I’d argue that the Emirates Airbus A380 is the most iconic plane in the skies, in terms of instant global recognition. Emirates has really done an unbelievable job creating a halo effect with this plane, which has propelled the airline to what it is today.
Continue reading: Guide To Emirates’ A380 Bar & Lounge: What’s The Experience Really Like?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I wonder if the big screen has audio. Maybe from watching a significant game, to a global crisis unfolding on live TV, it can certainly be useful.
That bar is useless. It's also between the seating area and washrooms. It's really awkward walking through the var in pajamas heading to use the facilities half asleep.
The last time I flew on the A380 the lounge was empty and the bartender had to look up how to make an old fashion. He was very friendly, but the drink was as good as you’d expect
Ben you’re becoming a real journalist
One trip and 20 different angles to it
Good job
I love the concept and makes their A380 product feel really special. But I recently flew First Class from BKK on an afternoon flight and the bar was jam packed. The fact that the business class galley and lavatories are right behind makes it even more chaotic. The FA attending the bar was overwhelmed especially with people asking to take a photo behind the bar which slowed her down. I definitely feel like this would be a better experience on a late-night flight if you’re not trying to sleep. It feels like going from a busy dive bar with loud music and drunk people screaming vs a lowkey wine bar with jazz playing in the background
Speaking as someone who has flown Emirates and always visit the bar, on the many, many flights I have taken with them, I have never been impressed by it.
The Emirates bar is pretty cool but it’s a novelty. I’ve taken jt several times from Dubai-LAX or vice versa and it’s a nice thing to have. But again, it’s a novelty and a photo opportunity.
It’s really just a place to go to stretch your legs after 10 hours into a 16 hour flight. But a nice touch that’s fun to go to. Better than hanging out in galley stretching and doing legs squats. Far more fun with a gin and tonic in your hand !
Piss off with your inconsequential driver, Julia! Nobody cares, nobody's listening!
Roll up to the bar in my pajamas ? I was too busy enjoying the first class experience. I mean should I have just put on some jeans and cologne ? Hey guys we’re going out tonight maybe there will be some ladies at the bar. Lol
I actually am curious how extensive the bar/cocktail selection is. Like if you ordered a Last Word or an Aviation, could they make it? Both are drinks that virtually any nice cocktail bar could make you -- and if you want to be proud of your cocktail program, you should be able to do it -- but require bottles that I have never seen on an airplane menu (Maraschino, Chartreuse, creme de violette).
Not specific to Emirates but it’s amazing to me that airline catering anywhere works at all. All the items that have to be sourced, ordered, cleaned, prepared, somehow delivered to the right aircraft at the right time, it really is something else.
I find after years of spectating at the EK bar that it is more of a novelty in the sense of people trying to live what they perceive as that Golden Age of Travel. When lounges and bars were a thing on planes.
The reality is that society has vastly changed. People are less inclined to put themselves in social situations, let alone on a metal tube at 38K feet. Most come in, stand around, have one drink, and go back to their cocoon.
Yes, EK's approach serves a purpose in romanticizing air travel in a certain way. But the reality is that most really just want privacy and to feel insulated from others. AKA, doors at J seats.
It's sad, for sure. But it is reality today. Perhaps one day it will switch again to a time when people crave interaction and seek it out in places like this. As our social atrophy grows though I begin to doubt it.
Nope. The halcyon days of airborne cocktailing was on a TWA 747 or perhaps a Continental DC-10 in the 1970s.
I've met really interesting people at the EK bar, including making business contacts. This has been on the flights from IAD and YYZ, both which depart mid-morning so people are awake for much of the flight. It's also interesting to talk to the bartender/FAs and often other FAs will join if it's a quiet part of service.
What I don't like is when the bartender puts all kind of stuff on the bartop, so there's no place to put your drink and it discourages people from standing at the bar.
I was on one such flight during the last World Cup, and they put the USA-England live game on the big screen in the bar area. It seemed like half the plane was there watching it.
I think one of the issues is that the stakes are higher due to the internet.
If I mention my occupation and where I’m from, some Google searches and clicking through a few links will reveal my full name. That can then be used to find my home address, phone number, etc.
If I say something mildly politically incorrect 3 drinks in at a bar setting, that could easily get back to my employer, start off an online cancellation campaign, etc.
I think this is why people crave privacy and anonymity. And if engaging in small talk with strangers, speak in bland polite platitudes and are careful to not reveal anything that’s googleable to their identity.
And then people wonder how Trump got elected when nobody they know would dare admit to voting for him.
Opus One is pretty bad wine, even by Napa Valley’s pitiful standards. Watering it down with coke is the only way to make it drinkable.
I know right? I understand catering from Dubai, but all the out stations? Sure, some offer certain advantages, but do they fly around with vast amounts of French wine and caviar?
The few times I’ve flown Business on Emirates a380, I’ve enjoyed going back to the lounge, but it’s not really that special. The best thing is 1-2-1 configuration lie-flat, which is superior to most 2-3-2 older EK 777s.
I love the Emirates A380 bar. I have flown First class a lot of times. It is always a special experience. Love it when my champagne bottle from 1st gets delivered. I have also got wise to the meal service for business class passengers so go there when they are having their food service
I obviously meant "drivel", merely a spelling mistake, though it is not relevant regardless as I doubt your brain could handle such proper and elegant English!
Bling is not always the best!
One finds it extremely easy to disagree with Ben’s statement that Emirates has an “Awesome First Class product”
In fairness and in truth, our numerous EK A380, F cabin experiences have been very pleasant. However, the very big BUT here is that a 14 seat cabin could never be described as “Awesome”.
Now our SQ and EY A380 Suites experiences, in our opinion, leave EK standing. For a couple who travel from England to Singapore and onto Sydney regularly, they are simply the best we have experienced so far.
Next month our opinions might well change dramatically when we take our first AF La Premiere flight to Singapore …. we are hoping that the experience will be truly “Awesome”, Ben.
The original Emirates 380 had a separate first class bar area but it was small and sterile and everyone used the business class one.
Just flown to SA on a BA 380 in business, what a poor offering considering what else is on offer.
The big advantage of EK First Class is how widely it is offered and on how many routes. If you have ONE specific route you travel regularly - it is easy to find an alternative that may be superior (cannot disagree with SQ on any sector in and out of SIN) but....if NYC to BOM or CPT or BKK or HGK or TYO or etc etc - you will get a consistent F class experience on EK albeit in a 14 seat cabin. Can't beat that.
As someone who has been flying a variety of schedules world wide for 40+ years one has seen the decline of F offerings on LH, AF, BA and the like. Everyone offers it in and out of NYC or TYO but if going to BOM or BKK or MLE or IST...to name but a few.. F has gradually disappeared.
Given the consistency of the product (at a superior level) and the diversity of routes it is offered on - I have to concur with Ben: it IS indeed an AWESOME product.
We absolutely loved it, we chatted with other passengers and the bar staff, it broke up the long flight Perth and was lovely to be able to stand for a while. In fact we lived the whole experience so much we are doing it ALL again with Emirates very soon. Well done Emirates