Originally Posted by
Sealink
I'm pleased it's not just me disappointed by the oft lauded EK first.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I must say I disagree with the disappointment regarding EK's first. As someone whose rule in picking airlines is above all convenience of routing, I often find myself flying a diverse array of carriers, but when EK offers comparable routings in terms of travel time I am always delighted to fly them.
In
Sealink's case, the post seems to imply that they were trying to get from GLA to SYD. The mere fact of being able to fly GLA-DXB-SYD instead of - say - GLA-LHR-SIN-SYN, thus avoiding one extra sector, is precisely why EK can be a great option, thanks to their superb network.
For the sake of the argument:
Originally Posted by
Sealink
The worst food I've ever had in the air, and that's including Ryanair BOB. Almost inedible.
I agree that food on EK is bad, but personally I find it to be one step above - for example - BA or LH or TG. There is also generally more variety on EK (see the demise of the bistro items on BA). I can always find one thing on EK that I want to eat; I can't say the same of the three other carriers that I mentioned.
Originally Posted by
Sealink
Chauffeur at Sydney asked me to share with two other pax, then got to the car and realised there wasn't enough room for our luggage, despite seeing our cases. And just told me to walk back to the terminal to 'see if I can get another car' then promptly drove off.
Totally unacceptable. Then again: what other airlines are providing chauffeur services these days? Also, in over 30 trips I have never come across an issue with EK's chauffeur drive service, so sadly this seems to be a case of an unlucky experience.
Originally Posted by
Sealink
Mums GLA DXB flight downgraded to J with a refund far below the far difference, due to EKs Rouse of using full J fares vs Round Trip F ones to calculate a refund.
I have always found refunds in these instances to be abysmal, regardless of carrier. Also worth considering: are there other airlines flying first class directly to GLA (in other words, was there really an alternative with an equally convenient routing)?
I guess all I am trying to say is that I'd give them another chance. I find their first class product to be far superior that of several other airlines (including BA, which - for full disclosure - I also find pretty good, but one step below EK overall).