Airline Travel has become expensive post-COVID. After two lengthy European holidays in 2023, I drew up similar plans for 2024. 

The first trip was scheduled from 14th June to 3rd July, where I got the chance to spend a few days in Eindhoven, followed by a trip to Austria for the Austrian GP!

The trip after my first was only a fortnight later, where I would have the opportunity to holiday in Black Forest followed by a quick trip to Oslo and then further on to the Belgian GP!

This post is my trip down memory lane, as I relive the amazing journey from Mumbai to Brussels and back!

My outbound flight was on 14th June and my return flight was on 3rd July. Thankfully, with my miles upgrade, I had the luxury of flying in First Class on both my journeys!

A part of the experience is shot with the Samsung S24 Ultra and the rest with the Sony RX10 IV.

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 14th June 2024 ) :

Bags packed and ready :

Emirates Chauffeur arriving for pickup :

A breeze through Mumbai International Airport and it was time to relax in the Lounge!

Enjoying the luxury of the Adani Lounge in Terminal 2 :

A rainy but beautiful morning in Mumbai :

Meeting Shriya Saran, a movie star and capturing the moment ( again ) :

Krushna Abhishek and Sudesh Lehri, popular comedians :

Welcome to Seat 1A :

The Menu for the Mumbai - Dubai leg :

The pushback and taxiing begins :

Off we go to Dubai :

Take off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Time for an early lunch!

Touchdown Dubai :

Landing in Dubai ( Video Link ) :

A picture with South Indian Superstar Mahesh Babu!

Dubai Airport is relatively quiet after the early morning rush hour :

After a two-hour layover, it was time to board and experience the Game Changer Suites in 2024!

Settling into my Game Changer Suite :

The menu for the journey features some movie-time snacks too!

Goodies galore, the Bvlgari Amenity Kit is popular among travellers :

Taxiing to the runway for takeoff :

The journey to Brussels begins :

Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Vitality Boost, Nuts, Crisps and Popcorn to kickstart the binging :

Time for the lunch service :

Time for some slumber before we land in Brussels :

On the final approach to Brussels Airport :

Landing at Brussels ( Video Link ) :

Emirates Chauffeur Service ready to ferry me to my friend's home :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 3rd July 2024 ) :

From Etterbeek to the Airport :

Some stills from the Terminal Building of Brussels International Airport, the First Class Lounge included :

Welcome to Seat 1A, again!

Some more stills :

Apple Juice, Dates and some Arabic Coffee while we wait for pushback :

What's for dinner?

Taxiing to the runway :

Off we go :

Taking off from Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Enjoying some tennis from the Wimbledon Open, thanks to Emirates Live TV :

Unfortunately, right after this, my Samsung S24 Ultra bricked and I was scurrying for options to revive the phone. All efforts failed and I would have to wait until I reached Mumbai to revive my phone again.

The photo shoot duties got switched over to Sony RX10 IV.

Enjoying some Indian fare. The Dessert was surreal, truly special!

Good night :

Circling above Dubai in the early hours of the morning :

The Final Approach to Dubai :

Touchdown :

Touchdown in Dubai ( Video Link ) :

After being escorted through the Transit terminal, it was time to relax in the lounge. 

Shots of the First Class Lounge in Dubai :

Settling into my seat :

Pushback begins :

Goodbye Dubai, see you in a fortnight :

Taking off from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The menu for the final leg :

Approaching Mumbai, delays are a reality into Mumbai :

Finally, home!

Landing into Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

It was yet another flawless experience on Emirates. Although my return leg got marred by issues with my phone, the Airline Crew did their utmost best to make me feel comfortable. The Flying Diaries returns shortly with my 2nd trip of 2024.

Post-covid, airline travel has become an expensive affair. The prices shot up, thanks to fuel surcharges & other miscellaneous expenditures. It became a logical choice for travellers to have extended holidays.

2023 was a year where I travelled extensively ( domestically ) and had the opportunity to visit Europe twice, first for the Spanish Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans and then for the Belgian Grand Prix. 

The two trips were less than a month apart & the second trip was for almost three weeks! Once again, I chose to fly to Brussels and use my friend's home as a base to explore the unexplored cities from the European continent!

My outbound flight was on 13th July and my return flight was on 2nd August. Thankfully, with my miles upgrade, I had the luxury of flying in First Class on both my journeys!

Time to revisit the memories from the past!

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 13th July 2023 ) :

Bags packed and ready!

