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Posts for Tag: Luxury

The Flying Diaries : BOM - BRU - BOM ( Emirates First ) ( August - September 2022 )

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!


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 ) :



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 ) :

Brussels is a destination where Emirates has multiple services in a day. I decided to opt for the last flight out which allowed me to enjoy most of the day with my friends.

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 Flying Diaries : BOM - BUD - BOM ( Emirates Business & First / FlyDubai Business )

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 has only service out of Budapest at 4 pm so post check-out, one has to head straight for the airport.

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 : BOM - NRT - BOM ( ANA Business )

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 hospitableThe 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.


The Flying Diaries series comes to an end..hopefully, there will be more in 2020.

The Flying Diaries : BOM - BRU - BOM ( Emirates First )

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!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - LHR - BOM ( Emirates Business & First )

The next post of "The Flying Diaries" series features our Business & First Class experience to London Heathrow and back.

It was my first Business Class experience on an Emirates Airbus A380 and I must admit it was quite an enjoyable one. My mum accompanied me on this trip as well, a quick turnaround of 12 days after our return from the US really testing her globe-trotting skills :)

I was excited about attending the 2019 Cricket World Cup besides taking mum in and around London ( her first visit to the UK ). 


The Outbound journey was on 27th June 2019 and the Inbound on 10th July 2019.


Dubai - London Heathrow is one of the busiest sectors for Emirates Airlines. I have lost count of the number of services offered daily by Emirates and their codeshare with Qantas to Heathrow. 

Miles upgrade from Business to First has almost always worked for me ( most recent being the Mumbai-New York & return ). The Upgrade for the Dubai - London Leg was unavailable right until the time of check-in; at check-in a couple of seats became available but the staff at Mumbai couldn't upgrade us and the same would have to be done at Dubai. Unfortunately the seats were gone by the time we landed in Dubai and we eventually flew Business Class for the entire outbound journey. 

This is something that Emirates needs to look at..the flexibility of upgrading a portion of the journey from the Origin of the journey...


Mumbai - London Heathrow ( Emirates Business ) ( 27th June 2019 ) :

Packed & ready..London beckons!


Our ride to the Airport, a Mercedes E250!


All departure formalities complete and it was time to unwind in the lounge :


Business Class onboard Airbus A380, a great product, the best Business in the Emirates Fleet :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Video Link for the Takeoff from Mumbai to Dubai :



The menu for the first leg of our trip :


Sooji ka Halwa for Breakfast!


Sunrise over the Horizon :


Starting our descent into Dubai :


Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :



The Plane was parked a fair distance from the Terminal Building, so we were ferried in buses to the disembarking area :


Business Class Lounge in Dubai :


Our Seats for the 2nd leg of our Outbound Journey. EK 29 to London Heathrow :


Pushback commences!


Taxiing to the Runway ( Video Link ) :



Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :



The Onboard Lounge in Business Class. Such a great setting to unwind and socialize. The newer A380s even have tables :


Goodies Galore and light bites in the Lounge :


Whats for Breakfast and Lunch?


Virgin Cucumber Gimlet to drink, followed by a Mushroom Soup for the Appetizer, Chicken & Cheese Sandwich for the Main Course, followed by a Chocolate Truffle Cake for Dessert. The Sandwich was one of the best main courses I have ever had inflight! 


Flying over Europe :


Nearing Touchdown at London Heathrow :


London Heathrow! The busiest airport in the world :


Video Link for the Landing :



Our ride to the hotel in Central London, Mercedes Viano :


Enroute to Central London :



London Heathrow - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 10th July 2019 ) :

We were due to fly out on 9th July by the 10:30 pm flight ( EK 06 ) but I postponed our departure by a day so that I could attend the 1st semi-final between India and New Zealand. Unfortunately the day got rained out and the rest of the game was played out on the Reserve Day.

Our rescheduled flight was EK 32 at 7 pm from Heathrow. EK 04 and 06 were completely booked!

A Mercedes S-Class Estate to ferry us to the airport. This was a longer drive since we were staying in the New Wembley area, right next to the National Stadium! 


Enroute to the Airport :


Nice to see a life-size model of the Emirates A380 aircraft to welcome us at Heathrow :


Making our way to the lounge post check-in..refreshed after our holiday!


The Emirates Lounge in London Heathrow, one of the best lounges outside Dubai :


An amazing spread on offer!


Views from the Lounge..beautiful!


Emirates Airbus A380 First Class, classy as ever!


The crew was kind enough to capture some stills of ours!


Making our way to the Runway!


Up and away, bound for Dubai :


Video Link :



A quick visit to the Onboard Lounge :


Dinner and Breakfast service onboard :


Cream of Mushroom Soup followed by Malwani Chicken and Chocolate & Walnut Torte :


I opted for a short nap post dinner and was woken one hour before our arrival for a shower appointment. Time to enjoy the Shower Suite at 40,000 feet and get refreshed before touchdown in Dubai.


The Emirates Crew remembered my Mum's birthday, a pleasant surprise and she was touched by such a sweet gesture!


The final approach into Dubai :


Video Link for Landing into Dubai :



The First Class Lounge in Dubai..peaceful..


While we were relaxing in the lounge, we met a celebrity from the Hindi Film Industry, Mr. John Abraham. 

