Hello from Italy! I’m just on a quick trip to Europe, and flew Emirates’ Airbus A380 business class on the 7hr20min flight from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP). It had been many years since I’ve flown Emirates’ A380 business class, so I was curious to see how it’s holding up, especially with how the competition has evolved.
To be honest, I’m perhaps more conflicted about the experience than ever before. There are aspects of the Emirates A380 business class experience that are basically average, but at the same time, there’s something really special about flying in Emirates’ A380. I almost wonder if this product should rank on the list of the world’s best business class products (though toward the bottom).
In this post:
Emirates’ A380 business class is average at first glance
If you’ve flown a lot of quality airlines in business class, there are several aspects of the Emirates A380 business class experience that probably won’t impress.
For one, the seat just isn’t that exciting. Emirates’ A380 business class consists of staggered seats, and they’re not even the latest generation ones. They don’t have privacy doors, they don’t have amazing tech (there’s no wireless charging or bluetooth audio), etc.
Let’s not even talk about the rather unsightly, outdated finishes on much of the A380 fleet (some of the newer and refreshed jets have Emirates’ updated color scheme, which is much nicer).
There are aspects of the soft product that also don’t particularly impress. For example, Emirates doesn’t offer dine on demand in business class. Furthermore, with a 76-seat cabin, service doesn’t necessarily feel very customized or attentive, no matter how good the crew is.
So it would be logical to conclude that this simply isn’t on the level of something like Qatar Airways’ Qsuites business class or Japan Airlines’ A350 business class. However, judging Emirates’ A380 business class is a bit more nuanced than that, in my opinion…
What makes Emirates’ A380 business class special
I think Emirates’ A380 business class is the perfect example of how a product can really be elevated if you get most of the little details right. It’s not one specific thing that makes the experience better than you’d assume, but rather the sum of all the little things. Let me explain…
Emirates’ A380 business class seats are comfortable
Emirates’ A380 business class seats are far from cutting edge, though the term “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind. Aesthetics aside, the seats have done a pretty good job withstanding the test of time.
For one, I quite like these staggered layout, in terms of having a choice of seating arrangements, depending on the type of trip you’re on. The true window seats are great if you’re traveling alone and want privacy.
Those traveling with someone may prefer the “honeymoon” seats in the center, which really allow you to enjoy the flight together. It’s amazing how many airlines nowadays don’t offer any way to enjoy the flight together in a premium cabin.
I also absolutely love how there are storage lockers along the fuselage, providing endless storage, and easy access to items during the flight.
Emirates also has individual air nozzles throughout the cabin, great for regulating temperature. It’s so frustrating how many cutting edge business class products there are that don’t have air nozzles, so you have an amazing suite, but are then sweating when the cabin is kept too warm.
And I’ve gotta say, Emirates’ A380 business class seat is just plain comfortable. In bed mode, it doesn’t feel too tight, and the footwell is also a good size.
Emirates’ A380 is a special plane, including the bar
I think all too often we separate the premium seats from the aircraft that they’re on. The thing is, the A380 is an absolute pleasure to fly. It’s quiet, I love how there’s a tail camera, and there’s something about the Emirates A380 business class cabin that almost feels like you’re flying on an all-business class jet.
Along those lines, the fact that the Emirates A380 has a bar in business class is also an underrated feature. It’s not just a gimmick, as it’s so nice to have somewhere that you can stretch your legs or get a change of scenery, without getting in the way of the crew. The longer the flight, the more valuable this is.
Emirates’ business class food & drinks are solid
Emirates doesn’t offer dine on demand in business class, but I’d say the airline offers good quality food. No, the meal service isn’t as intricate as you’d find on Qatar Airways, for example, in terms of presentation, selection, or flexibility. But still, Emirates satisfies with what it serves.
On this quick overnight flight, Emirates had the same concept in business class that it has on its late night and early morning departures from Dubai for flights that aren’t ultra long hauls. There was a “light bites” menu, where you could basically order as much or as little as you want from a selection of dishes, all served at once.
I ordered the Maine lobster ravioli, plus the malted chocolate brownie, both of which were excellent (I was surprised by the legitimate chunks of lobster in the ravioli dish).
Then there was also breakfast before landing. I had a cappuccino to drink, and a delicious cheese omelet with baked beans, potatoes, and spinach.
The thing that Emirates does better than just about any other airline is drinks, and I think other airlines underestimate just how much many passengers appreciate that. There aren’t many airlines where you can order a negroni or an espresso martini, in addition to more traditional drinks found on airplanes.
Emirates’ business class amenities are impressive
Emirates offers some of the most extensive amenities that you’ll find on any airline in business class. For one, there’s a gorgeous BVLGARI amenity kit, probably among the most well stocked you’ll find on any airline.
Then each passenger also gets comfy slippers, plus eye shades.
Lastly, on flights over nine hours, Emirates offers pajamas in business class. While my flight was a bit shorter than that, the pajamas were offered on this flight, since the New York to Milan route continues to Dubai, so many passengers are traveling the entire way.
