So, in about three weeks, I'll be taking my first* flights on EK; flying CMB-SIN-MEL in Business. Admittedly, not the best route to try the famed EK product and service on, but, as a QF Platinum flying Emirates (albeit on a QF Code); what can I expect and any pointers for making the most of this experience?

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* I have previously flown on EK once, between AKL and MEL; and while a short flight (and no obvious "status" recognition); I can't really fault the experience then.

Well, on EK status really won't make difference. You might get some recognition, you might not. Status is only noticeable when you fly Y. I would lower your expectations some.

The service can be hit or miss, with a significant drop in quality on the 380s.

Not sure whar you're expecting from the "famed" product though. Kind of an open-ended question.

I'd say ghostwrite has put a very realistic and pragmatic perspective on things here.

You might indeed be wise to adjust your expectations somewhat, given just how much service levels can vary, with key influences being a) the crew who happen to be rostered to your flights, b) the load factor on the day and c) the equipment.

I have just done five EK sectors spread over 3 weeks : three long haul in F, and two medium in J.

On both the J sectors I was very happy with the service ; but the loads were pretty light.

For all my F sectors the loads were unusually light : 7 pax (A380 LHR-DXB), 3 pax (A380 DXB-BKK) and on my BKK-SYD flight I had the entire F cabin of a 777 to myself. I simply could not fault any aspect of the service I received on all three flights ; it was exceptional.

HOWEVER ........the J cabins on my 3 F sectors were never less than 95% full (in fact BKK-SYD had been oversold in Y which led to a number of op-ups to J) and I got the distinct impression when chatting to the Purser that in such cases the FAs find themselves fully occupied in delivering the 'prescribed' J class service to EK standards - but with little - if any - opportunity to do anything special .......