The direct flight to Dubai avoids a niggly stopover in Australia and shaves four hours off Emirates' time from Auckland to London. Max Bania flies aboard EK449, from Auckland to DubaiThe plane: A Boeing 777-200LR - dubbed the "Worldliner" for its ultra long-range capabilities. The airport experience: Getting through Auckland airport always seems to be a breeze these days, and the Emirates lounge is excellent. On the downside, the 777 aircraft used on this service is older and less comfortable than the A380s Emirates flies on its other services out of Auckland. Today's flight only took 16hr 49m, though few were complaining about this particular change to the schedule.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 24, 2016 04:03 UTC