Once we were off the plane, we had to decide what we were going to do to burn 9 hours. In a very good lounge, most people would think 3-4 hours would be more than sufficient, but this was more than double that amount of time. Pondering our course of action, we walked towards the elevators so we could take the shuttle to the other concourse



Our target was Concourse A, which in our past experience had the smallest number of passengers and good food to boot. Just one stop led us to the promised land. And no, I don't mean the duty free store





We scheduled our complimentary massages with the spa before stepping foot in the grand entrance of the first class lounge. I don't see how this is remotely necessary for a lounge entrance, but everything is over the top in Dubai, so why the hell not?



Once we had our boarding passes scanned, we decided to head left. The expanse of the lounge is almost beyond comprehension, as a whole floor is dedicated to a sparse number of passengers. As one can see, hardly a soul in site



We sat down at one of the dining areas and helped ourselves to the buffet selection, in addition to ordering a la carte



















We ordered the Italian burrata and foie gras terrine to start; both were exceptional





I decided on the filet for my entree while Mrs. ChongL had the fish and chips. Both mains delivered beautifully. In fact, someone ended up liking the filet with the mushroom sauce more than her own fried food of choice





Can't leave without having some Balik salmon, although I didn't plan a trip just around eating Balik as one person on here did



With some more time to burn before our massages, we walked further down the lounge and found a small room with loungers. Our son was due for another nap and we took the chance to just lay around. I hopped online to upload some photos, and I must admit the internet speeds were pretty impressive when I tested





The wife and I staggered our massages so one of us could watch the sleeping baby, The therapist did an outstanding job this time around. I could tell that she noticed my knots and then concentrated on those tight areas to help loosen me up. Most of the other airport massages I've had were usually spent doing some gentle rubs or light pressure here and there to pass the time

Heading back towards the lounge entrance, and still hardly a person in sight



We decided to head to concourse C to experience the smaller lounge next, so back to the shuttle we went to get back where we started



Walking past our gate, which would end up being changed to B25 later meaning we couldn't board on the lounge level



And through some more duty free





After what seemed like an endless walk, I had no desire to snap any pictures. We stepped into the first class lounge entrance and as the lounge dragon checked our boarding pass, she noted we were departing from B gates, which were a good walk away (yes we know...we just came from that direction), but we were still welcome to use the facilities. She made it a point to tell us the B lounges were much better as well. After browsing the EK wine thread for the latest spotting, I went straight to the refrigerator for a glass of Penfolds Bin 28. Once consumed, we left to head back to concourse B where we could have another good meal before boarding



Cream of white asparagus soup



Garlic prawns



We also ordered some repeat dishes from A lounge, so I didn't bother to take more pictures. From there, we backtracked towards an area near the entrance to await boarding.





As I mentioned earlier, we ended up having a gate change to B25. By the time we got there, the gate was open but boarding hadn't commenced, contrary to what the sign read



Once the announcement was made, there was a zoo of activity and no order whatsoever. People were just squeezing up to the gate agent, with no priority for first or business. I'm not sure what happened but it was hardly controlled by any means. In fact, one clown just blatantly cut in front of us while we were standing in line on the jet bridge waiting to get on board. I guess that made him feel better about having to sit in the back? Anyhow, I was just ecstatic to not have had an equipment swap as we had the luck of getting the new Emirates F cabin with the fully enclosed suites. I had originally selected a middle seat for the virtual window, but since 1A wasn't taken, I was able to move there to have the same aisle as my wife in case she needed any help



Virtual windows



Real windows





Tablet controller



Since we were in Dubai, they were pouring Dom on the ground





The cabin controls by the seat allows you to set temperature, lighting brightness and color, and more







On the left armrest is an IFE controller



On the right armrest are the controls for seating position, which includes the zero gravity position. There is also a small storage cubby





Orchids



Storage next to the seat





Menu









Wine list, but that doesn't seem to match up with the in-flight one I received





Pushed back and ready to go







In the air







There is a sliding tray that pulls out that was perfect for dining, working on my laptop, or filling out immigration forms



Charging ports to the left



I'm not sure many people noticed this, but there is even a USB-C port located in the area next to the left armrest



Newer flight status display on the tablet





Mirror, writing kit, and other products are under a flip cover



Some Hennessy Paradis



Ghaf tree, which is the national tree of the UAE is a common theme in the cabin. There is a large one at the front of the plane when boarding through door 1L, and a smaller one on the upper panels of the suite





Cruising along above the clouds





A smaller tray slides out for holding small items like a phone



One of the bathrooms that you'll see are much smaller than the A380. There is once again the ghaf tree





Apparently, I was the only one awake in the F cabin according to the FAs. They asked if I wanted to order anything, so I opted for the fish ambul thiyal. There was a good kick to it with an abundance of aromatic spices that I enjoyed quite a bit



Since there is a video calling feature, I decided to try it out. When asked, the crew said it was more of a novelty and that most passengers still use the classic call method



Almost there







Just before touchdown



It doesn't seem like the new runway is done yet as I saw construction going on as we landed. Once the plane reached the end of the runway, it made a u-turn to head towards the terminal



Arriving 18, taxiing back 36



We had to wait a few minutes for the stairs to arrive, and then were held for a few more minutes as a Qatar bird parked next to us. Once the engines were shutdown, we were given the OK to proceed. I noted to my wife that would be our ride to Doha in a week, but of course she didn't care too much at this point



Although short, this was an excellent flight due to a very personable and attentive crew. From the moment we stepped on board, they asked us how we were with a genuine interest, not the fleeting formality that crews normally greet you with. Once we noted we had just gotten off a long leg from LAX, they immediately responded with a don't worry, we'll take care of you, so please just relax and enjoy yourselves. Our son was provided drawing materials and a stuffed animal for entertainment, but by this point he just wanted to sleep. The crew also proactively asked if we wanted a kids meal prepared for him. For myself, they constantly checked on me without being overly intrusive, and always with an endearing smile. After these last 2 legs, I have to say Emirates is back at the top of my list. In the past, I've come across mediocre crews, but today really showed how much the experience can shine when paired with an enthusiastic crew that puts full effort into providing a memorable flight

Next up: The St. Regis ground experience and taking the seaplane to the resort