FLYING EMIRATES WITH DUBAI OVERNIGHT

Researching the best/fastest/economically viable travel to Israel for the hubby and me was exhausting.  To recap, our traditional family Thanksgiving travel is a big one this year — 7 nights in Israel followed by 5 nights in Paris.  It is the first time our family will be together in our homeland.  We’ve all been a number of times but not this way.  We are excited to say the least!

Our kids (forever using that nomenclature even though they are mid-30’s) fly through Heathrow via British Airways.  And, no, not front of the plane.  I believe that is an earned privilege.  Premium Economy is quite fine.  For us, I always try to use miles for these long legs.  Alas, the number was astronomical.  I looked at every possible route and settled on Emirates one-way through Dubai, changing to FlyDubai for the onward to Ben Gurion Airport.

You know how one is notified of a schedule change — usually 10 minutes one way or the other?  Emirates emailed me that our departure was changing to a full 24 hours earlier.  Fortunately our schedule permitted (otherwise I would refund and look elsewhere).  We decided to stay the night in Dubai and begin adjusting to the time change.  Not to mention, a wonderful family friend who lives in Abu Dhabi came to meet us for dinner.

I am impressed so far … with just about everything.  Online check-in:  48 hours in advance instead of 24.  Meal selection:  same timeframe but literally too many choices!  Best of all: ground

transportation on either end of the flight.  Included at no extra charge.

Initially I didn’t understand that Emirates utilizes Blacklane for this, a company I also use and like.  Branded a “Global Chauffeur Service,” it is definitely a company I feel very comfortable booking on behalf of clients.  In fact, I had already reserved their services upon our arrival in Paris later in this trip.  No, they are not the least expensive, but nor are they ridiculously priced. My comment:  a few too many reminders via email and text.  They leave nothing to chance.

Blacklane certainly can’t take credit, but our midday trip to LAX was the swiftest and easiest ever.  In the rain.  If you know L.A. freeways, that is unheard of!  But praise the travel God’s for it regardless.

Check-in was swift as was TSA security.  On to the lounge — included with international business class.  Maybe not the most lush (Qatar Airlines by a mile), but certainly the most quiet.  Ample seating.  Food was quite fine.

As for the airplane seats, an entire level of the plane is 80% business class and the rest first class. Economy and premium economy are on a different level.  There is a lounge at the rear (by the 4 bathrooms) with a full bar and snacks of all types.  I found the seat very comfortable.  But my favorite part were the two oversized bins under the window for storing things.  And the entertainment selection is seriously vast.  Service was great (27 attendants in all).  Did the 15+ hours zip by? Not exactly, but neither did it seem forever.  Clearing customs was a breeze.  Then you proceed to a dedicated desk for your complimentary onward transportation.

Above, Seat 14K. Below, ready for sleep in amazing PJ’s (yes, definitely brought home)

Below, lounge area on our level 

Breakfast is served! Pre-ordered and it was delicious. 

Dubai is sprawling.  Given the brief stay, I opted for the downtown area — just a 15 minute drive from the airport.  We have been to Dubai so this isn’t a sightseeing trip.  We were at the hotel just long enough to clean up and proceeded to dinner at Le Petite Maison.

Below, Matt (we’ve known him since he was born) and his wife Reem

No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting one of their incredible malls — in this case the Dubai Mall.  We might be the only people who spent 2+ hours there and emerged empty handed.

Below, the Burj Khalifa stands out in the Dubai skyline

The St. Regis Downtown was kind enough to extend our check-out until 5pm, perfect timing to head back to the airport. And car service as well (thank you!). Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3 is all Emirates (and their sister airline FlyDubai which is our carrier to Tel Aviv).  Their service again is excellent.  We’re excited to be heading to Israel (a short 4-hour flight) and seeing our kids for what we know will be a wonderful week.

The best ice cream in the lounge prior to departing for Tel Aviv!