Airline Experience Review

Dubai - Zurich –Being a B777, I was hoping on this flight to experience Emirates' world beating "Game Changer" flight, unfortunately, aircraft allocation had other ideas, and this flight featured the older Boeing 777 First Class cabin with just eight suites. While more intimate than the A380's 14-seat First Class cabin, my regular suite 1A itself was essentially the same design and layout that I had flown many times before.

Upon boarding, I was warmly welcomed by Anja, the purser, a Swiss national whose youthful appearance was matched only by her enormous smile and genuinely sincere hospitality. From that very first interaction, I had a feeling this was going to be a memorable flight. Shortly after settling into my suite, two other crew members stopped by to introduce themselves. One was Andrea, a tall Romanian flight attendant who seemed particularly amused when I commented on her exotic accent. Not missing a beat, she glanced at my outfit and responded that "even your purple socks match your purple shirt." The light-hearted exchange set the tone for the rest of the flight. Another member of the crew, an Irish lass whose name unfortunately escapes me, greeted me with a cheerful "G'day." How she immediately identified me as Australian remains a mystery, but it certainly added to the warm and personalised welcome.

Based on numerous previous experiences, I had often found the Dubai-Zurich route somewhat underwhelming. This flight, however, would prove to be a notable exception. Anja was exceptionally generous with her time and conversation, and I was surprised to learn that she had been with Emirates for 18 years. Her youthful appearance certainly did not suggest such a lengthy career.

As a passionate fine diner herself with experience at some Michelin-starred restaurants, Anja was the first person to truly appreciate the scale of my Michelin Marathon. We spent considerable time discussing restaurants, and the challenges I am about to face. Her curiosity, enthusiasm and genuine interest made for one of the most engaging conversations I have had onboard or with anyone else. She even went out of her way to organise two additional crew members, fully dressed in their uniforms and traditional headdresses, to join my customary mid-flight group photo, a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflected the warmth and exceptional service delivered throughout the flight.

Food experience

1. Amuse-Bouche

The meal began with a refined two-part amuse-bouche. A creamy tuna mousse topped with vibrant mango purée delivered a pleasing balance of richness and sweetness, while a beetroot tartlet provided an earthy counterpoint. An elegant start that was both visually appealing and flavourful.

2. Caviar

Emirates' signature caviar service remains one of the enduring highlights of First Class. Served with the traditional accompaniments, the caviar was fresh, indulgent and impeccably presented, setting a suitably luxurious tone for the meal.

3. Lentil Soup

A smooth and comforting lentil soup, delicately seasoned and finished with cracked black pepper. Rich without being heavy, it provided a simple but satisfying interlude between courses.

4. Seafood Antipasti

The seafood antipasti was a light and refreshing dish featuring marinated lobster tail, scallops and prawns accompanied by crisp lettuce, fennel salad and capers, finished with a saffron aioli and herb dressing. The seafood was fresh and delicately flavoured, particularly the lobster, which despite being the smallest lobster tail I can ever recall being served, was surprisingly sweet and enjoyable. The fennel added a welcome crunch and brightness to the dish.

It was an elegant and restrained course, perfectly suited
to my upcoming dinner at the three-Michelin-starred Amador later that evening.

5. Wine Pairing: 2010 La Grange Neuve de Figeac, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Selected from Emirates' impressive First Class wine list, this mature Bordeaux displayed notes of dark berries, cedar and tobacco, with soft tannins and excellent balance. Its elegance complemented the seafood antipasti surprisingly well, offering enough structure to stand alongside the lobster and scallops without overwhelming their delicate flavours. An enjoyable and sophisticated choice that reinforced the premium First Class dining experience.

A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable flight. My sincere thanks to Anja and the entire First Class crew for their genuine engagement, warmth and personalised service, which transformed an otherwise routine flight into a standout experience.

Experience Score

Reservation Process: 9/10
Welcome: 10/10
Lounge: 8/10
Menu Selection: 10/10
Food Theatre: 8/10
Food Presentation: 9/10
Food Taste: 10/10
Dinnerware: 10/10
Food Portions: 10/10
Attentiveness: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Staff Knowledge: 10/10
Staff Attire: 10/10
Passion: 10/10
Beverage Selection: 10/10