Flight routing
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- 3EK384 - first Class - Bangkok to Hong Kong
introduction
From Bangkok I continue my journey onwards to Hong Kong. There are plenty of interesting options for the route. I couldn't resist the A 380, and so eventually I decided to take the Emirates flight in the afternoon.
Check-in
Emirates checks in on rows R to T, at the far end of the terminal at Bangkok airport, near door 9.
Web check-in and self-service kiosks at the airport are also available and do not require passengers to show their board pass again at a counter before they go through security. I meak my way to Fast Track immigration and then security, which are both quick and efficient.
emirate airline bangkok lounge
Behind security I make a right turn onto the main airside concourse and keep on walking straight ahead. And walking, and walking…
The lounge is located close to the intersection where the D, E, F, and G piers join.
There is only the one lounge, with no separate area Class passengers. When I arrive, the place is very quiet. There is only one other passenger there.
I'm honestly not such a fan of the design of the Emirates lounges. I find them rather bland and boring, and this one is no different.
However, I will say that the food and beverage offerings are usually far superior to anything you might find in most other airlines' lounges.
boarding
At 13h15 I leave the lounge and slowly mosey over to the departure gate. Like this I have enough time to take some photos.
I guess if the airports had known how shortlived the A 380 would be, many of them would not have bothered bulding new airbridges to accommodate the beast.
the cabin & seat
Emirates has a total of 14 seats in its First Class cabin. While that hardly helps to create an exclusive look and feel to their premium product, it's still impressive that they effortlessly seem to be able to fill the First Class cabin.
The decor of the cabin is not really my taste. I think it all looks rather tacky. However, the seat is exceptionally comfortable, and that's what really matters.
amenities
There are plenty of goodies, though, as far as emenities are concerned. First, of course, there is the inbuilt minibar.
Then there's the small vanity which a whole bunch of cosmeticI don't see the point of.
More importantly, and so much more useful, are the fluffiest slippers I've ever received on a plane.
And not to forget the splendid shower.
The crew & Service
The crew come to introduce themselves and ask if there's anything they can do to make me more comfortable. I tell them I'd like to have a shower right after take-off, so they kindly book me the first slot, to ensure I have enough time to eat after.
The shower is just brilliant and very refreshing. Once I'm done, I return to my seat and one of the crew comes to ask if it's okay for them to start serving my food.
the meal
So here's the thing. The last time I took this flight was eight years ago, and the food on that flight was misearable, with measly little portions and very little choice. Obviously, Emirates has done its homework and has seriously improved the service and offerings since then. Only, I wasn't aware of that. And, boys and girls, is how I end up ordering way to much food on this flight.
We start with the full caviar service with all the trimmings.
This is nicely done and comes with a very generous portion of the caviar.
After that, I have the mezze, which I expected to be a single plate. Eh… no.
The whole meal is really excellent and very nicely presented. Although I do think the crew might have warned me I'd be ordering way too much food.
And for dessert, I have the cheesecake, which is also very nice.
The meal concludes with a hot towel.
arrival in Hong Kong
Shortly after the meal is removed, we start our descent into Hong Kong. It's a nice day and there is only very little heat haze to obstruct the view.
We land and taxi to our stand, which is next to that of the nonstop service from Dubai.
The airport is very quiet, so that immigration and customs only take very little time to complete. Thirty minutes after landing, I'm already on my way to the hotel.
I’ve been looking at this flight for ages! The fact that you can get pretty much the full Emirates First Class experience without emptying your bank account on this flight is truly intriguing!
Thanks for sharing!
Agree that EK's old First cabin is very tacky in its over-blinginess---the newer cabins look much nicer. Wonderful to have a full First class experience on such a small flight. I've always wanted to try EK on a short 5th freedom flight like this in order to try this First class service.
Thanks for sharing!