Review: London to Cairo in EgyptAir 777-300 Business Class

My intro to this flight report still sums up my thoughts best, so I will stick with it. Let’s face it: mention EgyptAir and most instinctively grimace. The carrier does not serve alcohol, does not have cutting-edge seats, and boasts a poor safety reputation. Truthfully, those were my preconceptions too going into my flight from London to Cairo. But in what turned out to be an utter surprise, not only did I find EgyptAir acceptable, I loved it. A lot. Not only was the business class seat more than adequate, but the food and service were fantastic.

EgyptAir MS778
London (LHR)– Cairo (CAI)
Friday, November 30, 2016
Depart: 02:00 PM
Arrive: 08:40 PM
Duration: 4hr, 40min
Aircraft: 777-300
Seat: 9A (Business Class)

EgyptAir Service

State-run flag carriers often carry a stigma of indifferent and lazy service. This is not always the case, as acclaimed Singapore Airlines is majority state-owned, and was also not the case on my flight. Service started with a warm smile upon boarding and continued throughout the flight. A cabin crew of five worked the 49-seat business cabin.

The crew was professional and good-natured, but also paid attention to detail. Tablecloths were carefully laid and food arranged nicely on serving trays. Drink glasses were not left empty and FAs roamed the cabin throughout the flight to ensure everyone was comfortable.

While everyone was great, one FA named Miriam (far right in photo below) went above and beyond. She worked my side of the aisle and was very chatty. Admittedly, I did not expect a gregarious FA on EgyptAir, but loved the conversation about matters mostly concerning EgyptAir. She was very proud to work for her company and the enthusiasm was contagious.

I should note here that our flight was delayed by 15 minutes due to a late-arriving inbound aircraft. We still arrived in Cairo on-time. Boarding commenced at 1:45p but did not take long since the plane only appeared about half full (and 1/3 full in business).

While I chose to walk, I also note that EgyptAir offers “buggy” (golf cart) service if you are transiting Heathrow.

During our taxi I noticed several cool planes like an Air Canada 787, United 757, and South African A330. Most impressive, though, was Concorde.

EgyptAir Seat

The EgyptAir business class seat is best described as almost flat on the ground, flat in the air. While not a “horizontal lie-flat” bed in the truest sense, the seat does recline to an angled lie-flat mode (flat seat sloped downward). But when the plane is at causing altitude, the angle of the nose means that a truly flat bed is simulated.

However you wish to define it, this is the same seat you will find on flights between Toronto/New York and Cairo as well and is comfortable. I enjoyed a nice snooze prior to landing. The cabin is configured in a 2-3-2 layout. I’d hate to be stuck in a middle seat in business class unless traveling with my wife and son, but the cabin was only half full on my flight.

The seat itself has automated controls including a massage function, individual reading light, and a privacy divider that slides out from the center console between seats. Power outlets were available at each seat. No Wi-Fi onboard. The blanket and pillow are frankly more suited for economy class, but did keep my warm. The cabin has no individual air nozzles, yet was cool for the duration of the flight.

EgyptAir Food

I noticed prior to takeoff that a DO & CO truck was catering our 777-300. Noting that DO & CO caters for Turkish and Austrian, I knew that was a good sign. Indeed, the menu turned out to be great. A six-course meal on a flight under five hours provided more than enough food.

Along with the menu, a most towelette, newspaper and pre-departure beverage of guava juice was offered:

FAs also handed out these stickers that could be used if sleeping:

It is puzzling that no local Egyptian dishes were offered — not even Konafa for dessert — but the western-themed menu still proved to be tremendous. Note that EgyptAir is a dry airline. I avoid alcohol when possible when flying in order to avoid jet lag, but keep that in mind.

Meal service began immediately after takeoff. First came a plate that contained a salmon appetizer with pine nut, hot bread, a green salad, and a cheese course I saved until after the main meal.

Next came the main course, served via trolley cart. I like this method of service (when the aluminum containers are removed) because it allows you to actually see all the main course options. Sometimes menu descriptions are deceiving. I chose the filet mignon mostly because I felt like the au gratin potatoes and sautéed vegetables it came with. But it turned out to be the steak that was best — cooked to medium and brimming with flavor, it was one of the better airline steaks I have enjoyed.

More Food…

Next came a fruit course again served via cart. I asked to try a little of each fruit and the FA cheerfully obliged.

Finally, a dessert course–a double chocolate tart that tasted like I was sitting in a Viennese cafe. I cannot vouch for catering out of New York or Toronto, but the catering out of London was great. Even the espresso was great.

Water bottles were distributed after the meal service, though FAs were happy to provide any beverage throughout the flight.

Note that if you are traveling from New York or Toronto your initial meal service will be very similar. The only difference in service will be a second hot brunch meal prior to landing.

Prior to landing I was offered mix nuts, chocolate and another beverage–the mint tea is great:

EgyptAir IFE

The IFE system is on-demand was already available upon boarding. A safety video is screened rather than manually performed–

That is preceded by an Islamic prayer, just like on Etihad and Qatar:

IFE movie choices were not as comprehensive as ICE on Emirates or KrisWorld on Singapore, but there were at least a dozen western movies plus TV programming, music and games. Headphones are very cheap and not acceptable for international business class.

EgyptAir Amenity Kit

The amenity kit contained socks, a shoe horn, eye mask, pen, toothbrush, toothpaste, ear plugs, hand creme, a nail file, a comb, and cologne.

EgyptAir Lavatory

I mention the lavatory only to note that it was clean even at the end of the flight when I used it.

CONCLUSION

Many instinctively refuse to fly EgyptAir. I hope this review will cause you to reconsider. No, EgyptAir does not have a cutting-edge seat or a nice selection of alcohol onboard. But I did experience great service, good food, a comfortable seat, and would rate my overall flight experience as very satisfactory. I understand why people might choose other options when available, but if EgyptAir is the only option, I’ve seen much worse…I recommend it. Admit it, it doesn’t look bad does it?

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