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Posts for Tag: travel

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

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

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


Mumbai - Brussels ( 20th August 2015 ) :

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

Shots from the Lounge :


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

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


Shots of the Suite from the GoPro Hero4 Black :


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


The Menu onboard :


Taxiing to the runway :


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


Breakfast service :


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


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


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


Business Class enroute to Brussels :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Spoilt for choice when it comes to food!


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


Up in the air, Brussels beckons!


Live TV on ICE, Emirates' entertainment system :


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


Food, food and more food!


Flying over different European Cities :


Nearing touchdown at Brussels :


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


Mercedes E Class for pickup at Brussels, nicely done!


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


Brussels - Mumbai ( 28th August 2015 ) :

My Pickup was a Mercedes Minivan again :


Enroute to Brussels International Airport :


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


Business Class onboard Boeing 777-300ER :


Heading towards the Runway :


Video Link for the Takeoff from Brussels Airport :


Up in the Air :


Flight Path :


Lunch Service onboard :


Time to have a nap :


Video Link for the landing at Dubai Interantional Airport :


Business Class Lounge at Dubai :


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


The Menu Onboard :


Bye bye Dubai :


Video Link of the takeoff :


Breakfast Service :


Touching down at Mumbai Airport on a very rainy morning!


Video link to the touchdown at Mumbai Airport :



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

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

Watch this space!





The Flying Diaries : BOM - VIE - BOM ( Emirates Business )

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.




The Flying Diaries : BOM - DXB - BOM ( Emirates Business ) Encore

The Month of February in 2015 was my First Foreign Trip of the year. I was to visit Dubai for the "Gulf Foods" Exhibition, a work related trip.


The Flight to Dubai is just a 3 hour ride and as always I flew with Emirates, my favourite carrier.


Documented below is the Business Class Experience. The Outbound Flight was on 10th February & the Return on 14th February.


Mumbai - Dubai ( 10th February 2015 ) :

Emirates Chauffeur Service to Mumbai International Airport :


A brisk check in and Security and it was time to relax in the newly launched Lounge.


The Newly opened First & Business Class Lounge :


Shots from the Lounge :


Soon enough it was time to board the Flight to Dubai. It wasn't a new flight and still ran the old 777-300ER Configuration.

Business Class onboard the Boeing 777-300ER :


Taxiing to the runway :


Airborne & enroute to Dubai :


The Menu for the day :


The Food never fails to impress onboard Emirates and the Brunch Service was exceptional.

Brunch Service :


Nearing touchdown at Dubai :


Dubai International Airport :


A Short Drive to the Hotel and it was time for the Business Trip / Holiday to start.


Dubai - Mumbai ( 14th February 2015 ) :

The Return Pickup was from Hotel Atlantis at the Palm Jumeirah.

Emirates Chauffeur Service to Dubai International Airport :


Enroute to Dubai International Airport, always a beautiful drive :


Necessary Formalities complete, it was time to board the Aircraft and head home!

Business Class on the Return Flight :


So, whats cooking ?


Nearing Takeoff :


Up in the air and on my way home :


Lunch Service :


On Time Performance, Brilliant Service, Exceptional Hospitality characterize Emirates!

This was a short "Flying Diaries" post. Trips to Vienna & Brussels coming online soon! So watch this space

The Flying Diaries BOM-YYZ-BOM ( Emirates First )

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!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - FRA - BOM ( Emirates Business )

July is the month when the European Leg of F1 is at its busiest. I had the privilege of being at Nurburgring in 2013. 2014 saw Hockenheim host the German GP ( as it alternates between the 2 venues ). This was the first race I had the privilege of attending - Live.


Mum accompanied me for the journey to Frankfurt. We flew Business Class, outbound travel on 17th July and inbound on 24th July ( arrival +1 on 25th )


Mumbai - Frankfurt ( 17th July 2014 ) :


I opted for the early morning flight which enables travellers to land in Europe in the afternoon.

