Review of Emirates flight Dubai → Bangkok in First

Hi everyone! Welcome to my 30th trip report here on FR, and yet another flight on the Summer 2018 travel series! Before I get to the details, I wanted to state that I'm quite excited to share this flight experience with all of you as I would consider this my spiciest trip report, as I will be flying on two of my favourite airlines, Emirates and Cathay Pacific! This time, I'll be going to Bangkok and then onwards to Hong Kong. I'll explain my whole situation in the pre-flight section.

So, this trip to Dubai was rather short. However, I was able to visit places that I didn't go while in January such as Abu Dhabi, the Palm Jumeirah, as well as various restaurants that I haven't tried before! Overall, it was a good trip! Anyways, I hope I hadn't bored you all too much with my travel plans. Let's get on with the flight! ;)

Pre-flight

I initially thought I could change my destination while in the process of booking flights. However, I was proven wrong. I ended up calling EK to find out if I could end my journey in Hong Kong instead of flying to Bangkok (since the ticket originated from there). I later found out that even though I was flying on First class, I couldn't necessarily make these changes including changes dates without making a hefty payment as I only had a First Flex ticket.

Since I already paid in order to change the dates on EK, I used my CX mileage to get myself a one-way flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong on business class. On the bright side, I was able to find a flight being operated by an Airbus A350-1000, an aircraft that CX has recently acquired!! I don't know why, but I always believed that things happen for a reason and this was definitely a good one! I was already excited!

Anyways, back to this flight! I ended up spending the day at The Dubai Mall in order to kill some time since my flight wasn't until 10:30 PM. Afterwards, I went back to my hotel, did some last-minute packing, and got ready for my chauffeur, which picked me up at 7:30. I was staying about 25 minutes from the airport and as always, I needed as much time as possible in a huge airport like DXB!

Premium departure drop-off at Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3


Emirates First and Business Class check-in


Since there was no one behind the check-in counters, I eventually found someone after two minutes. The check-in process this time took less than 5 minutes. Before I knew it, my bag was immediately checked in all the way to Bangkok. At least I can say I'm going to one of my favourite holiday destinations and to an airport I'm extremely familiar with!


Walking down the red carpet yet again! ;)


The long walk to security


Business Class check-in counters


Finally making it to security

Post-security

This time, my flight to Bangkok was departing from Concourse B, which didn't require a ride by the Automated People Mover but a simple ride on the elevator


IMO, I would say that Concourse B is a decent airport terminal with a variety of duty-free options, but not as great as Concourse A


More shots of Concourse B


Yet another luxury car at the terminal!


Now, time to head to the lounge!


Everything in Concourse B is actually close to one another, which is a definite positive detail


Business Class lounge entrance


First Class lounge entrance


A little fountain area at the entrance


To cut a long story short, this lounge was not bad, but it is quite old and a bit dark compared to Concourse A that I have raved so much about.


Shots of the lounge


FIDS


Boarding pass


The famous view of the concourse from the lounge. I believe the business class lounge is a level above from the first class one.


Since I had about 2 hours before the flight, I decided to get something to eat before the flight. So, I made my way to the dining area after exploring the lounge and check out some of their catering options.


Dining area


Just like any other lounge, there were à la carte options as well as choices from the buffet. I have to admit, they looked really good!


There was an additional dining area, which was a bit secluded but had an amazing atmosphere, especially the lighting.



Virgin Mojito


I ended up getting palak paneer for my main course, which was amazingly delicious!


Hot towel


More shots of the lounge

Despite the fact it did look a bit old from my standpoint, the lounge was quite spacious, providing the same standards that Emirates always promises its passengers!


Little did I know that two hours would fly in an instant.


Walking towards gate B17


Time for the long journey back home!


Taking the elevator towards the aerobridge


Despite the average pre-flight experience, I was quite excited for this flight!


Plane to BKK: A6-EER


Well, time to board!


Some pre-flight information:
Date: 27 July 2018
Airline: Emirates
Flight Number: EK 374
Route: Dubai (DXB) - Bangkok (BKK)
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: A6-EER
Distance: 3049 miles
Scheduled Departure Time: 10:30 PM
Actual Departure Time: 11:10 PM
Scheduled Arrival Time: 8:00 AM
Actual Arrival Time: 8:09 AM
Flight Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
Departure Gate at DXB: B17
Arrival Gate at BKK: E4

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


Suite features


More photos of my suite



Tablet and mini-bar


Amenity kits were handed out almost immediately, which included the usual slippers, eye-mask, and set of pyjamas


Inside of the amenity kit


Welcome drink - Orange juice


View from my seat


Exploring the inflight entertainment yet again!


The tailback camera view never disappoints


Collection of snacks


Arabic coffee


I remember boarding being complete at around 10:20 that evening, and that was when the captain came on with the pre-flight welcome and a welcome by the multinational crew. He advised us that the first half of the flight was going to be smooth, but the second half was going to be very turbulent at all levels. So, let's just see how things play out


Hot towel


Loving the legroom!


