To finish the outbound portion of my downgraded journey to Oman, I flew Oman Air’s Boeing 787-9 enterprise class on the sub-six hour redeye flight from Milan to Muscat.
This flight was elegant, and the proper instance of how on day, Oman Air has one of many world’s finest enterprise class merchandise. Oman Air has amongst my favourite enterprise class seats, unbeatable facilities, scrumptious meals, and pleasant service. On some days, the airline even beats high rivals within the area.
The catch is that Oman Air isn’t constant, as a result of after this flight I circled and flew enterprise class to Frankfurt, and my expertise may hardly have been extra totally different…
How I booked my Oman Air enterprise class ticket
I booked my Oman Air enterprise class ticket utilizing Air Canada Aeroplan factors, as half of a bigger itinerary. Particularly, I booked the next award in enterprise class for 110,000 Air Canada Aeroplan factors plus $154.44 in taxes and costs:
1/11 AC1207 Miami to Montreal departing 8:00AM arriving 11:36AM
1/11 LX87 Montreal to Zurich departing 4:50PM arriving 6:15AM (+1 day)
1/12 LX1622 Zurich to Milan departing 5:40PM arriving 6:40PM
1/12 WY144 Milan to Muscat departing 9:30PM arriving 6:45AM (+1 day)
Aeroplan factors are simple to return by, as this system is switch companions with Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Chase Final Rewards. On high of that, there’s the Aeroplan® Credit score Card (evaluate) in america, which is kind of rewarding.
Oman Air enterprise class lounge & boarding
I had slightly below three hours at Milan Malpensa Airport, as I had arrived from Zurich in Helvetic Airways’ Embraer E190-E2 enterprise class. My Oman Air flight to Muscat was scheduled to depart from gate B55, with boarding deliberate for 8:30PM, an hour forward of departure.
Oman Air sends its passengers to the Sala Montale Lounge, which I lately reviewed. I walked into the lounge after which walked proper again out once more, because it was packed.
I shortly found out why the lounge was so busy — Qatar Airways, Etihad, Oman Air, and Emirates, all have flights departing inside one hour of each other within the evenings. Not solely that, however they actually departed from gates subsequent to at least one one other, so the gate space at that finish of the terminal was fairly busy as effectively.
Boarding ended up beginning at 8:40PM, with enterprise class passengers being invited to board first. I used to be excited to be again on Oman Air!
Oman Air 787 enterprise class cabin & seats
I boarded by means of the second set of doorways, the place I used to be greeted by the cabin supervisor and one of many beautiful enterprise class flight attendants, and pointed towards my seat. Oman Air has Apex Suites in enterprise class on its Boeing 787s, which I rank as among the best enterprise class seats.
This model of Oman Air’s 787-9 has a complete of 30 enterprise class seats, unfold throughout 5 rows, in a 2-2-2 configuration. The ahead cabin has 4 rows, whereas there’s additionally a rear cabin with one row. I booked myself within the one row mini cabin, however first had a fast have a look at the ahead cabin.
You’ve gotta love how spacious the cabin feels, due to the dearth of overhead bins within the heart of the cabin, which contribute to an open really feel. Whereas I really like Apex Suites, this product is such an inefficient use of house. Different airways can match 32 enterprise class seats into the house between doorways one and two on the 787-9, whereas Oman Air has solely 24 seats.
At first look, Apex Suites may appear like completely unremarkable seats, so these not acquainted with them may surprise what makes them particular. What makes all Apex Suites seats nice is that there are not any small footwells you must cram your toes into, however slightly everybody will get a giant ottoman. Moreover, every seat pair has a correct privateness divider.
That being mentioned, it’s not the center pair of seats that makes me love this configuration, though these seats are good as effectively.
It’s the window seats that make Apex Suites probably the most particular. I assigned myself seat 15A, the window seat on the left aspect within the final row (within the mini cabin).
As you’ll be able to see under, the seats by the home windows are all staggered, and that’s in order that the individual within the window seat will get direct aisle entry. The window seat has a small pathway offering direct aisle entry, so there’s no want to leap over the individual within the aisle.
In case you have a look at the seat head-on, it may not look too thrilling…
…however it’s a very totally different story once you view the seat within the different route. You have got countless legroom, in a means that no different enterprise class seat on this planet supplies.
