Just flew EK earlier this month, for the first time and in Y. I think EK is definitely over-rated.

Catering: The catering onboard was fine for the first meal but the snack was bad. A piece of sponge cake in a plastic wrap. Otherwise I think EK catering in Y is one of the better ones.

Crew: As others have noted, they are generally unfriendly and unwilling to assist. Someone had a bag but couldn't find space. The crew just told her, "there is no allocated space for anyone for hand carry, just put it anywhere you find space" then walked off. Service was rather unfriendly, and this was for all 4 mid-haul sectors.

Entertainment: I think ICE, the latest one is really good and fast.

Skywards: Useless to me with so few partners. Now after reading about the award availability issues, definitely no incentive to fly EK.

Seats: Awfully narrow. The pitch is fine, but not the width, especially shoulder space.

Not EK's fault, but their flights are so popular that they are always full, and that makes it impossible to have empty seats next to you. DXB airport is a mess. Got the remote stand twice. Buses took 30-40mins to get to the terminal building.

I would only fly with them again if they were dirt cheap, but they rarely are nowadays. But seeing that I will qualify as *A Gold next month, and hold ST E+, OW Emerald, the fares really have to be ridiculously low for me to fly with EK.