Review of Kenya Airways flight Nairobi → London in Business

Hello dear readers,

This FR is part of a return journey from CPT.
During this long lay over, I initially thought going landside, but the limited 8h were not worth the hassle of immigration, transfers etc…

My night there was vastly occupied by helping an elderly couple from Madagascar, stranded in Nairobi, due to Ethioipian Airlines incompetence and dreadful attitude right from the start of their insane 63h homebound trip.

At 4 am, when everything was finally sorted out for them thanks to devoted KQ agents (wtf???), I made my way to the flagship Pride lounge, technically to start this FR…
Here is the full coverage:

At 5 am, the morning wave of pax started flowing into the spacious lounge but got quickly crammed.
NBO staff set up the hot breakfast buffet for the arriving passengers. To catch forty winks I settled down on the one and only place you can view arriving/departing traffic, at the right after the lounge entrance… Just in case!










Seating with the best views to the traffic


Like that (taken later)


KQ B788 5Y-KZG, sporting « Magical Kenya » livery, taxiing out














Outside view from the dining area shown above














A tastier variant is poached eggs with spinach


(past midnight, low light due to cleaning)










(sorry for the blurry picture)










Free kit offered








1h pior departure, the boarding gate almost deserted would predict a light load.
Heck no way, the jetbridge being jam packed meant that the British clients inconsciously endorse the Ryanair attitude by anticipating boarding ??


Time to head off to G17




At the time of writing, except the BKK-HKG-BKK sectors (now axed), all intercontinental flights were nearly full in both cabins in 2017. For the best of East Africa and Kenya!

The angled lie seat, Zodiac Aura Lite is definitely comfortable even though not full access. A new pouch less attractive was already there in one of the few storages.

Usual pre departure procedure, welcoming charming crew, an orange juice, local newspapers and a weekly American magazine and off we go!


3rd time with Zambezi River


Seats 2G&H (Taken upon disembarking)









For British travellers, a few years ago VS offered a morning departure that allows great views all the way. One could glimpse the magnificient Mount Kenya outside!











For skillful climbers : a challenging Mount Kenya culminating at 5199 m




A breakfast menu was handed over and blinds were kept "opened" which was reassuring!
Next to me, the norwegian lady dived into bed after breakfast main course.
After a quick cabin tour, only 7 min afterwards I imitated her for an impressive 4h deep sleep.

Now, old menu front/back pages ( sorry for the delay in publishing)








« Paneer and Vegetable Brochette, Sauteed Mushrooms Maxim Potatoes, Sauteed Spinach and Grilled Tomatoes » an interesting discovery, for sure !


(Taken at home)


Lip balm and shoe-horn are no more :-(


More than 2m to stretch out your legs under or not the thick warm blanket:-)


Second cabin : no upgrade/no seat left


First cabin : same story here :)


Frequent visits from the crew tin case you need anything !



When I woke up over Egypt, time to continue the job, at 1pm UK time.
An "incredible" news was the bar set up, 3rd time to see it out 8 flights on their Dream)liner. Actually, you can just tell your wish and the caring crew will bring over to your seat in no time! A perfect G&T to warm you up along with some cashew nuts (no photo sorry)!

As the flight duration is slightly longer (20-30 min mostly due to circling over London ) than CDG/AMS, it was surprising to get a second hot meal served above the Greek Islands. It tasted great, I'm just sad there are no choice anymore for starter, but if this cost cutting measure can turn the airline into profitability asap then, it's approved!

The Egyptian path (instead of Libya) since 2011.


Feeling thirsty ?


Wine list


Lunch menu


Warm bread roll


Salad of Marinated Grilled Vegetables, Quenelle of Babaganoush





Slow Cooked Grilled Beef Medallion, Balsamic Jus, Pureed Potatoes with Leeks, Sauteed Broccoli and turned Carrots


Cognac and cappucino



Ok, one of the main reason to select KQ over the competitors, be them African or European, is their incredibly African music library. They certainly have the finest and trendiest especially with the East African tunes.

The movie I tried to watch Hang Over which did not live up to the expectations but it did not matter as for once I got the best side to enjoy stunning views over Europe's finance capital!


Hang Over 3 movie was like watching grass grow


One of Kenya Airways' asset :)


An excellent responsive touchscreen TV










The next carrier !




See you soon Zambezi River !