For the ultimate portion of our journey to Zimbabwe, we flew Emirates’ Airbus A380 firstclass on the marathon 16+ hour flight from Dubai (DXB) to Houston (IAH).
I’ve reviewed Emirates’ A380 firstclass many occasions earlier than, however there was one thing that made this flight particular — it was operated by one in all Emirates’ refurbished A380s, that includes up to date interiors, and it was my first time on one in all these planes. Along with having a premium economic system cabin, this aircraft additionally has up to date firstclass suites with some improved options.
This flight was distinctive. Emirates’ A380 firstclass is so enjoyable to start with, because of the onboard bathe, the bar, the infinite caviar and Dom Perignon, and the leisure. Nonetheless, this flight was even higher than standard, as we couldn’t have had higher flight attendants taking good care of us.
How I booked our Emirates firstclass tickets
I redeemed Emirates Skywards miles for our Emirates firstclass tickets. Particularly, I booked the next ticket in firstclass for 187,500 Emirates Skywards miles plus $1,261.26 per particular person (ouch, Emirates redemptions are costly!):
2/19 EK764 Johannesburg to Dubai departing 6:50PM arriving 5:05AM (+1 day)
2/20 EK211 Dubai to Houston departing 9:45AM arriving 4:20PM
Emirates Skywards firstclass redemptions are very costly these days, by way of the variety of miles required, but additionally by way of money. At the very least this was an superior expertise throughout the board, and sadly there weren’t every other nice redemptions accessible on the day we would have liked to journey.
Emirates Skywards miles are tremendous simple to earn, as Skywards is switch companions with all main transferable factors currencies, together with Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Final Rewards, and Citi ThankYou.
Emirates firstclass lounge & boarding
We had a bit over a 4 hour layover at Dubai Airport. On account of touring in firstclass and connecting, we acquired the Emirates Premium Connections Service Dubai, whereby we had been escorted from Concourse B (the place our flight arrived) to the Emirates First Lounge Dubai Concourse A (the place our flight would depart from.
Since I’ve completely reviewed this lounge and nothing has modified lately, I gained’t be writing an up to date assessment. The Emirates First Lounge Dubai is much from intimate, because it spans your entire size of Concourse A. The advantage of that is that there’s direct boarding accessible from the lounge to many gates.
Our flight was departing from gate A21, with boarding scheduled to begin at 9:10AM, 35 minutes earlier than departure.
Boarding began proper on schedule, so it positive is good to not need to compete with 400+ different folks to board a aircraft. From the lounge boarding gate, you merely take the elevator down a few ranges, and then you definately’re proper within the space main as much as the jet bridge.
The catch is that on US sure flights there are further safety checks (and never only for these with an “SSSS” on their boarding cross), so we each obtained our baggage searched fairly completely, and in addition had a pat down.
Emirates A380 firstclass cabin & seats
Emirates’ A380 firstclass cabin is positioned on the entrance of the higher deck, and it options 14 seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. On the floor, this isn’t a very spacious firstclass cabin — not solely is 14 seats one of many largest firstclass cabins within the skies, however the higher deck of the A380 can be comparatively slim, so the cabin isn’t whilst spacious as you’d discover on a 777.
Nonetheless, I discover this to be a beautiful cabin, whether or not touring alone or with somebody. I used to be excited to be on one of many A380s with “recent” interiors for the primary time. As you possibly can see, Emirates has modified up its coloration scheme — there’s much less gold and bling, however relatively the design is a little more understated, which I fairly like.
Dare I say, maybe Emirates nearly went to the opposite excessive with cabin finishes, as I believe they nearly border on boring? Or possibly Emirates had simply been conditioning us to love bling for approach too lengthy…
The cabin has a complete of eight window seats, with 4 on either side. These can be my first choose if touring alone, so as to look out the window, and have as a lot privateness as attainable.
Should you’re touring with somebody, I’d advocate choosing one of many three pairs of middle seats, which let you benefit from the flight with another person. I recognize this, as a result of many innovative firstclass onerous merchandise are so non-public and remoted that it’s robust to truly hang around throughout a flight (this even contains Emirates’ new 777 firstclass).