Our Chauffeur service was punctual and efficient as always :


Mumbai Airport's New International Terminal "T-2" is an amazing piece of architecture and a benchmark when it comes to passenger mobility. Completing formalities is such a breeze. ( in Departures )


The "First Class and Business Class" Lounge of GVK wasn't ready yet and we were still making use of the makeshift one for our journey.


Mum Relaxing in the Lounge :


The Lavish Spread in the Lounge :


Brilliant artwork at the airport :


Our Flight being readied for the Dubai Leg :


Our seats in Business Class :


We had been so well fed up until our flight that neither of us opted for breakfast. Just the Beverage Service :


Nearing touchdown at Dubai :


The Boeing and Airbus of Emirates all lined up at DXB :


Business Class Lounge :


Breakfast in the Business Class Lounge :


A restful time in the Lounge and we were ready for the 2nd leg of our trip to Frankfurt! Our Seats in Business Class :


The Menu for the Food & Beverage service to Frankfurt :


Other operators to Dubai :


Food, Food & More Food!


A good sleep and it was time to get ready for the descent into Frankfurt :


The beautiful sky enroute to Europe :


Nearing touchdown at Frankfurt :


Frankfurt from above!


Frankfurt Airport and it was nice to see national carriers of various countries. Frankfurt is the 3rd busiest airport in Europe.


Enroute to our Hotel, The Jumeirah Frankfurt.



Our ride to our Hotel. A Mercedes S500 & the VW Phaeton!


Frankfurt - Mumbai ( 24th July 2014 ) :

The Return Trip
started on a brilliant note! I was overjoyed to see the quality of cars offered by Emirates in Germany. Audi A8L & the BMW GT 530d!


Frankfurt Airport Departures :

The Formalities were completed at a brisk pace and it was time to relax in the lounge :


The Dinner Spread :


Business Class on the return leg to Dubai :


Shots from Frankfurt Airport :


The Entertainment screen during night flights :


Dinner Menu inflight :


Beverage Service :


Dinner time! What a lip smacking meal!


Post Dinner, it was time to catch up on some sleep before landing into Dubai.

Flight Path into Dubai :



The Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :


The Final Leg of the trip to Mumbai :

Business Class seats of the Boeing 777-300ER. Comfortable and spacious.


The Menu enroute to Mumbai :


The Plethora of Carriers at Dubai International Airport :


Takeoff from Dubai :


Lunch time onboard. The Final meal of our trip :

Enjoying our Lunch :


Returning Home with Emirates Chauffeur Service :


Once again, Emirates was top class in their Hospitality and nothing was found wanting in both the legs.

Its always a joy to see the crew recognize you as a Gold Member and welcome you on board!

The Next Post will feature my Trip in First Class to Toronto alongwith mum. We also used our Miles for some sweet upgrades. Details coming soon in the next post!






The Flying Diaries : BOM - SFO - BOM ( Emirates Business )

My First Trip in 2014 was to San Jose California in the United States of America.

My Best Friend was due to get married on 30th May and it was time to fly on Emirates for the First time in 2014. Emirates Airlines don't fly to San Jose but to San Francisco. 

My Mother accompanied me for this trip and she was really thankful to be flying in Business Class.

The Outbound Trip was on 21st May 2014 and the Inbound on 11th June 2014.



Mumbai - San Francisco ( 21st May 2014 ) :


Mumbai now had a New International Terminal - Terminal 2 or T2 and believe me it is simply stunning to behold. Everything about this Terminal is so good. Brisk Check ins, Seamless Security Checks, Minimal Waiting at the Immigration and State of the art Facilities. This Terminal has it all!


Shots from the Business and First Class Lounges. The Airlines have a shared space for their premium travellers.


The Spread for the Early Morning Hours :


Mum enjoying her coffee :


Settled in the Business Class Seat :


Some shots of the Business Class onboard the Boeing 777-300ER :


Breakfast Service :


I chose to sleep through the rest of the Flight and soon enough we landed in Dubai on a bright and sunny morning :


Shots from the Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :


Soon enough, it was time to board the Flight for the 16 Hour Long Journey.


