I just came back from Kyrgyzstan yet I'm still speechless about how the whole trip started. Spilling the beans as early as possible, I got a free upgrade to Business Class from FlyDubai! And boy what an experience for a budget traveler like me! So what happened?
Disclaimer: This is not a review post of the airline/flight section/aircraft. Rather, this is just me sharing my FlyDubai Business Class experience as a first-time passenger.
A different kind of luck
I was waiting for my flight to Bishkek and I'm quite excited as I will be taking FlyDubai's Boeing 737 Max 8. As I was about to pass through the last check, the staff took my boarding pass and I received a new one. Unbothered, I walked confidently towards the aircraft. I clearly remember my seat number but was surprised to find someone sitting on it. The confusion started to flood in, so I checked the new boarding pass and voila, I have a different seat number.
At this point, I was like *Okay it's just a different seat number*. However, I was disoriented because the new seat number should be in Business Class. And my seat, shouldn't be in one. Looking like a lost child, I sat in one of the seats in the Business Class because I was blocking the way. While I mumble the words inside my head 'Surely there's a mistake...', I checked my boarding pass again. The mistake is now screaming in front of me, I failed to see my boarding pass that says BUSINESS!
And boy it took me minutes to absorb the situation. Still clutching my orange backpack, I was waiting to wake up from this dream. It doesn't sound a big deal to others and I heard it was common (getting an upgrade) as if it's nothing. But since I tend to attract mishaps and challenges, this stroke of luck sounds unbelievable, at least to me.
Last but not least, the window seat is empty. I transferred to the window seat (with the permission of the cabin crew), settled in, and told myself that this trip would be awesome!
FlyDubai's Business Class
As much as I controlled myself not to look innocent and naive, I couldn't control myself. I want photos! Thank God I ended up with few and don't worry I took them as lowkey as possible.
From the legroom itself, I finally understood why people fly Business Class. I mean, look at the legroom of FlyDubai's Business Class in a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft!
(can be converted to bed)
Sleep is non-negotiable to me and sad to say, I can't get proper sleep on planes. However, the comfort of a seat converted to a bed is a pleasant experience. Although I didn't sleep during the whole flight (hello flight entertainment!), I felt like I napped like a baby.
Because of this upgrade experience, I must say that I'm a converted fan of the Business Class now. Well, I don't have the means, yet, but hopefully soon. The goal is to save enough money and fly Business to the Philippines. Because it's a long haul flight *cries*.
Flight Menu
While I'm not completely new to flight menus (SQ's and CX's are my favorites so far), I thought of keeping a visual copy of FlyDubai's Business Class Flight Menu too.
I was reminded of Emirates Economy's Flight Menu when I saw the Flight Menu. The standard of the economy flight menu of Emirates is not a joke anyway. So, having a similar flight menu for a low-cost carrier such as FlyDubai is a yes!
Unfortunately, the Garlic Prawn is not available. I ended up with the Mushroom Risotto and an Apple Juice. As much as I want to indulge in wine, I'd rather be awake and enjoy my movie as sober as I can.
No, I'm not doing any food review here. It was not the intention of this post anyway. So let's move on.
Entertainment
Then here comes the 15.6-inch touchscreen inflight entertainment. The selection is limited but not bad since FlyDubai is a low-cost carrier (let me remind you once again). There were movies, TV shows, and music similar to a full-service airline's entertainment.
The film Dune is available (I'm surprised) so I started watching that but I couldn't get through the story (again). In the end, I re-watched Crazy Rich Asians. I can't remember how many times I've watched it and I'm still waiting for the sequel until now.
And that's all about my Business Class Experience with FlyDubai! Flying with FlyDubai for this trip set a wonderful start!