Personally I like the middle seats within the final row probably the most, although they had been occupied once we booked (simply be mindful there’s a digicam proper above the seat!), so we as an alternative chosen the seats within the second row.
I sat on the left facet, in seat 2E, whereas Ford sat on the precise facet, in seat 2F. Regardless of the cabin finishes having much less bling, Emirates firstclass continues to be actually “further.” Within the space of the non-public tv, you’ll discover a vainness that may be folded up and down, in addition to a few lamps.
There’s additionally an adequately stocked snack basket, which may in fact be refilled any time. That is on the seat upon boarding, then it’s eliminated for takeoff, then it’s introduced again after takeoff, and many others. You’re free to take as lots of these gadgets residence as you’d like, and people strawberry and cream sweet issues and white chocolate dates are addictive — you’ve been warned!
There’s additionally a stationery set right here, in case you… I dunno, need to hand write a visit report, or need to ship a postcard to a good friend, or one thing? 😉
On the alternative facet of the entrance of the suite of the stationery set, you’ll discover the AC energy outlet and USB-A outlet (there’s additionally a second USB-A outlet nearer to the seat).
Then to the facet of the seat is the minibar, with bottled water and snacks.
There’s additionally a pill that may management all the seat’s capabilities, from the leisure choice, to the seat recline, to the lighting, to the “room service” characteristic. Whereas that is saved in a “bay,” you may also take away it, within the occasion you need simpler entry.
Within the again nook there’s additionally a storage unit, the place you possibly can place some gadgets through the flight.
The tray desk folds out from proper in entrance of the minibar, and is kind of giant.
On the alternative armrest you’ll discover a small storage compartment, plus seat recline and door management buttons.
The Emirates A380 firstclass door opens and closes with the push of a button. With Emirates having up to date its A380 firstclass, it’s my understanding that the door is now a bit larger than it was beforehand. This was noticeable, although in a minor approach.
One factor I like about Emirates firstclass is how there are correct particular person air nozzles close to the seat, that means you may be positive there’s some airflow into your non-public area. That is one thing that’s lacking on far too many airways.
Now, one factor I don’t love about Emirates’ A380 firstclass is the dearth of storage. To make the cabin really feel extra spacious, there aren’t any overhead bins. As an alternative, you’re presupposed to retailer all of your baggage by your toes, which isn’t preferrred. When your seat is become a mattress, count on that you just gained’t really be capable to entry gadgets simply. That is an space the place the compactness of the cabin is fairly evident.
Every seat additionally has a closet on the very entrance, although in actuality this additionally goes into the area of your legroom, since stuff simply hangs freely there.
All-in-all, Emirates’ “new” A380 firstclass is a pleasant enchancment over the previous product, as there are some purposeful enhancements, and most of the people will most likely favor the cabin finishes as nicely.
Emirates firstclass facilities
Upon settling in, the stellar firstclass flight attendants all got here by to introduce themselves, and began showering us with the standard Emirates pre-departure facilities. We had been first offered with very nicely stocked BVLGARI amenity kits, containing the whole lot from a dental equipment, to a shaving equipment, to quite a lot of BLGARI toiletries.
We had been additionally given pajamas, that are described as being moisturizing. I discover these pajamas to be actually comfy, and so they don’t really feel practically as heat as you’d count on, primarily based on them.
We had been additionally given the Emirates tote bag, which is obtainable on the A380. The intent is that you need to use this to move stuff to and from the bathe suite. Emirates actually does consider the whole lot.
The pajamas had been accompanied by slippers. It appears Emirates lately up to date its slippers, and now they’re nearly extra like footwear you possibly can slide on and off. I like these, and so they’re simply my favourite slippers provided by any airline.
There have been noise canceling Bowers & Wilkins headphones at our seats, which I discovered to be top quality.
We had been additionally provided pre-departure drinks of selection, and we each determined to have a glass of champagne — Emirates serves Dom Perignon 2017 — yum! Simply take into account that in case you’re originating from an outstation, the airline won’t open the Dom Perignon till after takeoff, so you might need to plan your consumption accordingly.
We had been additionally offered with heat towels throughout boarding.
Lastly, we had been poured Arabic espresso, accompanied by a number of dates.
The crew went above and past to supply refills of each the champagne and low.
