I received quite a surprise when I stepped aboard the Middle East Airlines A330-200 that would take me to Frankfurt.
Based on Seat Guru, I assigned myself a seat in Row 5, which appeared to be a standard row in “Cedar” business class.
Turns out it was an exit row, with more legroom than I’d ever need in a lifetime.
Talk about underutilization of space!
The seat was lie-flat, but angled downward rather than parallel with the floor when in lie-flat mode. The blue fabric on the seats matched FA uniforms. It was morning and I did not sleep during the flight, but probably could have if I was tired.
Unlike the flight from Dubai to Beirut, there was no smoking or even hint of smoking on this flight. Like the earlier flight, service shined onboard. FAs were wonderful, providing caring, friendly, and attentive service throughout the flight.
But the best part of the flight? Brunch. Kanafeh was served! If you’ve never tried kanafeh before, you are really missing out. It is a traditional Arab dessert made with layers of cheese and dough, topped in pistachios and drenched in rose water syrup. Best breakfast dessert ever. This meal probably qualifies for separate Meal of the Week of post.
Brunch also included a great appetizer tray and tasty espresso:
We departed late but landed on-time in Frankfurt.
CONCLUSION
After two comfortable flights on Middle East Airlines, I can vouch for seat comfort, service, and onboard dining. I would not hesitate to fly ME again and note the carrier is generally very good about releasing award space and offers reasonable paid fares.
For United flyers, this row was reminiscent of “Row 9” on p.s. 757s that used to operate between LAX/SFO-JFK. Stay tuned for a full trip report not only from this flight, from my recent SkyTeam adventure around the world!
The seats are way past their prime, and not the most competitive. On the other hand, given that very few European airlines offer decent competition with regards to the hard product, MEA is usually one of the better choices flying to and from Europe. Lufthansan and Alitalia, for example, fly narrow body planes with European style business class seats. Air France, on the other hand, uses a 777 with reverse herringbone seats, while British Airways uses the ex-BMI A321 with staggered seats.
Glad you enjoyed the knafe (it is drenched in rose water syrup, not rose water), but I did notice both on this and your other MEA flight the fruit plate seems to have been ignored…unless you were saving as a dessert of sorts for the end of the meal.
I do eat the fruit as dessert and always save it for last.
You’re right. Not the best seat, but better than Lufthansa, who I’ve also flown from BEY-FRA.
Just flew etihad short haul business from
Abu Dhabi to Amman. Nice recliner type seat. Def better than Lufthansa short haul as you mention!
I’ve flown that seat as well. It’s excellent. But how was food? I thought the food on Etihad shorthaul was horrible compared to Qatar or Emirates.
I had a prawn biryani that was 6/10. Clearing trays took 25 mins. Mezze plate was good.
My flight from Ord to Abu Dhabi in biz was very poor imo. FAs nice but very stressed. No refills etc. they found it very hard to give me a coffee with 40 mins to landing.
Seat was very average (10a by the window). Had high expectations for etihad but the old cabin in the 777 is a big miss. 3hrs plus to finish the takeoff lunch service.
If only it was tbe OD MEE the newest A330 jn their fleet from 2016. I enjoyed reading your trip report its not common to find an MEA review. I flew MEA to AUH i loved it got more food then a EY long houl to MEL and the leg room amazing. next year they should be getting thier brand new A321neos
Does that latest A330 have a newer business class seat?
Yes the new plane has a brand new cabin with new IFE.
Pictures? I cannot find anything.
The seats are similar to the kind being used on Turkish (the newer ones), but without the ottoman/footrest you find on Turkish. So, they’re kind of weird. Imagine the new Turkish seats but with the legroom and foot-well of the business class seats on this flight.
Pictures of OD MEE is hard to find but there is a blogger who did a air france vs MEA blog he flew that aircraft it mostly does the Paris flights.
If you can find a link I’d be grateful. Just wasted 20 minutes looking.
I wasn’t sure if you were allowed to post any links, the seats are fairly similer more modern looking.
http://www.nogarlicnoonions.com/middle-east-airlines-vs-air-france-a-detailed-comparative-review-1-winner/