I had not flown on a long trip until 2012 when first visiting India. By a long trip, I am using 12-14 hours of travel.  From the time we left Albany until we arrived in Amdavad, it was 24 hours total.  The majority of the travel time was 12.5 hours from Kennedy Airport in New York City to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates has the reputation as the best airline in the world. I can picture the Sultan or Sheikh, whomever was first planning, asking, “What would make the best air travel experience? ”   Excellent service, tasty  food, service in passenger’s native language, more roomy seats and  unbelievable luxury and comfort in Business and First Class. Well, they have met their own criteria and let me tell you about it.

Here is Economy where we traveled. As you see the seats are roomier than most carriers.   The service is friendly, polite and solicitous .  On our long flight this time, there wee 17 languages spoken by flight attendants.   There are a choices of  meal entrees and yes  a full meal is served  which was quite tasty. There are choices for diets and cultural differences since this is an international operation.  We also had a full hot breakfast near the end of the 12 hours and before landing in Dubai.

On our flight in 2012 , David was asked if he would like an upgrade for a mere $900!   We said, no thank you but  were interested in the package.  We were to fly on an Air Bus which has an upstairs for Business and First Class.  Business class has individual cubicles for work or relaxing.

Now if this isn’t fancy enough. . . . wait until you see First Class!

Showers are available as well as beds and elegant food.

We had been so happy to find the price for us to fly to India on Emirates was $700 LESS from 2012.  That is unheard, or so we thought.  We have been telling everyone that Emirates is the best all around airline from our experience.  But it has now slipped back into the ho-hum pack of airlines on this trip.   It started at check-in where the woman first said I was not listed and then she said, I was on a different flight. David had all the paper work and  I magically appeared on her confirmed list.  Well like to both sit on isle seats so request seats across the isle from each other.   When we finally boarded after 8 hours of waiting after our shuttle, I was seated on the very last row next to the window and David was about half way away in the center of the plane. If this was not disappointing enough, as we embarked the smaller plane to Amdavad, the attendant asked us to check our carry ons which were regulation size according to their website!  I had my computer and medication in my carry on so I was trying quickly to get out the things of most value to me. . . . . and on top of that there were others who were allowed to take the same size bags and the plane was not full!

So as I close , I must say that my rating for Emirates is not *** stars instead of the  **** 1/2 from the first trip. I would still recommend it for a good long trip experience.  I guess it just goes to say the old adage is true. . . . .nothing on this earth or in the sky is perfect!