Let me tell you about Emirates...

We were encouraged to fly to India via Emirates Airlines from a good friend Gautam Cheveru who does the New York - Mumbai trip frequently. "The price is not much different, you have to fly via Dubai and they understand service", sez he. He was not kidding. I now know why U.S. airlines - and perhaps European airlines as well - are doomed to failure. Luxurious treatment. The stewardesses were uniformly dressed young, attractive women - as Aaron says, "with a hint of a veil". America is so damned politically correct that our stewards and stewardesses are primarily old cranks with a chip on their shoulder. And they charge you to go to the bathroom, for God's sake.

We flew economy class. We ate multiple meals all served with a menu - all halal - but with as many complimentary beverages as you could wish for. We opted for the French Chardonnay. Each seat had a large video with games, TV shows, hundreds of movies and in-flight, video views out the front of and underneath the jet. Best of all, there were LED stars all across the ceiling all night long... and at dawn, the cabin lights slowly came up with a pale orange glow.

The Mighty hunter of the East has truly caught the Sultan's turret in a noose of light!