Trip Report | The incredible MEA A321neo | Dubai - Beirut | MEA Economy Class | A321 NEO

Hi, kifak, ça va? Welcome to the Lebanese episode!
Middle East Airlines was requested by plenty of you so here you go!
And we’re doing it on their spectacular Airbus A321 neo. I can already guarantee you this is one of the best economy classes on any narrow-body.
Middle East Airlines - Air Liban is one of the oldest airlines in the world, most specifically in the Middle East, where it was founded in May 1945. Since then they have connected Lebanon and the Middle east with the world and continue to be a reference airline to do so.
They’ve faced plenty of ups and downs durning their history, likely more then any other airline ever has, but just like the resilient people of Lebanon they let nothing break their spirit, recovered and continued to grow.
Come and join me on this popular route from Dubai and discover what is an unknown product for many of you.
I wish you much fun and see you around!
Enjoy!
Today we are showcasing you the following flight:
From: Dubai International Airport, The United Arab Emirates
To: Beirut - Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon
Flight Number: ME 427
Aircraft Type: Airbus A321 NEO
Registration: T7-ME9
Flight Time: 02:56
Don’t forget to like and subscribe if you enjoyed our video!
Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion and feedback.
Have a nice one!
You can also leave a Super Like as a tip for my work. I’ll invest it all on future trips.
Credits:
Intro Song
Track: Follow Me - Vendredi [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Follow Me - Vendredi |...
Free Download / Stream: alplus.io/foll...
Main Song
Track: San Andreas - Vendredi [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • San Andreas - Vendred...
Free Download / Stream: alplus.io/san-...
Song: Different Heaven - Safe And Sound [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: ncs.io/safeands...
Watch: • Different Heaven - Saf... o
------------------------------

[@emanoelchaves2793]

It's so nice to see MEA doing well, despite the current political and economic situation in Lebanon! MEA used to fly to my country, Brazil, with Boeing 747's during the 90's, especially serving the huge community of Syrian and Lebanese descendents living here. I really hope to visit Lebanon someday, I think it's a wonderful country, with a rich history and culture, and very resilient people. Congratulations for the video! Keep up this great job! Greetings from Brazil!

[@Mudi242]

Hey man I’m Lebanese and Brazilian it’s great that our countries get along

[@mig882001]

As usual another beautiful video MEA an old airline love how they managed to survive the war in the 70's Beirut always been on my bucket list place to visit

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I found their story so interesting.. Each time my mother was upset at me as a kid she went for my weakness which then was my computer. With MEA each time the neighboor is upset the airline loses planes or the airport.. A crazy amount of them. And the same during the civil war. I bet they must be paying some insane insurance premiums. Other then that I hope it all goes better and wish them a bright future!

[@GMaviation]

Wow the cabin looks so modern and comfortable! MEA A321neo is also high on my list to fly with!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Incredible cabin. Really cool for an Airbus A320 family. I hope you get to experience it soon!

[@martinvareed8756]

thanks Alex for another wondful flight journey......way to go !!!!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks Martin! You’re a super star! 😜

[@Paulhilvert-aviationobsessive]

Another masterpiece of a review! And nice to see MEA get some limelight, I Have heard good things about MEA, 🤩 wow what a beautiful livery I also absolutely love the look of the product. Looked a very comfortable flight and nice for just under a 3hr flight. A great watch indeed 😊👏👏

[@TheLayoverAviation]

My dear Paul, I hope you’re well! Yes, great MEA. I am very happy to have flown with them. This A321neo does moestly fly short-ish flights to Europe and the Middle East, so yes, it’s a great cabin! They could have selected one like their competitors BA and LH but I’m glad they didn’t. Thanks for being here!

[@Paulhilvert-aviationobsessive]

@@TheLayoverAviation hello! Yes doing very well thanks for asking, looks a lovely product! yes I would love to see other European carriers improve their short haul flights especially in business. Always love your posts! The 321neos look very comfy for a short to medium haul flights. Both MEA and Turkish look very good indeed. 👍👏

[@dododorey7181]

MEA one of the Best airlines ever ❤✅✅✅

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I loved it!

[@alanzemsky7695]

Great report! Very informative and thorough- what a wonderful airline from takeoff to landing!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I agree Alan! Thanks for the nice words, see you around! 😉

[@ItaiGanor]

Ohh i had a feeling Lebnon is coming(you gave a clue) ;) MEA Looks great! Great video buddy! that ending with the Yalla bay cracks me up! OMG Knaffa in the air...what a dream great idea! I wish someday we could travel to Lebanon, it's a beautiful country cant wait for the next video!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It is great indeed, I had a good stay on board. Now as an anecdote. On arrival to customs, I handed over my passport and my Israeli loose visa paper conveniently fell out right in front of the border agent. I had no clue I still had one hidden that well (as I use my passport all the time). There I thought that I am f*****d. But the guy was super chill, started laughing and telling me in Spanish how it’s all cool. 😎 I’m surrounded by Lebanese here in Dubai so I’ve do many of their expressions without noticing too. Yalla, see you habibi!

