Dimitris Zopounidis wrote this review, MSc in Business Analytics and Data Science and BSc in Business Administration from the University of Macedonia (UoM). Dimitris is the Founder and Head of Research of the scientific website aviationlife.gr and the Crete Aviation Observatory (CAO). He is a member of the Data Analysis and Forecasting Laboratory at the Technical University of Crete (TUC), Coordinator at the Crete Tourism Observatory (CTO), and a Data Analyst at the Department of Business Economics and Management of CIHEAM MAICh. Additionally, he serves as a Magazine Editor for the Air Letter of the Hellenic Aviation Society.
My recent flight with Emirates from Dubai (DXB) to Athens (ATH) was an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed why this airline is regarded as one of the finest in the world. Every aspect of the journey, from start to finish, was meticulously curated, combining comfort, quality, and exceptional service. Below is a comprehensive review of my experience.
Introduction
Emirates, which is one of my favorite airlines, is renowned for its excellence and quality. As the world’s largest operator of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, its fleet is hugely impressive.
This flight was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, registration A6-ECM, which joined the fleet in 2009.
Check-in and Dubai Airport Experience
The check-in process through the Emirates iOS app was seamless and user-friendly. Although seat selection requires an additional charge, the randomly assigned seat, 47G, was a satisfactory choice. Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3), the airline’s “home,” is itself a travel landmark. The automated baggage drop-off counters ensured swift service, while Emirates staff were readily available to assist when needed.
Boarding
Boarding flight EK209 was exceptionally well-organized. Two boarding bridges were used to manage passenger flow efficiently, ensuring no congestion. The Economy Class cabin of the Boeing 777-300ER was impeccably prepared, with seats equipped with a pillow, blanket, headphones, and Emirates’ signature inflight entertainment system, ‘ice’.
The ‘ice’ Inflight Entertainment System
The award-winning ‘ice’ system proved to be an exceptional companion during the flight. The system’s extensive offerings made the five-and-a-half-hour flight fly-by effortlessly.
It featured:
- Movies: A rich collection of classic and contemporary films, including a dedicated Christmas movie section.
- Music: A global variety of songs, including selections from Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis.
- Live flight tracking: Real-time updates with external cameras displaying the journey.
- Live TV: Channels such as BBC and CNN.
Cabin Crew
The cabin crew were courteous, friendly, and highly attentive. Their warm demeanor and diligence significantly enhanced the journey’s comfort and overall experience. Before takeoff, the cabin crew offered a delightful service that added a delicate touch to the journey: they took commemorative photos of any passengers who wished to participate and provided them with instant printed copies. This thoughtful gesture created a warm and cheerful atmosphere on board, leaving passengers with lasting memories of a unique travel experience.
Dining and Hospitality
The inflight meal service was both impressive and tailored to the Dubai-Athens route. The menu included:
- Appetiser
Pasta salad with green peas, kidney beans and mayonnaise - Main Course:
- Braised chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, blanched green peas, sautéed red pepper and penne with herbs
- Beef goulash served with broccoli, carrots and mashed potatoes with chives
- Dessert: Apple crumble served with vanilla sauce and chocolate
The meal was accompanied by complimentary beverages, including juices, wines, and hot coffee. Alcoholic drinks like gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum were also available, while champagne was offered at an additional cost of 25 AED (~7€). Overall, the dining experience exemplified Emirates’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Flight Route and Seating
The flight route was particularly fascinating, passing over Baghdad, Türkiye, and finally reaching Greece. The Economy Class seats were comfortable and well-designed, featuring charging ports and intuitive controls for the inflight entertainment system. Despite the aircraft’s age, the seating experience was commendable.
Arrival in Athens
Landing at Athens International Airport was equally memorable, with the forward-facing camera offering passengers a live view of the approach. Disembarkation via jet bridge into the airport’s non-Schengen zone concluded the journey on a high note.
Conclusion
The Emirates flight from Dubai to Athens was undoubtedly one of the best air travel experiences I have had. From the attentive crew and high-quality meals to the state-of-the-art entertainment system, every aspect of the journey reflected the airline’s dedication to excellence. For travelers seeking a truly world-class experience, Emirates remains a top choice.
About Emirates
Emirates exemplifies excellence in the aviation industry. The airline has earned accolades such as “World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment” and “Best First-Class Airline in the Middle East,” highlighting its superior services. Additionally, it has been recognized for “Best First-Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East” and as the “Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East.” Its award for “Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East” further underscores the exceptional quality across all cabin classes.
Recently, Emirates unveiled its first Airbus A350, highlighting innovative design, sustainable features, and advanced technology. This milestone underscores the airline’s commitment to pioneering travel experiences.
With a seamless blend of luxury, technology, and outstanding service, Emirates continues to set the benchmark in global aviation, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading airlines.
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