Budget carrier’s business class is a great deal, but I was disappointed

The airline: FlyDubai

• Route Dubai to Male, flight FZ1025
• Frequency Three times daily
• Aircraft Boeing B737 MAX 8
• Class Business; seat 2B
• Flight time 4 hours and 15 minutes. We arrive on time

Budget airline FlyDubai, like Emirates, is owned by Dubai.iStock

Checking in

My flight is scheduled at the ungodly hour of 1.10am. Fortunately, the Male flight departs from DXB’s newest Terminal 3 rather than FlyDubai’s official, albeit older and inferior, Terminal 1. Prior to the flight, I’m offered the chance to bid for an upgrade. I throw down the gauntlet and bid the lowest amount possible ($US245 - $374). Bingo, we have a winner. There’s no queue at the business class check-in and the process is swift. An unexpected upside of flying business class on FlyDubai from Terminal 3 is free access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge.

Baggage

Up to 40 kilograms of combined checked luggage in up to three bags for business class passengers, plus two cabin bags with a combined weight of 14 kilograms.

Loyalty scheme

Emirates Skywards; no global alliance program. Emirates has various partner airlines, including Qantas, but passengers flying on FlyDubai can only earn Skywards points.

The seat

FlyDubai’s business class features a 2-2 layout, alternating with 1-1.

There are 10 seats in the business class cabin in a 2-2 or 1-1 layout, and my seat (2B) is the sole seat on my side of the cabin, with the oversized sides extending to both the aisle and window. It’s a lie-flat seat, but it’s worth noting that the airline’s newer business class products recline only. I fastidiously research the cabin online before bidding for an upgrade to make sure I’m getting my money’s worth. When fully reclined and flat, the seat is 78 inches (198cm) from top to toe with 45 inches (114cm) of pitch. The seat reclines into a tight, illuminated footwell that’s eerily reminiscent of an MRI machine, with very little wiggle room, even for my 1.57-metre frame. There’s a pillow and blanket, but no amenity kit or mattress. It’s a short flight at a ludicrous hour, so after meal service, I get a few hour’s sleep.

Entertainment + tech

View from the seat … with a non-working entertainment screen.Jenny Hewett

When I board, I’m informed by the cabin crew that the entertainment system won’t be working on this flight due to a mechanical issue. Likewise, the power outlets are not working, so there’s no way to charge any gadgets. There has been no prior warning, so I have no entertainment whatsoever. Each of the business class guests is promptly handed an email to address our complaints.

Service

The flight attendant is warm, kind and empathetic to our frustrations. Given it’s a short flight and in the wee hours, we don’t see much of the crew other than during meal service.

Food

The Arabic mezze, a light past-midnight-snack of vine leaves, hummus, a boiled egg, olives and carrot sticks.Jenny Hewett

Soft refreshments are served before take-off, with the champagne popped only once we’re at cruising altitude. In business class, there’s a selection of wines, beers, digestifs and tea and coffee. Breakfast is the only meal served during this flight, starting with seasonal fruits and Greek yoghurt with crunchy granola and baked pastries, followed by a choice of three mains, including a cheese omelette and crepes. I opt for the Arabic mezze, which is a light past-midnight-snack of vine leaves, hummus, a boiled egg, olives and carrot sticks.

Sustainability

The Emirati government-owned low-cost carrier supports the UAE’s commitment of achieving net zero by 2050.*

One more thing

The airline flies to a large network of destinations from Dubai, including Sicily, and this year will offer seasonal summer flights to Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Santorini.

The price

From about $3400 return, Dubai to Male in business class.** See flydubai.com

The verdict

FlyDubai’s lie-flat business class is one of the best budget products in the region, but I can’t help but feel cheated having paid $390 to upgrade on a faulty aircraft. I email the complaints team and receive a response after following up a week later. The resolution, however, is disappointing: a Dhs200 ($87) voucher valid for six months, which is useless to me, or 5000 Skywards miles. I begrudgingly opt for the latter.

Our rating out of five

★★★½

The writer flew with assistance from Anantara Dhigu and Six Senses Kanuhura, and upgraded at her own expense.

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.

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