It is hard to spend 4 days of eastern vacation at home rather than carrying a new trip adventure. I choose to go to Dubai as it had been like 4 years since my last trip to this lovely city and I am really looking to meet up some old friends.
My best travel companion for this trip would by default the national carrier of Lebanon i.e. Middle East Airlines, as tickets were really competitively priced compared to other airlines.
Our flight for today is an extra flight operated by an Airbus A330-200.
I arrived to the airport, and proceeded to check-in counters where luckily I was able to get an upgrade to Business class using my cedar-miles
The check-in counter agents at Beirut are very friendly and efficient. They proceeded with issuing my boarding-pass and invited me to visit MEA's Cedar Lounge at Beirut just by presenting my boarding-pass. The whole check-in process took less than 3 minutes.
As I was heading to the passport control, I was surprised by the long passport queues, however, the Lebanese General Security Officers were efficient and helpful, and one of them told me that the long queues will soon be reduced after completing the contracting works at the Airport which is expected next June. Passport control clearance took 20 minutes
After clearing the passport control I headed immediately to the Cedar Lounges which airside above the duty-free shops
The Cedar Lounge is used mainly by MEA and SkyTeam partners in addition to some other airlines
Upon entering the Cedar Lounge, you will feel immediately the specious roomy interior and ambient atmosphere
Now it is time for food. Food bars offers a wide selection of hot rolls, wide selection of cheese, and hot mains including saffron rice, pasta, and fish
More of food pictures
A full bar service is available if you are in the mood for raising up a glass of wine or spirits:
Some business class dishes and cutlery:
A SPA will soon be opened at the Cedar Lounge … Cooooool
Children play-area
The lounge also contains some statues representing the Phoenician era of Lebanon:
As I was heading towards the gate (which is gate 21), I passed by the duty-free shops:
Last security check and off to my gate 21:
Boarding was done by zones. Sky Priority were first to board MEA's Airbus A330-200:
Now, the cool stuff…. Upon boarding the MEA's Airbus A330-200 I was welcomed by smiling cabin crew who welcomed me and encouraged of taking pictures as long as they don't appear in the picture as per company's policy. The cabin of this A330 is roomy and offers full-bed seats:
The seats offer the ability for fast USB recharging along with power outlets
Pre-departure drinks were served… I opted for fresh orange juice:
Soon, we were headed towards runway 21, and in few seconds we were climbing in parallel with the Lebanese Coastline
A set of large noise-cancelling headsets were distributed
Shortly, MEA cabin crew initiated their services by distributing their inflight menus:
One of MEA's lovely cabin crew, prepared my table and offered me a pack of nuts along with a drink… I opted for tomato juice
Alcoholic drinks cart followed back
A selection of hot-crunchy breads were offered:
As for the appetizers, I opted for the salmon which was served fresh along with quinoa salad. The tray contained also a fancy cheese platter with crackers. The dessert was a Lebanese Mafroukeh :
For the main dish I opted for the lamb choice which was super delicious. The quantity served is super generous
After meal, hot towels were handled
During the flight, I navigated throughout MEA's IFE, that offers the latest movie hits. I opted for watching the comedy movie "Dumplin"
Soon, we start approaching Dubai, where a smooth ahead of schedule arrival was carried out by MEA's skillful pilots
Final view of our MEA's A330 plane
Welcome to Dubai:
Another city view
See more
Verdict
Middle East Airlines
9.8/10
Cabin10.0
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi9.0
Meal/catering10.0
Cedar Lounge
10.0/10
Comfort10.0
Meal/catering10.0
Entertainment/wifi10.0
Services10.0
Beirut - BEY
7.2/10
Efficiency8.0
Access8.0
Services7.0
Cleanliness6.0
Dubai - DXB
8.8/10
Efficiency10.0
Access8.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness8.0
Conclusion
Another amazing flight experience. A friendly crew and skillful pilots accompanied by a touch of Lebanese hospitality ... that's what flying with MEA is all about
5 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
While MEA is definitely a good carrier in terms of service, I personally think that the ratings are too generous. It is by far not close to some other carriers with a 2-2-2 configuration as J in an Airbus A330. ** Another note is that you've quite some ''enter text here'' in your report. If you want an extra space, just remove the enter text here part and leave it blank. ** Thanks for sharing your report though! Would love to try MEA out.
Hi Thomas, have you considered that MEA only operates on short-medium haul? Those 330s are designed for such routes, I believe that this configuration is very generous for such short flight, don't you think?
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5 Comments
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Another note is that you've quite some ''enter text here'' in your report. If you want an extra space, just remove the enter text here part and leave it blank.
**
Thanks for sharing your report though! Would love to try MEA out.
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