Concerning the trip report, I don't agree concerning the SQ suite; when I saw it at first I was excited, and after reading many trip reports disappointed. If I was to choose between the 2 carriers I would go for EK because of the bed being much more comfortable (as opposed to SQ's ultra thin, the one they have in the 77W is miles ahead), more high-tech, has 2 bars as well and showers too; and last the SQ lounges look pretty disappointing (especially compared to those which will open with dubai T3). The first commercial EK flight with the A380 was nothing special indeed, just a classic EK flight, but don't forget that SQ was the first to fly the A380... The crew is however more anticipating your needs on SQ.

Dont understand why didnt they make the suites bigger though ?? I mean granted EK had a good product with the existing suites but a new aircraft should have something new to offer in an existing product , to improve the existing product ..... shouldn't it ?

Just logical from my point of view ... bigger aircraft = bigger suites ?

Answering questions:
1. Yes, each row has parts of 6 pax (head/foot/head/foot/head/foot or vice-versa) so you get less space than SQ business class. If you've been on both, the space difference is very obvious. My preference is SQ but others may feel different.
2. Purser takes reservation times for showers at the start of the flight and they come and get you when it's your time (supposedly). Didn't work for me - I finally went to ask 20 minutes after my "reservation" time had passed but I expect this was "first flight kinks" and it will get better in time.
3. On prior EK flights, slippers, PJ's, amenity kits always came right before/after takeoff so this was an exception and, again, hopefully just first flight kinks".
4. Having flown both SQ and EK suites 2+ times each, my preference is for SQ. I like the extra space - esp. being able to stand up/lay my slippers next to my bed - within the suite and the bed that pulls out of the wall is really, really comfortable; much more so than the convertible seat on EK. Again this may be preference as I like firm v. soft mattresses and the idea of a bed made with real sheets/comforter v. the convertible seat on EK with the rolled up mattress pad and comforter. The SQ mattress is more firm than the EK seat.
5. All-in-all, however, you can't go wrong with either and will enjoy the 'best of the best'

Your conclusions pretty much sum it up why I chose EK's A380 in F over SQ's Sky Suites for my next vacation trip downunder next February. SQ Suite TR's only left a so-so impression on me. And it seems quite a deal to have your suite made up as your dormitory. A hassle I would not have to encounter on EK where I can put my seat in bed mode whenever I like without the help of an FA. And quite a number of critics seem to be somewhat disappointed with SQ's T3 lounges although I like TPR judging by the pictures.

Ex DXB, flying EK gives me the opportunity to enjoy the new F lounge in DXB's T3, chauffeur drives and an onboard shower. But most importantly I can fancy a 14 something hours vs. an 8 hours flight where I can fully enjoy a lengthy food service, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar, take a shower and still get a decent 8 hour sleep.

I am not sure why the EK bed would be more comfortable. The fundamental problem with the EK Suites is that the 'bed' is a compromise between a seat and a bed, and thus there are uncomfortable contours making for restless sleep. The problem I find with the SQ bed is that it could be wider: it's not very conducive to sleeping on your side. The apparent thin matress is not a problem.

Cheers, Howard

Travelguy2500, could you elaborate more on the J seats, especially the different pitches I keep reading about? Is there a noticeable difference between the two pitches? Do your legs go under the seat in front when in recline?

The seat pitch is really not that big a deal. it is noticeable that the window seats get a bit more room but the tradeoff is that you are more "boxed in" than the aisle seat which have a larger opening toward the aisle and a more open feel. your feet do slide in under the seat in front of you (actually the fit under the side table used by the seat in front of you) but I didn't think it was a problem - there was still room to be comfortable. IMHO, the pitch difference isn't a big deal and it comes down to a preference for aisle or window. For a "large" person(don't know how to say it more tactfully), the space you have to squeeze into the window seat from the aisle is pretty narrow (my guess is less than a foot) so an aisle might be more comfortable. also, if you like to get up/down a lot, even though windows have direct aisle access, you really can't get out of the seat when the tray table is open as it blocks your exit.

Does anyone know vaguely what time this flight arrives into LAX tomorrow Aug 5th? I am planning on getting there around 730 or so and just sit and wait
anyone know more information..

I hear it supposed to be in before 9 am...

runway?? I 'll be by In and Out Burger which is where the first one arrived.

OK I called LAX and their PR department said

Runway 25 so if you want to see it over head park at Proud Bird on Aviation or see it fully land park on Imperial Ave by the funeral home

for me I wanna see it fly right over so I am going to be at Proud Bird

look for my YELLOW FLYERTALK badge :-:

Here's the 2nd TR on the A380 with both outbound and inbound flights by Mr Hawi ...

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-fo...d.main/131632/

A wonderfully detailed and well written TR , i really enjoyed reading this one ! The pictures are numerous so be warned but more than worth it !

Thanks Mr Hawi !! ^

The new menus look great.

They do look good eh? I hope this is not just for the inaugural flight ... i think the new dining concept is great esp. for big eaters like me ^ so look forward to experiencing it soon

And wow Hawi posted a real good number of pics so you can see everything much better than the initial A380 fliers that they had ... however i still feel the J seating is a bit cramped and less open than the 77W ...

Agree!
I noticed that the new product is a step up from the typical EK's J. Referring to passengers by names (something usually, though not constant in F), and having little chats etc.

I also noticed that the blankets are dual layered, like those in F; also the Godiva chocolates (that are usual given in the packs of 2, in like F).

The toilettes, bar, social area around, and the cabin feel all look good. The only let down is the cramped feel to the seat itself; perhaps the 76 odd J passengers that have to be looked after. Long gone are the days of 24 J (a la GF).

Another site showing more of EK's A380 experience , more J pics and interviews as well ...

http://simpliflying.com/2008/emirate...rage/#more-206

What I would have liked to see is a trip report with pictures from someone who was on EK3801/3802 sitting in Economy/proletarian Class. I am surprised there are none on any of the popular aviation forums.

Unlike for the Singapore 380 charity inaugural flights, only the chic flyers get to talk about the EK launch flights.

Both trip reports posted on A.net are done by chaps sitting in Business. Here we get a report from someone sitting in one of the F cabins.

I would really have liked to see/read a report from someone travelling on the lower deck with the ordinary crowds all in the tight seats, more like the real world.

By the way, how many EK invited guests/freebie flyers -other than Tim Clark and Sheikh what's his name- were on the flights?