Emirates and the ultimate experience
The more one travels, the more you gain experience and insights on how modes of transport are evolving. Travelling by plane remains one of the fastest modes of transports between countries and continents.
I remember the golden days of air travel where there were few planes, few passengers and great service. It is not the case anymore, with thousands of people making their way around the world.
With an increasing number of airlines, competition has become stiff with better rates but on the account of comfort.
Then there is Emirates airlines, an airline with a class of its own that is only improving every year. Not that there are no other airlines that beat Emirates, but attention to detail and the strict criteria when it comes to customer service, quality of food and beverages served, and above all safety on board, is commendable.
I knew a pilot who worked for Emirates for many years, he told us of the rigorous training, annual tests and refreshers that they had to go under in order to renew their contracts.
“There are no shortcuts,” he said.
One of the best air crafts in their fleet is the A380 Airbus, the biggest in the world. Certainly for long haul flights it is worth picking the timing that has this giant as the transporter. For example there are about six flights from Dubai to Bangkok every day, some are A-380, so it is worth looking at the timings, to board one.
I had the chance to fly all three classes on this aircraft, and it was an amazing experience. In the economy class, the leg room was standard but made up by the large TV screen, with such a wide range of entertainment that one does not know how times flies! There are also wider corridors and areas where one can walk and stretch the legs on long flights.
The business class, on the upper deck with all flat bed type seats, a first class service, a bar and small lounge at the end of the plane where one can enjoy a cocktail, snacks and mingle with other passengers.
On our latest trip to the US, we were lucky to get upgraded to first class, and we were in for an amazing experience.
I have flown first class before, but it was before the advent of showers on board!
The experience starts by giving you a comfortable pyjama and all the toiletries to make your long flight comfortable. I was asked to book my shower time, to give everyone a chance. Spa time is 20 minutes per passenger, however, shower time was only five minutes with a timer that helps you determine when it is time to get out. Let us say that I have never taken a shower in the sky! Thank you Emirates.