The Chauffeur was ready to ferry me to the airport :

After a brisk check-in, security and immigration, it was time to relax in the lounge. The view was amazing as always! 

The binge journey begins :

Not many guests in the lounge in the morning :

It was soon time to board the flight to Dubai.

Shots of the First Class Suite for the first leg to Dubai :

The pushback begins :

Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Bye Mumbai, see you in 3 weeks!

The menu onboard, quite diverse for a short flight :

Being selective about my dietary demands :

Coco Jalila chocolates always elevate the dining experience :

After 2.5 hours, we were hovering over Dubai, preparing for touchdown :

Welcome to Dubai, the hub of Emirates :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

An escorted buggy service to make my transit through Dubai seamless!

After breezing through security, time for some unwinding in the First Class Lounge :

A two-hour layover and it was time to board the Game-Changer Boeing 777-300ER to Brussels!

My seat :

The pushback begins!

Taxiing to the runway :

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

Up up and away! Brussels here we come!

Time to watch Minions!

The menu for the flight :

Have always been a fan of movie snacks onboard Emirates :

An extensive fare for lunch en route to Brussels :

The views from above are so beautiful, all thanks to the Almighty!

Time for a quick nap! Love how comfortable the bed is!

Hovering over the city, as we make our final approach :

 Touchdown Brussels :

2023 was a special year for motorsports lovers. Besides Formula 1 having its longest season, the World Endurance Championship celebrated the 100th year of racing in Le Mans. Also, later in the year, India would host the inaugural MotoGP of Bharat. 

Ever since I received the news that it was the 100th year of Le Mans, I drew plans to be a part of the event. Considering how expensive it has become flying in and out of Europe, I also tried to merge an F1 weekend with the WEC event. Finally the itinerary got set and I would travel to Europe to attend both the F1 Spanish Grand Prix and the Centenary Edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in what would be one of my longest trips to the continent!

As always, Emirates was the choice of airline ( thanks to the perks of Skywards Gold ) and although its been an year since this travel got completed, this blog post is about revisiting those memories from this legendary trip!

My outbound journey was on 27th May and the return on 13th June. I upgraded myself from Business to First ( with miles ) for the Dubai - Brussels and Brussels - Dubai legs.

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 27th May 2023 ) :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 13th June 2023 ) :

To the disembarkation gate :

Heading home from the airport with Emirates Chauffeur :

It was a great experience on Emirates in the mixed class. Yes, the disappointment of not having the Gamechanger Suite on the return journey remained but the service more than made up for its absence.

The Flying Diaries makes a return soon, with another journey to Brussels, which was just 3 weeks later!

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!

Emirates Airlines has been my preferred travel partner since I began travelling in 2012. Be it a destination to Europe or the Americas, Emirates offers multiple connectivity options, and the travel experience goes beyond flying. When I last flew to Europe ( Brussels ) in August 2019, little did I know that I wouldn't get to travel again until July 2022!

The pandemic, COVID-19 arrived in early 2020, and I had to cancel my plans to travel in June 2020. Our International borders opened fully only in 2022, and Hungary was the first F1 race I planned to be at. After a hiatus of three years, it seemed like I would be finally flying again on my favourite airline. 

The plan was to fly to Budapest on the Wednesday morning of the race weekend. However, I got struck with a viral infection that threatened to cancel all my travel plans. With no marked improvement in health, I got forced to cancel my trip. A slew of tests, including that of COVID-19, followed. Thankfully, I tested negative, and the fever subsided. What followed next was a race against time, and all odds, I rebooked myself on a new flight for the next day ( Thursday ). However, Emirates doesn't offer a service to Budapest on Thursday. The alternative was to fly with FlyDubai, which would be my first experience ( in Business ) on Emirates' Low-Cost Carrier.

The outbound journey was on 28th July in Business Class on an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and a FlyDubai Boeing 737 Max. The return journey was on 6th August in First Class on Emirates Boeing 777-300ER. 

How was the experience in Emirates post-COVID? Here is a humble attempt at covering all aspects!

Mumbai - Budapest ( Emirates & FlyDubai Business ) ( 28th July 2022 ) :

The bags are packed and ready!

An elegant looking Mercedes E Class to ferry me to the airport, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur service :

Mornings are relatively less crowded in the International section. I breezed through Check-in and security but the Emirates representative forgot to give me a Lounge Invitation card. As a result, the staff at the lounge entry had to make a few calls before allowing me access.

The Adani Business Class Lounge in Mumbai Terminal 2, is quite an empty place in the morning :

All that's on offer to satiate one's hunger!