Lastly, after takeoff the purser stopped by our seat to current us with the menu and drink checklist, displayed in a leather-based binder.
Emirates A380 firstclass leisure & Wi-Fi
Emirates presents among the many greatest inflight leisure of any airline on the planet, with its ICE system. There’s an infinite number of films, TV reveals, reside TV, audio, video games, and extra. The standard and amount of the leisure choice is hard to beat.
Now, as an aviation geek, my single favourite factor about Emirates’ A380 inflight leisure is the tail digicam, although sadly that wasn’t working accurately on this flight. I imply, I suppose it was form of cool in an inventive approach, but it surely was additionally onerous to know what was happening.
The map characteristic was working as anticipated, and I loved keeping track of the progress of the flight, particularly given the distinctive route.
Emirates additionally has Wi-Fi on its Airbus A380s, offered by OnAir. Whereas some connectivity is healthier than no connectivity, that is among the many slowest web you’ll discover within the skies. On the plus facet, it’s priced accordingly.
Emirates presents free Wi-Fi for Skywards members in premium cabins, so I obtained free Wi-Fi all through the flight by logging in with my Skywards credentials (Skywards members in non-premium cabins obtain free messaging).
For many who aren’t Skywards members or touring in a premium cabin, you should purchase a full flight Wi-Fi cross for $19.99, which isn’t horrible, given the size of the flight. You may also buy a less expensive messaging cross.
Do word the restricted protection map, as there’s no Wi-Fi for a lot of the flight in case you’re taking the polar route. I discovered that Wi-Fi minimize off for round six hours in the course of the flight, a bit longer than anticipated primarily based on the map.
Emirates A380 departure from Dubai
Boarding was fairly environment friendly for an A380. half-hour after boarding began, at 9:40AM, the captain made his welcome aboard announcement. He knowledgeable us of our flight time of 16hr5min, and our preliminary cruising altitude of 31,000 toes, previous to ultimately climbing as much as 39,000 toes, as we burned off gas.
Enjoyable truth — this was really the longest Emirates departure from Dubai that day. Our flight time was longer than the flight to Auckland (Emirates’ route that covers probably the most distance, however there’s a tailwind), and in addition longer than the flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco (which many would assume are longer, however they aren’t).
I often luck out when flying Emirates firstclass, and have an almost empty cabin (in spite of everything, I often redeem miles, and area is usually solely launched when there are many open seats). Nonetheless, on this flight there have been 12 of 14 firstclass seats taken. Regardless of that, as I’ll cowl under, the crew couldn’t have been any higher, and so they paid a lot consideration to every passenger.
Three of the primary class passengers had been deadheading Emirates pilots, positioning to Houston. My gosh, speak about a comfortable deadheading project! The remainder of the primary class crowd was a bit completely different than I used to be anticipating, however maybe that’s Houston particular.
Anyway, at 9:50AM the purser made his welcome aboard announcement, introducing the 26 cabin crew, coming from 19 nations, and talking 18 languages. At 10AM we started our pushback, at which level the security video was screened.
We then began up the engines and taxied to the departure runway, the place we had been cleared for takeoff at 10:20AM. It was a clean climb out, and the seatbelt signal was turned off about 10 minutes after takeoff.
Emirates firstclass meal service
Emirates has a dine on demand idea in firstclass, and you may order no matter you’d like, everytime you’d like. What impresses me most is that not like on another airways, I discover that Emirates nearly by no means runs out of meals, even afterward within the flight.
Yow will discover the Emirates firstclass meals menu under. As you possibly can see, there’s a ton of flexibility. There are each breakfast and lunch choices, a lightweight bites menu, a film snack menu, and extra.
Yow will discover the Emirates firstclass drink menu under.
With a flight departing shortly earlier than 10AM and arriving shortly 4PM, the way in which folks go about consuming isn’t essentially what you’d count on. Needless to say on Emirates, a overwhelming majority of persons are solely transiting Dubai, and already had a protracted day previous to the flight.
Nearly everybody had lunch or dinner after takeoff, after which breakfast earlier than touchdown, as backwards as that will sound (not less than by way of native time on the vacation spot).
After takeoff, Ford and I had some extra of the Dom Perignon. We had been provided combined nuts, olives, or chips to go together with it, and I chosen the combined nuts.
