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 instances earlier than, however there was one thing that made this flight particular — it was operated by certainly one of Emirates’ refurbished A380s, that includes up to date interiors, and it was my first time on certainly one of these planes. Along with having a premium economic system cabin, this airplane additionally has up to date firstclass suites with some improved options.
This flight was distinctive. Emirates’ A380 firstclass is so enjoyable to start with, due to the onboard bathe, the bar, the limitless caviar and Dom Perignon, and the leisure. Nonetheless, this flight was even higher than normal, as we couldn’t have had higher flight attendants caring for 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 individual (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. A minimum of this was an superior expertise throughout the board, and sadly there weren’t every other nice redemptions out there 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 obtained 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 not too long ago, I received’t be writing an up to date overview. 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 out there from the lounge to many gates.
Our flight was departing from gate A21, with boarding scheduled to start out 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 airplane. From the lounge boarding gate, you merely take the elevator down a few ranges, and then you definitely’re proper within the space main as much as the jet bridge.
The catch is that on US certain flights there are further safety checks (and never only for these with an “SSSS” on their boarding move), so we each received our luggage searched fairly completely, and likewise 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 greatest firstclass cabins within the skies, however the higher deck of the A380 can be comparatively slim, so the cabin isn’t at the same time as 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’ll be able to see, Emirates has modified up its coloration scheme — there’s much less gold and bling, however reasonably 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 method too lengthy…
The cabin has a complete of eight window seats, with 4 on all sides. These could be my first choose if touring alone, to be able to look out the window, and have as a lot privateness as attainable.
In the event you’re touring with somebody, I’d advocate deciding on one of many three pairs of middle seats, which let you benefit from the flight with another person. I respect this, as a result of many innovative firstclass exhausting merchandise are so personal and remoted that it’s powerful to really hang around throughout a flight (this even contains Emirates’ new 777 firstclass).
Personally I like the middle seats within the final row essentially the most, although they had been occupied once we booked (simply consider there’s a digital camera proper above the seat!), so we as a substitute chosen the seats within the second row.
I sat on the left aspect, in seat 2E, whereas Ford sat on the best aspect, in seat 2F. Regardless of the cabin finishes having much less bling, Emirates firstclass continues to be actually “further.” Within the space of the private tv, you’ll discover a vainness that may be folded up and down, in addition to a few lamps.
There’s additionally a well provisioned snack basket, which might after all 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 so on. 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, wish to hand write a visit report, or wish to ship a postcard to a good friend, or one thing? 😉
On the alternative aspect 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 aspect of the seat is the minibar, with bottled water and snacks.
There’s additionally a pill that may management all the seat’s features, from the leisure choice, to the seat recline, to the lighting, to the “room service” characteristic. Whereas that is saved in a “bay,” you can even take away it, within the occasion you need simpler entry.
Within the again nook there’s additionally a storage unit, the place you’ll be able to place some gadgets in the course of the flight.
The tray desk folds out from proper in entrance of the minibar, and is sort of massive.
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 greater than it was beforehand. This was noticeable, although in a minor method.
One factor I really 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 personal house. 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 are not any overhead bins. As a substitute, you’re speculated to retailer all of your luggage by your ft, which isn’t perfect. When your seat is become a mattress, count on that you simply received’t truly be capable of 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 house 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 practical enhancements, and most of the people will in all probability favor the cabin finishes as properly.
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 properly stocked BVLGARI amenity kits, containing every part from a dental equipment, to a shaving equipment, to a wide range of BLGARI toiletries.
We had been additionally given pajamas, that are described as being moisturizing. I discover these pajamas to be actually snug, 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 every part.
The pajamas had been accompanied by slippers. It appears Emirates not too long ago up to date its slippers, and now they’re nearly extra like sneakers you’ll be able to slide on and off. I really 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 alternative, and we each determined to have a glass of champagne — Emirates serves Dom Perignon 2017 — yum! Simply remember that should you’re originating from an outstation, the airline may not open the Dom Perignon till after takeoff, so it’s possible you’ll wish 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 occasional.
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 provides among the many finest inflight leisure of any airline on this planet, with its ICE system. There’s an limitless number of motion pictures, TV reveals, dwell 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 digital camera, although sadly that wasn’t working accurately on this flight. I imply, I suppose it was sort of cool in an inventive method, nevertheless it was additionally exhausting to know what was occurring.
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 best than no connectivity, that is among the many slowest web you’ll discover within the skies. On the plus aspect, it’s priced accordingly.
Emirates provides free Wi-Fi for Skywards members in premium cabins, so I received 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 move for $19.99, which isn’t horrible, given the size of the flight. You may also buy a less expensive messaging move.
Do word the restricted protection map, as there’s no Wi-Fi for a lot of the flight should you’re taking the polar route. I discovered that Wi-Fi lower off for round six hours in the midst 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 ft, previous to ultimately climbing as much as 39,000 ft, as we burned off gas.