Power outlet


Seat controls


Duvet and comforter tucked in the back


It is obvious that Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world that there is bound to be some kind of delays, and I wasn't wrong with this one! We were waiting to pushback from the gate for some time. By the time I checked, it was around 10:45 PM


I was well-settled into my seat for the next 6 hours! ;)


Cabin lights were dimmed in preparation for takeoff


Writing kit


Flight info


Terminal view with the DXB Control Tower


More views during the taxi


Additional tail camera views


Taxiing to Runway 30R


We then took off 30 minutes behind schedule at approximately 11:10 PM

View of Sharjah after takeoff


Thanks for everything once again, Dubai!


Cruising out of Dubai


After 20 minutes, the cabin lights came back on. This was when the crew came around to distribute menus.


Menu cover


Drink menu


Menu for tonight's flight


Cruising above the Arabian Sea


Overall cabin views


After some time, I went to check out the famous first class bathroom yet again!


I fall in love with this every time I'm here!


Accessories


The shower!


Stairs leading to the lower deck


Before heading back to my seat, I had requested one of the cabin crew members to schedule a shower for me after 2 hours, in which she delightfully did so!

Since I missed out on a mojito the last time I was onboard the Emirates A380 lounge, I thought I might as well go now before they run out!

Business class


Lounge offerings


Photos of the onboard bar


I definitely came at a time where it was extremely busy. However, I was finally able to get my mojito!


Mojito!


Business class cabin with mood lighting before heading back to First


I then headed back to my seat to enjoy the rest of the flight!


Somehow, I found the crew on this flight to be more friendly and attentive than on my previous leg from New York. Knowing that I'm an aviation geek, I ended up having hilarious conversations with a lot of the crew members throughout the flight!

Noise-cancelling headphones along with the case


I decided to explore the inflight entertainment once I got back to my seat.


Controlling the seat using the tablet


Time to continue where I left off!


Orange fizz, with kettle cooked chips


After 15 minutes into the movie, I thought it was time to try out the meals. From then on, the crew delightfully took my dinner order, set up the table, and told me it would take approximately 25 minutes to prepare.

Table setup


Caviar


Carrot and ginger soup with cheese straws, which was truly outstanding!


Viewing my movie on the big screen, and the flight progress on the smaller tablet!


I did end up waiting for about 10-15 minutes for the main course to be ready, but it was worth the wait!


In the meantime, I switched to the inflight map to find out our current location


A second round of orange fizz


For the main course, I ended up getting grilled king prawns with egg fried rice, assorted vegetables, and orange sauce. I wasn't expecting much out of this short flight, but Emirates really met my expectations for this one! Apparently, this dish was much better than when I flew out of New York. Words can't say how much I'm loving this flight already!


Once I was done with my main course, I ended up getting some dessert: chocolate truffle cake with raspberry jellies (which was a nice compliment)


Post-meal offerings: including chocolates, a hot towel, as well as dental hygiene products including a toothpick and floss


The next thing I knew was that half an hour already passed by, as I found out that my shower has been scheduled!


Bar area in front of the first class cabin, fully decked with selected snacks and drinks


Soon after, I was on my way towards the spa and ready to take a shower. The experience was amazing as always! As soon as I was done freshening up, I changed into my pyjamas and decided to head off to bed. Hence, I asked one of the cabin crew for the turndown service.


Fruit assortment handed out post-shower


Cabin view with the amazing star illusion!


Calling it a night above India


Photos of the seat as a flat bed


In regards to sleep on this flight, I would say that it was like any other red-eye flight where I would sleep for about 2 hours, only to wake up to the captain's announcement stating that we were now starting the descent into Bangkok and had approximately 25 minutes until landing. I was enjoying this flight already, and it's already sad to see it fly by so fast!


Cabin with mood lighting


Filling out the Thai immigration form


It wasn't long before the seat belt sign came back on giving the indication that we had to prepare for landing


Starting the descent into Bangkok



One of the funny things that happened on this flight was that I didn't have time to change back into my regular clothes prior to landing. So, what I ended up doing was to wait until we docked at the gate. On the bright side yet again, I get to spend more time on the Emirates A380!


Hot towel


Time flies when you have fun!


Approaching Bangkok


View of the engines yet again!


I just love the views of Thailand upon descent!


Final shots before landing


We landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at around 8:10 AM, which was about 10 minutes from the scheduled arrival time. Honestly, it wasn't that bad as I had plenty of time before my next flight to Hong Kong.


Thai Airways International Airbus A380-800, HS-TUF


Actual flight route


Taxiing towards the gate


Docking at gate E4, right next to a Arkia Boeing 767-300ER, I-NDDL and another Thai Airways International Airbus A380-800, HS-TUD

Post-flight

Before disembarking, I went back to the first class bathroom to change into my regular clothes as well as take one last look!


One last look of the first class cabin. I have to admit, this was a good flight!


Disembarking/Arrival into BKK


The usual long walk to immigration


The "warehouse" look of the airport


Making our way to immigration


Reaching the Premium Lane


Just like the last time I arrived in BKK, it took more than 15 minutes to get to the baggage claim area due to long lines, even in the premium lane! I don't think I've experienced any waiting time like this in the past. I thought there might be some kind of improvement, but I was wrong!


However, it took just 5 minutes to get my bag


Heading towards the arrival hall


Arrival hall


I took an elevator leading to the departure level so I can check-in for my flight to HKG. So, my goal after checking-in as well as clearing security and immigration was to head to the CX lounge to sit back, get some breakfast, and relax!