The Menu for the Journey :


The Business Class seats :


Breakfast :


A Lavish meal and it was time to catch up on some much needed sleep :


A 6 Hour Nap and I sampled the Pad Thai :


The Air Show and Flight Information on-board :


Time for more food! Lunch :



The Lunch service got over and the plane started its descent into San Francisco International Airport. Beautiful country from above.


There was no Fast-Track at San Francisco and after waiting in a long line to complete the formalities, we were on our way to San Jose :


San Francisco - Mumbai ( 11th June 2014 ) :


The Lincoln
waiting for us to take us to the Airport. A very comfortable car but I prefer the cars provided in European transfers :


A 45 minute drive and we reached the airport on time. It was a brisk check-in thanks to some really helpful staff. Security too took minimal time and we had ample time to relax in the Lounge.

Shots from the Lounge :


The Spread in the Lounge, Mouth Watering!!


Our Ride being readied for the Journey to Dubai :


Relaxing in the Lounge :


A Host of Arrivals and Departures :


Like all big airports, Boarding commenced from the Lounge and after a hassle free boarding, we settled into our seats. Emirates was the official sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Plane was full of livery of the same :


The Menu :


Pushback and Taxiing to the Runway for Takeoff :


Beautiful San Francisco from above :


Relaxing in our Lounge Mode Seats :


Lunch Service commences :

Passing some beautiful mountains enroute to Dubai :


I had my fill and it was time to reset the clocks and get some sleep!


As we advanced through time, we were served a quick bite :


Food never stops being served and we became gluttons by dinner time :


Emirates was running live updates for the opening game of the World Cup :


Descending into Dubai :

Touchdown and shots enroute to the gate :


Welcome to Dubai :


Shots from the Dubai Business Class Lounge :


The Lavish Spread in the Lounge. Food, Food and More Food!!

It was time to board and it was the Boeing 777-300ER again. Just 3 days after our arrival, Emirates introduced the A380 Service to Mumbai for this flight.
The Menu for the Final Leg :

I wanted to enjoy my last meal of the trip : Nuts, Fruits and some Torte!


We returned to Mumbai, our home at 2 am in the morning. Thankfully we caught up on some sleep inflight and didn't feel too fatigued.

I am thoroughly impressed by the Hospitality shown onboard Emirates Airlines. More importantly we were recognized as Gold Members onboard every flight and graciously welcomed by the cabin crew chief. The Air Hostesses and Stewards left no stone unturned in making us feel special and ensured nothing was found wanting throughout the flight.

There are more stories to be added to the Flying Diaries. However its time to update the Gallery of Memories and Paddock Club Diaries from my trip to the 2015 Austrian GP.

Watch this space. Updates coming thick and fast!





The Flying Diaries : BOM - DXB - BOM ( Emirates Business )

Dubai was the last destination I travelled to on Emirates Airlines in 2013.

I got the opportunity to attend the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and this time I had a co-traveller. My Mother got the first taste of Emirates' Hospitality and believe me, she was thoroughly impressed!


Mumbai - Dubai ( 30th October 2013 ) :


Shots from the Lounge :


Mum is all smiles :


The Flight to Dubai was a Brand New Boeing 777 - 300 ER and the seats were comfortable as always :


The Touchscreen Controller shaped as a Tablet adding to the Premium Feel :


Mum settled in her seat :


Breakfast time!


Time to rest :


In less than 3 hours, we had reached Dubai :


Fast Track Services meant minimal time at the Immigration and soon enough we were on our way to our hotel :



Dubai - Mumbai ( 8th November 2013 ) :

Enroute to the Dubai International Airport in a Volvo :


The Burj Khalifa towering above the Dubai Skyline :


Shots from the Lounge :


Mum relaxing after a good meal :


Boarding commenced from the Lounge and this time we were flying in the Airbus A330 - 200.


Taxiing to the runway :


The Beverage service on Emirates is always amazing :


Enroute to Mumbai in the Setting Sun :


Dinner :


This was the shortest journey during my association with Emirates. My mother was all praise for Emirates. The Hospitality shown to her was special and as a Gold Member, I always felt welcomed.

