On time: We were delayed by about 35 minutes, due to late arrival of the incoming aircraft.
Flight time: The flight was supposed to be 6 hours but we made up some time and arrived almost on schedule.
How full: There were many spare seats, I'd say it was about 50 per cent full.
Airport experience: I made a rookie mistake at Barcelona Airport terminal 1 — all the shopping is downstairs after security, but you can't access it once you've gone through passport control. I didn't realise this and ended up staring longingly at the duty-free Zara store below from the window after immigration. Luckily I had lounge access, so had a quiet space to relax, as there wasn't much else to pass the time, and only fast-food outlets to appease the appetite. The Miro VIP Lounge is available for all airlines' Business Class travellers. It was comfortable, but the food wasn't up to the standard of an Emirates' own lounge.
Arriving at Dubai, it was the first time I've experienced any issues at this state-of-the art, spacious airport. Leaving the A380's upper deck, Business Class passengers needed to use elevators to get to the connections hall. None of the lifts were working, leaving us all stranded. A flustered staff member arrived but she, too, couldn't make the lifts work. She disappeared and promised to be back soon. In the meantime, a Russian business traveller took matters into his own hands and forced open the emergency exit, setting off a very loud alarm. It seemed to do the trick though, and we all escaped using the stairs. Luckily it didn't end in an airport lock-down.
Fellow passengers: The aforementioned Russian, and a rather stroppy young British man who before disembarking was complaining to one of the cabin crew that he hadn't had much attention throughout the flight. Angel, the endlessly patient crew member, tried to explain that he had visited the passenger several times during the flight, but every time he had been sleeping and he didn't want to disturb. The stroppy Brit didn't appear placated then was nearly ropeable when we faced the broken lift situation. Take a breath, Sir.
Food and drink: A full three-course dinner was available after take-off with three options for appetiser and main, and four choices for dessert. I had stuffed myself full all day, making the most of my last day in Barcelona, so I chose to sleep instead.
Entertainment: The ICE system has 3500 channels of entertainment to choose from. But I entertained myself with a solid five hours sleep.
The service: Very attentive. Four different crew personally introduced themselves to me before take off and promised to look after anything I needed. I'm sorry to say I didn't make much use of their attention — I slept the whole flight.
The toilets: The times I visited — at the start and end of the flight — they were clean and well stocked.
Would I fly again? Yes please.
