DONE4 or Point-to-Point on EK?

[Homer]

I have a few more questions, probably for Dave Noble as he's "Mr EK"

For the purposes of this exercise we are looking at booking A class, however it seems a lot of people want to fly between DXB and Europe on the EK 380 so, while we can get A class from SYD-DXB reasonably easily, we aren't having much luck finding three seats between DXB and either LHR or CDG in July. That means a change of aircraft type at DXB to an EK 777. Now we don't actually want to go to LHR or CDG. We preferably want to start our vacation in CPH or FRA. EK can fly us into FRA but only on a 777 and they can't fly us to CPH at all.

So (thanks for bearing with me up to this point)...

How great is First on the EK 380 versus the 777? I've flown in First on QF's 380 and the 744 and, while it's definitely better on the 380 IMHO, the 744 is still pretty good though a little tired (and soon to be re-tired). Given that EK can't get us to CPH anyway, should we fly on the 380 from SYD-DXB-CDG (we can get seats, but it's out of our way and not the ideal dates) and have a fantastic 380-all-the-way experience and then get ourselves to FRA or CPH some other way? Or am I being silly (likely) and should we just go with the EK 777 from DXB-FRA?

 

[Dave Noble]

I have a few more questions, probably for Dave Noble as he's "Mr EK"

For the purposes of this exercise we are looking at booking A class, however it seems a lot of people want to fly between DXB and Europe on the EK 380 so, while we can get A class from SYD-DXB reasonably easily, we aren't having much luck finding three seats between DXB and either LHR or CDG in July. That means a change of aircraft type at DXB to an EK 777. Now we don't actually want to go to LHR or CDG. We preferably want to start our vacation in CPH or FRA. EK can fly us into FRA but only on a 777 and they can't fly us to CPH at all.

So (thanks for bearing with me up to this point)...

How great is First on the EK 380 versus the 777? I've flown in First on QF's 380 and the 744 and, while it's definitely better on the 380 IMHO, the 744 is still pretty good though a little tired (and soon to be re-tired). Given that EK can't get us to CPH anyway, should we fly on the 380 from SYD-DXB-CDG (we can get seats, but it's out of our way and not the ideal dates) and have a fantastic 380-all-the-way experience and then get ourselves to FRA or CPH some other way? Or am I being silly (likely) and should we just go with the EK 777 from DXB-FRA?

The 1st class product is the same on the A380 and the 777 as long as you pick a flight with suites . The only difference is that on the A380 there are shower facilities too. if you can get on a flight to gatwick or frankfurt or heathrow on a 777 then that will be just as good in 1st .

Just check that it is a service with suites. There are a handful with the older lie-flat 1st ( which is still much nicer than QF F on a 747 ) but suites are nicest. If you have access to ExpertFlyer , check that it offers P class rather than F

Otherwise, go to the EK site and you can check on what product is offered for the flight interested in

I am sitting in DXB at the moment ( having just finished a nice breakfast here in the 1st lounge ) and am taking the 777 to LGW

Looking at the schedule for DXB-FRA, the 0825 departure has suites whilst the 14:25 departure has lie flat seats. The 08:25 departure also connects fairly nicely with the A380 arrival in from Sydney

The 777 1st is nice in that there are only 8 seats ( 2 rows of 4 )

Dave

 

[Homer]

The 1st class product is the same on the A380 and the 777 as long as you pick a flight with suites .

Thanks again Dave. Out of interest, and in case I decide to book I class, does that also hold true with EK's business product? Is there much difference between the 380 and the 777 if you get a 777 with a newer cabin?

 

[Dave Noble]

Thanks again Dave. Out of interest, and in case I decide to book I class, does that also hold true with EK's business product? Is there much difference between the 380 and the 777 if you get a 777 with a newer cabin?

On the A380, there is a difference in business vs 777

In A380, each is like a "mini" suite with each seat offset such that you never have to climb over someone to get out plus the seats recline to horizontal. On the 777, they go flat but are still at a slight slope plus the layout is a normal style, so if at window will need to climb over the neighbour. If going business class, the A380 is definitely preferable seating. The counterpoint is that the 777 morning flight is generally a lot less busy

In 1st , the A380 is only better in that you can have a shower before arrival and can pop down to back of plane and sit in the bar area if desired. For SYD-DXB the morning flight can have a benefit in that it is less busy in premium cabins ( e.g. for today the 777 flight has a total of 15 passengers in 1st/business combined whilst 1st and business were sold out on the A380 last night )

I find the EK 777 J seats a bit better than the QF Skybeds on 747

 

[Homer]

In A380, each is like a "mini" suite with each seat offset such that you never have to climb over someone to get out plus the seats recline to horizontal. On the 777, they go flat but are still at a slight slope plus the layout is a normal style, so if at window will need to climb over the neighbour. If going business class, the A380 is definitely preferable seating.

Dave I did some googling and the EK 380 J seats get a mixed review allegedly because the B, D, G and J seats having a fair bit less legroom than the A, K, E and F seats. Seatguru doesn't seem to know about this and you haven't mentioned it here so, if I was to book I class, do you think it is something that I should be overly cough about in terms of seat allocation or has this issue been overly inflated?

 

[Dave Noble]

Dave I did some googling and the EK 380 J seats get a mixed review allegedly because the B, D, G and J seats having a fair bit less legroom than the A, K, E and F seats. Seatguru doesn't seem to know about this and you haven't mentioned it here so, if I was to book I class, do you think it is something that I should be overly cough about in terms of seat allocation or has this issue been overly inflated?

I wouldnt get overly cough over it; it is unlikely that if you are booking in advance that you cant get a AKEF seat anyways

Dave