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Review: EgyptAir Business Class Cairo to Dubai

Review: EgyptAir Business Class Cairo to Dubai

After my almost 22hour layover in Cairo, it was time to head off to Dubai on Egypt Air in Business class.

Since I was staying at Le Meridien Cairo Airport that is connected to the airport, it was a quick walk across the bridge connecting the hotel to the airport.

Once I entered the airport terminal at around 2am, I noticed how relatively empty all the areas were and many counters were empty too.
However, when I reached there, there were two employees who seemed to be relaxing and were visibly annoyed that a passenger had come through and suggested I go back to regular queue for all passengers.  I had to ask why and showed them my business class boarding pass and then they reluctantly screened my carry on and allowed me to proceed.

Once I cleared immigration, I glanced around the duty free shops and then headed to the Gienah Lounge.
Here are a few more pictures from the lounge:

When boarding time came, I headed out towards the boarding gate and was surprised to find a long queue.  I then noticed that we had to go through another security screening and also remove our shoes.  There was no separate lane for business class passengers here.
However, for boarding there was a separate lane on one side for business class passengers.

Soon, boarding commenced and Business class passengers were invited to board first.  However, I noticed that about 12 other passengers went ahead of me but none of them were seated in the business cabin.

Upon entering the aircraft, there was no welcome greetings by the FAs nor any request for jackets to be taken away.
The aircraft was very old and tired looking.

I think the pictures speak for themselves.
After boarding was completed hot towels were served followed by pre departure drinks with a choice of orange or strawberry juice. Later they handed out stickers to affix to the head rests.

After boarding was completed hot towels were served followed by pre departure drinks with a choice of orange or strawberry juice.  Later they handed out stickers to affix to the head rests.

This was followed by offering a choice of newspapers but all were in Arabic, and then a choice of magazines.

Soon after we reached cruising altitude, the FAs commenced the meal service.  They came around and placed a table cloth on the meal tray and handed out menus.  They came around again in a few minutes and took our choice of breakfast meal.
I wanted to try the Oriental dish, but a few moments later the FA came around and said only one type of meal was loaded – the Plain omelette.
I found the Plain omelette – well rather just plain.  The potatoes were under cooked and the mushrooms and tomato appeared as if they were thrown on a frying pan and seared for under 5 seconds and plated.  I decided to skip breakfast and just had the yogurt as I was looking forward to visiting some restaurant in Dubai for some “appetizing” breakfast.

I wanted to check out the Inflight Entertainment system and it seemed so archaic and clunky and slow to respond so I put it away immediately.
Since I had not slept the night before and had a whole day ahead of me in Dubai once I landed in the morning, I then had a short snooze on the angled seats which were quite uncomfortable.

The rest of the flight was uneventful and I was glad to arrive into Dubai which holds a lot of fond memories for me.

What I liked was
– On time performance

What I didn’t like was
– 2-2 seating so not all seats have aisle access
– Very old and dated seats
– No choice of meals
– Uncaring and un-attentive crew
– No amenity kits
– No hot/cold towel prior to landing

In summary, again, this was a pretty simple flight and not something where I would pay the cash fare for the value you get is definitely not worth it.

For details on how I booked this flight click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
 

Written by Dominic Fernandes  aka  CanadaPointsGuy

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