EK first class MEL to AKL - March 2016

[v1nce007]

My review of my first ever flight in F

 

[v1nce007]

Needing a status run to achieve gold for the first time with Qantas, and wanting to catch up with family in Auckland, I had been planning to book a return trip in J. However, having always wanted to experience first class, I decided to fly MEL-AKL in Y, and then return in F on Emirates.

Emirates lounge, AKL
This is a combined business and first lounge. I got in fairly early and secured a seat overlooking the terminal. The lounge did quickly fill up, given the 3 daily flights out of AKL (BNE, SYD, MEL) are all timed fairly close together. The lounge is looking a bit old and tired, but it is far better than the adjacent QF AKL lounge. There is a pretty good selection of food, and the champagne is NV Veuve Clicquot.

Boarding
Dedicated lane for first and business class passengers, however with such a large J cabin on the A380 a long queue had formed by the time I had reached the gate from the lounge. Upon boarding, I was escorted to my F Suite and immediately provided with a glass of champagne. Departure was on-time at 18:50.

The Suite
I had a window seat, 2k. The suite was huge. Directly in front is a large IFE screen, and shelf with pop-up vanity mirror and a draw containing a hotel style writing kit (which I took home as a souvenir – not sure if I was supposed to do that but it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission!). Also provided on the shelf is a basket of assorted snacks which is removed for take-off and then returned. Underneath the shelf is storage for your cabin bag (there are no overhead lockers in F which makes for a spacious and open feeling.


Alongside the window is an additional shelf containing the tray table, some additional storage compartments, a very cool electronically raised mini bar containing soft drinks and water, and a large touch screen for controlling the IEF, lighting and seat. I could not find any controls on the touch screen for blinds for the 3 windows in the seat. Unless I missed it, it appears that they have to be raised and lowered using the buttons on the windows themselves and the most forward window is quite a stretch to reach. However, I was happy to keep them open as I took the flight prior to the end of daylight saving, and we basically chased the sunset all the way across the Tasman.


The electronic sliding doors were very cool, and created a brilliant sense of privacy once closed. The seat itself was very comfortable and the massage function worked well. Although it was a short 4 hour flight I did put it into lie flat mode and I imagine with the mattress cover provided on longer flights it would make for a very comfortable sleep. While functionally the design of the suite was wonderful, the aesthetics weren’t really to my taste. All the fake woodgrain and gold was a bit flashy and tacky.

Food and Service
Pre take-off I was offered champagne, followed by delicious Arabic coffee, dates and a hot towel. As soon as we were in the air I was provided with more champagne, and a dish of mixed nuts. On this flight they were pouring Dom Perignon 2006. The table cloth was then laid out for dinner along with salt, pepper, salad dressing and butter, and I was provided with my cutlery wrapped in a cloth napkin which I had to lay out myself. For my starter I selected the salmon which was delicious. I enjoyed it with another glass of Dom.


For my main I went with the peppered beef filet which was very tasty, possibly slightly too far towards medium for my taste but still very impressive for airline food. I paired this with a glass of Chateau Montrose 2000 which worked wonderfully.


For desert I had the chocolate and coffee mouse cake which was quite nice but nothing special. I enjoyed it with a beautiful 40 year old tawny port.


After dinner once the table had been cleared and put away, and at the recommendation of the FA, I spoilt myself with a glass of Hennessy Paradis; such a treat to enjoy this very special cognac with the suite doors closed, watching the sun set and just enjoying the luxury of the F experience. Overall the service was pretty good, just attentive enough without being too over the top.

Overall experience
I really enjoyed my flight and would recommend this to anyone. The trip from AKL is short enough to keep it affordable, but still long enough to give you a good taste of the F experience. I am only a few months away from hitting the magic number of 420,000 QF points, so I am looking forward to booking my Oneworld award trip in F for 2017, and experiencing some extensive first class travel on a number of different airlines.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Nice trip report. I can't believe they gave you a cutlery roll in F! That is pretty shoddy.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Well done v1nce007 - we never tire of reading reports of fellow AFFers enjoying their flying exps.

 

[russ]

Glad you enjoyed it. 2K is a good seat. Unfortunately, you got the old F fit-out, so you'll need to do EK F again and hope for the new fit-out!

The buttons for the window shades are directly underneath the tablet thingy. The attached image shows four rocker switches: one for each window and one to control them all.

 

[v1nce007]

Menu

 

[v1nce007]

Wine

 

[v1nce007]

Drinks

 

[kermatu]

Nice one. Congrats on your first F flight. Pretty hard to go back...

I'm also surprised at the cutlery. Small thing, but rather poor. I haven't travelled EK F much at all, but I don't recall Johnnie Walker Blue being served on my flights.

 

[Dyslexic traveler]

Good trip report. I have never flown with them but have thought about doing the Auckland trip did you have the shower? Or was that offered on the short flight.

 

[LadyC]

Thanks for the report. Would like to do this flight one day. If only the MEL-AKL flight didn't leave so early!

 

[v1nce007]

Good trip report. I have never flown with them but have thought about doing the Auckland trip did you have the shower? Or was that offered on the short flight.

I didn't try it out as I was too busy enjoying the Dom Perignon, but I've seen youtube videos where people have had showers on the same route so it should be possible.

 

[Altair]

I didn't try it out as I was too busy enjoying the Dom Perignon, but I've seen youtube videos where people have had showers on the same route so it should be possible.

For the trans-Tasman you need to ask well beforehand about using the "Spa" as they will not be proactive about offering its use for you.
You can easily get a movie, a meal and a shower in these flights.
Oh thank you for taking the time to write this report, it does bring back memories