For the next portion of my trip to Japan via Mongolia, I flew MIAT Mongolian Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 business class on the eight hour overnight flight from Frankfurt to Ulaanbaatar. MIAT Mongolian Airlines recently modernized its fleet, as the airline is replacing its Boeing 767s with Boeing 787s, so I was looking forward to experiencing…
Continue reading: Review: MIAT Mongolian Airlines Business Class Boeing 787 (FRA-UBN)
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The most important take-away from this article is the existence of Dancing with the Stars Mongolia.
I am quite puzzled at how you gave a whole 3.5 star to this airline. Plastic seats, no IFE in English (handheld doesn't count), bad service and basic food...I mean, isn't that two stars?
@ Jake -- The 3.5 star rating is because of the value. MIAT doesn't really charge business class prices for this product, so I feel like that needs to be factored in.
@Ben would you consider breaking down your star rating system to make it more obvious where your weighting your experiences, for instance; Ground Experience, On-Board Experience, Seat, Food & Drink, Crew?
Is this the only airline with different options on the screen and on streaming entertainment? I thought that was a bit bizzarre as usually airlines have either one or the other? Or have I not been flying enough
@ dt -- Definitely unusual. I don't know of any other airline that has streaming entertainment in one language and then seat back entertainment in another language.
"Shortly after boarding, each passenger was offered the choice of sparkling wine or orange juice, and I selected the latter"
The photo suggests that you selected the former!
Amazing to note that Ulaan Baatar airport only has about 20 flights a day. Is that the least busy capital city airport in Asia?!
For all the talk of value, you did not include how much you paid for the flight.
Did you ever figure out where to credit the flight? It's not listed on wheretocredit.
"I booked the following for $1,113.40 one-way, which I’d consider to be a great deal"
I'm sure Pyongyang and Ashgabat have fewer flights. It's impressive they're considering SFO flights.
Methinks an unedited alteration hath occurred betwixt the moment of primary perception and that which is thine own.
@Ben - I don't know if this is new, or if this was an accident, but I couldn't find the section where you list all of the flight details in your flight reviews. I'm talking about the bolded text that states the flight number, route, duration, departure & arrival times, etc.
I noticed because I was looking for the flight time (out of curiosity).
I hope this isn't an intentional change because I really think it's valuable to your flight reviews.
Great review as always Ben. Have to say though I do find it hilarious that whilst flying from Germany to Mongolia you were surprised to see no English speaking programmes. Lol. I’m not sure how many Mongolian programmes would be available from Seattle to Mexico ha.
@ Jamie -- Thanks! I've never been on any airline in the world that had inflight entertainment and didn't have at least some English options...
Thank you, Ben. Your review was very useful to me. I am flying to NRT next October (2024) and decided to flight with MIT. I absolutely agree with you: is worth the price. I got two tickets in business from FRA to NRT with and stopover in UBN for three days, and paid €1,500 per person, which I find it a very good price. Even I like them, I don't pay much attention to the food or amenities, but I do love a good flat bed and comfortable space. I think MIT, meets my expectations at this price in such a long trip. Besides, it gives chances to visit Ulaanbaatar.
I skimmed through this review before, but now checking flights to Seoul can see it's cheapest business flight and going through Mongolia might be extra adventure. Who would have thought 🙂
Delightful experience with Miat, a very nice and meticulous review.
For me it feels like a dream come true, Mongolia!
Congratulations.
When I first flew from UB (in 1995) there were no announcements in English nor any departure gate numbers. When I saw people getting up and forming a queue I asked another passenger if it was the line for the flight to Beijing. He replied that it was the only departure that day!