We determined to attend a bit bit to eat, after which lastly had a meal a bit over an hour after takeoff. You’ve gotta love when your flight is so lengthy that the route can barely match on a map.
With round 15 hours remaining to Houston, our tables had been set, in anticipation of the meal.
This included a bread basket. Emirates’ garlic rolls are sinfully scrumptious.
In the beginning of the meal we had been provided the amuse bouche, comprised of a mango salad with feta, and a few form of an egg tart. Yum.
For our first course we had caviar. Emirates serves “limitless” caviar in firstclass, and masses an obscene quantity for every passenger (don’t fear, it’s not wasted if not consumed, as it will definitely makes it again to Dubai). To say that Emirates’ caviar servings are beneficiant can be the understatement of the 12 months.
For the starter, I chosen the prawns, served chilled with pomelo and papaya salad, roasted cashew nuts, and sriracha dressing. This was scrumptious, although I don’t consider the prawns had been pan-fried, not like what the menu advised (no biggie, although).
Ford ordered the meat consommé, served with greens and a beef meatball. Emirates does an outstanding job with presentation, because the broth was poured into the bowl on the seat.
For the principle course, I had the combined grill, with rooster kebab, rooster tikka and kofta, sautéed spinach, zaatar lavosh, and roasted tomato with black pepper. This was glorious… and also you’re welcome, pricey OMAAT readers, for me not ordering fish for as soon as. 😉
As an alternative of going with a standard primary course, Ford ordered the Arabic mezze, comprised of hummus, tabbouleh, kisir salad, fattoush, tahini, stuffed vine leaves, smoked aubergine dip, falafel, and beetroot walnut kibbeh. Emirates has the perfect mezze within the skies, and it’s even higher than up to now, for my part.
After such a feast we had been stuffed, and couldn’t even carry ourselves to order a dessert. The flight attendants nonetheless got here round to supply us one thing from the decadent firstclass chocolate field.
Emirates A380 firstclass loos & bathe spa
On the conclusion of the meal, I checked out the bathrooms, which could simply be the perfect a part of the Emirates A380 firstclass expertise. Behind firstclass, you’ll discover a fairly commonplace bathroom, which you’ll solely need to use if the opposite two are occupied. The bathroom is first rate sufficient, however nothing particular.
The celebs of the present are the 2 bathrooms on the entrance of the cabin, that are in truth bathe suites. There’s one on either side of the staircase resulting in the decrease deck.
You’ll additionally discover a bit bar setup right here, the place you possibly can assist your self to drinks and snacks.
Regardless of how typically I fly Emirates firstclass, I can’t cease getting giddy about these bathrooms, as a result of it’s so onerous to course of the truth that these are within the sky. There’s merely nothing else like this in business aviation.
There are various issues to like concerning the bathe spas. For one, the sheet quantity of area you will have makes it simple to vary, shave, or no matter. Moreover, there’s a devoted bathe attendant, who simply continually refreshes the lavatory.
I believe one underrated side of a very good firstclass is persistently clear loos, and so they don’t get cleaner than on Emirates. Heck, you’d be onerous pressed to enter the bathroom and never discover the towels in an ideal triangle.
The bathroom even has heated flooring, which, once more, is form of subsequent stage.
Every passenger can reserve a bathe slot, after which take a bathe sooner or later through the flight. I’ve written a information to the Emirates A380 bathe suite, so verify that out, as I gained’t go into an excessive amount of element right here.
I showered round three hours earlier than touchdown… WHAT FUN! Since passengers are inclined to bathe towards the tip of the flight, the bar space on the entrance of the cabin is reworked right into a spa like setting, with a cute water characteristic and tea setup.
Additionally, after the bathe, the crew locations a heat towel and a few fruit at your seat, meant as a refresher.
Emirates A380 enterprise class bar
The Emirates A380 isn’t simply recognized for the bathe suites, but additionally for the bar, positioned behind enterprise class. On this flight, each seat in enterprise class was occupied.
We checked out the bar a few occasions through the flight, primarily to stretch our legs. Should you’re in firstclass and are introverted (like me), I’d advocate visiting when there’s a meal service in enterprise class, since that’s when will probably be quietest (Emirates doesn’t have dine on demand in enterprise class).