This was the last trip in 2013 but 2014 saw me completed 2 trips to the Americas with a trip to Germany in between.


There is more to come in the "Flying Diaries" Series, so keep visiting. God Bless and Take Care!

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

September 2013 saw me take the First Emirates Flight as a Gold Member on Skywards.

F1 travelled to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix and this gave me the opportunity to fly First Class on Emirates once again.


The Outbound journey was on 4th September 2013 and Inbound on 13th September.


Mumbai - Milan ( 4th September 2013 ) :

Shots from the Lounge :


The First Class Suite in the Boeing 777-300ER is one of the best in the Airline Industry. I also got a quick peep into the cockpit. Some stills of my seat :


Taxiing to the Runway :


The Breakfast Menu :


Breakfast. The Presentation excellent as always :


Time for some privacy and time to catch up on some sleep :


The Doors of the Suite shut to ensure complete privacy and also have a "Do Not Disturb" feature and believe me, no one disturbs :)


The Mumbai Dubai Leg is always a short flight and soon enough we were approaching Dubai International Airport :


Nearing Touchdown at Dubai :


Touchdown and we had the company of the famed Airbus A380 :


Shots from the Dubai International Airport :


The First Class Lounge offers A-la-carte dining to its guests and I helped myself to some lip-smacking Indian Starters and Delicious Desserts :


Shots from the Emirates First Class Lounge :


The 2nd Leg of the Journey wasn't as comfortable as the first as it was an older aircraft. However we only had 2 guests onboard in First Class and the crew left no stone unturned in ensuring a comfortable flight for me.

My Seat :


Taxiing for Departure :


So, What's for Lunch?


Time for a quick bite onboard :


The Flight to Europe offers some Picturesque views :


My Bed for the next few hours. Very Comfy and I immediately fell asleep


Nearing touchdown at Milan Mapensa Airport :


Touchdown at dusk :


My ride to the Hotel was a Mercedes Benz S 350.


Milan - Mumbai ( 13th September 2013 ) :

A Mercedes Benz S 350 for the pickup again :


Enroute to the Airport :


The sky looks stunning :


Milan Mapensa Airport :


A Brisk Check - in, Fast Track Security and Immigration and it was time to enjoy what the Lounge had to offer!


Dinner Time in the Lounge!


Boarding commenced from the Lounge and I quickly settled into my seat, no Suite on this flight either.


Night Flights always reward you with some amazing amenities. Who can forget the Goodie Basket!!


Dinner Menu onboard :


Time to have some dinner. The Options were brilliant and the food was really well made :


I chose to head to bed immediately after dinner and the Lie-Flat Bed does its job amazingly well.


The Time advances and after a 3.5 hours of sleep, we were nearing touchdown at the Dubai International Airport :


Touchdown on a hazy morning in Dubai and a line of Emirates Aircrafts ready for Departure.


Shots from the First Class Lounge :


The wait at the Lounge was a longer one and I really enjoyed some sleep in the Quiet Room.


It was time to board the afternoon flight to Mumbai for the Final Leg and the Boarding commenced from the Lounge.

Settling into my seat :


Dubai International Airport is a big hub for various airlines and here are some sharing airspace with Emirates :


Various Emirates Flights leaving for different destinations across the world :


Takeoff from Dubai and bound for Mumbai :


Lunchtime :


No Mattress or Duvet onboard this flight :


Mumbai and we are home :


There is definitely a difference between the services offered in First Class and Business Class . However one must opt to fly First when First Class Suites are on offer.


Emirates Airlines strive to ensure that their guests have an enjoyable flight and it was nice to see the crew recognize my Gold Status. Offering Personalized Services is a hallmark of Emirates and I would like to thank them for all the Hospitality shown to me.


Next post? - Emirates Business to Dubai and this time I have a co-traveller. Watch this space! 

The Flying Diaries : BOM - DUS - BOM ( Emirates Business )

July 2013 was my First Business Class Experience on Emirates Airlines.

I flew to Düsseldorf to attend the 2013 German Grand Prix.

