Last updated May 24th, 2024

Emirates First Class Travel Extravaganza

Emirates first class – it’s about as extravagant commercial travel can get, and the price matches. When Kami got denied entry to Australia, I decided this was the time to book a special travel experience. She got over the feeling over rejection really soon. From Amsterdam to Dubai, then onto Singapore, and finally from Japan to London, each leg of our trip offered unique experiences, raising the bar for what we expect from air travel. It’s almost too good.

The Aircrafts: Airbus 380 vs Boeing 777

Our experience aboard the Emirates first class Airbus 380 was nothing short of spectacular. The aircraft exuded a newer, more refined aura, with top-notch finishings that made every moment feel special. The highlight? The onboard shower. Yes, you read that right – a shower at 35,000 feet! With 5 minutes of water time and 30 minutes overall, it’s such a unique experience it feels like a glitch in the Matrix. Our tip: book the last shower slot as soon as you board the plane.

In contrast, our flights on the Boeing 777, although comfortable, didn’t quite match up. We had high hopes for the ‘game changer’ private suites, but we weren’t able to get that plane. The first attempt, we just booked a 777 thinking that was their ‘game changer’ service. Not the case. Most 777’s are the older model plane, which falls well short of our Airbus 380 experience. We then found out it’s only on select routes. So we booked the route where it is regularly used, DXB to STN, but we unfortunately had a plane change at the last minute and got moved to an older 777 again. If you’re choosing, we recommend the A380 for a more consistent luxury experience.

Unmatched Service

From the chauffeur service to the attentive crew, Emirates first class staff made us feel like royalty. Their exceptional service extended everywhere – the jet bridge, lounges, and onboard. It’s this attention to detail that truly sets Emirates apart.

Culinary Experiences

While the caviar onboard was a delight, we found the rest of the in-flight meals good but not extraordinary. The real culinary highlight was the first-class lounge in Dubai – a gastronomic experience akin to a fine dining restaurant. Beverages, however, were outstanding, let me just mention Dom Perignon Vintage 2012 being served as a welcome drink and as much as your heart desires throughout the flight.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

We found ourselves spoilt for choice with Emirates’ rich array of entertainment options. We typically download our own content before flights, but we did end up watch a couple movies. The internet worked fine for basic needs.

Booking and Check-In: A Breeze

Booking Emirates first class suite through American Express was straightforward, clearly indicating the aircraft type. The luxurious experience started right from the chauffeur pick-up, flowing smoothly through check-in and boarding.

Value for Money

This is the big one! For 34 hours and 20 minutes in the air on Emirates first class, this was the time for us to pull trigger on the big ticket. If you were to fly private and try to come close to this standard of excellence, you would be well into the 6 figures. Considering the entire package – lounge, meals, and service – what we paid for two for this Emirates’ flight felt justified. It’s truly a unique experience and impossible to capture for less. So yes, we do think it’s good value for the money if you’re looking for a special experience.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Experience

• Ensure you’re booked on the Airbus 380 or the ‘game changer’ 777.
• Book your onboard shower slot immediately upon boarding.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for seconds on caviar, and indulge in the premium Champagne and Hennessy reserve.
• If possible, route your flight through Dubai and allow a 3-4 hour layover to fully enjoy the lounge.

Emirates First Class is more than just a flight; it’s a holistic luxury experience. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the value it offers – from unparalleled comfort to impeccable service – makes it a worthwhile indulgence for that special occasion or treat. But be careful, it makes other commercial options that much worse. We had another flight in London immediately after on Ryanair in economy, quite the contrast.