Hello everyone! Sorry that I have been missing in action this past month as I've been extremely busy. However, I'm back with yet another trip report and will continue on with my travel series! Welcome to yet another report where I'll be covering flights during the latter portion of the summer of 2018. Before I say any additional information, this flight had a lot of planning before ultimately going ahead with the plan shown below. Since my trip to Dubai was round-trip, it was quite difficult to decide when to go, with the choices of either during the summer or winter.
I wasn't sure if I was going to return to Hong Kong for the winter holidays. However, I was proven right after several family discussions during the months leading up to now. So, I ultimately decided to play it safe and go home the long way which was to spend a few days in Dubai before ultimately heading back to Hong Kong a few days later. Also, I'll give the reason why Bangkok is in the final itinerary in the next trip report. Anyways, I hope I hadn't bored you all too much with my travel plans. Let's get on with the flight! ;)
Flight routing
- 124 July 2018: EK204 JFK-DXB, A380-800, First
- 2
- 3
- 4
Pre-flight
This was yet again another situation where it was quite difficult to decide WHEN exactly to depart for Dubai. Since there are about 2-3 daily flights, it was either to take a day or a night flight. After a while, it became clear to me that I wanted to spend time enjoying the flight during the day as I would be sleeping for the majority for the flight if I took EK202.
So, I was able to reserve a seat for myself for flight EK204 without any hesitation or problem. Regardless, I was quite excited to go to the UAE for the second time to go to the places I haven't seen during my previous visit, including Abu Dhabi.
Now, coming back to this report. Prior to departure, I did have to wake up early at around 6:30 AM. As many of you would know right now, I am not a morning person, but my excitement to fly on Emirates did keep me up and running! I had arranged for the chauffeur to pick me up at around 8:00 AM, which would give me enough time to pack my belongings check out before proceeding to the airport, making it there before 9:00 AM.
Terminal 4 Departure Entrance at John F. Kennedy International Airport
Departure lobby
EK First Class check-in
To cut a long story short, it took quite some time in order to wait to check-in. I remember other passengers seated in First Class ended up going to the Business Class counters and checked in for their flight from there. So, I finally ended up going there after waiting for nothing for 10 minutes.
The process was very smooth, with the total time of 5-10 minutes.
Heading towards security
Post-security
I remember the last time I flew out of Terminal 4, the security lines were extremely long. However, I think the leading factor was me departing during the Christmas peak season, which is extremely busy. Nevertheless, security was also smooth as I was done within 10 minutes.
The airside was an escalator ride away
Terminal 4 Airside
The "famous" view from the terminal
FIDS
More airside pics
Heading towards the A gates
The A gates
China Southern Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, B-7183, which will depart for CAN as CZ300
Now, time to head to the lounge!
Before the flight, I was under the impression that the Emirates lounge at JFK was still under renovation. Apparently, I found out that it opened its doors just a day before this flight. So, I was quite excited!!
Few shots of the lounge
From a first impression, I would say that this lounge looks very spaced out, and is much better than the one in BKK that I reviewed in January. The was a huge selection of seating choices as well as the amenities offered such as a business centre, free WiFi, a massive spread of food and beverages. To sum it up, I'm loving this lounge already!
More shots of the lounge
Another reason why I love this airport lounge already: amazing views from outside! I got an amazing opportunity to plane spot!!
Air India Boeing 777-300ER, VT-ALN, which will depart for DEL as AI102
Our ride to DXB: A6-EUE
Avianca Brazil Airbus A330-200, PR-OCJ, which arrived from GRU as O68500
Etihad Airways Airbus A380-800, A6-APE, which arrived from AUH as EY103
Terminal 4
Food and beverages offered at the lounge
Boarding pass
Water and a glass of orange juice
I was pretty much going around the lounge like yet another crazy tourist
Uzbekistan Airways Boeing 787-800, UK-78701, which will serve as HY102 to TAS
Another feature that I love is that we can board directly from the lounge
Sitting with a view!
It wasn't until more than an hour later before it was time to board the flight
Excited yet again to board the big giant!
Well, time to board!
Some pre-flight information:
Date: 24 July 2018
Airline: Emirates
Flight Number: EK 204
Route: New York (JFK) - Dubai (DXB)
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: A6-EUE
Distance: 6842 miles
Scheduled Departure Time: 11:20 AM
Actual Departure Time: 12:34 PM
Scheduled Arrival Time: 7:50 AM
Actual Arrival Time: 8:47 AM
Flight Time: 12 hrs 30 mins
Departure Gate at JFK: A6
Arrival Gate at DXB: A8
Inflight
As soon as I entered the first class cabin, I was lead to my seat by one of the cabin crew members.
Emirates A380 First Class
My suite, 4K
My suite shown from different angles
A slight refresh to the IFE main page along with a snack selection and vanity mirror
Tablet and mini-bar
Welcome drink - Orange juice
Writing kit
Another peak at the business class cabin
Well settled into my seat for the next 12 hours! (I wish the flight could've been longer!)
Another view of my suite
Dates
Arabic coffee
Bag including an amenity kit, slippers, eye mask, and a set of pyjamas
The inside of the amenity kit
Fast Track pass
The massive amount of legroom
Flight info
View from the tail camera
It wasn't long until the the captain came on with the pre-flight welcome by a multinational crew. He advised us that there wold be a few delays due to some new baggage system at JFK, so it did take some time before pushback.
