The Airline
Emirates, one of the flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, is notorious for luxurious experiences. No matter the fare booked, Emirates promises to deliver at least a touch above other airline carriers. I can only speak from my experience, having been a long time BA executive member, that Emirates is in another league. But one person’s gold is another person’s average, so I am here to be transparent with my review of the flight I took with Emirates.
The Arrival & Check In
Having a flex business fare, I am able to book a complimentary chauffeur service from my door to the airport of choice, which for this flight was Heathrow, England. If you have more than 3 suitcases, I recommend calling Emirates to make sure you have an SUV or MPV; they offer a fleet of E, S and V Class Mercedes in the UK. Myself and my companion were flying together, therefore Emirates offered the option to book two cars for collection, although we only took one. If flying from Heathrow with Emirates, you will arrive at Heathrow Terminal 3, which full disclaimer, is more glum than glam of a terminal/check in area, compared to Heathrow’s Terminal 5 (which only operates British Airways or partner carriers like Iberia). There is a separate check in area for Business and First and the lines are much shorter and my check in experience was efficient and warm from the team. Emirates do provide a service where you can check in online 48-24 hours before your flight depending on the fare booked, as well as collection of baggage from your home prior to your journey.
Once checked in and bags dropped off, I proceed through Fast Track Security, which is complimentary as part of business flex and higher fares with Emirates.
The Lounge
I proceeded to the dedicated Emirates Lounge, which on approach the the automatic doors welcome you in to the golden hued and floral scented reception where I was greeted by three team members, who scanned my boarding pass and guided me to the lift. There is also a sweeping stair case if you want to get the steps in..
Once upstairs, you look out onto the runway, with floor to ceiling windows the whole length of the lounge, where there are seats to relax and watch the planes take off. I noticed the sprawling lounge is virtually empty, with around 5 people at 07:45, (later filling to approx 30 prior to the flight), but I would imagine there is capacity for 300. As my flight was at 09:05, it was the only morning Emirates flight, so I recommend this flight if you also want a quiet lounge experience.
The lounge is divided into multiple sections: a business area with desks, private individual zones with more screens and low seating with newspapers and magazines, private individual shower facilities which are spacious and attended at all times to ensure they are freshly stocked with products and clean linen and finally a dedicated dining area, with ample electrical outlets.
There are wall to wall fridges serving TAU still and sparkling water, a range of soft drinks and premium brand spirits, wines and champagnes. There are chilled fresh sweet and savoury individual plates, ranging from fruit salads, salads, continental breakfast selection, fresh pastries and cereal. There are also hot plates with omelettes, English breakfast selection, Arabic breakfast selection and Chinese breakfast selection. There is a coffee station, which also serves a selection of teas. Alternative milks are available on request. The hospitality team are attentive and clear your dinnerware promptly.
The Boarding
The lounge provides direct boarding onto the plane via an escalator and tunnel instead of queueing at the gate. As this flight was on an A380 with Business and First Class Fares on the upper deck only, the Economy and Premium Economy fares on the lower deck board approximately 45 minutes prior to take off. Whereas, Business and First ticketholders are able to board 20 minutes before for more time in the lounge and less time waiting before take-off. As you enter the plane you are greeted by name and shown to your seat.
The Seat & Cabin Amenities
A lot gets talked about which type of seat configuration and design in Emirate’s business is the best, and personally, I am of the view that any seat that offers great leg room is at a base level a good seat, however I must admit the A380 business iteration is my favourite. The configuration is a 1-2-1 with every seat having direct aisle access. The middle seats have a bank in between them for the table area and storage, whereas the side single configuration seats would be my go to choice, due to perceived space, and more windows within your area. In terms of aesthetics, cream quilted leather and veneered wood has a time and a place, and that is on an Emirates Aircraft, it just works.
The chair is wide and sumptuous, you sink into it; and the multiple configurations in addition to the lay flat option are perfect for any comfort you require on a 7 hour flight. Once laying flat, there is more than enough room for someone 6 foot 3 plus. There is shelving built into the area for storage, and for the seats by the windows, there is also storage stows down the side of the plane as well as a total of three windows with electronic blinds to control, which added even more to the spaciousness. There is a tablet on the side table area, as well as a remote control with a screen, both controlling the main 23 inch HD TV.
Whilst these seats do not have privacy doors, there is ample space which adds to the privacy of being far away from your nearest neighbour.
