We flew Emirates out of Houston. It's a very nice airline, but anytime you are on a flight for 14+ hours, it gets really old...really. The one thing we didn't realize before we flew was that there is a weight limit on the carryons. We were WAY over and the Houston Emirates staff is very serious about it. So after much repacking, we made it. We had 8 checked bags and 5 carryons. We made sure to pack everything randomly so if any bags were lost, we would all still have clothes. We didn't lose one bag...pretty lucky!!
The Houston to Dubai flight was overnight. We all managed to get some sleep, and the TVs in each seat were a great distraction. The food was okay, but I made sure to order kid's meals for my boys for the trip home.
In Dubai, we had the hotel layover. Such a great deal...a quick nap, meal and shower. FYI, your luggage stays at the airport, so pack toiletries and a change of clothes in your carryon!! The next day, it was a short 4 hour flight into Addis Ababa.
On the way back, the Addis to Dubai flight was at night. Then we got the hotel room again and left for Houston the next morning. Flying 16 hours during the day was really rough. Ru thought it was nighttime and pretty much slept the whole flight. Our 4 yo Biscuit was sick, Sick, SICK!!! I'm talking out both ends, uncontrollably, leaving the plane in undies and a tshirt only. It was pure misery for him, Shaun, and me. It will be awhile before I want to fly anywhere...a LONG while...
Once we got to Houston, I stayed behind with Ru in immigration for an hour...ugh...while Shaun and the boys got the bags (and changed Bisc). Then we drove back to San Antonio and finally we were H-O-M-E!!!!!!!
I really would recommend Emirates. The seats seemed larger with more leg room, and the bassinets were great. We didn't get one on the long flight home, but they blocked a seat Ru, so we had plenty of room. Overall, a good experience.
