Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Q: Long Layover CAI on MS in C, what to do?

Hello everybody,
In a couple of weeks I will be flying on Egyptair from Beijing to Munich in Business Class. This involves a nearly 6 hour layover in Cairo. I will arrive at 6am and continue at 11:40am. Does anybody know if this is enough time for a quick trip out to the pyramids? Is there a tour operator offering short trips like this (like SQ does it in SIN)? Or is it to risky to leave the airport for that short time?
BTW has anybody of You ever been flying MS in C before. The pitch with 40" is not really C. Any experience?


Thank You very much

I don't think you can reasonably make the pyramids in that time. If traffic cooperates you could maybe get out there, snap a photo from outside, and get back to run and catch your flight, but you run the risk of getting caught in traffic. And not really getting to see much anyway.

The thought of spending six hours in that airport is not pleasant. There is a business lounge (2 or 3 of them actually, depending on whether you want to be where everyone is smoking, or just most of the people) but they're pretty dreary. You could maybe get a dayroom at a nearby hotel and rest, freshen up, and have something to eat. Other than that, you don't have many other options.

Haven't flown MS but comments elsewhere seem to indicate their longhaul C is proper 60-ish inch pitch.

MS is a mixed bag. You should be on a 777 or a 340 to CAI and A320 to MUC. The seats are 40 or 50 inch pitch depending on the aircraft. In some cases they might put you in the F cabin if they need more Y seats.
Flights are dry, no alcohol, food is usually ok. Movies are minimal but you get to watch them a few times over!

6 hours in CAI airport is no fun. Check with the transit counter if they can give you a day room at the Novotel.

You should be landing early morning around 5 or 6am. At that time you can make it to the Pyramids and back. Count 90 mns (should be 60) to and about the same on the way back. The driver can use the Pyramid road which avoids downtown, hence the 60mns! There are limo companies at the airport or take the shuttle to the Novotel or Sheraton/Fairmont and take a limo from there. The park opens early so you should be able to get a close up look.
Alternative is to visit Sakkahra pyramids, not as big but very nice. Few tourists but worth a look. Also the Marriott by the airport has an artificial beach with a wave machine. I know stupid but very relaxing for four hours, good food and nice service. Entrance fee is modest except on Friday's.

I flew MUC-CAI-JNB vv in january/february with a 6 hour layover on the outbund. Got a choice of hotel/sightseeing tour. Chose the "sightseeing" trip - loaded a minibus, took us to the pyramids (it was dark already, so no picture taking), then to some fragrance shop with demo (no purchase necassary), took us for dinner (the driver got lost a bit, so the dinner was eventually a take away). All expenses paid by MS. Even though not exactly a proper sightseeing tour, definitely better that 6 hours in the lounge at the airport.
MUC-CAI was a brand new 738, C very similar to US domestic F, don't know the exact pitch, but I didn't feel really cramped (am 190cm tall), video/audio on demand, 4 courses for dinner. CAI-JNB was a 330, and even though the seat is not lie flat, it was surprisingly close to it, plus I could barely touch the backrest of the seat in front me with my legs and feet stretched. Video/audio on demand, too. Funny enough, the amenity kit for MUC-CAI was about twice the size of the CAI-JNB kit.

Thank you for all your help and comments.
On Sunday I had my outbound flight from FRA to BJS and I have to admit that I was a bit impressed about MS in C. When booking the flight I was a bit worried about that low price. Just a bit over 1000EUR.
As you mentioned C on the B738 from FRA is equipped with seats like an US domestic F. And the IFE was AVOD!
Arriving in CAI we were brought by bus to the immigration hall. The transit passengers were escorted to another bus bringing us to the international departure hall. After passing through security (it beeped but nobody stopped me) we were asked to go to a transit desk. There I received an invitation to the lounge. Next to this desk is a tour desk where you can book one of the quick tours. I will take one on the way back on my long layover.
The lounge was… let’s say basic.
Boarding again was by bus (I think there are no gangways at all).
The flight was on a B777. The pitch was approx. 45” and the seats were comfortable (they remember me a bit on old LH long haul C class seats). C Class from CAI to BKK was full. But there were only 4 pax in C on the extension to BJS. So I was able to use that secret switch in the armrest to lower the seat on approx 170 degree. Very comfortable!

I really can tell that I do not regret that I booked on MS. The price/comfort relation is absolutely OK. That compensates the longer route and CAI airport.

(As always when working in China) I look forward to my flight home…..

I really can tell that I do not regret that I booked on MS. The price/comfort relation is absolutely OK. That compensates the longer route and CAI airport.


did the 777 have F class, too? I've seen fares in range of 1400-1500 EUR for CAI-BKK in F (triple M&M miles ;) )

EgyptAir flies from Terminal 1 (reserved for mostly Arab/regional airlines and nicknamed Old Airport to differentiate from New Airport Terminal 2 even though it is quite modern). Facilities there are quite good, has lounges. No airbridges though.
Under 3 hours you should stay in airport
Under 5 hours go to hotel
6 hours and over you can fit in a short trip
8 hours and over you can fit in anything I guess

Service on such routes are quite good...so good luck.

did the 777 have F class, too? I've seen fares in range of 1400-1500 EUR for CAI-BKK in F (triple M&M miles ;) )

There was a F- Cabin. 2 rows in a 2-2-2 config. Also no lie flat but it looked very confortalbe. I tried to get a cash upgrade. But no seat was available

There was a F- Cabin. 2 rows in a 2-2-2 config. Also no lie flat but it looked very confortalbe. I tried to get a cash upgrade. But no seat was available

two quick questions :

1. how much did they ask for the upgrade
2. Where did you book the flight?

1. how much did they ask for the upgrade


I didn't ask for the price because there was no seat available. But I read in some other forums that upgrades from C to F on the NYC CAI service was approx 300US$


2. Where did you book the flight?

http://www.skyways.de/flug.php