flyDubai Business Class Alexandria > Dubai

Regional business class in Europe is essentially a glorified economy. It’s the same seat, with a middle one blocked and some food thrown in. Oh and maybe priority boarding etc. In the middle east and Asia this can be a very different story. Where does flyDubai Business Class fit in?

I’ve been hearing much about flyDubai. The airlines has the same owner as Emirates itself. Its become a major player in the region. So when I was in Egypt recently, I got an opportunity to check them out!

Flight Details

Route: Alexandria – Dubai
Flight no: FZ174
Aircraft: 737-800
Departure time: 00:55
Seat: 2F
Cabin layout: 2-2 (total 12 recliner business seats)

flyDubai Business Class Check in

I arrived at the airport a good 4 and half hours before my flight. This is Egypt, you just cannot risk it!

Alexandria airport is a cute little airport. Problem is, its so small, it can only cater so many passengers at any one time. I was not even allowed into the main terminal building until 3 hours before departure! So I spent the next hour an half in an outer building waiting area. Luckily, I had a book!

There was literally nothing else to do other than sit there. No wifi, no food other than vending machine type snacks.

Just less than 3 hours before, I proceeded back to main terminal, and joined a long security line. Once I got through that, the separate business class check counters were quick enough. I was given an invitation to the business class lounge, and directed upstairs.

Lounge

I had no idea what to expect from this lounge. If the main terminal itself was any indicator, I thought it maybe at least somewhere with more comfortable seating and wifi.

And this is pretty much what it was!

In a first for me, I was the only one in the business lounge. About 5 minutes later, someone followed me in and asked if I would like a bite to eat or a drink. I took the offer of a drink, which was a bottled juice.

Boarding & Seat

Boarding was fairly drawn out, with large crowds forming, again, no clear priority lanes.

Once on the aircraft, I had an immediate sigh of relief with a much more pleasant and inviting business cabin.

The seats were more than adequate size for a regional flight and plenty of legroom. IFE system and screen was also pretty good!

3 other business class passengers eventually boarded, so I had no neighbours.

flyDubai Business Class Service & Food

Upon boarding, welcome drinks were offered along with a small menu by the crew.

About 20 minutes after take-off the crew took meal and beverage choices. I chose the prawn pasta, which was quite nice. Chicken grill was the other option for this 4 hour flight.

The crew had plenty of time to look after us with only 5 other business class passengers in a 12 seat cabin. They had plenty of fresh bread and drinks to go around.

Once I finished my meal, staff were quick to take the plates away.

Final Thoughts

I cant fault flyDubai for much here. For a 4 hour route, the service and product is adequate. The lounge standard is probably more a reflection of Alexandria airport than flyDubai themselves, as they have a much better lounge in Dubai.

The only problem, this flight was in the middle of the night, and the leather seats were very slippery so it was somewhat tricky to get some sleep. I used my own eye shades and ear plugs, since none were provided. Had this been a daytime flight it would be all you could ask for.

If you would like to try out business class, check out the latest deals.