Is Emirates first class still the best?

Join me as I make my way from Perth to Baku for the Azerbaijan GP on one of the most exciting F1 street circuits on the 2022 F1 calendar. This travel vlog was going swimmingly until I landed in Baku and then things went awry. Lost luggage and a challenging taxi ride ensued but back to the question at hand; is Emirates first class still a world beater? I say yes, and to see why watch the full video.
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[@rudragupta2491]

Kym Illman, best f1 photographer, and part-time luxury flight reviewer!

[@CallieMasters5000]

I've said it before, but Kym is the perfect front cabin customer: he flies a lot all over the network, he travels alone, he appreciates the finer touches of luxuries, he pays for his tickets himself, and he's not some young pop star idiot who causes a disturbance or needs a lot of special attention. AND he even puts out videos as free advertising too. Emirates needs to become the official airline of Kym Illman!

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for that. They, Singapore and Qatar are the best options Into and out of Perth.

[@CallieMasters5000]

@@KymIllman You should try that Qantas nonstop Perth-London. That sounds crazy.

[@The_Oak_Staff]

I'm gonna guess that the mountain (7:43) is Mount Damavand in Iran judging by the size, shape and the flight path.

[@dingus2218]

you're absolutely right. I climbed Damavand a few years ago now; what a place. I encourage everyone to go check out Iran in your lifetime- extremely welcoming people, incredible food and effectively zero tourists around.

[@bubbavonbraun]

Agreed, if you look past the mountain you can see the shoreline of the Caspian sea beyond, and the pronounced turn north it takes

[@faulkmediaphoto]

Thanks for letting us the know the mountain! Impressive.

[@gokmachine]

Did some skiing on this moumtain. Best thing: the helicopter drops you of right at the pointy summit.

[@Steveharris2]

Hey Kym, I just want to say that your content is top shelf. Never wasting the viewers time. Always interesting and well communicated. If F1 hasnt already begged you for a position running their media then they need to give their head a shake. Very cool that your son is involved, I am a father as well.

[@KymIllman]

Glad you’re enjoying it Steve.

[@RossoFormula]

I second this comment. What I appreciate most is the mentoring of your son and you being a good father. Video request: personal car collection if you have one.

[@Steveharris2]

@@RossoFormula I doubt he has a car collection. He has his watches (which can come with him). If I was away from home 200+ days a year I would rent fancy cars rather than having them sit undriven back home.

[@stemi5601]

Kym is bigger than F1, FIA & F1 media, they'll just rub away his shine with their stupid bureaucracies and old & trusted (comfort zone) way of doing things. it's better this way.

[@captainjack320]

It’s Mount Damavand in Iran 🇮🇷, Highest Peak in Eastern Asia. We fly past it regularly 🥰

[@sloppynyuszi]

Thanks! Was looking for this 😊

[@IncredibleSpace1]

Middle Eastern I guess

[@MasakoX]

9:43 Your filming of Pierre Gasly was clearly 'liked by pierregasly'.

[@2343br]

Love how positive Kym stays despite lost luggage and shady cab drivers. Keep up the great videos!

[@gcm747]

I love the Perth to Dubai trip. The Emirates lounge is always a pleasure to visit.

[@blackbrosshowbbs1788]

The best photographer ever...I taught me everything about f1....I follow you every step of the way....love u Mr Kym...stay passionate

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks.

[@Dutchbird757]

That mountain is Mnt Damavand in Iran, east of Tehran. The highest peak in Iran and a stratovolcano. Did you know flydubai is actually by origin a low cost carrier? These days though more a hybrid carrier, especially their 737 MAX product!

[@KymIllman]

I liked them. Second time on that route.

[@Dutchbird757]

@@KymIllman Let's see if I can be your pilot then to Baku in 2023. Hopefully on our new 737 MAX fleet too!

[@mpcp27]

Thanks for the video.. Always look forward to your traveling ones. Keep us updated as to your lost luggage situation... Hope you get it quickly.

[@MountainDewbies]

Another awesome adventure, thanks for the update. Hope you have a good time in Baku!

[@mike81989]

These are my favorite videos on all of KZbin. Thank you Kym!