The Outbound journey was on 4th July 2013 and the Inbound on 13th July.


Mumbai - Düsseldorf ( 4th July 2013 ) :

A Prompt Transfer service to the airport, a brisk check in and breezy completion of the formalities characterize the service of Emirates on-ground.

I quickly settled into my seat as we waited for pushback :


The Flight to Dubai was a Brand New Boeing 777-300 ER and the control console was a fantastic looking tablet. The Tablet has a plethora of functions from controlling the Personal TV Screen to activating the in-seat massager. Lighting Options and Seating options add other value additions.


ICE - Information, Communication and Entertainment, the award winning Inflight Entertainment of Emirates offering programs for all ages :


Business Class Seats :


The Menu Onboard :


Taxiing to the runway :


Breakfast time! Emirates pampers their Business Class Guests!


Keeping myself entertained during the journey :


Nearing Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


A Journey of 1948 kms and we have arrived at Dubai!


Dubai International Airport boats of dedicated lounges for its Business and First Class passengers and numerous lounges are spread across the 3 different terminals.


Enroute to the Business Class Lounge :


View from the Lounge :


Shots from the Lounge, Boarding commences from the Lounge itself!


After a restful 3 hours in the Lounge, it was time to board the flight for Düsseldorf.

The 700-300 ER to Düsseldorf was an older aircraft but then this isn't the most frequented sector.


Personal TV Screen :


The Seat Console :


My Seat in Business Class :


Enjoying Apple Juice as I settle into my seat :


Waiting for Pushback :


2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button and his partnership with Tag Heuer.


Takeoff for Düsseldorf!


Some Sprite and Assorted Nuts in the Beverage Service :


The Menu for Lunch!


The Lunch Service Commences :


After a fantastic 3 course meal, I chose to catch up on some sleep and the 3 hour nap was extremely comfortable in the Lie - Flat Bed!


6 Minutes to Touchdown :


Arriving at Düsseldorf. An Amazing City from the Sky :


Emirates Chauffeur Services in Europe are top - notch and I had a BMW M5 waiting for me in the arrivals hall to take me to Cologne!


Enroute to Cologne :

It was a very comfortable and smooth 1st leg of the trip and I was taken care of very well by Emirates!


Düsseldorf - Mumbai ( 13th July 2013 ) :


I always opt for the late evening flight and the return leg was no different.

Emirates never fails to impress me and this time they had a BMW 750 Ld waiting at the hotel to take me to Düsseldorf.


The Exquisite Luxury of the BMW 750 Ld!


Enroute to Düsseldorf, spotted my personal car, the Passat on the Autobahn :


Düsseldorf Airport :


Brilliantly built Airport :


Shots from the Emirates Lounge in Düsseldorf :


A Lavish Buffet spread in the Lounge :


Boarding commenced from the Lounge and I quickly settled into my seat. This time the Boeing 777-300 ER was the new aircraft!


The Sunset nearing at Düsseldorf Airport and we wait for the pushback :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Takeoff Time :


Video Link of the 777-300 Takeoff :


Enroute to Dubai in the setting sun :


The Console for Seat and the Joystick to make calls :


Dinner Service on-board. I had my fill in the Lounge but the spread on-board is too much to resist. Gluttony!


Emirates replicates the Constellations seen in the sky within the plane during a night flight. They leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you sleep under the stars :


A 4 Hour Nap and it was time to land into Dubai. Emirates AV welcoming their guests into Dubai International Airport :


The Business Class Lounge next to the gate :


Buffet Spread for Breakfast :


The Last Leg was in an Airbus A330-200 and this plane seemed to be a generation old.


Pushback :


Takeoff Time :


I chose to sleep the final leg of the trip and returned home after a refreshing trip.

A Big Thank you to Emirates Airline for all the Hospitality showered on me. The Business Class on Emirates Airline is a fantastic product offering but once you have travelled First.. you will forget all else.

The Next Update would feature the First Class Experience to Milan in the month of September ( 2013 ).

God Bless everyone!













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

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 :


Lunch and what an amazing meal it was!


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.