Emirates Airbus A-380 - Upstairs, Turn Left or Both
When we purchased our tickets, the flight was scheduled to operate by their flagship A-380 aircraft, then we received notification that some of the schedules were changing and a Boeing-777 would fly the route.
Thankfully, about 2 weeks before departure I opened an email from Emirates to inform me of a change back to the A-380. I was pleased with this change as I love flying this aircraft, even more surprises to come when I realised it was an A380 configured in a 2 class system, that being, all economy downstairs, and the first 15 rows or so upstairs, and the remaining rows towards the back were full service business class seats.
We had booked to fly economy going out to Bangkok, and Business for the return, and on check-in we had been allocated economy seats upstairs, which I’d hoped would happen. The configuration upstairs is 2-4-2, and we were lucky enough to have seats together by the window. I can only assume this aircraft was converted to this layout, as it retained the side storage bins, giving us some extra space making for a more enjoyable trip. Boarding was surprisingly quick seeing as how the capacity was 615 passengers on this particular aircraft.
The A-380 is such a quiet plane in which to fly, it rattles like the best of them on the ground, but once airborne, becomes silent. The relatively short flight of 2 hrs 15 minutes, passed quickly. We started the entertainment system as soon as we took our seats and were able to comfortably watch a movie in the flight time. The crew service was efficient, the meal choice good, along with all manner of complementary drinks. On arrival at Bangkok, as we were 30 minutes early, we were bussed to the terminal building, no great problem, as there can be quite a walk from some of the gates.
We were really looking forward to the return flight. We checked in early and were given Fast Track passes though the immigration and security process. Apart from the flight experience itself, this is a major plus of flying Business Class out of somewhere like Bangkok, as the queues are usually long. After only a few minutes we were on our way to the lounge, Emirates have recently opened a new lounge at Bangkok airport, situated at the entrance of concourse G.
We were one of the first to arrive, grabbed ourselves some comfortable seats and went to explore the food and drink. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the variety, and quality of what was on offer. A large array of Asian and Western hot food choices, several salads and cold plates, there was also two type of soup, fresh fruit and several cheeses to pick from.
Not to mention the fridge full of soft drinks and beer with premium wines along with Moet et Chandon champagne served on request. The two hours or so we were in the lounge passed very quickly, and the difference in fare between Economy and Business was more than compensated by the food and drink, and quiet away from the busy terminal.
All too soon the flight was ready to board, and we made our way to the gate, and with priority boarding really didn’t stop until we were seated, and another glass of fizz served. Emirates Business Class seat configuration is set out 1-2-1, in an alternate setup of two seats together, two apart. The seats are very private with every passenger having direct aisle access in their own little pod.
We had decided to have our meal first, before venturing to the lounge at the back of the aircraft. The 3 courses were very tasty, served with a selection of wines and champagne. Again, with such a short flight time, the service was quick without ever seeming rushed, and once the trays were removed, we made our way to the lounge. We have been lucky enough to fly upstairs with Emirates on previous occasions, so we already knew what we were going to have from the bar, Marmalade Cocktails please.
Once we had been served the drinks the purser kindly offered to take photos of us around the lounge, some of which you can see here. All too soon the flight was almost over, with 20 minutes remaining the crew started to secure the cabin, and we returned to our seats to watch the landing by way of one of the three on board cameras.
I can’t recommend the experience enough, it’s one thing to turn right, but it’s something else to go upstairs. I love to look for good unusual routes with airlines where their premium classes are sold for just a little more than economy.
So if you ever want to give them a try, give me a call