[@MrSullyO]

Brilliant. Love the travel videos with all they offer, bumps and bruises as well the fun moments. Cheers.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I recently flew on Emirates Business from JFK to Dubai to MALDIVES on the A380 and 777. I made sure to use the JFK lounge and the Dubai lounge. #1 The food on the plane - including the alcohol - is the same on the ground and the air. No complaints - I drank Champagne the entire time. There was no shortage whatsoever of food. I totally enjoyed it. #2 The lounge showers are extremely refreshing. Moreso than the First Class shower because you have limited time and limited water. #3 The price difference for First Class is justified over Business if you're on the longest flights. For shorter flights, it's better to choose Business. They may UPGRADE YOU for a discount.

[@CraigJSY]

When I am not watching your vlogs on F1 races with a passion Kym it's when you're living your best life on your way to one mate 👍🏻

[@anthonyboulus9042]

Living the dream kim.. thanks for you big efforts and more recent uploads this season Stay safe and stay passionate

[@HansvanPutten]

Great vid again! Have fun this weekend I'll be cheering for Max again from Boston!

[@kak7440]

Kym - your channel is compulsory viewing! I really enjoy all your content so much. I haven't been in the position to travel since late 2019 so l live vicariously watching your travels. Looking foward to Baku.

[@paulmerritt418]

I’m not sure I would want to be a road warrior like you, but for a huge F1 fan, I cannot wait for the action in Baku this weekend. Will be following you closely.

[@a.arnaavv]

Love the travel Vlogs Kym!!!

[@jjsadv]

You have really created a niche with your F1/travel videos.. Great job..

[@StuartD84]

Oh Kym! I wish this video was available before we spent 200 manats getting back to the airport from the Fairmont Baku on the Monday after the race... Great content as always!

[@Peakviewretreat]

love your flight review videos so much, makes me want to travel again!

[@manmountain7545]

Excellent episode mate. I believe your negotiating skills are on par. You make me want to Board of flight on Emirates.

[@codedfotography]

always on the move, love you kym, keep it up , take care of yourself and stay safe

[@1bncxlr]

Kym, always enjoy your content. Always entertaining.

[@rickiecheese36]

Thanks for another great video. I am a new subscriber and love the content. Keep up the good work. And watch out for the caddies.

[@barrygallagher3306]

Great vid thanks Kym!

[@vrccb]

I love that you make the best out of simply ghastly ways to travel. As good as sometimes they are.

[@Nebula_Ultra]

What a gorgeous home! Well done. Pato oward interview was great.

[@jato62]

Another great video Kym

[@leelantern805]

Kym my wife is not a die hard f1 fan like me, she will watches the odd race on TV, but she watches all your videos and we both agree you are our favorite f1 channel

[@KymIllman]

She’s an astute woman.

[@Mr.Quaade]

Hey kym I love your travel video Keep it up 🤩

[@JMGaming32]

Really love your travelling videos!

[@archjapanmotovlogs]

absolutely love this channel !!

[@theonehitko]

Love the videos Kym always very relaxing to watch

[@KymIllman]

I'm so glad!

[@markkennedy5335]

Awesome video Kim. Very well done as always. 👏👏

[@markkennedy5335]

Sorry Kym. Bloody auto correct that gets it wrong.

[@patrickmalark8433]

Jesus Kym, you live well haha. Beautiful home! You seem like a man that worked hard and deserves it. Keep the content coming

[@KymIllman]

Never stop working hard!

[@roballansutherland]

Love your travel videos!!!!!!

[@GrantHorvatGolf]

love watching these videos

[@thompanilla]

Glad you arrived safely despite the maniac cabbie! Looking forward to your visuals this week. I know I'm in the minority here, but I absolutely love the Baku circuit! Have a good one, Mate!

[@mamavswild]

Who doesn’t love Baku? It’s incredibly exciting

[@arkkedia316]

Really like these reviews

[@jameskim62]

Thank u for the tour !!!!!

[@matejsedivec969]

kim,your very lucky to get this plane,most of them have only 6 first class seats and much modern cabin version. idk how many of these planes are still fliing like that,but its less than 20

[@franklincorrales9696]

Love the videos.!!!!

[@raymondmalone9721]

All of us living the dream through Kym’s travel videos 👍

[@nickisrael9922]

Hi Kym. I was there around 25 years ago with a group of students. It is Mount Bazardüzü 4.466 meters of altitude. It is in the North Caucasus Mountains located on the border between Azerbaijan and Russia. Hugs from Colombia

[@ejb_92]

Your gaff looks amazing!

[@juanlopez-qd1yh]

I really liked your office Kym, next video idea when in Perth maybe?

