Round The World and other travels

A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries

Flight Log: November 2011: ME311

Amman (AMM) - Beirut (BEY)

I hadn't intended to report on my first flight with Middle East Airlines / Air Liban, but it turned out to be so noteworthy that the decision was reversed once on board. (Thanks to Bruce for the impromptu photos!) The salient points were:

  • AMM to BEY is all of 148 miles "as the crow flies", but a little longer in practice due the political realities in the region.

  • The aircraft had eight fixed rows of proper 2+2 Business Class seats, in exactly the same configuration as bmi's mid-haul A321s. Furthermore, the flight had a healthy load up-front.

  • Despite the short-hop nature of the flight, we were given a genuine Business Class service with pre-departure champagne and a nicely presented full in-flight meal.

  • As I had heard beforehand, the approach into Beirut is quite spectacular, especially with snowfall on the mountains.

Date: Wed 23 Nov 2011
Aircraft: Airbus A321
Scheduled dep: 1045
Actual departure: 1043
Scheduled arrival: 1145
Actual arrival: 1140
Cabin: Business
Seat: 1D

Linked reports from same trip:

Dublin

Flight Log BD917

Amman

Beirut

Jeita & Byblos

Flight Log BD906