Emirates - mixing business with pleasure
There is no doubt the Airbus A380 is a magnificent aircraft. Emirates own more than 100 of these planes! And travelling on the upper deck in Business Class is an experience worth indulging in.
Having flown Emirates on several routes (mainly to Asia), my review here is more of an overview of my experiences instead of a specific flight. And they have all been on A380s rather than the 777s.
The journey begins with a limo pick up from home and ends being dropped off at your final destination. Of course, prior to your flights, you can relax at the lounges at the airports, my favourite being the one at
Dubai Airport Business Class Lounge (see separate review).
On all my flights, what I have come to appreciate is Emirates’s consistency of excellent onboard service. With a welcome smile and being addressed by name (whether the flight is full or not), is something of a nice touch at the beginning of a journey.
The A380’s upper deck is all business and first class seating, with first class in the forward part of the cabin. The 1x2x1 layout in Business Class is designed with isle access, the middle two seats for couples and window seats for solo travellers. Note that seats ‘A’ and ‘K’ are close to the window and offers most privacy. The cabin is tastefully designed, bright, in shades of grey and gold. At night, the lighting changes to soft purple or pinks to compliment the mood.
The seat: This is one area, that I found a little disappointing. It is only 18.5 inches wide - just half an inch wider than in economy. As I am not a large person, I did not matter so much. However, all other airlines I have flown with have much wider seats. The seat itself is comfortable, and all the functions easy to use. But I guess seat width has been sacrificed to include the ‘clutter’ of a personal Mini Bar and Tablet (I’ve never seen anyone use it). There is space to store small personal items, and if you are at a widow seat, as I usually am, there is an extra storage bin by the window.
On night flights, you get an excellent amenity kit, containing usual necessities, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues and deodorant. The mens amenity kit also provides shaving foam and a razor, as well as moisturizers, aftershaves and cologne by Bvlgari.
For entertainment, the ‘ICE’ in-flight entertainment is second to none. The choice is so immense (according to their web site it has over 4500 channels), that you could spend hours just browsing, and never deciding what to watch. From some of the latest movies, to TV programs, news, documentaries and games, there are literally thousands to choose from and in many languages as well. I learned earlier on, that it would be wise to decide in advance what I wish to watch (you can check this on their web site too).
On board service: Once shown to my seat, moments later, welcome drinks of white or pink champagne was on offer along with fresh fruit juice. This followed by hot towels, and menus were handed out. The separate wine and cocktail/mocktail menu has an extensive range, including nutritious health drinks. As I enjoy a glass of wine with my meal, I was shown the wine bottles and offered to sample a couple before I made my choice.
When airborne, the bar service was open, and I usually settled for some 18 year old Chivas, accompanied with warm delicious roasted almonds and cashews. While Emirates web site refers to gourmet dining, I am not wholly convinced that it is. Certainly on most flights I found the food is tasty and good portions, and at least one main dish reflected the cuisine from the country you’re flying into or out of. Yet on a couple of rare occasions, the main course was rather bland, and the bread rolls surprisingly cold.
The cabin crew are chatty and engaging, and invite you to spend some time at their famous lounge/bar. It’s one of aircraft's loveliest and popular features. All the drinks are premium brands, and plenty of deserts and snacks are displayed and available throughout the flight. The bar staff are ever so friendly, and the atmosphere is so casual and relaxed, it’s difficult to accept that you’re actually 40,000 feet in the air!
My usual choice of cocktail is a Manhattan, and on one occasion, the attendant, who was a trainee, had trouble making it, despite having a recipe book at hand. Eventually she allowed me to come around and mix the drink. There is plenty of space in the lounge, and I’ve never found it crowded, and with the few other passengers at the bar, the conversations are usually brief and polite over a drink of two.
When it was time for bed, the cabin attendant prepared the thin mattress and pillows, blanket, and a nightcap of coffee and cognac, I usually manage to a get a few hours of sleep. However, if you’re on an aisle seat, it is not that easy. As one passenger complained, he felt claustrophobic, and as the cabin crew moving up and down the aisle it was disturbing. This is specially true if you’re located at the back of the plane near the lounge bar area.
Overall, Emirates for me is good value, and cheaper than flying direct to Asian destinations, and I enjoy the break in Dubai anyway. They have certainly taken the old adage of ‘mixing business with pleasure’ to a delightfully high level.
See review of Emirates Business Class Lounge, at Dubai Airport
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