AIRLINE REVIEW |
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duvet , a black leather sachet with Bing noise-insulating headphones , and a black leather oval-shaped vanity kit . In a pocket near my right leg was a bottle of water and the food menu . The seat ’ s electric controls were positioned on the internal side of the console separating the two seats , while universal AC and USB-C plugs were to the front of it , one for each passenger .
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Doors were closed a few minutes after the last of us was onboard , leaving the FAs with just the time to hand hot towels , serve a welcome drink , and perform the safety briefing . Pushback and taxi followed suit and , some 15 minutes after boarding , we were up in the sky . A performance like this was a first in my life as a commercial flyer and reminded me of the only time in my life , several |
years ago , I traveled aboard a private jet .
Once in the air , we were treated to a second round of drinks ( Champagne , in my case ), accompanied by a plate of mixed salted nuts . A threecourse dinner followed , with choices between three entrees , four mains , and four desserts . The lack of a wine menu was disappointing ( the Maldives is a Muslim country , and Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol ). However , the quality , taste , and beauty of each platter abundantly compensated for that absence . Service was almost personalized , with four Flight Attendants to take care of the 14 of us onboard .
After dinner , I took a look at my surroundings , noticing two aspects neglected by those who had projected the cabin interiors : the seats ’ lack of privacy , as there is no divider ( although it must be said that 99 % of those traveling to the Maldives are couples ), and a lack of storage space ( although bags and jackets can be put into the overhead bins ). Also , the space available for one ’ s feet , once the seat is in the lie-flat position , is very limited and I noticed how passengers sitting near the aisle had their feet exposed to those passing along , which may be a disturbance to sleep . This is not the case for those sitting in rows one and five , which come with large , comfortable ottomans ( and cost extra ).
Even more disappointing was the Inflight Entertainment . As the seats do not feature a screen , iPads are distributed to passengers . An FA was kind enough to switch on the device and connect it to the entertainment system . But , as I
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15 Universal AC and USB-C ports are available for each passenger on the front side of the seat console .
16 With just five rows in the area between the cockpit and the wing emergency exit , the cabin is probably the most airy and spacious in the skies .
17 Breakfast served on the Dubai ( DWC ) -Malè leg of the flight was actually a brunch , opened by a drink and a small bowl of mixed salted nuts .
18 Smoked salmon with cream cheese , capers and a touch of cavir were among the entrees offered for the morning brunch .
19 One of the main courses was an omelette with a beef sausage , peppers , and mushrooms .
20 The lavish breakfast was closed by coffee or tea , accompanied by an apple tart and cookies .
21 BeOnd ’ s sole aircraft is a 20-year-old former easyjet Airbus A319 . A larger A321-200 , formerly with British Airways , is expected to join in July .
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