m0hamed

After 2.5 years, finally returned to EK F BNE-DXB-AMS.

While EU, Australian and US airlines struggle with flight cancellations, lost luggage and terrible service, EK were completely dependable.

We had Meet and Assist booked through Marahaba (dnata) in BNE which doesn't have priority so were escorted through the crew and staff travel lane. The EK BNE lounge is closed and Plaza Premium is terrible, so we used the QF International Lounge which was sufficient. We were offered pre boarding which was delightful. They served Vueve on ground in BNE rather than Dom 2003 P2.

The Purser on the first flight was exemplary. We chose 1/2A as we always do and she set up 1E/F so we could dual dining. While dining the crew made our beds unprompted. We had a great chat and she mentioned EK are training the crew to be more authentic and less robotic, which is a great initiative. All of the staff we interacted with were so welcoming.

From the moment we boarding to disembarkation we didn't have to ask for much. Our drinks were continually topped up.

The two negatives was they ran out of F Mezze, despite taking our orders first. Surprising there were only 6 F pax, but it wasn't worth getting upset over. They delivered a J Mezze instead. The main area for improvement, however, is the food. It's simply ok. It's nothing remarkable or memorable. I won't make a Youtube in a monotone voice for 15 mins about it, but it used to be much, much better.

On the second sector which was full, a Movie menu with snacks was provided which was rather cute. The staff handled a full cabin very efficiently.

Being able to shower at 40,000 feet is such an incredibly luxury that I had forgot.

I simply forgot how much I love the product. EY Apartments remain my favourite, however EK is still consistently solid.

We used the F lounge at the C gates which I was expecting to be disappointing, but was fine for the short layover.

Arriving in AMS, we had Meet & Assist booked through Schipol and were first through immigration and in the car in 10 mins. Probably necessary for F, but didn't want to take the gamble.

Keen to compare and contrast QR F soon. EY only have five aircraft with F and they don't currently service Australia. I honestly don't know why anyone bothers with EU/US or Australian airlines. They simply cannot compete. It amazes me how many Australians are locked into QFF and believe QF F is the holy grail. It's my least favourite F product after BA.

sydtogla

Cool pictures m0hamed. Agree about the consistency in it although some frames are getting a bit tired.

I am sadly one of the 'many Australians are locked into QFF and believe QF F is the holy grail. It's my least favourite F product after BA." I think the QFF product serves a particular kind of customer - one who likes to eat at Rockpool and drink AU wines. Personally I find their beds more comfortable than EK F but thats because the seats are flannel and you don't end up roasting on a 13h leg. But ultimately I'm tied to QF-FF because it gives me status across OW whilst I can retain my EK status (for now).

thijsseh

Excellent overview of what EK F should be and unusually is!

I agree with the comment about the food, it's not an EK F strong point. Unless there is something 'special' going on: in June they served a few dishes based on (white) asparagus on the AMS route as May / June is asparagus season in the Netherlands. I had both the starter and the main course and they were excellent.

The only thing I would have done differently is choosing 2A and 3A instead of 1A. The latter is smaller, less space for your carry on. and it lacks a third window.

I arrived in AMS in F a month or so ago (HBO) and was in the car 15 minutes later. Little holdup at passport control, most of the time is spent walking there from gate G9. But I guess meet and greet could be very helpful when the immigration lines are long (as the can be) and you don't have an EU passport.

m0hamed

Thank you both.

I know about the less window in 1A, but I prefer it because you don’t see other pax in front of you.

When you live in Australia and you have to fly 17-24 hours to tech your destination you want to do it in comfort and style.

The second aircraft was tired, but again, it’s what you make it. You can choose letting not getting a F Mezze upset you or just let it slide.

I remarked to my husband that on the first sector, the Purser ensured we would served precisely at the same time like a silver service restaurant. I have never experienced this on QF, BA, EY, TG or AA F in over 15 years of F flying. Truly impressive.

I’m going to send feedback for the Purser so she is recognised. She even went as far as to create content for us. All of my social is private, but she is clearly an influencer and it was a very sweet touch!

AITCNZ

Did you have any bother getting into the QF lounge? Flying F out of BNE in 2 weeks after connecting on qantas and have 3 hours to sit around

m0hamed

Not at all. dnata staff were confused when I said I was planning on using it.

You are entitled by CoS or status https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/at-the-airport/airport-lounges/qantas-lounge-access-eligibility.html

AITCNZ

Great thanks, shame the EK lounge isn't open. Just seen a few mentions about people struggling to get in on an EK ticket and being redirected to the plaza premium lounge. Was originally going through SYD but saw some ridiculously cheap deals routed through brisbane so refunded that ticket and rebooked through BNE!

m0hamed

If they are restricting, status overrides access rules based on CoS.

Indeed, BNE was the first EK station in Australia and the lounge has direct boarding. They opened all their others, but it needs a decent refurb.

lost_in_translation

Interested in your thoughts, would say don't get your hopes up too much for QR F in advance. I'm a relatively recent defector (i.e. last 4-5 years) to EK from QR precisely because EK F is so consistently consistent! 20 or so F sectors and every one has ranged between quite good and really excellent so far.

I have done more than that in QR F and it is more variable - sometimes you can think 'wow, this is basically like flying in the world's biggest private jet' and sometimes it's more like 'why did they bother, that was business class with a bigger seat'. I don't get the hype on Al Safwa, I think the EK F lounge is a nicer environment overall with better food and better service. All Al Safwa really has going for it to me is the better showers, private rooms for a long layover (but why wouldn't you leave the airport to a proper hotel then?) and expensive champagne (which is obviously enough alone for most bloggers). It's clear QR don't really want to be operating the A380 with F any more, but now have to because they've created a shortage of frames for themselves - as a result you get given the not very nice business class pajamas, the business class amenity kit, etc. They also have a weird policy of no bedding on 'day flights' even in F which covers far too much of the schedule. The QR F seat is lacking in privacy when the cabin is busy but is super comfy to sit and sleep in.

As an aside, I think the EK 'rate your flight' thing that pops up at the end is genius and wonder to what extent it drives EK's consistency - I don't know why other airlines don't do this too.