[@christianzamroud5435]

Knafah in the air is possible if you take mea on a morning flight out of Beirut 😊

[@97alcons]

The best birthday gift for me today! I’m very happy that you experienced flying with us. In regards to your comment about Knefe, it is served as breakfast. Thank you for this wonderful trip report and welcome to your second home 🇱🇧

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I was thinking of you. Happy birthday! I loved MEA, they’re really good value for your buck. Now I can’t wait to try the A330! I said the knefe thing as a joke and it seems it’s really there, I’ll have to take a morning flight! yum! Have a nice one and thanks for the nice words! 🇱🇧 ❤️

[@97alcons]

@@TheLayoverAviation Thank you dear! For the A330 there is only one out of the four with a new cabin (OD-MEE) as the rest are older. Have a great time and good morning to you

[@m_zayank]

MEA's new fleet and product are top notch in the market. Awesome ❤

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Absolutely! I wish more knew about it.

[@_AK-47_]

After 8 months of my comment asking you to experience our pride. The Lebanese carrier, you promised and you did do it. Thanks a lot for making my day by experiencing this flight. Just keep in mind, Lebanon is a great place, but from time to time, you will see a lot of bad sights like anywhere else. شكرا

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I know right..! There were many of you requesting it so I’m happy I could finally deliver it! And it won’t be the last time as I genuinely liked this experience. And yes, nowadays bad sights happen everywhere… But I’ve had a great stay in Lebanon, everyone was great to me.

[@rpenalva]

Wonderful video as always! I wish I could visit Beirut some time soon! Keep up the good work!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Ricardo, you’re the best, thanks a lot! So nice of you! Any specific airline request you might have? Send me an email and I’ll try. [e-mail] And I hope you get to visit Beirut soon!

[@LINJ638]

A lot of fun facts that you provided on there. Thank you!!!!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!!

[@annikafriberg6703]

❤ Lived in Beirut for a couple of month wen i was a kid, lived on Baharain Street. Will go back som day.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I do hope you get to go back some day. It is a stunning country indeed. Many of my friends are from there and it’s just lovely people. Have a nice weekend!

[@marcambouphaure]

Great introduction and flight report as always 😊

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks a lot! The intro’s are the only fun part to edit 😂

[@juluisflorendo1222]

Another amazing trip report 🫶🏻

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks my friend!!

[@yousefalzaharani5611]

Well, if it isn't my favorite channel posting another great video! I really enjoy your content.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks a lot Yousef! Glad you enjoyed it! Working hard to make you more video’s! 😊

[@dhairyaagrawal6231]

Love your vids..keep flying ❤❤🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks a lot for watching, glad you liked it!

[@dhairyaagrawal6231]

@@TheLayoverAviation Any plans for India ?

[@abdurrafi6555]

Nice trip report! As always, great video!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks Abdur!!! You’re a star for always being here!

[@antoniodagher3026]

Great way to describe this amazing airline. Truly one of the best airlines ever

[@msassine65]

As an avid fan of your channel, and a Lebanese living in Phoenix, I kept hoping you’d do one video on MEA. I was so excited when it finally happened! Thank you. 😊……Yalla Bay!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I hope to be able to film their A330 soon too! Lebanese are everywhere, incredible! My neighboor in Dubai is and what incredible family.. Definitely one of the most generous cultures in the world! Greetings from Houston!

[@ramyfares9099]

This aircraft does remind me of my childhood days, when I used to fly on MEA’s classic older A321s around 2003-2005

[@asif11138]

Buddy I really like the gesture that you take something for the crew! This is something unique I saw you doing. Excellent man!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It’s a habit from many years.. I fly so much that it’s like home, so I treat staff like family. It makes a difference. Thanks for writing!

[@asif11138]

@@TheLayoverAviation You are welcome!

[@colinrenfrew48]

A very impressive onboard experience. And a great video!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks Colin! It was impressive indeed.

[@LynneHobday1]

Oops, missed this one! It's a good day when there's a new Layover Aviation video to watch

[@ryanthomas49]

Nice airline! I love it!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It’s great indeed! Thanks for watching 👋🏼

[@xperia1983]

Excellent 👍👍👏👏first time seeing review for MEA

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Nice to hear, I hope you liked it!

