Review of Middle East Airlines flight from Beirut to Dubai in Business

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