[@HoopleHeadUSA]

Shout out to Bowers & Wilkins! My home theater is set up with B&W 604 Series 3’s

[@mikeplatt74]

Thank you Kym for all your content! I've just recovered from testicular cancer! Your videos have giving me so much less anxiety while waiting for for my CT scan results. They turned out to be that my cancer hasn't spread any further! And I'm Cancer FREE! So thank you for all time time you take to edit your videos to keep us fans entertained ❤️ you're awesome!

[@KymIllman]

I’m glad you’re enjoying them Mike.

[@yudimerber]

Hello Kym i just saw you on the international feed standing outside charles lecrecs garage before the delayed start if practise 3 just as karun was talking about the rear wing.

[@2_O-20]

Hi Kym! Underrated.

[@ulrikberge9061]

Had the same experience with the taxi driver in Baku when I arrived on Thursday, 70 manat is a total scam, an Uber costs 20. I knew it was a scam but just agreed with 50 after som bargaining. And payment in cash obviously😂

[@Broomy88]

Great video loving that you got signed pictures from gasly would love some pictures of lando Norris with signed would definitely purchase 👌

[@archielundy3131]

Me too. I'd definitely buy a signed Lando. That tunnel shot from last years Monaco GP would be the one.

[@YeahhhThatsLife]

I don't often leave a comment. But Kym, you are the man!

[@KymIllman]

Great comment

[@marknarraway5551]

grt video , keep up the good work,

[@KymIllman]

Thanks, will do!

[@ash9145]

First class is the dream. Would love to try an EY suite one day

[@ChrisBreezy992]

I was surprised how bumpy the A380 was, good job you had a tablet lol but they really are like flying in a nice hotel room with all those extras. What a kerfuffle with the taxi, I hope your luggage turned up and stay cool in another hot country. oh btw that t shirt you were wearing is interesting with the seam or stitching down the front.

[@KymIllman]

Heron Preston.

[@ChrisBreezy992]

@@KymIllman of course it had a heron on it, thankyou

[@EthanDenyer98]

Hope you get your luggage sorted kym 🙏

[@miltonbrownrigg8409]

Full points to Emirates for the lengths they go to, although never had a bad experience on Singapore Airlines either. Much rather go through Changi airport than Dubai any time. Enjoy the race

[@nlambot6959]

Mount Ararat, love your channel.

[@Jude74]

I love your travel videos as much as your F1 content. 👍👍👍 I recommended you to my fellow travel video junkies.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks

[@BryanSnider]

I believe that mountain is Kuh-e Damavand. I could be wrong..but its an 18K+ ft mountain just NE of Tehran. That FlyDubai flight you were on often goes right near it.

[@carisacar]

Hey, here's an idea, Kym. Do a video collection of all the nasty encounters from your travel, from scammy taxi drivers, to bad hotel service staff, to rude locals etc. That would make great viewing.

[@wavezz3232]

Hey Kym, just a quick question… for the autograph session on Saturday at Baku, will you que up to go on stage and get something signed? Thanks, love the content!

[@yashshah5009]

The mountain is Mount Damavand.

[@errolglenn4548]

I'm not sure about how much cabin luggage you carry Kym but I always save space on my backpack to keep all my official documents/receipts/invoices so I don't have to rummage through my check in luggage for them at any point during the travel. Also I found the photo of Charles in the Monaco tunnel like I asked you on Instagram and I'm going to purchase it on prostar pics!

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks for that.

[@pontus1293]

Please do a collaboration with Bottas, simular as with Gasly!

[@xRicCi]

Enjoy this weekend's race! The pod will see you in montreal next week! #CanadianGP

[@matthewberry4799]

Top class Kym

[@SteveMrW]

Excellent video Kym, has you bag turned up?

[@KymIllman]

Not yet.

[@chrisgard9626]

I spent 10 years doing comparative video work for NASCAR and IndyCar teams… and I’m jealous of your travel accommodations and destinations. One thing I noticed, you don’t keep your credential/hardcard in your checked luggage do you?

[@chandamubanga]

Have you been hanging out with Lewis? cause that hoodie you wore looks pretty cool, man

[@1943klt]

Love your KZbin Channel Kym. As you edit your own films, why don't you use a lavalier mic tucked inside your shirt when the plane is in the air, because often with the aircraft background noise I can't distinguish what your saying. You only have to make 3 bangs before saying anything and the added sound file timeline lip sync will be perfect.

[@kendahl7922]

Still fond of SIN 1st class..hands down a few dozen flights there were ALL Magical. Emirates 380 is a close 2nd..nice to see travel is getting better too..👍👍👍

[@abdullaalkaabi9563]

Ofc it is ♥️.