[@xperia1983]

@@TheLayoverAviation Yess 😍👍

[@nevillehb]

@4:16 which is probably why it’s callsign is Cederjet.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Indeed!

[@jobangharekhan2601]

Your videos are amazing with precise detail

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It makes me happy that you liked it Joban!

[@JelmersAviation]

Really epic video mate! Liked!

[@deanmeixner]

Great review. Excellent leg room, an above average meal for such a short flight and excellent wines. Years ago I worked for an international resort company and spent quite a few years munching on couscous salad topped with French fries for lunch, I still yearn for it to this day, try it if you haven't already. Thanks again and looking forward to your next flight 🥂🥂🥂

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Cous cous with fries on top?! That’s a first one for me but I’ll try! It’s very easy to make. You can make a proper cous cous salad at home in less then 10 minutes. I do make it a lot myself. Thanks for watching!

[@deanmeixner]

@@TheLayoverAviation I often make a proper couscous ... but it's never the same when you make it yourself ... 😂🥂 And it's gotta be fries ... the skinny ones like from McDonalds ... yum.

[@joel5671]

3:04 the first EK 380 special livery with the revised livery in the distance!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Yes! Do you like it?

[@firespace9305]

Love your vids keep flying ❤❤

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks a lot!

[@HassounaDakik]

I was surprised to see this as a Lebanese great job!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks a lot Hassouna, glad you liked it!

[@HassounaDakik]

@@TheLayoverAviation your welcome!

[@msassine65]

Thanks!……….I love it when you mention your son during your videos. You are a good father. Please buy him a candy bar on my behalf.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

That is so nice of you Mike, what nice words, thank you really! I’ll make sure he gets something. He has a big sweet tooth unlike me. But I know exactly what he’ll like! Do you have any particular airline request? Have a nice one!

[@msassine65]

@@TheLayoverAviation I have been in the airline business for 38 years, mostly as an airport manager. I worked for TWA for 15 years and now I work for American Airlines. I don’t have a request just keep surprising me. 😀

[@tjegan1417]

MEA's livery is cool!!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Very much so. All the liveries they currently have are cool (I think the have 3, you can see at the end)

[@rattansingh5406]

Nice video bro keep it up but can't wait for united even better!!❤😂😊

[@woutergijs5246]

Very nice review. Seat , seat pitch, food, modern plane, boarding, IFE… all so much better than the European flag carriers.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

You’re very much right Wouter! I wonder why we settle for so little in Europe..

[@rionsolanki592]

I Love Middle East Airlines🇮🇳🇱🇧❤

[@flywithkiril3225]

Amazing trip report !!

[@sb6181]

Nice report. BA and other a European carriers could learn some lessons from MEA about a decent onboard service!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Totally! BA’s A321neo is a joke compared to this!

[@mikosoft1980]

@thelayoveraviation, you are right about everything regarding our beloved national airline, they put to shame most of 5 stars airlines with the Economy class service. Speaking of your comment regarding Knefe, Knefe is perceived as a breakfast in Lebanon and not desert therefore, MEA offers Knefe as an option over Omelette in morning flights. The meal will be more curated as a breakfast. Thank you for your beautiful review. Hope you enjoyed Lebanon ❤

[@LINJ638]

Hey it is always good to have a brand new airline to promote. I am sure nobody has heard of MEA.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

MEA is very popular here in the Middle East!

[@LINJ638]

@@TheLayoverAviation Not in the US though.

[@maitreyabhattacharya]

Fantastic video However, I thought that this time you will post the Emirates Gamechanger First Class review. In Emirates' new livery, increasing the size of the Emirates on fuselage was great, however the tail was disgusting. I have not seen the wingtip physically as I saw the new livery on the 777. Looking forward to the next video, it seems that 30k is almost here.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Ah yes, it was a little teaser. The Game changer will come but not straight away. I don’t want to publish too much of one airline each week. I try to mix and match! But no worries, it will come!! And yes, 30k almost here.This channel grows like a child 😢

[@firespace9305]

5:52 I see that plane in the background up 👀

[@mhammadshreim4089]

Hello from lebanon !!

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Hi back from Dubai! I hope you liked the video 😊

[@dudeOmzeh]

You should try Iraqi Airways from Dubai to Baghdad, Basra, Erbil or Slemani! We have brand new MAX 8s.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I do want to try! I just have to figure out the whole visa story and such. But it’s in the plans!

