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 ) :
A 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!