I took one for the team and am going to fly business class on Emirates this week, with a chance to experience both an A380 and 777-300.
I say “take one for the team” because first class award space was open and I’ve got enough Alaska Airlines miles. And while I argued earlier today that the premium for first class over business class is worthwhile, I made an exception to my “general rule” so that I could offer a current longhaul review of Emirates business class for Live and Let’s Fly.
Plus, I have an ulterior motive, of sorts. I’ve got some meeting in the region this week that I need to be well-rested for. The hope is that my flight in business class will be sandwiched with sleep, with a couple meals on either end. From the perceptive of a writer, reviewing a business class product is much easier…I have less to “miss out on” by sleeping.
My expectations are guarded. While I expect a great flight, I understand that Emirates business class is not like Etihad or Qatar, featuring dine-on-demand service. I’m hoping for a friendly and professional crew — I’ve had mixed experiences on Emirates in the past. I’m also expecting to be offline for 15.5 hours…the wi-fi on Emirates has a poor reputation and I have yet to take an Emirates flight with functioning wi-fi (i.e. fast enough to load email).
I’m not in a particularly talkative mood when traveling alone, so I do not expect to hang out in the bar for any length of time. I still love the concept of communal space onboard and think Emirates pulls it off better than most.
CONCLUSION
So off we go again. And the return is up in the air…I’ll have some thoughts on that later in the week and may enlist your help in choosing an adequate return. But I’m really looking forward to experiencing my first longhaul flight in Emirates business class!
Have you flown Emirates in business class lately? Anything to look out for?
longhair flight???
Spell check doesn’t like “longhaul”
I think there is splurging and then there is Alaska miles for Emirates first splurging…150k Miles is just too much.
Costs less to travel RT cathay first.
That’s a fair point.
Yeah, look out for kids. They’ll ruin the whole thing if given half a chance!
Perspective- perception
“I’m not in a particularly talkative mood when traveling alone, so I do not expect to hang out in the bar for any length of time.”
Why are so many bloggers introverted? Not that you SHOULD have to talk to “Bob”, the greeting card salesman from Dubuque for two hours; but it seems that bloggers (Lucky as well) are completely afraid of anyone that might be interesting (or not) within the joy of a good story to tell or a bond you never expected.
I am not judging but curious as to someone that posts every subtle detail of a moment can imagine a conversation on a plane to be cringe worthy. Or unworthy. You at least post the reports of mentally unstable people that talk to you. How about the really cool people that became life long friends? There have to be some. If not, you are totally missing out.
I’ve often wondered this, too. But knowing how I, an extrovert, interact with folks while on travel, I’d say this is more bloggers mischaracterizing themselves as introverts because they don’t actually know what the terms mean or because it makes them appear less standoffish as if they need a reason to justify why they didn’t talk to anyone in the lounge or on the plane. When I’m on a travel for work or pleasure, an airport lounge or airplane isn’t a place where I genuinely care to meet people. It’s not because I’m a dick and I prefer to actively ignore anyone or I’m looking for solitude specifically, it’s because I’m likely working, downloading movies, catching up on the news/blogs, eating, drinking, or sleeping – all acts that don’t require I interact with anyone needlessly. We extroverts draw energy from social interaction and the energy of others around us; we don’t necessarily force ourselves to make smalltalk with anyone and everyone any time there’s a silence among strangers…which is how it appears travel bloggers think extroversion works. In the immortal words of so many America’s Next Top Model contestants, “I’m not [t]here to make friends” when I’m travelling by myself. Yet, put me in a b’day party setting or at a bar/club with a handful of folks I know, I’ll easily make the rounds and be a Chatty Cathy and at least know 75-80% of the people there by the time I leave. And I’ll be more energized and social the more I do it. It’s logarithmic almost. Those are very different scenarios.
I would say I am identical to you, Adam, in that I am an extrovert and enjoy meeting interesting people, but, yes, can also enjoy quiet time on the plane to work, read, etc.