Meanwhile, I continued to check out the rest of the suite as well as the amenities
Browsing through the entertainment system known as ICE
Hot towel
Cabin views. The first class cabin in this flight was filled to mid-capacity, which wasn't bad
Menu pages
Drink menu
Menu for today's flight
Suite controls
Duvet and comforter tucked in the back
I remember all of us getting stuck at the gate for about 40 minutes before we were given clearance to pushback
Leaving Terminal 4
Another control system for the entertainment
ANA Boeing 777-300ER, JA791A, departing back for NRT as NH9
Taxiing to Runway 22R
After the many delays, we finally took off an hour behind schedule
High above the clouds
10 minutes after departure
See you soon, America!
Noise-cancelling headphones along with the case
Audio and video settings
Seat controls
One thing I love about Emirates' "ICE" is that there is a huge selection of entertainment options. I didn't even know where to start!
Connecting to the complimentary onboard WiFi
Since my favourite TV shows were not on this flight, I decided to start off this flight with How To Be Single. After all, anything with Rebel Wilson is hilarious!
After approximately an hour, I thought it was time to have some lunch since I had a really light breakfast. The crew delightfully took my order, set up the table, and told me it would take approximately 25 minutes to prepare.
Orange fizz
Caviar
For the main course, I ended up going for the miso-glazed cod, which was a little bit overrated coming from EK F
Cabin view
A second round of an orange fizz
Despite my initial disappointment with the main course, I ended up finishing my main course in 20 minutes as I was starving!
Post-meal offerings: including chocolates, a hot towel, as well as dental hygiene products including a toothpick and floss
Once I was done with my meal, I decided to head on to the famous first class bathroom as always
The bar area with a variety of drinks, located in front of the first class cabin
Shots of the bathroom
The famous shower, where I have scheduled for one two hours prior to arrival
Stairs leading to the lower deck
I would say that I'm glad I took the daytime flight out of New York as I could explore the cabin and enjoy the flight rather than sleep the entire way! I ended up going to the bar afterwards for a drink
Business class cabin
Lounge offerings
Lounge seating area
Shots of the lounge
By the time I got there, I found out that the mojitos have ran out. I guess it's Emirates most popular drink. In any case, I ultimately went for a virgin cucumber gimlet, which I had on my previous flight back in January.
One thing that I have noticed on this flight was that I felt that there was less crew interaction with passengers. I guess even premium airlines like Emirates have some kind of flaws. Anyways, back to the flight. I headed back to my seat as soon as I finished my drink
Business Class with mood lighting
First Class overall cabin
Overall suite picture
View of the engines
The cabin lights were slightly dimmed, allowing for a comfortable environment
Afterwards, I switched to the inflight map to find out our current location
I ultimately continued watching How To Be Single until I decided to call it a "night."
Then, I went back to the first class bathroom in order to change into the pyjamas provided on-board and asked one of the cabin crew for the turndown service.
First class cabin with mood lighting
Approaching Europe
Only 8 hours left!
Photos of the seat as a flat bed. It wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep since I did wake up early for this flight.
I was able to sleep for about 6 hours until one of the cabin crew members woke me up as I had scheduled a shower 2 hours prior to landing. I thought to myself "Wow, this flight is passing by really quickly!"
Soon after, I was on my way towards the spa and ready to take a shower. Generally, I would enjoy the service, but there were some hiccups this time. For instance, while I was testing the temperature of the water, there was no flow. So I had to ask one of the cabin crew members what had happened and they immediately went over to diagnose the problem. They reset the water timer, which made things come back to normal.
As stated previously, the only downside was that you only get water for 5 minutes. However, the heated floors are always a nice touch!
A beautiful display in front of the first class cabin
Fruit assortment handed out post-shower
Checking our location again
Since there were less than 2 hours left, I thought it'd be best to get some breakfast before landing. So, the crew took my order, set up the table, and told me it would take approximately 10 minutes to prepare.
While scrolling through the inflight entertainment, I made the decision to watch Mean Girls. Even though I've seen the countless times, it was worth seeing it again!
Orange juice
Evian bottled water
Table setup
My main course: French toast with strawberry compote and vanilla sauce. It was honestly better than what I expected.
Dark cabins in both first and business
I remember being halfway towards the movie and the captain made his announcement stating that we were starting our descent into Dubai and that we had approximately 40 minutes until we landed.
Time really flies when you have fun.
Thus, I went back to the bathroom to change back into my regular clothes before preparing to land
Approaching Dubai
Final shots before landing
Although I was a bit sad that the flight was over, I was able to get some shots of the Dubai skyline upon descending!
A clear visual of DXB
Almost there!
Due to the late departure out of JFK, we landed approximately an hour behind schedule at 8:47 AM. On the bright side, a the taxi to the gate was not that bad
Emirates Group headquarters
Emirates Airbus A380-800, A6-EOV, about to depart for FRA as EK45
Actual flight route
Docking at gate A8, right next to A6-EOA, that just arrived from LHR as EK6 and will depart for DUS as EK57 later this afternoon
Post-flight
One last look of the first class cabin
Disembarking
Concourse B, clear in sight
Arrival into DXB
One last look of the big giant
I always love this sign!
Time for the never-ending walk towards immigration
As always, Dubai International Airport is grand every time I arrive or depart!
Waiting for the automated people mover in order to go to immigration
Finally making it to immigration
Baggage claim area
I was able to retrieve my bag in 5 minutes.
From then on, I proceeded to the arrival hall where I scheduled the chauffeur-drive service in advance in order to drop me off to my hotel
DXB Arrival Hall
Exterior, which a wide arrange of chauffeur cars!
After loading my bags into the car, I was on my way to the hotel for yet another mini-vacation in Dubai before heading back to Hong Kong a few days later!