Enjoyable reality — this was truly the longest Emirates departure from Dubai that day. Our flight time was longer than the flight to Auckland (Emirates’ route that covers essentially the most distance, however there’s a tailwind), and likewise longer than the flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco (which many would assume are longer, however they aren’t).
I normally luck out when flying Emirates firstclass, and have an almost empty cabin (in spite of everything, I normally redeem miles, and house 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, discuss a soft deadheading task! The remainder of the primary class crowd was a bit totally 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 international locations, and talking 18 languages. At 10AM we started our pushback, at which level the protection 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 easy 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’ll 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 in a while within the flight.
You will discover the Emirates firstclass meals menu under. As you’ll be able to see, there’s a ton of flexibility. There are each breakfast and lunch choices, a light-weight bites menu, a film snack menu, and extra.
You 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. Understand that on Emirates, a overwhelming majority of individuals 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 (at the very least 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 associate with it, and I chosen the combined nuts.
We determined to attend somewhat 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.
At first 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 could 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 imagine the prawns had been pan-fried, not like what the menu prompt (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 primary course, I had the combined grill, with hen kebab, hen tikka and kofta, sautéed spinach, zaatar lavosh, and roasted tomato with black pepper. This was wonderful… and also you’re welcome, pricey OMAAT readers, for me not ordering fish for as soon as. 😉
As a substitute 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 one of the best mezze within the skies, and it’s even higher than prior to now, for my part.
After such a feast we had been stuffed, and couldn’t even deliver 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 one of the best a part of the Emirates A380 firstclass expertise. Behind firstclass, you’ll discover a fairly normal toilet, which you’ll solely wish to use if the opposite two are occupied. The bathroom is respectable sufficient, however nothing particular.
The celebs of the present are the 2 bathrooms on the entrance of the cabin, that are the truth is bathe suites. There’s one on all sides of the staircase resulting in the decrease deck.
You’ll additionally discover somewhat bar setup right here, the place you’ll be able to 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 exhausting to course of the truth that these are within the sky. There’s merely nothing else like this in business aviation.
There are a lot of issues to like concerning the bathe spas. For one, the sheet quantity of house you will have makes it simple to alter, shave, or no matter. Moreover, there’s a devoted bathe attendant, who simply consistently refreshes the toilet.
I believe one underrated facet of an excellent firstclass is constantly clear loos, and so they don’t get cleaner than on Emirates. Heck, you’d be exhausting pressed to enter the rest room and never discover the towels in an ideal triangle.
The bathroom even has heated ground, which, once more, is sort of subsequent degree.
Every passenger can reserve a bathe slot, after which take a bathe sooner or later in the course of the flight. I’ve written a information to the Emirates A380 bathe suite, so examine that out, as I received’t go into an excessive amount of element right here.
I showered round three hours earlier than touchdown… WHAT FUN! Since passengers are likely to bathe towards the top 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, supposed as a refresher.
Emirates A380 enterprise class bar
The Emirates A380 isn’t simply identified for the bathe suites, but additionally for the bar, positioned in the back of enterprise class. On this flight, each seat in enterprise class was occupied.
We checked out the bar a few instances in the course of the flight, primarily to stretch our legs. In the event 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 it is going to be quietest (Emirates doesn’t have dine on demand in enterprise class).
There are a number of totally different variations of the Emirates bar, and the plane we had been on had two couches of kinds alongside the aspect of the fuselage.
Emirates A380 firstclass mattress
I’m an terrible airplane sleeper. Like, I’m satisfied I rank within the prime 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 normally simply capable of get snug. 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 properly, it allowed me to at the very least be productive and likewise 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 emblem 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 primary 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 (principally 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 therefore lengthy (and likewise 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 finest about this flight was the service. The crew working firstclass on this flight couldn’t have any higher. Interval. Truthfully, I didn’t have very excessive expectations of attentiveness, given how full the cabin was, however boy was I improper.
As normal, 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 toilet, my seat could be refreshed. And even after I wasn’t utilizing the blanket, it could be folded up, and in some instances a flower would even be positioned on it.
There was barely the prospect to even ask for something in the course of the flight, because the crew checked on everybody so typically, and was anticipatory.
Service on Emirates is usually a combined bag, and I’ve had my justifiable share of nice crews, and likewise my justifiable share of subpar crews. This was among the many finest I’ve had.
Towards the top of the flight, the crew additionally handed by the cabin with boxed of candies, 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. Certain 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 exhausting…
Backside line
Emirates’ A380 firstclass stays certainly one of my favourite firstclass experiences within the sky. Sure, there are quite a lot of seats, and the house devoted to every passenger isn’t large, at the very least in comparison with Etihad’s A380 First Class Condo and Singapore’s A380 Suites. However on an excellent day, Emirates completely nails it.
The food and drinks choice are in depth and spectacular, the leisure choice is large, the facilities are nice, the bar is a enjoyable place to stretch your legs, and the bathe spa is not like the rest within the sky. If you mix this with the good service we had on this flight, we couldn’t have presumably requested for extra.
I’m additionally pleased I lastly had the prospect to strive Emirates’ refreshed A380 firstclass. I do assume 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?
