V-Flyer

I am sorry that this TR is so late.[:I]

My family & I had spent 4 days in Dubai. It was our first trip there & really enjoyed everything & are looking forward to returning, maybe next spring.
We had booked the 16.15 flight so that we could enjoy more time in Dubai & were still home at a reasonable time.

Our car for the airport arrived on time & we loaded up & were away in just a few minutes. As we had been staying at the Hilton Dubai Creek the journey didn't take long.

We went to check-in as we hadn't been able to do OLCI. The website for Emirates says that OLCI is not available in DXB.I don't know why.
Anyway, a young man from EK staff appeared at our side as we were deciding which desk to go to, & there were no queues for any desk as far as we could see. He asked if we had done OLCI & we said no because we thought that this was unavailable at DXB. He said 'aahhh' & led us across the other side of departures to a desk that we had not previously noticed.Probably because it was diagonally behind us!)

We checked in & were able to change our seats to further forward in the cabin as the plane wasn't full. We had window, middle & then spare seat but my husband & I had room to spread ourselves out & have the 3 seats between the 2 of us as did our daughters.
The plane was a newer one than that the type we flew out on but I can't remember exactly what it was - sorry[:#]

The captain announced the numerous nationalities on board & again the various languages spoken [^][^]

The plane left virtually on time & drinks & then a while later dinner was served.

Dinner menu
Poached salmon roll served with artichoke salad & pesto yogurt sauce.
Seasonal salad.
Peri Peri chicken with tomato & cardamom sauce, served with fried potato cubes & ass'd veg.
OR
Beef rendang accompanied by steamed jasmine rice & wok-fried veg.
Chocolate caramel.
Cheese & biscuits.
Tea or coffee.
Chocolate.

I chose red wine for a pre-dinner drink & also with dinner & each time was given a small bottle which was opened for me.It was a Syrah & was a perfect temperature as far as I was concerned.

The ICE was dreadful. It was re-booted at least twice so didn't start when it should have done. An initial apology was given. It then failed more than 20 times. Each time the picture appeared to 'freeze' & when it 'unfroze' the film didn't contiue when where it had stopped, but had continued so each person had to rewind to where they had got to. It was frustrating.

Afternoon tea which included assorted sandwiches, lemon cake, scone, clotted cream & strawberry jam, tea or coffee was served later during the flight. I didn't want any but it was well presented & according to my family very tasty.

Turbulance was very noticeable at one stage & got to the point where I personally wanted to get off the plane (I'm not good with turbulance but I do like flying.)
My husband & 2 daughters weren't bothered. I spoke to a member of the crew who made me a cup of camomille tea & found a seat in the 2nd row behind the bulkhead so that the turbulant effect was less. I really appreciated her concern & kindness towards me. The crew member said that both my husband & I could move seats, but my husband (aka love-him-as-I-do-but!) said he was fine where he was. Oh the support![:(!]
I stayed in this seat for the remainder of the flight. I didn't bother with the ICE anymore but flicked thru a magazine. My nerves were a little shredded to say the least.

We arrived early for landing & had to wait for a space to become available but not too long.
We were off the plane very quickly & zoomed through immigration without delay. Our bags were in reclaim swiftly. We caught the transfer bus to collect our car.It was all totally hassle-free. From getting of the plane to our home in Guildford took an hour. Excellent[^][^]

The crew were very polite, friendly & efficient as they had been on our outbound flight.

As an aside, a few days after our return, I sent an email to Emirates customer affairs stating the problems with the ICE. They replied within 3 days [^][^] saying words to the effect that, they were sorry for this inconvenience & when we fly with their airline again to contact them on a particular 'phone number. They will then try to make sure that they do everything to ensure our comfort etc as they do appreciate our custom.
I thought that their speedy reply & answer was good. When we fly Emirates again I'll let you know the outcome.

I would fly with Emirates again anywhere. All the crew were excellent.The problems with the ICE were not the fault of the crew, it's just one of those things that can happen. I'd rather have an on time flight!
Hhhhhhmmmm.....where shall I fly with them next[:?][:)]