Supposedly Emirates have gone down hill as other airlines such as Qatar have overtaken them. I can't comment on Quatar as I haven't flown with them but Emirates are by far the best Airline I have ever flown with to South Africa.

I booked online and whilst checking in online the computer froze and then told me I had booked and wouldn't let me change the seat for my Wife. I contacted Emirates and the lady on the phone couldn't have been more helpful. She phoned me later that evening to say that she was unable to change the information from her end but that she would try the operators at Gatwick to see if they could do anything. This was the morning of our flight - We soon received a call back from her to say that the seats we had been allocated had now been changed to reflect our initial choices - we arrived and went to the online check-in gate. This also served as business class so there was only one person in front and we were checked in so quickly. I have to say that I felt sorry for the long queue snaking down the terminal, who hadn't checked in onine!

The Plane had the biggest leg room I have encountered. I am over 6ft so leg room on planes is usually an issue - not on Emirates. The entertainment system was superb with plenty of choice of films, TV progammes, games and music.

The Cabin crew were very effecient, friendly and went out of their way to make the flight as comfortable as possible.

Emirates food is very good. I have to say that the breakfast selection could be improved but that is just being picky! We ate with metal cuttlery - which is a first for me; not having flown business or first class.

When they came round with ice cream, just as a snack I couldn't believe it. It just served to complement a great food line up.

One criticism would be that no toothpaste/brush was provided, this is the first time that this hasn't been provided on a flight - I'm not sure if other airlines do the same now?

The flight was one of the cheapest and the layover at Dubai wasn't too long. I will definately be flying Emirates again.