Established in 1945, Middle East Airlines or MEA launched its services from Beirut to a few neighboring cities. It was only in 1963 that it extended its services to European, African and Middle Eastern destinations. It is the flag carrier of Lebanon, with its head office in Beirut, close to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. The high quality services offered by this airline are in close resemblance to the hospitality of the Lebanese culture. To honor such services, it has been recognized as the Middle East’s leading cabin crew in 2013 at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
The Fleet
Among the most modern fleets in the world complete with sophisticated cabin and on board facilities, the MEA fleet comprises of aircraft of almost every size. The Airbus 330-200 consists of 44 Cedar class seats and 200 Economy class ones, powered by a Rolls Royce Trent 772 engine. The A321-200 has a spacious layout, consisting of 118 Economy Class and 31 Cedar class seats. The A320-200 has 102 Economy class seats and 24 Cedar class seats.
Destination
Flying to close to 30 holiday destinations in the Middle East, Australia, West Africa, North and South America, and Europe, Middle East Airlines also travels to 6 other seasonal destinations, including Medina, Copenhagen, Nice, Mykonos, Sarajevo and Sharma el-Sheikh. In Australia, it travels to Sydney and Melbourne; in Africa it travels to Abidjan, Lagos, Dakar and Accra, among others. In South America, it flies to Sao Paolo; while the North American destinations served include Los Angeles, Toronto, Detroit, New York, Boston, Washington and Houston. In Europe, it travels to Paris, London, Geneva, Rome, Milan, Moscow and Bucharest, among others. In the Gulf and the Middle East, it travels to several locations, including Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Doha, Dubai, Amman and Baghdad.
In Flight Entertainment
There is a wide range of in flight entertainment options, including watching video and popular movies such as Hercules, Half of a Yellow Sun, Begin Again, etc. The airline also provides delicious meals from Lebanese and European cuisine. From brunch, lunch and dinner, you are served delicious food at any time depending on your holiday destination. Moreover, there are shopping services on board at reduced prices on various items, which you can browse through in the in flight magazine.
Ground Facilities and Web Check in
With the advantage of web check in from 24 hours to 3 hours before the flight takes off, travelers do not have to spend long hours at the airport. However, if you do arrive early, business class, first class and other VIP passengers can conveniently wait, relax and unwind at the Cedar Lounge. With a capacity of 300 passengers, the lounge has a self service bar and cafeteria, along with a Play Station to be children occupied.
Online Booking and Baggage
You can conveniently get flight tickets online and select where you want to sit. The carry-on baggage limit is under 10 kgs, with dimensions up to 56 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm.