Checking in online prior to departure, I was assigned to seat 45A in the economy class cabin , while dropping off my luggage at Dubai International Airport , I kindly asked the lady to check the availability of upgrading my ticket to the business class cabin using Skyward Miles ( Emirates frequent flyer program).
I was travelling in the Christmas season,
in one of the busiest days of the year according to the officials but the
situation was planned for in the best suitable way. All the check in counters
and passport control counters were open, to speed the people to their allocated
gates to avoid any delays that could be a disaster for a day like this.
We weren't approved to upgrade, though the
seats were available, but we decided to head towards the Business class lounge
located in Concourse B. After a few calls, we were approved to upgrade our
tickets for just over forty-thousand skyward miles per passenger.
As usual, I went roaming around the
terminal, though I was invited to enter the lounge. I spotted a Starbucks several meters away, I
decided to go for a cup of white mocha. Dubai International’s duty free
selection is among the best that I've ever seen. The closest competitor would
Singapore Changi in my opinion. I picked up several aviation related magazines
before heading towards my gate.
The gate agent checked our passports &
boarding passes before wishing us a safe journey. As we were boarding our
aircraft through the air bridge. I spotted the aircraft registration, (A6-ECU).
I was disappointed to fly an old aircraft. It’s the 21st Boeing
777-300ER that Emirates received.
Entering the cabin, I was greeted by a
trolley dolly (for all the folks out there) that walked me to my seat. I got an
aisle seat, though I’d prefer a window seat if I had the chance. I was served a
cold beverage with some warm nuts, followed by a refreshing hot towel. I was
tracking my flight through “Flight Radar” over my phone.
The Cabin crew started with their
announcements, I was really happy to hear that the aircraft was fitted with
Wi-Fi and Airmobile capabilities. The next thing you’d hear is ‘Cabin crew please
prepare all doors in crosscheck”. Pushing back from the gate I was really
excited to start my journey. The massive GE90-1150B engines were starting up,
you could never get tired from hearing the start-up chime of those engines.
We were taxiing to our runway, it was
unusually quiet at the airport. We didn’t have to wait long until we got our
take-off clearance for Runway 12 Left. The engines started roaring for take-off
role. A few minutes later we were airborne climbing to thirty-eight thousand
feet.
The service started shortly, the menu
selection was quiet good;
Appetizer
|
 Salad With Smoked Salmon |
Main Course
|
 Chicken leg with baked potatoes |
Desert
|
  Cheese Board followed by Godiva chocolates
and coffee. |
Snack
|
 Seafood with rice marinated in pomegranate extract. |
The mood-lighting feature was turned on, as
the sun was setting. According to experts, it helps to reduce the effects of
jetlag.
A couple of hours later, we landed into Lyon Saint Expury Airport, it was a
cold December night. There was some rush at immigration but the
immigration officers were efficient and friendly. We then picked up our bags
and went straight to our hotel, for a good night sleep.
