It was one of my dream to come and see Dubai. One of the reasons why is because of how well it was advertised and I just definitely had to see the place. I was thinking on how we would celebrate 2017 Christmas. Looking into promos and trying out all the websites for a good Dubai trip I was able to find one where we could have a short holiday in Dubai complete with ticket and hotel. Price was so good that some of our relatives did join.
It was a package of airfare, hotel and got the tours separately but it was really cheap. We would be flying off with Oman Air on Business class. Something I was really looking forward to since I read and watched good reviews of the airline.
Oman flies to Dubai from Manila, Terminal 1, with a layover in Muscat. We had to leave really early since our flight was at 7am. Everyone was excited and was on time. Having to travel from NAIA Terminal 1 is something I was not really excited about. I saw news and postings on how the line can get so long in the immigration counter and there was one instance where the line went out till the check-in counter area of the airport. Fortunately, there were no lines at that time. We were also at the "senior citizen" lane because I was with senior citizens.
Checkin-in was hassle free. Business class has it's own lane and it was empty. It took time for the lady to check us in since they had to check all our visa (for Filipino citizens) and verify it if it was valid and real. I guess there are fake visas being given so better be careful. We got our Visa online and it was a breeze. After all the checking and the double checking our bags were tagged we went to the lounge to have coffee and snacks.
The lounge being used by Oman Air at Terminal 1 is the Club Manila lounge. Several airlines use the lounge as well but at that time it was only Oman Air. When we go to the lounge I guess it just opened since there were no food and drinks yet and they were just about to prepare it. I guess the lounge operator should take note that they should prepare ahead of time since they know there are early morning flights.
The lounge (Club Manila) was not that big and it was a little bit hot. Again, maybe it just opened. Comfortable seating was available and reading materials as well were enough. There were no boarding announcements or any TV with flight announcements. While waiting we had peanuts, fruits and some juice. Nothing much to do really in this lounge. Once we were done with drinks and snacks we opted to proceed to the gate.
We then proceed to the gate which is not really that far. Just less than five minutes walking. Once we arrive there were already lots of people having their documents checked. The attended asked if we were in Business Class ans once we said yes then they immediately brought us to a cordoned area for business class passengers only and documents were checked there. Talk about special treatment.
We just stayed there while waiting for the time. There were shops and a small coffee shop in the area but you have to go out of the cordoned gate if you want to go. It was just a few minutes before boarding so we decided to just wait.
The plane was already ready and parked and we were using an Airbus 330-200 which I believe is being utilized to the Manila-Muscat route. I was really looking forward to the experience. A little over 8 hours to Oman.
Boarding started and we were allowed to go inside the plane. They really announced the boarding process well.
We were welcomed by the Cabin Manager. I believe he was Omani but the rest of the crew were mostly Filipino. We were escorted to our seat and the cabin was really nice and it smelled good. Some kind of aroma which was relaxing and paired up with their local music it was like in Oman already. Although I have not been to Oman. Hehehe.
All seats were facing forward in a 2-2-2 configuration and the window seats were staggered so all have aisle access. I chose the window seat so I can have tons of privacy and I would not have to bother my seatmate when I go to the lavatory since I have my own access. The seats were comfortable and they turn into beds if you want to sleep.
Once settle down I checked further on the seat and I have tons of legroom. There was a huge monitor and the control is just beside my seat. You can raise the divider as well if you want total privacy. A big pillow is provided and a comforter as well.
Menu cards we given and there were lots of selection for an almost 9 hour flight. Cabin were welcoming guests and leading them to their seat. You can tell that their service would be wonderful. We were then asked what would we want for our pre-departure drink. Usually you would have a selection of drinks on a tray but this was different. You can order from what they have. I just opted for the fresh orange juice and it was, indeed, fresh! It was paired with a towel. You can also have an option if you want hot or cold towel. Even towels have a selection.
After the pre-departure drink you are then offered dates (you can get as many as you want) paired with coffee. It’s already a feast and it’s just pre-departure.
Once everything was done and safety video was shown, it was time for us to fly. Getting out of Manila was a breeze. No waiting for the runway to be free which was something unusual.
I was just enjoying every bit of the moment and experience. There were a decent selection of movies in my personal screen. I was able to watch a movie. There are 2 lavatories for business class and they were well maintained and clean. They even have bidets installed. Nice one.
It was a breakfast/lunch for this trip. Prior to taking off I already know what to pick. There were 2 choices. Some Omani food and Western food which you still have 3 choices for western. I picked the chicken skewers and egg combo. The appetizer was already a meal for me since it has rice in it as well. Presentation was really nice. There were no trays whatsoever in this flight. They really serve it to you one by one. I was asked if I wanted some Orange Juice and they told me that it was fresh orange juice. And, indeed, it was! Something you seldom get on a flight. You don’t get to choose a bread but instead you are given a bread basket for yourself. Just for the bread itself you’ll be stuffed. They use regular sized plates, just wonderful.
Dessert was another story. We had a selection of Tiramisu or Ice Cream. I asked if I can have both and they gave me both. The Tiramisu was moist and really good. The Ice Cream had a unique flavor. Gelato like kind of flavor. I should say I was super full after this meal. I had to finish off the movie so I could take a nap.
Movie selection on the plane was plenty and I was able to watch a movie. I was also able to take a short nap. Sleeping was comfortable since you have plenty of space and a comfortable pillow. Since it was a day flight I was only able to sleep for 2 hours. Nothing to complain at since it was not really a super long flight.
For an 8 hour flight we had 2 full meals which made you really full once plane started its decent. Again, food was really good.
Upon arriving to Oman, I had a good view and I was enjoying the scenery from above. Overall, it was a smooth flight and I was well relaxed. We had to get our of Oman to transfer to another flight to Dubai which was a super short flight. It was a great experience indeed. Service was top-notch and 5 star. I would definitely fly with Oman Air again. It's something to look forward to.
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