EK385 HKG-LHR First Class

Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok isn't the world's most exciting airport. I was one of the last to fly into the old Kai Tak where the landing really was as dramatic as the video (see link) makes out. It is though very efficient, light and airy. Emirates have fifth freedom flights from here but of course it's an outpost for them so you might be surprised to hear the lounge isn't too bad. I couldn't take any pictures because there were too many passengers in. Anyway, you don't take this flight for the lounge service do you? You do it because it is a cheap way to experience something few will ever do. Taking a shower at 40,000 feet!

Everyone's taste in decor is different and some may find the use of gold trim and highly polished wood surfaces a little garish. What you can't deny though is that the First Class cabin on the A380 in Emirates trim is extremely luxurious. In fact, so much so it made me feel a little guilty for having it so good. I went for a stroll back through Business (while my partner took a shower) to see the bar. The Business Class section looked pretty good too but I returned to my seat with a big silly smile.

Food & Beverage

Pre flight Champagne? Yes please. Dom of course, this is First. This was complemented by a generous bowl of warmed mixed nuts. There was an excellent choice of still wines including the Medoc, which accompanied my cheese. Chateau La Lagune 2000. Honestly though, when you've got Dom on tap you do, don't you.

Only one meal service on this 3 hour flight. First course accompanied by a nice bowl of crisp, fresh, salad leaves (BA please note, this is possible). My first course was barbecued crispy duck, plum sauce, sweet and sour fruit salad. Delicious. My partner's was pastrami salmon, aromatic oriental spices, mustard sauce, apple and potato salad, quail's egg.

Main was Pan-fried chicken breast (BA please note, it was tender), chicken jus, sauted mushrooms, garlic infused mash potato, broccoli and pumpkin. My partner ate stir-fried jumbo prawns in lemongrass and ginger sauce with egg noodles and snow peas.

Cheese board was very generous, but we could only eat the goat's cheese, which was nothing special but at least they had some.

The Seat

Well, I guess the pictures speak for themselves in terms of the ambience. You either like it or you don't. I loved it. Little things like the electrically operated soft drinks cabinet which rises and falls at the press of a button would be called 'surprise and delight" features in the motor trade. Shame the drinks aren't chilled, but the moment you open the lid, an FA offers you ice for your drink. Another charming S&D trick was the writing kit under the IFE screen in a hidden drawer, and the amenity kit is accompanied by a toiletry set again recessed into the surface in front of the screen.

The IFE system was superb. Big screen, reflection-free. The separate control screen at your side can be detached to be hand held. Good choice of TV and movies on offer but I got the biggest kick out of watching the view from the tail-cam as we took off and landed.

The seat is lie-flat, fully recline and very comfortable.

The Shower 

You know how you can sometimes barely stand up straight inside an airplane toilet cubicle? Well here you can stroll about, lie down on the floor if you like. One thing you can't do though is take your time in the shower. You get 5 minutes supply of hot water. It costs a lot in extra fuel to get that payload off the ground so it's rationed. Now I have long hair and did not want to end up putting my clothes on still feeling soapy so elected to tie it up. In the end I completed my ablutions before the little water meter dial had even entered the yellow never mind the red. So you guys with short (or no) hair, go ahead and use the shampoo.

To return to my seat feeling (and smelling) fresh as a daisy for disembarkation (and drenched in Bulgari perfume, pour homme) is as far from being part of the travelling herd as I am ever likely to get.

Overall Impression

Firstly, we arrived bang on time. I wouldn't have minded being an hour or two late. In-flight, the FAs were brilliant. They were relaxed, charming, efficient. Even though this was a brief flight arriving 11 pm, when we asked for pyjamas they were provided with a smile. The FA twigged they were a trophy and seemed delighted by our enthusiasm. I don't have a single bad word to say about it and will certainly plan future travel to be able to do it again. Next time, perhaps a longer route - Incheon to Dubai seems to be well priced sometimes...