m0hamed

I'm generally a EY F flyer and had two interesting F flights on EK.

On EK413 at check in I was told my seat was broken. As I knew the cabin had only 5 pax, I simply asked for another seat I wanted which I knew as free from E/F.

After the seatbelt sign went off I kept trying to turn the IFE off as I only use my iPad in flight. The FA who was great tried her hardest and reset the seat three times, including turning off all the power, but it would still turn on by itself. Again, as I know one of the keys of travelling well is not to get upset and suggest a solution, I simply asked that the middle seat next to me be prepared for my bed.

What surprised me, though, was the quality of the catering. I ordered the caviar, Prawns, Arancini and Beef Burger. The Prawns did not taste fresh and the Arancini was tasteless. I took a bite of each only. Thankfully the Burger was decent (although crisps do not chips make). I only had the famous Salt and Pepper Squid in the QF SYD F Lounge because I thought I would be eating more in flight.

Similarly, on 923 I ordered the Mezze and Cabbage Dolma and the food was well under par what I have previously experienced of EK, albeit a few years ago. One would expect catering from the hub of an airline to the best.

Have catering standards universally dropped that much?

I am grateful to the Purser on 923 who when the pax next to me and I in row 1 glared at the two extremely loud woman in row 2 carrying on at the top of their lungs went to them and told them that if they didn't quieten down they would be moved by to J, so I assume an op up.

I know EK is a much larger airline, but it's a strong contrast arriving at T3, going through security to the train to the lounges at DXB vs EY where in AUH you're from the kerb to the lounge within a few hundred metres at most.

I used to rate my F flights as EY > TG (new F) > EK > QF > BA, but I now think other than the doors and shower QF isn't as unexciting as I had convinced myself. But, at least EK has a F product to CAI which EY removed a while back.

DYKWIA

The food I've had on EK F over the last few years has also been a bit grim. I'm not a regular by any means, but it's not great IMO.
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The bad basket is great though

I've learnt to eat in the lounge, and then snack at the bar!

NoY

I flew 3 F sectors on EK last month & the food ranged from decent to poor. Generally appetizers were quite good (caviar, soup, salad), main courses very poor, desserts good/dire. Wines were generally excellent. Service was very good.

Not a patch on EY F catering in both taste & presentation.

m0hamed

I generally follow this rule for J flights but not F.

On the first sector I ordered 2 appetisers and the Burger was 'light bite' which is hilarious. Has the catering deteriorated recently?

NoY

EK F catering (or J for that matter) has never been considered great, to be frank. Others have moved ahead for sure (e.g. EY, SQ) & EK catering now just looks dated, IMHO.

I have a J flight tomorrow & (given my wife's feedback, who flew the same flight last week ^) I will definitely avoid the main course & the pudding - Appetizer & cheese for me will have to suffice.

BadoRas

I fly EK F frequently. I never have mains or dessert and tend to browse the much better quality appetisers.

It is disappointing that the quality isn't better but the food alone would never be a deal breaker for me. More than compensated by the amazing spirit and wine selection. And of course that champagne!

DYKWIA

^

m0hamed

Yes, It was Moet on the ground in SYD because of duty, but the Dom in the air and at DXB makes up for some of it. Though one still needs to eat.