There are just a few completely different variations of the Emirates bar, and the plane we had been on had two couches of types alongside the facet of the fuselage.
Emirates A380 firstclass mattress
I’m an terrible airplane sleeper. Like, I’m satisfied I rank within the high 1% of people that suck at sleeping on planes. In fact I’m fortunate to journey in consolation, however even then, I typically have a tough time resting. It’s the precise reverse of how I’m at residence, the place I get nice sleep.
Anyway, with about 13 hours remaining to Houston, we determined to get some relaxation, so the crew ready the beds for us. Whereas Emirates’ firstclass mattress isn’t the biggest, I discover the bedding to be plush, and I’m often simply capable of get comfy. Sadly that’s not the identical factor as staying asleep, although.
I ended up getting all of two hours of sleep, waking up with slightly below 11 hours remaining to Houston, as we had been flying over Russia.
That was the extent of my sleep on this sector, sadly. Oh nicely, it allowed me to not less than be productive and in addition watch some reveals, which isn’t the worst factor on earth.
Emirates firstclass snack service
Upon waking up, I ordered a cappuccino, which had the Emirates brand stenciled on it — how cute!
With about eight hours remaining to Houston, I used to be a bit peckish, so had a take a look at the film snack menu. Whereas the film snack choices are printed in the principle menu, Emirates has a separate film snack menu within the form of a popcorn container.
I made a decision to have some popcorn, edamame, and kimbap (mainly Korean sushi). How cool is that this presentation, particularly for an airplane?
Ultimately, that was all we ate on the flight. We selected to not have a pre-landing meal, as a result of after sitting for thus lengthy (and in addition having a good bit of champagne), we simply weren’t hungry.
Emirates firstclass service
Whereas there’s a lot to love about Emirates, what was greatest about this flight was the service. The crew working firstclass on this flight couldn’t have any higher. Interval. Actually, I didn’t have very excessive expectations of attentiveness, given how full the cabin was, however boy was I flawed.
As standard, there have been three flight attendants working firstclass, and the purser additionally checked on us once in a while. Gail from New Zealand was working my aisle, and he or she was a famous person. Nearly each time I went to the lavatory, my seat can be refreshed. And even after I wasn’t utilizing the blanket, it will be folded up, and in some instances a flower would even be positioned on it.
There was barely the possibility to even ask for something through the flight, for the reason that crew checked on everybody so typically, and was anticipatory.
Service on Emirates could be a combined bag, and I’ve had my fair proportion of nice crews, and in addition my fair proportion of subpar crews. This was among the many greatest I’ve had.
Towards the tip of the flight, the crew additionally handed by the cabin with boxed of goodies, as if we hadn’t loved sufficient already.
Emirates A380 arrival in Houston
This flight felt actually, actually lengthy, particularly given how little I slept (I can solely think about the way it felt in economic system!).
After what felt like an eternity, the captain made an announcement at 3:35PM native time, informing us that we’d be touchdown in round 50 minutes, at 4:25PM. 20 minutes later we started our descent, after which 10 minutes after that, the seatbelt signal was turned on. Positive sufficient, we touched down at 4:25PM. From there we had a roughly 5 minute taxi to our arrival stand.
Upon arriving on the gate, we bid farewell to the crew, cleared immigration, after which took a United flight again to Miami. Goodness, actuality hit onerous…
Backside line
Emirates’ A380 firstclass stays one in all my favourite firstclass experiences within the sky. Sure, there are loads of seats, and the area devoted to every passenger isn’t big, not less than in comparison with Etihad’s A380 First Class Condo and Singapore’s A380 Suites. However on a very good day, Emirates completely nails it.
The foods and drinks choice are in depth and spectacular, the leisure choice is big, the facilities are nice, the bar is a enjoyable place to stretch your legs, and the bathe spa is not like anything within the sky. Once you mix this with the good service we had on this flight, we couldn’t have presumably requested for extra.
I’m additionally glad I lastly had the possibility to strive Emirates’ refreshed A380 firstclass. I do suppose it’s mildly higher than the previous product, although I wouldn’t say it makes that a lot of a distinction.
What’s your tackle Emirates’ A380 firstclass?
