Travel test

WHAT: Emirates flight EK22 in an economy seat.

WHERE: Manchester to Dubai. Return flight from £649. emirates.com

EXPERIENCE: As Dubai becomes an even bigger transport hub and increasingly popular holiday destination, more and more flights to and from the UK are being added.

Emirates flight EK22 from Manchester uses an Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner and only full-length double-deck jet.

The airline’s app made for an easy check-in service and provided all the food and entertainment options to view.

The cabin was roomy with a USB port for phone charging.

Once we were airborne and the seatbelt signs had been switched off, we were served a continental breakfast which consisted of a fruit yogurt, warm pastry and an apple cinnamon muffin.

Later, I opted for cottage pie for lunch, followed by a sticky toffee pudding. All the options were of a high standard.

Drinks were complimentary and readily available throughout, including beers, wines and spirits, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

There were a plethora of in-flight entertainment options; hundreds of movies from a broad range of categories as well as TV box sets, music, games and more.

As a bonus, the cricket World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa was in play throughout the outbound flight, which helped it pass rather quickly. Result!

QUIBBLES: I paid $17, around £13.50, for wi-fi on both flights, but it was very temperamental on the way home. However, I did receive a refund after requesting one via email.

VERDICT: Probably the best economy experience I have had on a long-haul flight. 9/10