It’s not simply that you’ve got limitless legroom and don’t have a small footwell you must shove your toes into, however you even have extra privateness than you’ll discover in any enterprise class seat with a door. That’s as a result of there’s a privateness partition that goes up between seats, and it doesn’t even want to remain down for takeoff or touchdown.
Each seat has its downsides, and Apex Suites are not any exception. One draw back to this product is that it may well really feel a bit slender, although not problematically so. One other draw back is the dearth of storage close to the place you’re sitting. There may be a number of room to retailer stuff beneath the ottoman, although you must stand as much as attain that.
On high of that, there’s an uncovered storage compartment to the underside aspect of the seat, although it’s not simple to succeed in that house if the tray desk is out, and the form of the storage can be awkward. For instance, you couldn’t retailer a laptop computer there.
Talking of the tray desk, that extends out from the aspect armrest. The tray desk is massive, although don’t count on that you just’ll be capable to sneak out as soon as it’s prolonged, so time your toilet use accordingly.
So far as different seat options go, the leisure controller is on the seat’s heart console, and that’s additionally the place buttons are positioned to regulate the privateness partition.
Beneath the leisure controller you’ll discover the headphone jack, two USB-A shops, and an AC energy outlet. Perhaps I’m simply getting previous, however really making an attempt to get something into the AC energy outlet requires fairly some contortion, given the place it’s positioned.
The first seat controls are positioned on the opposite armrest, and are self explanatory. Nonetheless, it may also be simple to by accident hit these buttons once you don’t imply to, given the place they’re positioned.
Oman Air sadly doesn’t have particular person air nozzles on its 787s, however then once more, most non-US carriers don’t.
Apex Suites are such a stunning but inefficient product, and these window seats are amongst my favourite on the market. What made this even higher was that within the mini cabin, there was nobody subsequent to me, and in addition nobody within the heart seats. It felt like I had the jet to myself, as I couldn’t see anybody else.
Oman Air enterprise class facilities
Whereas Oman Air’s onerous product is commendable, the comfortable product is even higher, with an astounding variety of facilities supplied on this brief redeye flight.
For one, ready at every seat upon boarding was a pillow, blanket, and mattress pad. I really like Oman Air’s bedding, particularly the blanket. And since all of the seats round me have been empty, I used to be in a position to construct fairly the pillow and blanket fort later within the flight, as I really like a comfortable sleeping floor.
Moments after settling in, the crew supplied pre-departure drinks, with the selection of orange or grapefruit juice. I chosen the latter, and was supplied a heat or chilly towel to go together with it. I respect how Oman Air affords the selection, as all of the small particulars add as much as a giant distinction.
Later within the boarding course of, Arabic espresso and dates have been supplied. That’s one thing you received’t be supplied on different Gulf carriers in enterprise class on comparable flights (for instance, Emirates and Qatar Airways usually provide this in top notch and never enterprise class, with the restricted exceptions).
I used to be then introduced with the amenity equipment, created in partnership with Omani perfumery Amouage. The equipment included socks, eyeshades, earplugs, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, lip balm, facial moisturizer, and a small tube of the corporate’s Meander perfume. Different fundamental facilities (like dental kits) can be found within the toilet.
In case you’re into this type of stuff, Amouage has a few of my favourite fragrances of any manufacturers, and the model has an obligation free store at Muscat Airport. All their scents are distinctive and concentrated, although additionally very costly. I picked up a bottle of cologne as a present for Ford, and it’s presently his favourite.
Along with the amenity equipment, Oman Air can be among the many comparatively few airways to supply pajamas in enterprise class. I really like Oman Air’s pajamas, as they’re snug and have the provider’s branding.
The airline additionally affords enterprise class passengers effectively padded slippers, that are in all probability the heaviest slippers I’ve obtained on any airline.
Subsequent, I used to be given the menu for the flight.
Lastly, headphones have been distributed. The headphones are mild and really feel low-cost, however I discovered the sound high quality to be surprisingly good.
Oman Air’s enterprise class facilities are unbelievable, with pajamas, amenity kits, and nice bedding, on in a single day flights.
Oman Air 787 enterprise class leisure & Wi-Fi
Oman Air’s Boeing 787 enterprise class boasts a contemporary leisure system, named ARIA. The monitor isn’t touchscreen (which is sensible, given how far it’s from the seat), however slightly you’ll be able to choose choices with the leisure controller. Whereas I wouldn’t say it’s among the many finest on this planet, the leisure choice was in depth, with an enormous collection of motion pictures, TV exhibits, music, video games, and radio.
