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.
A full review of EgyptAir’s 777-300 business class is coming, but here’s a preview like my Air Zealand flight yesterday.
No, the business class seats are not parallel to the ground, but they are adequate for sleeping:
Avoid the middle seats unless traveling in a group of three, but I was very comfortable in my window seat. Bedding is not luxurious, but the blanket was soft.
Amenity kits and menus were distributed prior to takeoff:
Food out of London is catered by Do & Co, an Austrian company that caters for Austrian and Turkish Airlines as well. That meant the food was delicious, which is a marked improvement over older EgyptAir reviews. A cold salmon appetizer, fresh bread, and a green salad began the meal. The cheese course was also present on the tray:
I loved the EgyptAir-branded crockery: very unique and very appealing:
Filet mignon for the main, delicious, served with au gratin potatoes and grilled vegetables:
A fruit course:
Followed by dessert, a chocolate cake with whip cream and espresso:
This was an amazing meal for a 4.5 hour flight, though you will receive a similar main meal if you fly the New York to Cairo route.
The plane was exceptionally clean, even the lavatory:
Prior to landing, I enjoyed mixd nuts with hot mint tea:
But the best part of the flight was the crew, and I cannot stress that enough. Every encounter with every FA was professional and friendly. I only ask to photograph crews after an exceptional flight and I could not help but to request a photo here:
My full report will reveal just how great they were, but this was indeed the surprise of surprises. I cannot help but to strongly recommend EgyptAir after this flight, a very underestimated carrier.
Odd; alcohol isn’t illegal in Egypt, and with a significant Christian minority, you’d think the airline wouldn’t be dry.
While the meal looks great, I find it disappointing that there are no Egyptian dishes on offer, or at least Mediterranean. One of the things I really look forward to on “exotic” airlines are locally flavored meals.