[@sydneyaerospotter5856]

Hey Kym I think I saw your son Tyler at Sydney airport the other day!

[@KymIllman]

He was there.

[@floydmaster-kg3fe]

Change EK241 to TK241 and you've got a movie reference what's the reference? "TK241 what's your situation" lol

[@mightymentos1991]

The mountain seems to be Damavand in Iran!

[@nathankav3650]

We need more of Jase on the channel mate

[@CallieMasters5000]

Remember the video when he had to stand on the side of a road holding a sign saying he'd lost a race to his old man?! 😂😂😂

[@garycarter2523]

Hey Kym, I have to go to the uk in November I wish I could afford business or 1st class as I have a back injury and sitting in economy for 28 hours from Adelaide to Heathrow then back again 10 days later is going to be excruciating. ☹️😣

[@smboutorabi]

its called Damavand mountain mate

[@tiadaid]

Between the A380 & the Boeing 777, which do you reckon is better? Among aviation geeks, the A380 often gets the vote because it's less noisy compared to the 777 although to me, I couldn't tell the big difference!

[@dingus2218]

Kym have you got any tips when it comes to fighting jetlag?

[@pauleklein5979]

The highest peak in Iran / Mount Damavand / The highest volcano in Asia / 5,609.2 m (18,403 ft)

[@davidcaskie6680]

Nothing like an airline loosing your camera gear when you have a job to do! Been there...

[@fredericktennant9151]

Great video as usual but the thing that sparked my comment was the idea of having a shower on an aeroplane, wow that's not the place to be if the plane goes down lol

[@antonoat]

Kym may I ask, do most/ many/all F1 photographers enjoy a similar high standard when they travel, is the income from being an F1 photographer adequate to cover what is presumably an expensive form of travel? I suspect you probably fund the travel yourself as you are seemingly a man of many means! Obviously you are free to answer my question as you see fit, either way I think you’re worth it as you do an outstanding job 🤣👏😀👍

[@KymIllman]

Hi. I would first suggest you watch my video “The money side of F1 photography” - www.kymillman.com/store/money-side-of-f1-photography/. If you want more information, book a one to one session with me at www.kymillman.com and I will gladly tell you what I know. Regards

[@KingCharles3]

car in the house 🤩

[@dtaylor9673]

Kym, living the dream, until needing a taxi ; )

[@delacruz1513]

Hey Kym👋 did they find your luggage?

[@kooldude123]

I'd say overall Emirates would have to be the number one airline for travelling First Class. Mainly due to their consistency as every single first class seat on both the 777 and a380 is of the same quality. While Singapore Airlines and Qatar do offer some much better seats, they have such a large range of aircraft so it's luck of the draw with what seat configuration you get. If you ever get the chance I would highly recommend flying an Emirates route on the 777-300 GameChanger first class seat. It's the best in the air.

[@KymIllman]

Did it 3 yes ago! Mighty.

[@kooldude123]

@@KymIllman I should have expected that haha

[@vasisthakrishnachandrahas1639]

I spotted you in todays pole presentation thingy

[@peterboulton137]

Hello again Kym-------I HATE Emrates first class The Decor makes me flinch its so TACKY!!

[@NadirAgha]

Tip for Baku (as a local): If you want to pay a taxi ride via credit card, use an app (Bolt or Uber or other minor ones). In any way, the apps are much better. Old style taxis are going to go extinct in the face of competition (unless new regulations for taxi apps come into play as in Europe) Otherwise, it's pretty hopeless. You will have to pay with cash. Almost no taxi carries a POS terminal on board (at least in 2022) On upside for customers, it's very cheap by European standards

[@ericrobinson9340]

Hi Kym, is that a car in your house? or is that part of your garage? You're such an interesting person!

[@CallieMasters5000]

He showed that in an earlier video briefly. It either sits there in the room or with a glass divider, and I think it's a Porsche.

[@marks.6480]

I worry about this almost every day LOL

[@ZachValentini]

Kym what's your vlogs settings on the R5 i'd appectie it for my own channel vlogging and flight reviews :) cheers kym!

[@KymIllman]

1/50th sec

[@ZachValentini]

@@KymIllman 25fps? Then varies on apeture? Thank you kym :)

[@EpicoNubletto]

Man, how much does a flight like this cost?! 😳 it’s amazing

[@tommasol9701]

10k

[@EpicoNubletto]

@@tommasol9701 yeah that’s about what I figured out. I saw tickets for 11,000 AUD