Review of Emirates flight Hong Kong → Bangkok in Business

Transfer at HKG

As already mentioned in previous reviews of this trip, I found my visit suddenly in the midst of Hong Kong citywide protest. As the situation escalate, i decided to have an onward connection to Taipei on EVA. On the return leg, I deliberately allow VERY long layover just in case of operation abnormality, and initially I understood that I have to clear the immigration, collect my bags and re-check in. Thankfully both is not the case. HKIA is operating fine and EVA check my bag through to Bangkok. I only need to pick up my Emirates Boarding pass, and EVA is considerate enough to have a sign direct me to the correct transfer desk upon my arrival at HKIA.

W1 is quite a long walk from my arrival gate and it's also quite a long wait to obtain my boarding pass from quite an unfriendly agent. After that, Transfer security is needed. Despite an unusually inactive situation of HKIA, transfer security is a very long, crowded wait. I can't imagine what would it be like during normal situation. While I love HKIA in overall, this experience help me reach my decision that I would prefer transferring somewhere else, Singapore for example.

I finally reach Emirates Lounge feeling a bit tired. The lounge is spacious with huge windows and great view - that contain a serious downside - it is so sunny in the afternoon. Most seat practically have direct sunlight flood in, and it is not pleasant in our hot, humid Asian weather

The lounge

I managed to find a table in a shadow and start exploring buffet area. The spread is impressive.

I spent my afternoon reading in the lounge, had lunch and dinner there. One aspect of EK's excellence is the lounge and the food. I really give them credit in this part.

There are quite impressive aircraft turnaround out the windows, and how that pass the time!

I decided to try their shower facility, which is very good as well.

Around 7 PM, I see the aircraft coming from Bangkok. It's A6-EUP, 3 years old Two class A380-800. So I leave the lounge, go for a bit of shopping before proceed to gate

boarding

Boarding is on time at Gate 62. I estimate just under 50% load factor, so it was quick and I was welcomed by a smiling cabin crew. At least they are friendlier than my inbound flight

The same world's renowned EK Business class seat. A blanket, pillow, headphone, a pair of socks and eye shade is already there.

And minibar with just mineral water ; still and sparkling

I was seat in forward C Cabin which is less than 25% full. A bad year for Airlines indeed.

inflight service

Pre-departure service begin with Champagne and hot towel (right temperature and not dripping wet this time)

We were held at the gate with some reason (PA announced "high traffic" which I think is not quite possible), and finally pushed back with 25 minutes delay. It's pretty dark outside and narrow windows does not help my spotting, so I have to make do with camera in Entertainment screen.

We get airborne in no time, and the crew start service immediately after reaching cruise altitude.

I pre-ordered Thai chicken cashew nut and rice. Not exactly Thai style but nice enough. dessert is a Redbean mousse. I asked for a glass of sparkling water with ice and lemon sliced. They also offer extra glass of still mineral water.

Being pretty full from the lounge, I did not eat much and the tray is cleared away quickly. I manage to take a short nap and enjoy wonderful star on the ceiling.

I took this landing VDO from the screen, which is a better choice than the window

When we arrive, I count 6 A380 on the ground being prepared for their next flight (2Emirates including ours, 1Lufthansa, 1Asiana, 1Thai and 1Qatar) and we are parked at a regular widebody gate (no bridge connected to the upper deck cabin). I wonder how would the disembarkation be managed. For those unfamiliar with Emirates Two class A380, EK simply remove F seat from upper deck front section and put some Y seat there, because they need to keep the bar at the back of the plane. The outgoing flight is no problem since we have our own airbridge, but now, what will they do? I initially think that we would be the last to get off. But no, I am wrong.

We walk past empty front Y cabin and I think this confirm my assumption. As soon as we get downstair, somewhat embarassing experience begin. All Y passengers are standing there waiting around obviously they are directed from their seat to the main cabin and was blocked there with no curtain or whatsoever to hide our "priority". I felt weird and felt like I am cutting the queue or something.  So I stopped taking photos and rush to immigration

Baggage claim is reasonably quick and that's the end of my first journey with Emirates and A380.  And I would like to conclude my review here. Thank you everyone for reading, and let's stay strong during this difficult time