Review: Flying On Board The Emirates A380 In Business Class (Toronto To Dubai)
If you’re a frequent traveler, you already know that Emirates Airline represents the gold standard for luxury flying. Flying business class with Emirates has been on our bucket list since Kaan and I first decided to make traveling our full-time career. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve spotted groups of elegantly dressed Emirates flight attendants adorned with the classic red caps and white veil attachments, pondering what it must be like to travel on the most sought after airline in the world. Well, as it turns out, all that daydreaming was not for nothing. This month, we had the privilege of peeking into the world of premium air travel with Emirates.
Have you been thinking about treating yourself with a business or first-class ticket to your next destination? Well we can assure you, traveling in a priority class with Emirates is much more than a means of transport - it truly is an experience in itself. Continue reading for a full account of our business class flight, as well as a sneak-peek into flying first-class with Emirates.
THE EMIRATES EXPERIENCE BEGINS RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Emirates has perfected the art of treating their passengers like royalty - and the royal treatment begins long before takeoff. The world-class airline has a program in many countries around the world where they will pick up passengers with business and first-class reservations from their accommodations so that you can enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport in one of their high-end vehicles. To access this service, all you have to do as a passenger is reserve your ride a minimum of 12 hours prior to your flight. This was such a nice, stress-free way to get to the airport and start our journey with Emirates.
ENTER RELAXATION MODE AT THE AIRPORT
Business and first-class flyers have their own priority lane when they arrive at the Emirates check-in area, which means no standing around at the airport with your luggage. Instead, we were able to go straight through to security and pass the time by relaxing in the Plaza Premium lounge, which is complete with a shower, as well as a selection of complimentary hot food and drinks. Luckily, as Amex Platinum cardholders, we already had access to this lounge through the American Express global lounge program.
On the way back home to Toronto, we were able to experience the Business Class Lounge at the Dubai DXB Aiport. The DXB lounge is one of the biggest we have ever been in- it spans the upper floor of the terminal and has children playrooms, an arcade, a spa and a barbershop. Of course, there were multiple food stations offering a wide range of dishes, from healthy bites, to Western and Asian cuisine. We loved how there was plenty of seating and we didn’t have to spend any time looking for a table.
A380- MEETING THE QUEEN OF THE SKY
Our inner aviation geek tends to come out when we climb on board an aircraft that we’ve never flown before. Our business class flight with Emirates was the first time that we have ever stepped foot onto an A380 plane. This model is the largest commercial plane in the world, complete with two levels. The lower deck is for economy class flyers and the upper is equipped with business and first class seating. This Emirates aircraft was the flagship A380 plane, and seats approximately 650 people! We made our way onto the top level with priority boarding, and as soon as we laid eyes on the interior, we knew it was not going to be a typical flight experience.
INCREDIBLE SEATING OPTIONS IN THE A380
In business class, each row has four seats, with several unique styles that passengers can request based on their individual preferences. If you are traveling with another passenger, there are adjoining seats specially designed for two people, which are separated by an adjustable divider. This allows you to chat with your travel partner and have some privacy if you need to get some work done on your laptop or take a nap. The window seats are unsurprisingly, the most highly requested on Emirates business class flights (the A seats or the K seats), however I highly recommend requesting one with a counter that faces the aisle so you have that little bit of extra separation. In business class, you do not have to worry about stepping over people to get to the bathroom, as everyone has access to an aisle. You can also enjoy premium relaxation with lie-flat seats.
WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE
Immediately after boarding the plane, a stewardess came to our section to introduce herself, ask us what kind of juice we like, and offered an immune-boosting shot along with a glass of champagne. Emirates serves no less than Veuve Clicquot champagne to their business class guests, and Dom Perignon to those with first class tickets. After takeoff, the stewardess returned to our seats to offer us dinner menus where we could choose from a selection of appetizers and entrees, which would be followed by a cheese platter and a dessert of our choosing. These carefully crafted menus are constantly changing.
The team of chefs at Emirates take the change in altitude into account when they create their recipes to make sure they accommodate your taste buds well above sea level. Not only do you have access to a decadent, four course meal on Emirates, but each passenger also has a personal cubby, fully stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks. Once you’re ready to lay back, relax, and catch up on your favorite series using your personal live television, a stewardess will come back to your seat and offer to set up your mattress for you. The service on this flight was truly unlike anything we have ever experienced.
EXPERIENCE PREMIUM PRODUCTS IN THE AIR
The Emirates team has curated the perfect selection of practical and luxurious products to make your flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. At your seat you can find high-quality, noise-canceling headphones that will help you tune out your surroundings for ultimate relaxation. For business travelers, this is the perfect way to focus on work and get some things done on your laptop during the flight.
Each passenger is also treated to a full amenities kit, tailored specifically to men and women. Both versions include Bvlgari moisturizing creams, lip chap, a comb, deodorant, and a full-sized toothbrush with toothpaste. The women’s kit is complete with perfume, with cologne and razors in the men’s kit. Onboard there are pristine, spacious bathrooms stocked with additional perfume and cologne so that passengers can freshen up on their way out.
THE LOUNGE + BAR IN THE A380
A major highlight of our flight experience was THE LOUNGE. I feel like this lounge deserves major recognition because it comes equipped with it’s own bar AND bartender. Being able to order an espresso martini at 35,000 feet in the air was definitely a bucket list experience!
This magical lounge is located at the back of the plane, and only Business and First class flyers have access. Here we enjoyed hot and cold food, and freshly made hand-crafted cocktails. Kaan obviously got their old-fashion and said it was incredible. The area is furnished with comfortable seats that have seatbelts so that you can stay seated if there is turbulence during the flight. This is the perfect place to socialize with fellow travelers, network, or relax with a good book and a glass of wine.
A PEEK INTO FLYING FIRST CLASS WITH EMIRATES
Although we flew in business class, the Emirates team graciously allowed us to take a look at the first class amenities while we were in the air. First class guests experience the pinnacle of opulence with glasses of Dom Perignon, a multiple-course menu full of delicacies such as caviar, a studio furnished with a full makeup table, access to a shower (yes you heard me) on board, and of course, access to the business class lounge. A quick tour was all it took to bump a first class flight with Emirates to the top of our travel bucket list.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Emirates continues to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions for the health and safety of everyone on board their flights. You can either book a business or first class ticket outright via the Emirates website, use your points, or upgrade from your current booking.
Flying business class with Emirates was more luxurious than we ever could have imagined. If you have the opportunity to book one of their premium plane tickets, we can’t recommend it enough!
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