[@dudeOmzeh]

@@TheLayoverAviation you have a Spanish passport, so it’s visa on arrival now :)

[@gokulsnair9930]

Nice report. I hate it when the brakes are applied and we will hear a sudden squeaky sound which will absorb the whole sound when recording the video 😁 21:44

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It was some hardcore braking to make the high speed exit! I kind of like the noise though, but it was more fun on the steel brakes and not these carbon ones..

[@eliassaid9906]

Love them

[@mauriceaviation]

Woah! New airline! I wanted to write a comment under the last video, but it didn't let me do it :( So Mr. Bond,another mission is completed,fly MEA! Awesome video 007! I like their new livery,it look better on planes 😊 Thank you for sharing Mr. Bond! It was a nice stay and hope you are doing well! See you soon! Congratulation to 28k! 😄

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Weird it didn’t let you write… Thanks a lot for the comment. But now that you know who I am I’ll be forced to get rid of you 😎 Always a pleasure Maurice and I hope you’re well to. Again thanks a lot, off to 30k!

[@nnn876n]

Hello i am from lebanon beirut and i have a huge fear of flying especially take off and i want to see if u have any advice for me becayse my flight is 28 June and im really scared and i need some advice and its at night, and idk if there is alot of wind of no so u telk me ur experience because im SO scared i hate flying...😅

[@LINJ638]

Hey any idea if Emirates is going to be retiring their entire A380 fleet by any chance in 2030?

[@farzamsobhani1703]

You are always great ❤ but please have flights to Turkey and Iran as well 🎉 maybe your next trip 😊

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I’ve quite a few flights to Turkey on this channel, have a look! Iran is harder but I am trying!

[@mohamedmo6477]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@TheLayoverAviation]

❤️ ✈️

[@LeeAviation]

13:25 That’s interesting… Economy have TVs and business don’t? 🤔

[@Jalalpro123]

My flight it’s 2h and 30min from Beruit to Jeddah airport but it’s next month and 15:31 i ate that when coming back to lebanon

[@JerryMassey]

Do you typically give sweets to the crew upon boarding or at the conclusion of the flight?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

On boarding, after boarding, after take off.. It depends. But almost never at the end!

[@rickyhr727]

CFM LEAP are quite slow to start as well. It is the norm on these high bypass turbofans.

[@EatHealthyLiveHappy24]

I had a question If we want to track a plane exactly where it is now except flying. Can we track by serial or registration number ?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

yes you can, I do it a lot by registration.

[@donnadwarika6370]

❤😂Yup my Happiest time .Of course your Trip Repirt😂❤

[@TheLayoverAviation]

And it’s not the same without you here!

[@donnadwarika6370]

HI Layover Aviation Iare yiu flattering meLOL.Heard these songs iseeyou in everyone by survivor.Also listen to everytime i think of you think by the babys.Anywher it is apowerful song. Yea of course 2 message us great. Always on my mind.

[@donnadwarika6370]

.Me always hoping you will read this.After all cannot just keep this. Maybe I read too many fairytales growing up .Maybe just my crazy imagination..You never leave my mind no matter what..Iwould like to think you started your vlog for fun.Maybe you wonder if you might find a smart woman who feels you.Why because you have answer my final question.Maybe all this is my crazy side.Anyhow you are in all of me no matter what .This is hiw my feelings are.Please listen toMeet me half way by Kenny Loggins..Dermot Kennedy kiss me n Lonliest bu Maneskin.Quote.A word is deadwhen it is said.Some say.I sayit justBegins to live. THAT DAY......II thought i^d winthe spelling bee n get right to the top.But i started to spell banana.n did not know where to stop Bananananana........LOL

[@donnadwarika6370]

The Loneliest by maneskin .Hey me looking forward to travel early next month very excited .Never wonder where all my thoughts are.Always wishing you Happy Travels always.

[@LINJ638]

What are they doing for the A380 training flight? What do they normally do for it?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Many new pilots are joining Emirates, so it could be that. They also do it sometimes after certain maintenance or when returning an aircraft to service. There is many reasons!

[@LINJ638]

@@TheLayoverAviation Interesting.

[@kevin19358]

How much did you pay to fly Lebanon airlines at the time of your booking? I am curious, is that your 1st time flying Lebanon airlines and how is it?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Around $350 One way

[@kevin19358]

I see. Quite expensive, but that's okay. Thanks.

[@Airshiw]

Hey Alex, how do u get the black shadow around the text

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Where you can change the text color and font, there is a subsection that reads “background”.

[@xperia1983]

Flydubai to Yanbu, my place 😍

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Nice to know you live there! I had honestly no idea where it was until I googled it now. It seems like a new airport, no?

[@xperia1983]

@@TheLayoverAviation Yes it’s located in western part of saudi arabia, industrial city. No the airport’s been around for some years now .

