I used to fly Emirates about 8 or 10 times per year but work pattern has changed and so it has been 9 months since I flew. I almost always fly economy (unless I use miles to upgrade or the upgrade fairy waves her magic wand) and have previously loved Emirates. However my recent experiences (MAN DXB JNB LUN DXB MAN) were disappointing (and did not compare faboirable with recent delta flights to US). No wet wipe let alone hot towel at start of flight, very little drinks service, disappointing food (esp the replacement of the cheese/dip and breadsticks with cheddar and crackers), no chocolate. Wifi didn't work or was so slow to be useless. Chaotic seating on joining flight in Lusaka (which had come in from Harare) (at least 6 people sitting near me including me had people squating in their seats and crew didn't do much - the passengers just moved to another seat that wasn't theirs - my guy moved three times having refused to show his boarding pass).

Haven't got any flights until September but am thinking of shifting once I use my miles (esp as I will have lost silver status and lounge access by then and I can do the journey much quicker on other airlines.