The constant depravity to plan trips to new and exciting places certainly did not escape me towards the tail end of the year. What did I do? Well, after a beautiful time with friends and family before, on and after Christmas, I wanted to take advantage of some free time that I had. I’d made a promise to a friend that I’d seen not too long ago and realized that there was a new nonstop service between Chennai and Port Louis, Mauritius. Shockingly prices in Economy were north of $1500 USD. Business was in the range of $3500. I guess this isn’t unsurprising given a booking date of T-2 days. This is where the beauty of Frequent Flyer Programs kick in. Aeroplan had seats available to book in both cabins. Economy was priced at 30,000 points and Business was priced at 45,000 points. Purely from a mathematical standpoint, there was better value for the business redemption given the cash price. I went ahead and booked a one way not knowing the exact date that I’d have to return. Not wanting to pay penalties and since this was an award ticket, it only made sense.
Surprisingly Air Mauritius was operating their Flagship A350 that frequents London, Paris, and Johannesburg, on this route. The previous flight was operated by the A330-200 whilst the following week was scheduled with the A330-900 NEO. This was the universe’s calling, It would have been stupid of me to not book the flight, MK747, at this point .
Our Route was quite simple given the nonstop service from Chennai. The flight was just shy of 6 hours end to end. This was my 2nd time flying down to Mauritius, previously having taken the Air Mauritius service from Bombay to Port Louis nonstop on the A330-900 NEO in both directions. During OLCI (Online Check-IN), I saw that 4K was available but for some reason I wasn’t able to choose it on the Air Mauritius website. However, somehow Aeroplan allowed me to choose seats. I called the Air Mauritius desk in India to confirm it just in case. I personally prefer sitting on the right side of the cabin and in seats that are closer to the window. There are two main reasons for this; the first being easier filming angles on the right side if I’m not using a GoPro and second, I prefer the greater level of privacy afforded by seats that are further away from the isle as seen in the seat map (Rows 2,4,6).
The new Integrated Terminal in Chennai
Not sure how I feel about the aesthetic
This is the point where I was told I had to have a return ticket booked otherwise I wouldn't be allowed to board. At this point I quickly opened up my Aeroplan app and booked an Air India (Vistara) flight back on the A321
The lounge entrance with a seperate section for credit cards and those who are business / first class
The new J Lounge
Interesting aesthetic. I just don't love the roof of this terminal
After a quick snack, boarding started flashing on the board so I made my way over
A big upgrade from the previous boarding gates (that still exist just to the west of the integrated terminal which is now the Air India Terminal)
A cozy cabin with a staggered 1-2-1 Layout
My seat for the 5 AM Departure
A very noticeable amount of space that could have easily fit a comfortable arm rest
Wear and tear already showing
Cabin was at half capacity by the time the boarding gates closed
Welcome bergs passed around. I went for the watermelon juice
Liking these colors
New safety videos are always refreshing
A nebulous view on this humid morning in Chennai
Went over to the left side of the plane after takeoff and was greeted by this
Spectacular
It just got better
and better
and better
A quick breakfast service commenced. I try not to eat Breakfast on planes unless it's fruit and meusli. But had to get it for the photo. Interestingly Air Mauritius hits the lights off after the late night / early morning departure. However the captain informed the passengers and crew that there was potentially heavy turbulence as we approached Port Louis so they conducted the service after takeoff
Last shot before I passed out for 3 hours
Solace
Approaching Port Louis
A quick coffee service. The crew insisted I have the sandwiches and sweets. Had a couple bites of the sandwiches and had a great coffee.
Our Routing as began descent
First signs of life
A beautiful view of the Northern side of the Island as we glide into MRU
One of the backbones of the Air Mauritius fleet, the A330-200. This is the regular aircraft the operate on the MAA-MRU flights
Unmistakably Mauritius
The gargantuan Airbus A380-800
The walkway afforded some great views
A fairly organized customs check
Interestingly, bankers have their own automated entry
Someone here hasn't heard about customs limits
Could not ask for a better view on arrival
Thats it for this report! Take a look at my time in Mauritius on the next report! I decided to switch things up and take Vistara’s lie flat business class on their A321 NEO to Chennai via Mumbai.