On top of that, Emirates’ bedding is solid. There’s a pretty thick pillow, a cozy blanket, and even a mattress pad, which makes the bed substantially more comfortable.
Emirates’ entertainment is tough to beat
Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system is the most extensive inflight entertainment library you’ll find on any airline, so there’s no shortage of options, from movies, to TV series, to live TV, to a tail camera.
Okay, ummm, live TV is usually fun, but perhaps not on election night, before you’re hoping to go to sleep…
On top of that, Emirates offers free Wi-Fi for Skywards members. While it’s not high speed, it’s typically fast enough for “heavy” phone use, whether you’re sending emails, using social media, etc.
Emirates’ crews are really fun, for the most part
Of the Gulf carriers, Emirates has the most consistently good service, in my experience. That’s not surprising, since it’s typically the first carrier in the region that people apply at if they want to become cabin crew. As you’d expect, flight attendants are from all over the world.
Even though they’re super busy and work hard, they’re also quite fun, professional, and show their personality. I’ve been flying Emirates frequently for around 15 years, and I feel like the caliber of crews has improved over time. At many airlines, service has gotten worse since the pandemic, while at Emirates, I’ve found the opposite to be the case.
Of course there will always be some bad apples, but they’re the exception rather than the norm.
Bottom line
Emirates’ A380 business class doesn’t have a cutting edge hard or soft product, yet there’s something that makes the entire experience well rounded and enjoyable.
The seats are old but comfortable, with individual air nozzles and large storage lockers. The A380 is a pleasure to fly, especially with the bar at the back of business class. The food is tasty, and the variety of drinks you can order is basically unparalleled. The airline also has top notch entertainment and amenities.
I think this is one of those products that punches above its weight, since on the surface it doesn’t look terribly competitive. Like I said, there’s definitely an A380 halo effect, though, and I don’t think I’d have the same level of enthusiasm with this product on a 777 (where you wouldn’t have the bar, storage lockers, or general A380 advantages).
What’s your take on Emirates’ A380 business class, and where do you think it ranks?
To me Emirates is about opportunity cost.
It's not really significantly better to the point where I would abandon the lesser US airlines in favor of them due to how much longer the itinerary would take via DXB.
And if I was to take a longer detour, I find that connecting via DOH on Qatar is much a nicer experience.
Since I don't fly much to India/Maldives/etc. And those kind of connecting destinations, there just...
To me Emirates is about opportunity cost.
It's not really significantly better to the point where I would abandon the lesser US airlines in favor of them due to how much longer the itinerary would take via DXB.
And if I was to take a longer detour, I find that connecting via DOH on Qatar is much a nicer experience.
Since I don't fly much to India/Maldives/etc. And those kind of connecting destinations, there just doesn't seem to be a market niche for me to ever fly them.
Couple that with their rather opulent cash pricing and exorbitant fees/cost for award bookings, they're basically never on my radar.
Or the day after a terrible election result, which looks like Ben was watching at the bar.
i am VERY impressed you turned this review around so quickly! I can barely get anything done the day after a red-eye....
Take away the fact that it's on an A380 and has a bar, and how much would you enjoy the experience Lucky? You need to try this seat on a flight on the 777 and see if you still find it above average.
Seat is pretty outdated but the footwells are bigger than what you find in other J products. And the EK soft product is good too.
Based on TV background at the bar. I must ask if you found-out the outcome on your flight?
:(
I don't love their honeymoon seats if you are traveling alone. Other airlines have a separator in the leg area that EK doesn't.
Obviously, a window seat is better when you travel alone, but you aren't always traveling alone.
I have no problem with Emirates at all. Yes Qatar is better overall in business class Q’Suites, the lounges in Doha superior to Dubai but to me Emirates is a solid product especially on the 380. I’ve never had a problem. Food very solid. Service has been good and I love the bar, terrific amenity kit and the pyjamas now offered in business class.
Trapped in a metal tube while the world implodes beneath you sounds fun. I would have drank the bar dry with those exit poll number.
There's an A word you missed that describes the fat, waddling flying pig and the experience: appalling.
@ORD_Is_My_Second_Home
Blud forgot that Emirates is an United partner.
Yeah, but EK isn't a member of Star, doesn't team up with UA for anything from Chicago, and is the flag carrier of a country of hypocritical homophobes who would stone me to death.
Hi Ben,
I suggest you try the new business class (1 2 1) on the BRU DXB route for the way back ;-)
How many people were using the bar on the quick red eye?
@ Alec -- Basically no one. More useful on other flights, or the flight in the other direction.
definitely better than the business class on the majority of Lufthansa's fleet.
Below average if you ask me. Part of that is the clientele that fly it, buying into Emirates' marketing. Regardless, due to the size of the cabin, the hit and miss crew, i've never had an above average experience in EK J, and multiple below average. First is a different story.
Exactly this. I don't want to generalize but: everywhere I see on Facebook I see these middle aged couples flying Emirates on their once-a-year trip saying how it's the best thing in the world, and that everything is absolutely incredible, and that they can't imagine any airlines delivering the same product.
But we all have different opinions and experiences I suppose.