Background:

I had booked this trip in November to visit family for the holidays. In December EK announced the complimentary upgrade between NZ & OZ.

Called up Skywards and spent 12,500 miles to upgrade to J one-way and got the free upgrade for the return J trip.



EK407 , AKL - MEL


I travelled to MEL with my parents. We had an awesome flight experience with EK .

Winnie (J cabin Supervisor), Bianca and the rest of the J Cabin Crew were excellent and made our journey real fun , so thanks heaps guys ! ^ .

The great service coupled with travelling with family also meant that I didnt have time for a full TR , but I did manage to click some pictures which will have to suffice as the TR for this leg ....

Dinner:


My J dinner on EK407 AKL- MEL flight

Canapes:




Appetiser : Chicken & wild mushroom terrine




Main Course: Oven roasted Lamb rack




Dessert: White chocolate mousse





MAIN TR for EK406



This Trip report covers my solo return to AKL on the EK406.



Check-in:

The Chauffeur dropped me at MEL around 5:30 am . I wanted to get to the airport early to have a look around and check out the duty free plus EK's lounge.

Although it was early a few J pax were lined up to check-in with F counter free as the staff was chatting to the Supervisor .... I caught her eye as I walked up and she waved me to her counter ... Yaay saved 3 mins

Check-in was real quick and I asked her about the flight loads for F & J . Both were busy with J looking nearly full and F half full.

Whilst checking-in online the previous day, I couldnt get my desired 7A seat. So requested for the same with her again but it was taken and she couldnt re-assign it so resigned myself to spending the flight in the busier main J cabin.


Security:


After checking-in walked to the Departures & Security and was surprised to see it was closed and would only be open at 6 AM . I had to sit outside in the general airport area along with a few other early pax who were also waiting.

Finally at 6:03 AM the door opened and people were allowed through ... Oh well at least it was a first for me ..... the first person to be checked through security in an Airport



EK MEL Lounge:






Was greeted warmly on my entry by Anne .....






Anne had a pleasant surprise for me .... I had been upgraded to F which was very good news for me as I wasn't looking forward to the busy J cabin.





I was given an Express Departure Card which I didnt use as there was no queue .. As she took my Lounge invitation Anne asked for dep card back as they recycle these.

I made my usual request and asked for both the invitation and dep card as souvenirs to which she obliged with a smile ... thanks Anne !



A few Lounge Pictures :















My lounge brekky:






I was still feeling peckish so had another few Veuve flutes with mixed nuts as I enjoyed the view from the lounge.





Our flight being prepared for us





EK & SQ






Boarding:


EK's lounge is conveniently located right above the gate 11 so when it was time to board it's just a ride down the escalator and then a short walk to the gate.

The announcement in the lounge was made at the right time so we can just walk straight onto the plane rather than reach the gate and be asked to wait till the flight is ready to board (like in DXB).


They took the bigger part of the BP at the gate leaving me with the lil stub which I hate ... Anyone know why they cant give us the bigger part like they do in N ?


The ground staff opened for the left L1 gate door for the F pax ... Didnt see any J pax being let through this door and bridge.

F pax walked through a separate part all the way to the aircraft.







EK406 , The Flight:



Was met at the door by purser Vivek who was very welcoming and later I was lucky to get a brilliant FA too , Vanessa.


Both Vivek & Vanessa looked after the F pax really well and were attentive even though the F cabin was quite busy being half full.



Welcome drink of Moet




Arabic Coffee and Date





Some Suite pictures and also a few of the controller showing some screens/options unique to the suite planes.



Suite:





F seat :



The lil gold levers on the arm rests are to lower the arm rests for a larger seat base and also make it easy to get out of the chair should the meal table already be set-up


Mini-Bar:








Suite Privacy:





View with Suite Doors Open





View with Suite Doors Closed





So with the doors closed one can really have a good cosy private flight experience ... of course being the good F pax that I am, I made sure I had a full glass of Dom and munchies before I shut the door



Breakfast:


I had had a long night out so the early morning start had made me quite hungry.

Vanessa was good enough to offer me both the Cheese plate and Omelette for Breakfast.

The Cheese was real fresh.





and Omelette really fluffy and Yummy too!





To finish a freshly brewed Dopio Espresso






My glass was kept topped up quite well by the cabin crew .... so that meant a fair few rounds of Dom with warm mixed nuts through-out the rest of the flight .... Of course this made me a very happy camper




F cabin shots :









Our driving force:





Home





Final thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed my entire flight experience with EK once again.:-: ^

The Chauffeur ride was early, Check-in smooth. Lounge was spotless and had a good breakfast and wines selection. Cabin Crew were brilliant & attentive , so ...

Thank you and Well Done Emirates :-: