Reunited with my luggage at last, I stopped by the SriLankan Airlines checkin desk where I was handed four tickets - two boarding passes and two lounge access cards.


AUH Departures

SriLankan: checkin open

Security was a breeze, and my first stop was the Pearl Lounge. There was a long queue for Priority Pass, DragonPass, and similar programmes, while business and first class passengers had a dedicated counter. Still, many people ignored the signs and shamelessly jumped the queue, one even moved directly in front of me.


Priority lane

Vuew from the lounge: priority line on the right side, rest on the left

Thankfully, the lounge dragon was having none of it and promptly sent them to the back of the other line.

Business class passengers had a designated area on the terrace, where food could be ordered and served by staff. I wasn’t hungry, so I opted for dessert only. While relaxing, I completed the online form for my Indonesian eVisa. After paying over half a million rupiah, it was instantly approved.


Area for the priority passengers

Muffins were too dry



SriLankan Airlines Business Class: AUH to CMB, A320, Flight UL208
The economy cabin was full, but there were just two of us in business class. Once boarding was complete, the captain welcomed us on board and informed us of the 4-hour 10-minute flight to Colombo. As usual, he reminded everyone to keep their seatbelts fastened due to expected light turbulence.


Gate B15 for this flight

Business class seats

To my surprise, we were provided with an amenity kit containing the usual bits: hand cream, lip balm, tissues, a comb, and earplugs. I always carry lip balm as the air on planes is so dry, but realised I must have lost mine back at the Pearl Lounge.


Amenity kit

Menu

Prawn masala

As it was a night flight, I had planned to sleep. Unfortunately, the CSM had other ideas. He was shouting or talking loudly throughout and slamming doors far too often. I don’t usually complain, but it was hard to ignore this time.

Since I couldn’t sleep, I tried the meal, and for airplane food, it was actually very good.

As on my previous flight, passengers began standing up during taxiing. But this time, the crew shouted at them to sit down again.

We parked a bit further from the gate. There were busses waiting for us - one for the business class, several for the economy.


Serendib Lounge at Colombo (CMB)
There are several oneworld lounges at CMB, but I only visited the Serendib Lounge. I’m sure if JapesUK had been here, he’d have reviewed them all and shared a detailed report with plenty of photos. JapesUK planning a Sri Lanka trip anytime soon? 😀

I was exhausted, so only took a few pictures.

A330 in the lounge




SriLankan Airlines Business Class: CMB to CGK, A320N, Flight UL364
My BP indicated a boarding time of 6:45 a.m. I arrived at the gate at exactly 6:45, only to see Final Call displayed. When I left the lounge, it had still shown Go to Gate. I guess they skipped all the intermediate steps.

One thing I dislike about CMB airport is the security check at every gate. Their old scanners required me to take out all electronics and liquids from my bags, which took a while.

This time, the business class cabin was full. And the passenger from my previous AUH flight was there too.

There were no hot towels or amenity kits on this leg. I skipped the food, though I glanced at the menu. The first thing I noticed: no alcohol. Not that I had planned to drink, but it had been available on the AUH flight.



On arrival, I was pleased to find I could use the eGates. It was absolutely brilliant, as it helped me avoid the massive queues.


CGK - baggage hall

CGK - arrivals

Using Grab for transport was also incredibly easy. The app included directions and detailed photos of the pick-up area, and there were plenty of signs throughout the airport guiding the way.