I didn’t see this one coming! Emirates is known for their awesome onboard bar, at the very back of the A380 upper deck. It’s a great place to socialize and pass time on a flight.
It’s a lovely space, though I’d argue that Qatar Airways’ A380 onboard bar is a bit nicer, as it’s more spacious and has a more elegant design.
However, it looks like Emirates will soon be changing up their A380 bars for the better, and I love the new design.
Emirates’ new A380 onboard bar
Emirates will be unveiling their new A380 onboard lounge at ITB Berlin in a few weeks, and will be available on the first A380 starting in July 2017. The new space looks stunning. Here’s how the new onboard lounge is described in the press release:
“Since we first launched the product in 2008, our A380 Onboard Lounge has gone through small but successive enhancements in line with customer feedback to increase the amount of space for our customers to interact in the lounge. In our latest revamp, we have taken inspiration from private yacht cabins, and amongst other thoughtful touches, we have increased the seating space, and also made it more intimate and conducive for our passengers to socialise or enjoy our lounge service.”
Indeed, when I saw the pictures, the first thing that came to mind was that this looked like a cabin on a yacht or private jet. It’s almost a bit surprising, since I’d argue the design doesn’t really match Emirates’ current interiors very well. This interior is actually elegant, rather than the typical over-the-top bling that Emirates has. I actually wish Emirates would design their entire cabins similar to the new lounge.
I’m also happy to see that Emirates is introducing soundproof curtains to separate the onboard lounge from the cabin:
Emirates will also introduce soundproof curtains to partition the Onboard Lounge area from the other cabins, put in additional soft ambient lighting options, new window blinds with integrated LED mood lighting, and subwoofers for surround sound. The lounge also features a 55 inch LCD screen so customers can view the latest flight information, or enjoy live TV broadcasts of the latest news or sports updates.
I feel really bad for the people seated in the last row of Emirates business class, as there’s barely any separation from the lounge. Even when the lounge isn’t full, I imagine it gets quite noisy.
Here’s a video of the new onboard lounge:
Bottom line
I think Emirates’ new lounge looks great, and the tables along the side of the cabin look like a nice improvement over the benches that are currently installed in the lounge area.
Ultimately this isn’t really a game changer, though I do think the new bar is gorgeous.
Rumor has also had it that Emirates will be unveiling their new first class product at ITB Berlin in a couple of weeks, which has the potential to be much more exciting. The press release about the new onboard lounge doesn’t mention that specifically, though it does reference other changes coming as well. It would make sense that the first A380 to feature the new onboard bar also features the new onboard suites.
So I can’t wait for ITB Berlin, as we’ll also see Qatar Airways’ new “super business class” then!
What do you make of Emirates’ new onboard lounge?
(Tip of the hat to Chandan Bhat)
Hi Lucky,
Is there a list of the routes that have the new bar?! Hopefully you still check old comments. Thanks!
Alan, I have an 'alternative' shot of the Qatar onboard lounge bar on my instagram if you're after a different FA in the pic ;-) though I'm not sure if I'm allowed to paste links?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ0Qca5lEso/?taken-by=jonarnoldimages
I prefer the look and design of the Qatar bar though in my experience of flying both Qatar and Emirates (from/to London) the buzz and the clientele on Emirates is generally better. Thats just my opinion. However, this new...
Alan, I have an 'alternative' shot of the Qatar onboard lounge bar on my instagram if you're after a different FA in the pic ;-) though I'm not sure if I'm allowed to paste links?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ0Qca5lEso/?taken-by=jonarnoldimages
I prefer the look and design of the Qatar bar though in my experience of flying both Qatar and Emirates (from/to London) the buzz and the clientele on Emirates is generally better. Thats just my opinion. However, this new look from Emirates is a big improvement and I love the seating/table layout each side of the main bar. It will make the standing area a bit smaller though, but at least you'll have somewhere to put your drink; those benches along the sides don't offer any surfaces to put your drink.
BTW, this is my first comment on here though I've been a reader for many months. Great site! And great trip reports.
Is it me - but why do all airline in flight attendants fawn over men ignore women and avoid mothers with babies if at all possible and I'm talking business or first - BA are the worst -
If that lady in that Qatar bar photo received some form of royalty for image use she would be a millionaire. That photo is in every second post!
Shame the economy class can't get even a little bit of service. Last couple of times we've flown Emirates it was difficult to get a cup of tea.
So do the airlines pass out coupons at the ITB? Nothing?
I like the Etihad bar setup so much better. Much less wasted space.
As much as onboard bars are discussed on this blog is it possible to get a new Qatar bar pic? It seems like the FA is becoming part of my family, she's on the screen so much.
Which airline will be the first to offer an on board Jacuzzi?
I'd be more excited if Emirates did something about those deplorable showers at the DXB lounges.
@ Imperator -- +1
According to 'Business Traveller Magazine', this re-styled bar "...will only be installed on the carrier’s new superjumbos, rather than being retrofitted onto the near-100 A380s currently in service."
If that's the case, I'm disappointed.
Sounds great... but everything tbey do and focus on is for business n 1st class... not all of us can afford the luxury of traveling in these classes. We just got back from a vacation and flew Emirates for 5 legs of our whole journey... and we hav flown Emirates many many times in the past too.. not very impressed wit the service. Lots of cutbacks and service level has dropped consisederably compared to our...
Sounds great... but everything tbey do and focus on is for business n 1st class... not all of us can afford the luxury of traveling in these classes. We just got back from a vacation and flew Emirates for 5 legs of our whole journey... and we hav flown Emirates many many times in the past too.. not very impressed wit the service. Lots of cutbacks and service level has dropped consisederably compared to our previous experiences. Will be flying out again soon and we plan to change carrier this time. Its sad that Economy class passengers are not a priority for service anymore although we pay close to 2K per pax.
Too bad I don't fly EY anymore.
I also don't fly Y any more - but that's another thing.
@Credit - Not a bad idea ;)
There needs to be a pole in the lounge and hire some multi talented flight attendants.
This wood seems to be more gray/white tone, may the new First is also more like this?
I think this opulent wood suited better for EK, but I`m open to new!
Anyhow: the new onbord bar looks stunning!
I wouldnt get too excited about their new F product going by their track record what they did with new J product on the 777 a couple of years ago. It ended up being basically the same seats (in 2-3-2 config) with just a little more bling.
I'm definitely a fan of the Qatar A380 onboard lounge. Don't get me wrong, the Emirates bar is very nice as well, but the interior design and the hospitality of the Qatar staff is incredible. Let's see how the newly refurbished Emirates bar feels.
Rumor has it the new F will begin on the 777's first, not A380.
Do go with the other post about dress code - could you go in there with the pjs they provide you?!?
It's nice but I don't really get excited about onboard lounges in general.
IMHO onboard lounges/bars are the last thing an airplane needs.