A Moment with the Star! Such a down to earth individual, friendly, respectful, chirpy and loves his racing ( specially on 2 wheels )


The last stint of our journey, onboard the Boeing 777-300ER First Class ( EK 506 ) :


Getting ready for departure :


Homebound :


Video Link for Takeoff :



Breakfast service to Mumbai :


Cappuccino, Fruits and Paneer Bhurji for Breakfast :


Enjoying some Moto GP coverage on Live TV :


The Final Descent into Mumbai :


Touchdown Mumbai :


Landing into Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



On our way home :


The Business Class is a great product and Emirates is only making it better with the launch of their revamped Airbus A380 Cabins. The Menu for the Mumbai - Dubai stint needs to be freshened up a bit as some dishes are starting to become repetitive. Nonetheless a memorable journey once again..the crew were fantastic as always! 

The Game Changer First Class on Boeing 777-300ER features next..so don't miss this space! 

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - JFK, EWR - BOM ( Emirates First )

The Flying Diaries make a return on the blog after a 1 year sabbatical with my Emirates First Class Trip Stateside.

I chose a multicity flight this time, flying into New York and flying back via New Jersey. Dubai Airport was undergoing Runway maintenance in the month of May and Emirates had suspended the non-stop service from Dubai to New Jersey, hence the outbound flight to New York.

My mum also accompanied me on this 23 day trip. We flew out on 22nd May and landed back in Mumbai on 15th June 2019.


Mumbai - New York ( Emirates First ) ( 22nd May 2019 ) :


Bags packed and ready! Time to head to the airport :


The BMW 520d Luxury Edition to ferry us to the airport!


Shots from the GVK First Class Lounge, one of the best in my opinion :


Such an amazing view from the lounge :


The Buffet!


A-la-carte on offer in the First Class Section of the lounge!


Welcome to Emirates Boeing 777-300ER First Class!


An elaborate food menu onboard :


The sun setting in Mumbai :


The flight path which we would be taking, a longer route due to the shutdown of Pakistani Airspace :


Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Dinner Service! Orange Fizz with Nuts to drink, Lentil Soup, Stir Fried Prawns with Cucumber for the main course and Imarti for dessert!


Live TV is one of the best features on the In-Flight Entertainment System : 


Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :



The First Class Lounge in Dubai, a great place to relax and unwind :


A great spread on offer :


Some soup & Pistachio Sorbet for dinner before our long-haul flight :


Settling into our abode for the flight to New York!


Arabic coffee and Dates to kickstart our journey :


ICE - Information, Communication & Entertainment, Emirates' award winning inflight entertainment system :


Getting ready for Takeoff :


Off we go!


Video Link for Takeoff :



I decided to get some rest as soon the flight reached cruising altitude. I slept like a baby for 12 hours!!


Slumber done and it was time for some food!

The Menu :


A cup of Cappuccino to begin with :


Roasted Tomato Soup, Vegetable Mankhanwala and Chocolate & Cranberry Cake! I also opted for a Selection of Pastries before landing :


Beautiful skies..marvel at His Creation!


I decided to pay a visit to the Onboard Lounge at the back of the Business Class :


Made my way back to First Class and it was time for my onboard shower..yes a shower at 38000 feet!   


A quick walkthrough of the Shower Suite ( Video Link ) :



Shower done and we had started our descent into New York :


Not the best of weather to land in :


Hello New York!


Landing into New York ( Video Link ) :



The Chevrolet Suburban waiting for us to take us to New Jersey, a 2.5 hour drive through peak - hour traffic : 


New Jersey - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 14th June 2019 ) :


Cadillac Escalade to Newark Liberty International Airport, a shorter trip lasting 45 minutes :


The First and Business Class Lounge, pretty low key, New Jersey isn't as big an airport as expected :


Oh yes..its a good day to fly!


My seat for the journey to Dubai, this time on a Boeing 777-300ER :


Arabic Coffee and Dates anyone?


Taxiing to the Runaway :


Ready for Takeoff :


Bye Bye New York & New Jersey...you were amazing!


Video Link for Takeoff :



Leaving the American Continent behind :


Whats for Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner?


Some Blueberry Yogurt, Orange Juice and Waffles for Breakfast :


Yellow pepper and lemongrass soup, Bangalore Chicken, Sayadieh and Chocolate Fondant for Lunch! 

Lemon and Ricotta Ravioli, Cappuccino and a Selection of Pastries for Light Snacks!


Up above in the skies :


The Interactive Flight Map, love this feature!


The logo glistening through the flight :


Entering mainland Europe :


The Approach into Dubai International :


Touchdown Dubai :


Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :



Enjoying the First Class Lounge before the final flight of our trip :


The final leg was on the new Boeing 777-200LR, which features a 2 class seating layout.

Business Class on the 2 class Boeing 777-200LR, very ergonomically designed and extremely comfortable :


Commencing Pushback :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai :


Video Link :



The Menu for the last leg of the flight :


Some nuts with Virgin Cucumber Gimlet followed by Paneer Mutter Masala, Pineapple Halwa and Chocolate & Fig Mousse Cake!


Hovering above Mumbai, air traffic is pretty bad here :


Touchdown Mumbai :


Video Link of Touchdown :



On our way home :


It was a great experience onboard Emirates Airlines. The crew left no stone unturned in making us feel comfortable! The long - haul flights were very restful and we were able to really relax and nothing seemed rushed ( unlike the European flights which are only 7 hours each way ). The trip to London features next..so watch this space!