Emirates is a highly acclaimed airline with a reputation for its premium in-flight products. With the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380s, Emirates connects destinations worldwide, offering luxurious in-flight services such as stand-up lounge bars for first and business class and in-flight showers for first-class passengers. However, some minor hiccups do exist, such as middle seats in business class on certain aircraft. Emirates has four classes of service: first, business, premium economy, and economy. Within the business class, there are varying levels of seat quality despite receiving the same benefits on the ground.
What to Expect When Flying Business Class with Emirates
Flying business class with Emirates is a different experience from the U.S.-based carriers. Emirates offers a chauffeur service for business class passengers, picking them up at least 12 hours before departure, and the distance from the airport varies by city. Passengers flying to or from the Americas on Emirates are allowed up to two bags weighing 70 pounds each, and two carry-ons weighing around 15 pounds each.
Business class passengers enjoy priority check-in desks and baggage reclaim, and those departing from Dubai Concourse A can board directly from the lounge. Emirates offers lavish lounges with hot and cold buffets, impressive bar selections, and sometimes a la carte meals. Lie-flat seats are available in Emirates business class, but the seat configuration varies by aircraft type. The Dubai base has the most impressive business-class lounges, including the Moët and Chandon Champagne lounges.
Popular Emirates Business Class Fleets
Emirates A380 business class: A380 business class on Emirates offers direct aisle access and alternating window or aisle seats on the sides, and varied seating in the center section for more privacy. On the A380, passengers can enjoy the famous onboard lounge and bar exclusive to this aircraft.
Boeing 777 business class: Boeing 777 business class on Emirates is tricky with angled lie-flat seats and a 2-3-2 setup, except for the 777-200LR which has a 2-2-2 configuration. The cabin of Emirates business class uses cream, hardwoods, and gold finishes for a luxurious design. Top-notch in-flight service remains the same regardless of seating configuration.
Wine and Dine in the Sky
Emirates offers high-quality menu selections, including Arabic mezze appetizers and champagne breakfasts. Passengers are served meals on Royal Doulton fine bone china with custom-made Robert Welch cutlery. Meals on Emirates are halal, and there is a light bites menu available in between main meals.
The drink menu includes premium labels like Hennessy X.O cognac and Chivas Regal 18-year-old Scotch whisky. Emirates serves meals at set times but will honor dine-on-demand requests. Airbus A380 planes have in-flight lounges where passengers can gather for a drink, sandwich, snack, dessert, or even a meal.
Is Emirates Business Class Worth the Money
Emirates offers exceptional airport and onboard experiences that surpass the competition. Business class passengers are pampered regardless of their seat location. Emirates Skywards miles can be earned by flying with the airline, transferring points from credit card rewards programs, or applying for the airline’s credit cards. Accumulating Skywards miles enhances the overall Emirates experience. Passengers can enjoy a cocktail in the lounge of an Airbus A380 at 36,000 feet above the earth.
Emirates has established itself as a leading airline in the world, and business class is no exception. With a luxurious experience that begins before boarding and extends well beyond the flight’s end, Emirates offers a truly exceptional experience. Business class passengers enjoy a range of services and amenities, including priority check-in and boarding, chauffeur service, and access to luxurious lounges with hot and cold buffets, impressive bar selections, and sometimes a la carte meals.
While the seat configuration varies Passengers who wish to enhance their experience further can also transfer their Emirates Skywards miles to other loyalty programs, such as hotel rewards programs, or use them to access Emirates’ partner lounges worldwide.
One downside to Emirates business class is the middle seat in some aircraft configurations. On the Boeing 777, for example, the 2-3-2 layout means that some passengers will have to sit in the middle seat. However, Emirates has announced plans to replace these aircraft with the newer Boeing 777X, which will have a more favorable 1-2-1 layout.
Another thing to consider is the cost. Emirates business class fares are not cheap, and depending on the route and time of year, they can be quite expensive. However, for many passengers, the extra cost is worth it for the added comfort and convenience.
Overall, Emirates business class is a top-notch product that offers an exceptional in-flight experience. From the chauffeur service to the onboard lounge, the airline has thought of everything to make its passengers feel pampered and comfortable. While the cost may be high, the benefits are worth it, and Emirates Skywards miles can help offset some of the expenses.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
In addition to the luxurious amenities and exceptional service that Emirates offers in its business class cabins, the airline has also made significant efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emirates has implemented a range of measures to protect passengers and crew, including the use of HEPA filters on board to remove 99.97% of airborne particles, mandatory mask-wearing for all passengers and crew, and enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols.
In addition, Emirates has made changes to its in-flight service to reduce contact between passengers and crew. For example, meals are now served in pre-packaged boxes instead of on traditional trays, and hot towels and blankets are provided on request rather than being offered as part of the standard service.
Passengers traveling in Emirates business class can also take advantage of the airline’s new health and hygiene kits, which include masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Overall, Emirates has taken a proactive approach to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers during these challenging times. By implementing stringent safety measures and flexible booking policies, the airline has shown its commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience while also prioritizing the health and well-being of its customers and crew.
In conclusion, flying in Emirates business class is an experience that should not be missed by any traveler seeking the ultimate in luxury and comfort. From the chauffeur service to the onboard lounge, the airline has thought of everything to make its passengers feel pampered and comfortable. With its commitment to safety and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates has demonstrated its dedication to providing a top-notch travel experience. While the cost may be high, the benefits are worth it, and Emirates Skywards miles can help make the experience more accessible.