But if seated next to someone that is interesting I am all for a chat. I actually enjoy Emirates lounge to stretch and meet a few characters, whether crew or passengers. Not for the entire flight but to at least break up 12 hours in the air in isolation. In the past while flying whoever it has resulted in dates in the city, friendships, some good tips on destinations, and a few times an actual networking win
I guess it could also be a generational thing. I am in my early 50’s and clearly older than both Matthew and Lucky..who are on the millennial side of things. Not to label an age group as one way or another but it does seem at times that even making eye contact with a millennial is a struggle. Perhaps because so many relationships are developed and grow through the use of devices.
I dunno. I just found it interesting – and while Matthew appears to be a nice dude and fairly outgoing – that comment surprised me. Maybe this is why doors are the new must have in business class. Regardless, for me, the greatest rewards of travel are the bonds, connections, and people you meet…whether on a plane, in a cafe or sitting on a beach.
I have been flying Emirates business class for almost 16 years.
Recently I have travelled Emirates first class from jfk-dxb and return.
Their jfk-dxb flight, leaving jfk at 11pm has recently lost one of its most important points in the respect that business and first class passengers can no longer board directly from the lounge.
I have enjoyed the flight, both ways, on the Airbus 380 however the Emirates business class flight on the Boing 777 has much to be desired.
The cabin crew on the Durban- Dubai flight has seriously degraded over the years and seating in business class does not have direct isle access for window seats.
Even the new 777’s have this problem which flies in the face of most 777 business class configurations on most other airlines.
I am not, in the least, surprised that Emirates profits have dropped 69% during 2018 and that passenger numbers have fallen drastically at Dubai Airport over the last two years.
Emirates management is a disgrace and have lowered the Business class facitities whilst at the same time increasing their prices.
When contacted, their response is one of arrogance.
on
Flew the 380 in J recently and loved the seat and linens. Slept through everything – can’t comment on the food 😉
I flew their A380 Business class on the DXB-LHR route. Had to say the flight was disturbed by a child that simply refused to stop screaming towards the later part of the flight. Parents were quite harrowed. The screaming was bad enough that other kids also felt it was too much. Other than that, flight was okay I guess. Isn’t at Qatar level which simply blew me away. Food is also not that great on Emirates. Qatar has emirates beat when it comes to food.
Matthew, you have asked for comments on your forthcoming Emirates Business Class trip. In the last 4 years I have flown Business Class from Lisbon to Brisbane via Dubai. LIs-Dxb on 777-300ER and from Dxb-Bne on A380. The same on the return flights. Bearing in mind Lisbon is not a hub for Emirates, they share the Tap lounge which is adequate but not great. Boarding is fine and well controlled. On board service is fine with usual welcome drink before take-off. Quality and choice of meal good. Arrival at Dxb was good with transfer and security easy to get through with priority pass. I once made the mistake of having an 8 hour stopover and although the Business Class lounge is good as you would expect at Emirates own terminal I couldn’t find anywhere to get horizontal so ended up with a crick in my neck from sleeping in an armchair! Now, the A380 is totally another storey. For me the best, most comfortable and quietest airliner I have ever flown in, and my flying started in Dacota DC3s and super constellation aircraft!! I guess I have flown in almost all western built aircraft. Never dared to fly with Aeroflot! The 14h30 flight to Bne is virtually all overnight as it is on the return. The staff provided you with a mattress as well as a blanket. Unlike you, I use the bar at the rear of the cabin and have met some great people and had a load of laughs with the wonderful multiracial and multi-lingual staff Emirates employ. The entertainment centered around their on-board Ice system is excellent. Never short of something to see if you are not a good sleeper. When I returned from Bne to Dxb at the end of February I slept for 8 hours and felt I should have stayed awake more to take advantage of their entertainment system. I am an avid supporter of Emirates and the A380. When I learned that eventually they will phase them out for obvious economic reasons I was c close to tears. I will continue to fly on the A380 as long as they are flying. Good luck on your trip and I will certainly be looking out for your report. If you can email me a copy I would appreciate it (tim.chambers@sapo.pt).
A380 business class is much more comfortable and roomier than the 777 business class on the Sydney to bangkok route,i flew exclusively with Emirates on this route up until recently when Emirates decided to cancel this service
I always maintained Emirates was the best airline….bit now I have to decide on a new airline for my freqent travel from Sydney to south east Asia
Sorry but Qantas just doesn’t make the grade.
Emirates will still sell you a ticket but stick you on a partner flight ie Qantas