Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Middle East Airlines/ Air Liban

Does anyone know about what benifits can be gained from reaching the highest level of MEA's frequent flyer program (Cedar Miles Elite)? I'm right now just the lowest level of elite and I'm slightly curious. Also, I just flew their newly configured A-310-200 from CDG-BEY. Wow. Their C is out of this world. Far better than EK (Emirates). Tons of space, personal video screens, a 2-2-2 configuration (not like EK's 2-3-2 in C on the A310/A300), and the food was to die for (plus caviar). Just an update. Anyone flown on their new A300 yet? Thanx! :-)

How were the FAs and the ground services in Beirut? Lounges? I am intrigued by your post - I do not hear much about MEA.

[This message has been edited by Shinkansen (edited 05-06-2002).]

The FA's were pretty good. They didn't want smile much, but the moment I opened my eyes one would leap to my seat to ask if I would like a drink. Also, they scored high marks in my book with presentation of the meal service and professionalism. As for the ground facilities in Beirut, they are fantastic. Beirut has a completely new airport, and with it comes a well designed terminal with minimal walks to boarding gates, fully computerized everything, a huge duty free (for a country of this size), and SUPER fast immigration and customs procedures. Two things to be desired are better lounges (I've been in MEA's flagship Cedar lounge and the contract one used by European Airlines, but not the ones for Saudi and the likes), and a better food selection (only cafeterias). But overally, very, very good. It isn't Dubai, but it's head over heels better than all of the airports in the immediate region. Also, MEA service (and spaciousness) is tops (their regular eco seat pitch is 34", even on shorthauls).

MEA has always had an excellent reputation. I flew on one of their Comet 4's when I was a kid.

I've flown with them last October FRA-BEY and back in Y but just behind the C section. I don't remember which aircraft, but C was really not impressing. Maybe it depends heavily on route and aircraft?

Ralf, it does depend on the aircraft quite a bit. To FRA the use either their A320 series plane, or an ancient A310-300 (not the nice A310-200s used for other destinations). Their A320s are nice b/c they have more seat pitch (42 inches) and 2x2 seating which compares favourably with almost all European and American narrowbody first/business class. Nice seats, but no personal video. I will admit, however, that their A310-300 was the plane from HELL....I took it from Beirut to Lagos last year in C, and the pitch in C was something miserable like 39 inches. Luckily that plane is gone, and replaced by a much nicer A300-600. Certainly MEA doesn't have all of the WOW qualities of Emirates, but boy do they beat them when it comes to space and food...in both C and Y, and to me thats what counts (but their lounges do need improving).