Views from the lounge are incredible, even the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER is visible!

Boarded the plane and this was the earlier-gen Business Class on a relatively less crowded flight to Dubai, a 2-3-2 configuration :

Pushback begins :

Taxiing to the runway :

Up, up and away! So long Mumbai!

Video Link of the Takeoff from Mumbai :

The Lunch menu onboard :

Chaman Kaliya and a "Selection of Sweets" for Lunch :

Hovering over Dubai, as we prepare to touch down :

Some stills with the Samsung S22 Ultra :

Touchdown at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

After a quick walk through Security and it was time to spend almost 5 hours in the Lounge. My onward journey was in the evening with my arrival at 9 pm in Budapest.

The Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport, as far as the eyes can see!

Enjoying some treats on offer in the lounge!

While relaxing in the lounge, I came across the news that Sebastian Vettel had announced his retirement from the sport. It was sad to see the German say goodbye after Raikkonen decided to hang up his boots in 2021.

It was time for boarding and the plane was parked a fair distance from the terminal building.

Making our way to the plane :

The Business Class seating on the Boeing 737 Max. Looks cosy, a 2-2 configuration.

Preparing for takeoff :

En route to Budapest :

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

The menu for Dinner Service in Budapest :

Apple Juice with some nuts, followed by Chicken Parmigiana and Chocolate Mud Cake :

It was a hearty meal and very well presented. 

With the meal done, it was time to relax and enjoy some sights en route!

Stunning visuals from the heavens!

The flight path towards the continent of Europe!

Landing in Budapest :

Video Link : 

Since the 2nd leg was on FlyDubai, I didn't get the luxury of the Emirates Chauffeur service to my hotel but the return journey would have it since both legs were on Emirates.

Budapest - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 6th August 2022 ) :

Emirates Chauffeur service to ferry me to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport :

Goodbye Budapest, you were amazing!

The airlines still needed the Air Suvidha form filled ( as per the directive from the Indian government ), so the check-in process took longer than usual. Nevertheless, it was still a breeze through immigration and security.

The lounge in Budapest offered some great views of the airport and the tarmac!

The lounge had an elaborate spread as per European standards :

After having a sumptuous experience, it was time to head to the gate for boarding.

Walking towards the Boarding Gate :

The Boeing 777-300ER First Class is a great place to be for the journey to Dubai!

Minibar, flight wellness kit, a basket of sweets & savouries, Bowers and Wilkins Noise Cancellation headsets along with some Arabic Coffee and dates :

The pushback and taxiing to the runway. Seeing a tour group ( plane spotters ) take photos of the Boeing 777-300ER as it made its way to the runway was nice :

Taking off from Budapest ( Video Link ) :

Budapest from above - Buda, Pest and Margaret Island visible!

The Wine List, for those who love to pair it with their meals :

The dinner service to Budapest had an elaborate spread. This is a shorter flight from Europe, so the dine-on-demand service had some restrictions :  

Chips and Orange Fizz, followed by Lentil Soup, Grilled Chicken and Almond Streusel Cake :

The bed is ready, time for a quick nap before landing in Dubai :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Hello Dubai!

Post-Covid, Emirates has upped its First Class Experience by offering guests an escorted service to the First Class Lounge while transiting through Dubai International Airport. It adds to the overall experience of flying First Class!

The First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport is serene and calm. After a three-hour rest, it was time to say goodbye to the lounge and head to the gate for the final leg to Mumbai :

My seat for the journey home, another First Class Suite on the Boeing 777-300ER :

The Breakfast menu :

Arabic Coffee and Dates anyone?

Pushback from the terminal on early Sunday morning :

Takeoff Video :

Enjoying a Vitality Boost drink, followed by Green Pea Poha :

Dawn arrives as we begin our approach into the city that never sleeps!

Touching down at Mumbai International Airport :

Landing Video :

Homebound, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur Service!

I also made a Vlog on the First Class experience onboard the Boeing 777-300 ER from Budapest to Dubai.

Video Link :

What an amazing experience on Emirates Airlines after a hiatus of 3 years. The service was impeccable, the cabin crew always welcoming and the food onboard was exceptional as always. Even FlyDubai Business is an amazing offering and ticks almost all boxes when it comes to seat comfort, and food quality, although their inflight entertainment could have a more varied offering, then as a low-cost carrier, it offers a lot more than any other carrier would!

The Flying Diaries Series will return soon, with an unbelievable first-class experience to Brussels, on Emirates Game Changer Suites, onboard their newest 777-300s. 

