Review of Middle East Airlines flight Beirut London in Economy

Flight ME203
Class Economy
Seat 35K
Aircraft Airbus A330-200
Flight time 05:10
Take-off 15 Jul 19, 17:25
Arrival at 15 Jul 19, 20:50
ME 66 reviews
PilotEchoMike
Published on 8th September 2019

MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES ME203 BEY-LHR ECONOMY CLASS


Hello peeps! Welcome on this next flight report with Middle East Airlines, the ranked number one airline in Flight Report with their Economy class! No doubt that the Lebanese hospitality is soaring high in the skies! 

This flight covers my  trip from Beirut to London on MEA's 203 flight. Per schedule, this flight is usually operated by A320s, but demand was very high, therefore this flight had an equipment change to the Airbus A330-200. The bird featured will be registered OD-MEA. This aircraft was delivered brand new to MEA in 2009. As MEA has a tendency to keep their fleet very young, we shall expect this aircraft leaving a couple of years from now. 

As I just arrived Hariri airport, I passed check-in and immigration in less than 5 minutes. Although there were constructions and renovations inside the terminal, it seemed BEY had it all under control! 

Conventional shot from the departure lounge! 
Note Nile Air A320 (operating for Wings of Lebanon) , Fly Dubai B737, MEA A320 wearing the skyteam livery and Air Arabia's A320. 


photo img_3509photo img_3508

As I visit Cedar Lounge quite frequently, I have decided to sit at Salt Restaurant and try their food, as they have an exceptional rating on taste and quality. 
I made my choice on the authentic Foret Noir cake, accompanied by a 250ml Perrier. Pretty light before a flight, isn't it?


photo img_3511

 Then as time passed, it was time to start boarding. My aircraft was positioned on stand 21. 


As I got on board, seat 35K, I got a nice view of the MEA flagship representing Lebanon in the Lebanese ground and skies, especially on international soil and airspace! You feel really proud being on this airline, especially when you are Lebanese, as the airline's legacy is one of Lebanon's strongest economy!


photo img_3514photo img_3516-37488

The IFE is slightly outdated but offers decent choice for a 4:30h flight! MEA's new A330 (OD-MEE) has a different cabin and has USB charging ports. View of the cabin whilst boarding.


photo img_3515

Then as we started taxiing, the safety video was already running. We off-blocked on time.  


photo img_3527

PA: Cabin Crew, take-off positions.


photo img_3529

Good-bye Beirut


photo img_3535photo img_3538

Last sights of Beirut


photo img_3543photo img_3550

As we reached cruising altitude, drinks and Lebanese nuts were served. Very high quality by Al-Rifai, their nuts are the best in Lebanon. Specially packed for MEA.


photo img_3554

And time to eat. I was very hungry, I decided to opt for the oriental chicken and fish. The cake wasn't enough in BEY, as I mentioned, it was light ;)


photo img_3557-47698

Now uncovered. The quinoa salad was fresh and refreshing, served aside is cheese and crackers, water and a delicious Oreo cake. Yum! The Chicken is a Lebanese dish we call Rez Aa Djej (Oriental Chicken rice), served with almonds, pistachios, minced lamb and obviously peppered rice. 


photo img_3558-50523

The fish was great, not under/over cooked, and the sauce served matched with the fish and garniture. 


photo img_3559-65863

Time passed, as I watched two movies, and there we are approaching the English channel. 


photo img_3572

Approaching windy London on runway 09L 


photo img_3579photo img_3588

A bit of green before entering regaining London city


photo img_3591

Touchdown London! 


photo img_3597photo img_3600

Disembarkation was imminent and there is the bird! 


photo img_3606

Hope you enjoyed the report! Will you consider flying MEA? 
Slight bit of editing (zoom didn't help I know :( ) 


photo fullsizerender
See more

Verdict

Middle East Airlines

9.1/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi8.0
Meal/catering10.0

Beirut - BEY

7.5/10
Efficiency8.0
Access9.0
Services8.5
Cleanliness4.5

London - LHR

9.2/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness10.0

Conclusion

MEA offers great products on board, the food is absolutely amazing as always and yet remain my favourite airline meal. Cabin crew as always were very professional and proved their precise training. They always go above and beyond expectations. The entertainment is more than enough on this short sector. The reason I rated 8 is because of the lack of WiFi (coming soon on their A321neo) . The cabin is starting to wear its age, but I know the aircraft will be replaced soon, as it currently is, it is very comfortable and legroom is great; the cabin was clean.

Beirut Airport is a small airport undergoing expansion works, but you'd find almost everything you need in the duty free with great restaurant offerings. The departure lounge lacks seating, but otherwise I love this airport.

Heathrow is efficient and clean, well connected but Terminal 3 is always too crowded.

Many thanks for reading!

Information on the route Beirut (BEY) London (LHR)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 9 avis concernant 2 compagnies sur la ligne Beirut (BEY) → London (LHR).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Middle East Airlines avec 8.6/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 5 heures et 18 minutes.

  More information

1 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !

Login to post a comment.