kingdom again but this time it was for Football. I would attend games at Old Trafford ( Manchester United ) and the Camp Nou ( FC Barcelona )

It was time again to fly First on the Emirates A380 to London Heathrow!

Mumbai - London Heathrow ( 20th November 2012 ) :

I flew out on 20th November 2012 but this time took the First Flight out of Mumbai which would help me reach London at 1:30 in the afternoon

My Ride to the Airport :

A Brisk Check-in, Easy Immigration and Hassle-free security ensured a restful time in the Lounge before boarding commenced.

Shots from the Lounge :

An Elaborate Spread :

The Boarding commenced and I was ushered into my Private Suite :

The 24" LCD :

Minibar, Makeup Kit and the Writing Kit :

The Touchscreen console which controls all the features of the Suite :

The Suite :

The Bed :

The Suite lights up in brilliant blue during takeoff :

The Breakfast Menu :

Breakfast :

A Slight delay in landing meant a quick switchover to the A380 which was bound for London :

Video Link to the Emirates A380 Taking off from Dubai :

The Goodie Basket featuring Chocolates, Crisps, Gums, Mints!

Post Lunch, I decided to take a stroll down to the Business Class Lounge at the back of the Business Class!

The Lounge offers Canapes, Hors D'oeuvres, Sandwiches and Drinks :


What can I serve you sir?

After spending sometime in the Lounge, I returned to my Suite to find my Bed ready. Time to relax before heading for a shower prior to landing at Heathrow!

An Hour before landing, I was woken up by a crew member. It was time to head to the Shower and freshen up prior to landing :

A refreshing shower and I was all ready for arrival into London


Video Link to the Emirates A380 Nearing Touchdown at London Heathrow Airport :




Emirates A380 landing on a cold and rainy afternoon at Heathrow :


Fast Track ensured a quick completion of the arrival formalities and I had my ride waiting for me at Heathrow!

A Mercedes Benz S-Class courtesy of Emirates Airlines!!


London Heathrow - Mumbai ( 12th December 2012 ) :

I always prefer late evening flights.


My Ride, another Mercedes Benz S Class courtesy of Emirates Airlines :

Night falls early during winters in London :

There was a considerable amount of passenger traffic at Heathrow. However Fast Track made the experience a lot easier.

Shots from the Emirates Lounge at Heathrow :


The Emirates A380 being readied for the Journey to Dubai :


Food, Food and More mouth-watering food!!


Emirates offer a plethora of drinking options :

Boarding commenced from the Lounge and it was a breeze!

Shots from my Personal Suite!!

Emirates offered us some amazing amenities!

The Aircraft taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link to the Emirates A380 Takeoff from London Heathrow :



The Flight Path to Dubai International Airport :

The Elaborate Dinner Menu for First Class :

Dinners are always special on Emirates Flights and this one definitely didn't disappoint :

Gluttony isn't good and going to bed immediately after a meal is worse...but in an Emirates A380 First Class, all should be forgiven.

The Bed ready!

As always, I was woken one hour before touchdown in Dubai to enjoy my Customary Shower On-board, an experience I can never get enough of!


Nearing Dubai :

Dubai from the Sky - Simply Stunning :


Video Link to the Emirates A380 nearing Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :



Dubai International Airport :


The Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport ranks among the best and one can never get tired of visiting it over and over again!


Savour the Spread..simply amazing :


I made the most of my time at the Lounge - had a wholesome meal, got a massage & caught up on some sleep!

The Final leg to Mumbai was in a Boeing 777-300


The First Class Seat in a 777-300 ( not much difference compared to the Business Class barring the Lie-Flat Bed ) :

Shots from Pushback and Taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link of the Emirates Boeing 777-300 taking off from Dubai International Airport :



Final Shots of Dubai :

The Lunch Service to Mumbai :


Emirates Airline leaves no stone unturned in taking care of its guests and as a First Class Traveller, I was really pampered.

It had been another memorable trip in the First Class Suites of the 777-300ER and the famous Emirates A380!

I even earned promotion to the Silver Tier at the end of my First Leg of the Trip! The Extra Baggage allowance came in handy during the Return Leg!

I want to thank Emirates for all the hospitality and care showered on me throughout the journey.. it was an experience that is still etched in my mind.



Next up is my first "Business Class" Experience on-board Emirates ( Mumbai - Düsseldorf - Mumbai ) .. so watch this space.

My London Trip will always be remembered as a trip that fulfilled many dreams.  2 years have passed since the day I read about the A380 Private Suite of Emirates Airlines.

The Opportunity to fly to London for the Silverstone GP arrived and I knew it was time for the FIRST EMIRATES EXPERIENCE!!

So the Tickets were booked and I flew on the 4th of July.

Emirates Airlines know how to pamper their Passengers. An Elegant Mercedes C - Class was sent to drive me down to the International Airport.

The Check-in, Immigration & Security Procedures were like a breeze and I was ushered into a Plush Emirates Lounge!

The Lounge is very well planned as it ensures complete privacy for guests.

Emirates Airlines are famous for their hospitality!! Savour the Spread!!

A Few more stills!

 

The time had come. It was time to embark on a memorable journey.

MUMBAI ( BOM ) to DUBAI ( DXB ) - Boeing 777 - 300 ER First Class ( 4th July 2012 ) :

2 seats were all that was occupied in First Class. However I was disappointed by the Absence of Private Suites ( what was promised ). The Lack of Travellers seems to be the only reason. 

The Seat was quite comfortable though with a full-flat bed and many other optional configurations. The Massage function did a commendable job.