So watch this space!

The Flying Diaries series on the Blog have always featured flying experiences onboard Emirates. I was eager to attend the Abu Dhabi GP but unfortunately, guest passes couldn't be arranged. Thankfully the Japanese GP came through and I had to draw up plans for travel and stays fairly quickly. ANA, also known as All Nippon Airways was the airline of choice. I chose to fly into Tokyo even though it was a bit farther from Nagoya ( the city closest to the town of Suzuka ). Tokyo has 2 airports - Narita International Airport & Haneda International Airport; both airports are connected with the Centre of Tokyo by Road and Rail. The best way to travel from either is by Rail - Narita Express / Haneda Express.

ANA operates a solitary service to and fro from Mumbai. The Outbound journey was on 9th October and the Return on the 18th.

So how was the experience in Business Class on ANA? Let us have a quick look!

Mumbai - Tokyo ( ANA Business ) ( 9th October 2019 ) :

Bags are packed and ready!

Shots of the GVK Business Class Lounge, East Wing Section. The East Wing is as good as its Western Counterpart and less populated.

The Spread, as good as ever!

The ANA Business Class seat on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, roomier and more comfortable than it looks!

The Amenities on offer, they even Loan Pyjamas in the Business Class :

Pushback and taxiing to the Runway :

Lets Fly!!

Video Link for Takeoff :

The Elaborate Menu on offer, dominated by Japanese Cuisine. Would have been nice to have a more international menu. I opted to go for an Indian Non-Veg Meal ( better known as Hindu Non-Veg Meal ).

Opted for the Aromatic Kabosu, a signature drink ( Citrus ) on ANA with some little eats followed by a Chicken Tart, Chicken Tikka Starter, Jeera Rice, Lentils and Chicken Makhanwala. The Royal Chocolate Cake with some Green tea was the perfect ending to a good meal.

The Bed is ready, time for a nap before landing into Tokyo :

Enroute to Tokyo, the Interactive Map offering great info on the Flightpath :

Nearing Touchdown at Narita International Airport, early in the morning the next day :

Landing at Tokyo Narita International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Here we are in Japan!

Tokyo Narita Express, the most economical, fastest & comfortable way to get from Narita International Airport to the heart of Tokyo. I opted for Business Class Seats on these too, they offer to recline and better cushioning.

I was in the heart of Tokyo 90 minutes later and then continued my journey to Nagoya with the JR Shinkansen ( Bullet Train ), the Nozomi Express.

Tokyo - Mumbai ( ANA Business ) ( 18th October 2019 ) :

The journey began early in the morning from Shinjuku in Tokyo to Tokyo Central to catch the Narita Express to Narita International Airport. I just made it in time for my ride to the airport.

I decided to walk around the terminal for a bit post-security check.

Some shots of the Narita International Airport :

ANA has 2 separate lounges for Business and First Class. It is nowhere near as good as the ones in Dubai and the spread majorly features regional dishes.

The ANA Business Class Lounge :

I decided to head to the gate after a bite.

The wait begins :

The Chariot for the return journey awaits!

Business Class for the return journey, the same aircraft that flew us in but this time a different seat :

Commencing Pushback and Taxi to the Runway :

A busy morning at Narita International Airport :

Takeoff from Tokyo Narita International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Aerial views of Tokyo :

Views from 38000 feet, so beautiful!

The Menu for the evening :

Commencing meal service with the Kabosu ( I developed a liking for it ) followed by some savouries, a Vegetable salad, Chicken Masala, Steamed Rice and some Dry lentils. Frankly, the meal service on the return journey was an utter disappointment. I did enjoy the Light eats ( Chips and Ice cream ) though but ANA needs to have a serious relook at their menu options.

Another meal, another letdown :

Some more views of the dusk approaching :

Our Flying Route on the Interactive Map, a major part of flying over China :

Home beckons :

Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

The Staff are excellent on ANA in Business Class, warm, welcoming and hospitable. The 787 Dreamliner by Boeing offered very comfortable seats. The biggest disappointment was the meal service, I do hope they improve over time. The Airline is rated 5 stars and it is a good product by itself but I feel Emirates has an edge with their award-winning Entertainment System ( I found the Entertainment options onboard to be very limited with mediocre headphones ), an elaborate menu onboard, Chauffeur services, wider seats and a more comfortable and elegant looking lounge. However, in terms of connectivity and timings, this still is the best airline to fly with to the land of the Far East.