The airline solely launched this technique in the previous couple of years, so this represents a major enchancment over the previous choice.
I ended up watching a few episodes of “American Auto,” which I hadn’t seen earlier than, however discovered to be entertaining and simple to look at.
After all Oman Air additionally has a map characteristic, which I saved a watch on throughout a lot of the flight.
Now, on to the weak a part of the Oman Air expertise. Oman Air makes use of OnAir for its inflight Wi-Fi, which is understood for being among the many slowest choices on the market. I may recover from that, besides Oman Air’s pricing for Wi-Fi is information based mostly, and is outrageous:
- A one hour move with a ten MB allowance prices $11.90
- A 3 hour move with a 40 MB allowance prices $24.90
- A full flight move with a 150 MB allowance prices $39.90
Initially, the pricing mannequin is senseless. A one hour move with a ten MB allowance? That’s… no, that’s not how that works. After which there’s the pricing, with pricing starting from $0.27 to $1.19 per MB of information. What do I appear like, the Sultan?!
C’mon, Oman Air, not solely is that this a disservice to your passengers when it comes to providing a useful amenity, however I don’t suppose the airline is maximizing income with this pricing both.
Oman Air 787 departure from Milan
Boarding was fairly environment friendly, regardless of the busy flight, as each single financial system seat was occupied, whereas there have been eight empty seats in enterprise class (together with the three seats throughout from me — that’s one of many causes I normally sit at the back of the cabin).
All through the boarding course of, I loved listening to Oman Air’s boarding music, which is amongst my favourite airline boarding music. Sadly about quarter-hour earlier than departure, there was a bit of pleasure within the cabin, as two enterprise class passengers seemingly acquired right into a bodily altercation.
The police needed to be known as, and the passengers have been offloaded, and I wrote extra about this in a separate submit.
The combat ended up inflicting a departure delay. 20 minutes previous our scheduled 9:30PM departure, the captain was on the PA to apologize for the delay, and he defined it was because of the want to dump two passengers. He suggested of the flight time of 5hr30min and the cruising altitude of 37,000 toes.
For individuals who are concerned about this type of stuff, Oman Air principally has Omani pilots, in contrast to the “large three” Gulf carriers, the place a overwhelming majority of pilots are ex-pats. That additionally displays that locals in Oman are typically a part of the general workforce in a extra constant means.
Lastly at 10:15PM, the principle cabin door closed. Then at 10:20PM, we started our pushback, at which level the protection video was screened. At 10:25PM, we began our taxi, and simply 5 minutes later we have been barreling down runway 35L for our takeoff.
We had a easy climb into the night time, and the seatbelt signal was turned off about 5 minutes after takeoff.
Oman Air enterprise class dinner service
Oman Air has a dine on demand idea in enterprise class, and on this flight there was a dinner possibility, in addition to a refreshment possibility, and you could find the menu under.
Under is the Oman Air beverage checklist. Sadly the airline doesn’t publish a wine checklist, however the crew normally have some data into the specifics of what’s being supplied based mostly in your preferences.
After takeoff, the crew got here round to take orders. I kicked off my flight with a glass of champagne, plus some combined (room temperature) nuts. Oman Air is presently pouring Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut in enterprise class, which I loved.
This was served round half-hour after takeoff, which isn’t dangerous, on condition that I used to be seated within the final row. I like how Oman Air goes about serving drinks — they convey out the glass, then current you with the bottle, after which pour into the glass in entrance of you.
Then round 45 minutes after takeoff, the meal service started. Oman Air affords a restaurant-style eating expertise, with an enormous tablecloth, a bread basket, olive oil, butter, salt and pepper shakers, and so on. For my starter, I ordered the roasted pumpkin and yellow lentil soup with lentil puy, fennel, onion sprout, and shaved sourdough and crostini.
The soup bowl was dropped at me with a lid on, and that was eliminated as soon as it was positioned on my desk. Speak about elegant presentation!
For the principle course, I ordered the Omani dish, which was the prawn machboos with rice, topped with combined nuts, fried onions, grilled peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots. This was among the best mains I’ve ever had in enterprise class, and the presentation was even according to what you’d count on in a restaurant. Simply beautiful.
Whereas I used to be getting full, I figured I needed to evaluate extra of the service, so I ordered a cheese plate, which got here with three sorts of cheese, grapes, and a few dried fruit.