The Soft Product
A pillow and blanket in wrapping await for you on arrival, the blanket being a soft fleece.
Once in my seat I am greeted by Valentina, who was truly welcoming, assured me she would be my personal attendant during my flight and that as the flight is quiet today, if I wished to choose any other seat for my dining experience then I could and they would prepare my take off seat with a mattress so this could be my dedicated relaxation seat.After asking if I wanted Champagne (Verve Clicquot) or fruit juice, they then bought a hot towel and my champagne.
Emirates ICE system is renowned for being the best, and it really did have an array of newest movies and classics, as well as documentaries, podcasts and meditation videos. The headphones provided are weighty and offer good sound proofing, but you are able to connect bluetooth headphones to the screen which is frankly ideal. Underneath the side table, is where the tray is stowed and given Emirates pride in dining, they first convey this with the size of the tray, you know good things are coming.
The mini bar is a feature that immediately adds a level of luxury, stocked with Evian, Sparkling Perrier water, Pepsi and Sprite, as well as glassware.
The Wi-Fi on board is one of the best and not intermittent, which meant you could work, browse, rabbit hole undisturbed. Wi-Fi starts at USD 9.99-19.99 depending on the flight length, however I had complimentary Wi-Fi, which anyone can have providing you input the Emirates frequent flyer number of the account you used to book the flights with
The biggest soft product on the A380 aircraft is the full bar relaxation area where passengers in First and Business can relax, play board games and walk around.
An additional fun feature is the complimentary polaroid which is offered to every passenger on board, because why not. Emirates also provides amenities kits on request for adults and a fun goody bag for children on board in all fares.
The Dining
Within minutes of take-off, I was asked if I had had chance to browse the menu and whether I would like to dine for breakfast and if so would I choose the express of continental breakfast.
Having chosen the continental breakfast, I received it within minutes, alongside a coffee with oat milk. The breakfast consisted of a mix of cured meats, cheese, yoghurt and fruit, which was notably fresh.
After breakfast, it called for a mooch and I headed to the bar. When you watch an Emirates advert with Penelope Cruz delightfully cradling a cocktail, it suggests you’ll find brooding suit wearing travellers and couples schmoozing, however it misses a trick by not showing how great a place the bar is for families. Reasonable sized tables for groups to play card games, ample floor space for toddlers to get some of their steps in and tire them out on a flight, and off course a bar area for brooding suit wearing travellers to strike up conversation with anyone else propping up the bar. It really caters to all. The Bar has a large drink menu, alcoholic beverages and mocktails, as well as sandwiches, snacks and sweets.
Then comes the main meal, a three-course delight, starting with my choice of mezze, with babaganoush, hummus, stuff vine leaves and a salad. The bread served in addition to it, is warm and as fresh as out of a bakery. I then chose the lamb rump with potato dauphinoise. I usually go for some sort of red meat when flying for some reason and it is usually braised and delicious, but this lamb rump was akin to a pan fried tender rump, I was surprised at how good it was for plane food. I then finished with a chocolate tart, before then swiping some of my companion’s cheese board.
The Service
The service Emirates offers starts at your hotel/home when the Chauffeur collects you to all the way through to the hospitality team on board the flight. Although the flight was quiet, there were other passengers that the flight attendant Valentina was looking after, however it really seemed like I had a completely personable experience and couldn’t fault the on board service,, truly exemplary for Emirates.
Even when you depart the plane, the Emirates touch isn’t over as once you collect your bags which are priority when flying Emirates business (so 9 times out of 10 arrive before all other bags) and you pass through passport control, those flying Business or First can proceed to the Emirates complimentary chauffeur desk, where a line of cars await to take you to your final destination.
The TLDR Conclusion
Door to door it was a breeze. The Chauffeur to the airport, the check in speed, the truly relaxing lounge experience and smooth boarding. On board personable, generous service, delicious plane food and space to be comfortable and enjoy the selection of onboard entertainment or sleep in luxury. The bar area livens up the flight and contributes to how quick the time goes. Hard to fly other carriers if Emirates offer a flight on the same route.
Pre flight experience & lounge 2/2
Seat & Soft Product 3/3
Food 2/2
Service 2/2
The Je ne sais quoi factor 1/1
The IRL Edit Score 10/10
Prices vary on fare, journey and date, however a return for one passenger in Business to Dubai from London Heathrow starts at £5700.
The IRL Edit. 