The Rains refused to budge and we were stuck at the Gate for almost an hour.

 

ICE - The Award Winning Entertainment system has loads of options to choose from. Never seen such a Huge Entertainment In-Flight.

 

The Breakfast on borad was Outstanding! Special Dietary Requirements were adhered to inspite of a short notice. Words are not enough...

 

Some More Stills of the Feature-laden seat :

 

It takes only a couple of hours to reach Dubai. Dubai is more than just beautiful. Here are some shots :

 

Touchdown and Dubai Airport - ENJOY!!

 

The De-boarding was efficient and the Transfer Procedure caused no delay!

I was simply awed by what I saw at Level 1 of the Airport. 2 Lounges - One for First and Other for Business Class Passengers and both almost a Mile Long!!

Emirates Airlines had redefined what a Lounge is supposed to mean!! The Lounge was more like a Hotel!!

Have the choice to sit near fountains and marvel at the Architecture or occupy a sofa and admire the efficiency of the Airport Services who handle large number of Departures and Arrivals everyday.

Emirates Airlines deserve 5 Stars for their Hospitality. The staff is prompt and courteous in Service and leave no scope for complaint. The Buffet was fantastic encompassing dishes from various parts of the world.

 

The Transit time was only 3 hours. My desire to spend more time would be fulfilled on the return leg.  Now for the BIG JOURNEY!!

 

 

DUBAI ( DXB ) to LONDON HEATHROW ( LHR ) - AIRBUS A380 - FIRST CLASS ( 4th July 2012 ) :

 

First Impression? - Airbus A380 is Huge!

The Private Suite is out of this world!! A room for the Traveller who likes to travel in an exquisite way, the Suite has it all - from Knick-knacks to features that simply humble the Competition.

Featured here is a teaser to what a Suite is and the preparation for Take-off.

 

Travel Kits, Writing Kits, Goodie Basket ( Replenished as you consume ), Nightwear, Cosmetic Kit, Eye-shades, Slippers; the list goes on!

 

Burj - Khalifa Towering above the rest! The King of the Dubai Skyline!

 

Salted Nuts and Carrot Juice was followed by a wholesome meal of Salad, Soup, Main Course and Dessert. Lip - Smacking!

 

While my meal was being prepared, I decided to stroll down to Business Class. A380 has 14 First Class Suites and 76 Business Class Seats. Quite a Number!! Highest for any aircraft.

Business Class isn't a bad prospect.... but First Class is worth it!

The Aircraft also houses a Bar at the back of the Upper - Level. A Deal-Clincher for those who love their drinks. 

 

Post Lunch I decided to have a quick Siesta. The Pillow, Mattress & Duvet in place. Sleeeep.

 

A Couple of hours sleep was relaxing. Now to get Refreshed. London was still an hour away and I was fortunate to get the last appointment for the Shower Spa!

Taking a Shower at 40,000 Feet!! Yes a Shower on-board!! 2 Treatments were Available - RELAX and REVIVE... depending on the Guest's need!

Only 5 minutes of water though, so have to be wise in usage.

 

Tea and pastries were waiting for me after I returned from the Shower.

 

Nearing Touchdown. London from above.

 

Fast - track service ensured minimal delay in getting out of the Airport. The Chaffeur Service Arrangement took some time though. However the Pick - up was the World-renowned, Luxury Redefining Three-pointed Star - MERCEDES S - CLASS!!

A Memorable Journey!!

 

THE RETURN LEG :

LONDON HEATHROW ( LHR ) to DUBAI ( DXB ) - AIRBUS A380 - FIRST CLASS ( 13th July 2012 ) :

 

The Pick-up was punctual and the S - Class was as elegant as ever. 

 

Priority Check - In and Fast - track hastened the procedures, however finding the Emirates Lounge took some effort. Its quite a walk but I was impressed when I was informed that Boarding would commence from the Lounge itself - Sweet!

The Business and First Class Passengers shared this lounge.

 

The Buffet was exceptional!

 

I enjoyed the push - back of these Huge A380s from the Terminal from the comfort of the lounge. Emirates isn't the only Airline that boasts of A380s.  A Qantas rolls into the Terminal here.

 

The First Class was fully occupied this time! The Flight was completely booked! Clearly shows that the travellers appreciated the quality of Service offered by the Airline.

The Private Suite!! A Class of its own!

 

The Dinner!

 

This was a Night Flight and the Steward was kind enough to provide me something comfortable to change into ( Goodies! )

 

We Traversed different time-zones and Morning dawned sooner. Time for a shower just before arrival into Dubai!!

 

Breakfast! Bread Basket and Cut Fruits - Simple and Filling.

 

Descent into Dubai!

 

The Glory of the A380s. Emirates Boasts of the Largest A380 Fleet in the World. Here is a glimpse...

 

A Longer Transit - Time helped me to catch up on some sleep. Enjoyed a Back Massage at the Timeless Spa in the Lounge. Very Relaxing!

 

DUBAI ( DXB ) to MUMBAI ( BOM ) - BOEING 777- 300 ER - FIRST CLASS ( 14th July 2012 ) :

The First Class was more populated this time.

Some more shots of First Class.

 

Lunch featured a traditional Indian Meal - Nice. It was time for a quick nap post lunch.

The Arrival was brisk and a Mercedes C-Class was waiting to take me home.

 

Fantastic Experience. Words fall short in describing the level of efficiency and excellence this airline has shown.

Will I want to experience it again??? - You Bet!!

PLANS DRAWN for the NEXT TRIP!!

 

HELLO TOMORROW!!