Lastly, I completed the meal with dessert, which was a raspberry and white chocolate frangipane, with lime anglaise and berries compote, pistachio, and chocolate cookie crumble.
What can I say, Oman Air has a spectacularly good meal service. This might be an unimaginable meal on any lengthy haul flight, not to mention on a brief in a single day redeye.
Oman Air 787 enterprise class bathrooms
Oman Air’s Boeing 787-9s have three enterprise class bathrooms — there are two on the very entrance of the cabin by the primary set of doorways (on the left and the proper), after which one by the second set of doorways (on the proper). These are typical 787 Dreamliner bathrooms, with a few distinctive options.
For one, the bathrooms have bidets, which you don’t discover on many airways.
The enterprise class bathrooms even have some additional facilities, together with some Amouage toiletries, dental kits, and shaving kits.
Oman Air 787 enterprise class mattress
Oman Air supplies turndown service in enterprise class, so after I completed my meal, I requested to have my mattress made, which the crew shortly took care of. Enterprise class beds don’t get a lot lovelier than this, eh? I discover this to be such a snug seat to sleep in, due to there being no footwell, however slightly the ottoman turns into a part of the mattress.
Sadly I didn’t have a lot time to sleep, as I acquired in mattress with round 3hr40min remaining to Muscat…
…and I used to be woken up round 1hr20min earlier than touchdown for the refreshment service, since I needed to evaluate that as effectively (not that I needed or wanted any extra meals simply a few hours after my earlier meal!).
Whereas I didn’t sleep for lengthy, the sleep high quality was wonderful. One factor that stunned me is that the cabin was saved ice chilly. I used to be apprehensive based mostly on the dearth of particular person air nozzles that I’d get too heat, however I ended up utilizing a number of blankets simply to not be uncomfortably chilly.
Oman Air enterprise class breakfast
Earlier than going to sleep, I had already positioned my order with the crew, in order that was routinely introduced out after I used to be woken up. The refreshment service consisted of a scrumptious fruit plate, a wide range of pastries and sweets, and a cappuccino.
I simply had a couple of items of fruit, although I did order a black espresso earlier than touchdown, which the crew promptly introduced out. It’s cute how Oman Air all the time serves espresso and tea on a tray, accompanied by a candy deal with.
I used to be additionally supplied one other heat towel earlier than touchdown.
Oman Air enterprise class service
Oman Air takes a distinct method than different Gulf carriers with regards to flight attendant staffing. Like Gulf Air and Saudia (and in contrast to Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar), flight attendants are primarily a mixture of native males and and international females. Nonetheless, in contrast to on Saudia, the locals aren’t essentially all the time in cost, and so they usually report back to the international feminine cabin managers.
The difficulty with Oman Air is that service may be very inconsistent, and the airline has some phenomenal crews, and a few much less spectacular crews. The crew on this flight match within the former class.
The cabin supervisor was from the Philippines, and she or he was skilled, element oriented, and interesting. She personally welcomed every enterprise class passenger, and mentioned bye as effectively later within the flight. She actually set the tone for the service. A lot of the inflight service in my part was supplied by a lady from India, who was high notch as effectively. There have been two males from Oman working the flight, and so they have been variety and gave the impression to be fairly onerous working as effectively.
Oman Air 787 arrival in Muscat
At 6:30AM Muscat time, the captain introduced that we’d be descending quickly, and can be touchdown at 7:05AM (we have been scheduled to reach at 6:45AM). The dawn over the United Arab Emirates as we descended was attractive.
One factor I don’t love about Oman Air is how lengthy earlier than arrival the crew prepares the cabin for touchdown. As quickly because the captain introduced we’d be descending, the crew turned the lights up all the best way, opened the curtains between cabins, requested passengers to place their seat upright, and so on. That appears to be a constant coverage on the airline, so it wasn’t simply this crew.
The method ended up taking a bit longer than regular, however I used to be in no rush!
We lastly touched down in Muscat at 7:10AM on runway 26R.
From there we had a brief 5 minute taxi to our arrival gate.
Backside line
When Oman Air is sweet in enterprise class, the airline is absolutely, actually good, and might compete with any airline. From snug seats, to countless facilities, to scrumptious meals, to pleasant service, to strong leisure, there was rather a lot to like about this flight. The one factor I can actually criticize is the Wi-Fi state of affairs, each when it comes to high quality and pricing. Suffice it to say that I walked away from this Oman Air flight with a positive impression.
What’s your tackle Oman Air 787 enterprise class?
