Hi there from Bogota! Emirates has simply launched an thrilling new each day service between Miami (MIA) and Bogota (BOG), as a continuation of the service’s Dubai (DXB) service. As a Miami resident, I used to be actually enthusiastic about this new route — after I noticed top notch award availability on the inaugural flight, I couldn’t assist however ebook it (though I normally keep away from inaugural flights).
I received’t be writing an ordinary journey report concerning the flight, given how typically I’ve reviewed Emirates top notch. As a substitute, I simply wished to deal with what makes this route distinctive, and the way unbelievably good the expertise was.
Flying Emirates from Miami to Bogota is surreal
I’ve flown Emirates top notch a numerous variety of instances through the years, although one thing about this flight felt so particular. It was surreal to go away residence late within the morning, be at my residence airport a short time later, after which board a 3 hour Emirates flight.
Once I board a 3 hour flight from my residence airport, I’m normally flying American, so you’ll be able to think about that this flight felt like one thing out of the twilight zone. To get the complete Emirates expertise on a flight this brief so near residence is just unreal.
I do have one very severe grievance concerning the flight — it simply wasn’t lengthy sufficient!! I can completely relate to that Jennifer Aniston Emirates advert that goes again a few years, the place she asks the flight attendant if “there’s anybody we are able to speak to about possibly flying this round just a little bit longer earlier than we land?”
Emirates’ top notch service is unbelievable
Emirates actually is uncompromising with its service high quality in top notch. Whereas Emirates barely modifies its top notch service on shorter flights, this route options all the signature parts.
Service started with drinks, and the selection of nuts, olives, and/or chips.
That was adopted by Emirates’ signature caviar course.
Then there was a selection of appetizers, and I chosen the Arabic mezze.
For the principle course, I had the pan-fried wagyu beef sirloin with hogao sauce, duck fats potato terrine, and asparagus. That’s proper, I ordered beef for as soon as!
Then for dessert, I had the bittersweet mocha cake with dulce de leche and kumquat compote, and a cappuccino.
After which to complete off the meal, I used to be provided a range from Emirates’ extravagant chocolate field. I like how over-the-top the field is, as if every top notch passenger goes to have a dozen candies after such a giant meal.
After which as if that wasn’t sufficient, there have been much more candies to take residence (together with a roadie, natch — I’ll let y’all guess what was in it).
For these curious, beneath was the menu for the flight.
Much more spectacular than the meals was the drink choice. There have been a dozen wines to select from, however I may solely accomplish a lot on this brief flight. In any case, this wasn’t an extremely lengthy haul Emirates flight, the place you’ll be able to sleep off your hangover. 😉
One of many highlights was in fact the Dom Perignon 2013, which is at all times accessible in Emirates top notch.
What delighted me much more, although, was the Opus One 2012, which was phenomenal. I’m not an enormous crimson wine individual, however Opus One goes down as simple as water (for higher or worse).
Emirates additionally serves a particular Dictador XO Colombian rum particularly on this route, and top notch passengers have been proactively provided that.
For these curious, beneath was the wine checklist for the flight. Actually, in my ~15 years of persistently flying Emirates, that is presumably one of the best wine checklist I’ve ever seen on the airline.
So far as facilities go, Emirates’ full top notch bedding was accessible, and pajamas and slippers have been additionally accessible upon request.
The crew on this sector was phenomenal, with purser Julian and cabin crew Alison and Grace caring for top notch.
There wasn’t a lot fanfare for the inaugural
Emirates has spent some huge cash advertising and marketing this route, and there are adverts throughout Miami selling this new service. So I used to be curious to see what the inaugural festivities could be like. To my shock, there have been only a few.
There was no recognition of the inaugural in Miami, apart from a few indicators about Bogota on the check-in counter.
There have been some parts to the onboard expertise that commemorated the event. For instance, a lot of the crew was Colombian, together with the captain, purser, and one of many top notch flight attendants (I think about there have been different Colombian crew as properly). They have been proud to be working this flight, although sadly they’d a direct flip, in order that they couldn’t even spend an evening at “residence.”
Inaugural flight certificates have been additionally handed out earlier than touchdown. Whereas I’m an enormous aviation geek, I’m by no means actually positive what to do with these. They’re cute, however I’m additionally not going to border them and put them on a wall.
The crew additionally did every part of their energy to make the inaugural flight particular, like coming round to every passenger and providing to snap their image with a Polaroid.
On arrival in Bogota, we noticed a ton of individuals standing on the apron photographing the plane. There was nothing particular within the terminal, although.
It was good to satisfy some fellow aviation geeks on the flight. I’m a bit shocked Emirates didn’t do extra to have a good time the inaugural flight, however then once more, I understand the difficult logistics of that (at what level do you actually have a good time, provided that this can be a “direct,” multi-sector flight?). Yesterday was additionally a public vacation in Colombia, so it’s my understanding that Emirates has another celebrations deliberate.
I can’t advocate Emirates’ new flight sufficient
Miami to Bogota is a aggressive market, because it’s additionally served by American, avianca, LATAM, and now Emirates. In the event you’re flying between the US and Colombia, I can’t advocate flying Emirates sufficient, whether or not you’re paying money or redeeming miles.
Emirates’ pricing in money is extraordinarily aggressive in the mean time. On many days, financial system is priced consistent with or cheaper than rivals out there. And remember the fact that on Emirates you get a full meal in financial system, free alcoholic drinks, pleasant service, checked baggage and carry-ons, and so forth. You’d be silly to not fly Emirates.
Emirates is priced marginally increased than rivals in enterprise class, however actually, you’re getting a lot greater than on different airways, so I feel it’s an inexpensive premium.
Top quality could be very costly, however then once more, that’s what miles are for. 😉
Talking of miles, Emirates’ flights between Miami and Bogota are huge open with Emirates Skywards miles in all cabins. Proper now these planes are empty, and I see two top notch award seats, at the very least seven enterprise class award seats, and practically limitless financial system award seats, on these flights, on most dates. What must you count on to pay?
- Financial system prices 22,500 miles one-way, or 26,000 miles roundtrip
- Enterprise class prices 52,500 miles one-way, or 64,000 miles roundtrip
- Top quality prices 60,500 miles one-way, or 121,000 miles roundtrip
Emirates Skywards miles are very easy to return by, as this system is switch companions with all main transferable factors currencies, together with Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Final Rewards, and Citi ThankYou.
Backside line
Emirates has a brand new route between Miami and Bogota, which I’d argue is probably the most luxurious flight throughout the Americas in top notch. The route operates each day, and no matter which cabin you’re flying, you’ll get a greater expertise than when flying with rivals.
Whereas I don’t normally take inaugural flights, it was a deal with to be on this particular service, particularly with the beautiful Colombian crew that was working this flight. I’m already excited to take this flight once more. How fortunate am I to have this fifth freedom route at my residence airport?!
Any OMAAT readers plan on taking Emirates’ new flight between Miami and Bogota?