[@LINJ638]

Why does the EK flights to Beirut have to be 40 minutes longer due to a detour around Israel?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Politics… It’s very long story. But Lebanon and Israel are not really friends, so it’s not cool to overfly it either if you’re going to Lebanon full of Lebanese.

[@LINJ638]

@@TheLayoverAviation Just like let's say if I were go to Saudi Arabia with a Visa stamp on my passport and I go to Israel, I would not be welcomed as oppose to let's say Israel and UAE, now chums.

[@nabilel-labban2981]

How did you fly into Tel aviv and BEY? I thought that was not allowed

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It’s not really an issue with my passport (Spanish). I’ve been close to all Muslim countries without issues.

[@mhammadshreim4089]

MEA is great airline but more expensive than european / middle east region airlines flights to Lebanon

[@woutergijs5246]

I was tantalized by this great report. But yes, Turkish or Aegan cost just 2/3. With an extra stop.

[@TheLayoverAviation]

For me from Dubai to Europe or just to Lebanon they’re actually more affordable vs Emirates and Euro airlines. But still not the cheapest. It’s a great product though, I’ll take it over Aegean or Turkish any time!

[@ylankhater4095]

Mea does serve kanafeh! As a main for breakfast

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Oh no!!! I should have taken the early flight… I said it as a joke and it seems they really have it, nice! 😎

[@ylankhater4095]

@@TheLayoverAviation definitely!!

[@northstar5934]

whats the MSA arround beirut

[@Airshiw]

MEA is definitely the middle East’s hidden gem, I never flew on the A321 but flew on the A320 and A330 and flew Business class on the A330 although I don’t think the busiiness class product is as good as the Economy and I’m sad the A321neo stopped comping to Doha and were replaced by older A320’s

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I think the Business Class on the A330 depends on the aircraft, as there are different models I believe. But yes, a hidden gem indeed. I wish they got the spotlight more along with Gulf Air. I tried Royal Jordanian too but that’s a different story. I hope they send the Neo once again to Doha. I’ll be there next week flying QR’s new Max 8! 👏

[@Airshiw]

I think I’ll fly Qatars 737 Max at the end of the month to Abu Dhabi but it’s still not confirmed so can u tell me how was the experience when u fly on it

[@AliSleem-pe5zj]

What city other than beirut did you go to in lebanon?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Kahale! My friend is from there.

[@AliSleem-pe5zj]

@@TheLayoverAviation if you were in Beirut again i would recommend jounieh batroun byblos and tyre (tyre is a really clean beach city but unfortunately its near the border with israel/palestine)

[@AliSleem-pe5zj]

So it could be unsafe

[@The_daoud_aviation]

What is the name of the song❤

[@khalidsrecordingsingames6863]

Can you please go from dubai to romania bucharest please make video of my country

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I’ll try but the only direct flights are with Wizzair for 5 hours or flydubai.. One I already covered and the other is going to hurt for 5 hours! But I’ll try!

[@khalidsrecordingsingames6863]

Thank you

[@nadamohamed4940]

Inshallah when day Beirut lebanon 🇱🇧♥️

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Sad what’s going on again..

[@sebastian5132]

How safe is Lebanon right now ?

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I didn’t have any issue.. But of course one has to be cautious, like pretty much everywhere nowadays.

[@লেবাননপ্রবাসিসোহাগ]

Hi bro iam Bangladesh men living From, Lebanon, work, iam look for you

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Thanks a lot for watching! There is somewhere on this channel a video to Bangladesh with Biman ☺️

[@লেবাননপ্রবাসিসোহাগ]

bro i am bangladeshi i work in lebanon i watch all your videos regularly you are coming to lebanon i want to meet you

[@matthewdehavilandkay8449]

No Copyright!

[@matthewdehavilandkay8449]

To: Flair Airlines

[@gavin1872]

MEA full namen is middle Eastern airlines

[@TheLayoverAviation]

It is indeed!

[@prathikshshetty9458]

Gulf air vibes???

[@TheLayoverAviation]

Some yes..

[@ConradHerbert-w6m]

Thurman Skyway

[@Aviationstuff42]

🇪🇸🙄😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@GE90-115B]

That new livery on the A380 is ass

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I’m not really a fan either..

[@manikandangurusamy741]

Hope u enjoyed your hammus and falafel 😂😂😂

[@TheLayoverAviation]

i did!

[@СоколовЮрий-з3л]

Молодцы,показывают,что война делает.

[@faisal4874]

What is ur job

[@TheLayoverAviation]

I do a lot of stuff, but mostly in the hospitality industry.