Emirates’ first class has long been known for being one of the most blingy products in the sky. The way I see it, Emirates has always lead the industry when it comes to being extra. I mean, this is the airline with onboard showers, and also the airline with in-suite minibars, snack baskets, writing kits, etc.
I think it’s safe to say that Emirates is the very definition of extra (for those of you not familiar with the term “extra,” I think my favorite definition is this one from Urban Dictionary: “Doing the absolute damn most. For no reason.”).
Yesterday I had the chance to fly Emirates’ new first class to Brussels. To be honest, I didn’t think the product could get any more extra than their old first class. But it did. And in this post I wanted to share seven of the most extra things about it.
I’m talking about really over the top extra things. Like, things that are so over the top that the in-suite temperature control, the ability to control the color of your mood lighting, the personal minibar, etc., don’t even make the cut. Yes, Emirates’ new first class is even more ridiculous than that.
So, in no particular order, here are the most hilariously extra things about Emirates’ new first class:
Order room service… by video
In the old Emirates first class there were only two ways you could order something from the dine on demand menu. Either you had to push the call button and talk to a flight attendant, or you could call the flight attendants via your in-suite phone. When you really think about it, that’s sort of unacceptable — what is this, the 21st century? People aren’t paying thousands of dollars to only have two options for requesting caviar and Dom.
Good news! There’s now a third way you can order stuff. Specifically, you can initiate a video call with the flight attendants in the galley, who in reality were roughly three feet from my fully enclosed suite while we had this virtual conversation.
The hatch
Emirates’ new 777 first class is the world’s first fully enclosed first class suite. It’s enclosed from floor to ceiling, unlike all previous first class products. Personally I didn’t find the suite to be claustrophobic at all, though there was something about the hatch that gave me jail vibes. Rather than having to open your suite door, there’s an opening closer to the front of the suite through which the crew can serve you a drink, etc.
I felt like a pretty posh prisoner…
Binoculars
Emirates’ new first class suites come with binoculars, because… well, I’m not actually sure why. Nonetheless I felt like because I was offered them I had to use them, though after using them for about three seconds I felt really ridiculous (who uses a pair of binoculars from their airplane seat?!), and put them away.
Curtains to nowhere
Emirates’ first class seats have automatic blinds, so you don’t even have to close the window shades manually like you’d usually have to do on a plane. They close with the push of a button, and then there’s full darkness.
So you might ask yourself (and actually several people have already asked me) “why are there curtains to draw in front of the windows when they’re fully dark? Because Emirates, d’oh!
Virtual windows
Maybe this isn’t actually extra, but rather it’s just plain cool. Usually people dread being in a middle seat (okay, maybe less so in first class than economy), though Emirates solves any downside associated with that with their new product. That’s thanks to their virtual windows, which broadcast exactly what you’d see outside the windows. And yes, even the virtual windows (which can be shut off) have the unnecessary curtains.
Adjustable floor lighting
The new Emirates first class suite has a ridiculous number of lighting options. Like, the options are endless. You can pick your color, you can pick the intensity, you can control different lights in different ways, etc. I could have probably spent the entire Dubai to Brussels flight just changing the lighting seconds.
However, that’s not the aspect of the lighting that amused me the most. Instead what impressed me the most was the in-suite adjustable floor lighting.
Think about that for a second. When designing this seat, someone said “you know Tim, something’s missing. I don’t think the hundred current lighting options are sufficient. We should also add adjustable floor lighting, just to be on the safe side.”
Personal bars of soap
There are a lot of airlines with high end toiletries in their first class lavatories, though typically at best you’re still getting liquid soap. Emirates instead decided to offer individual, one time use, bars of soap. As one does, when they have guests.
Bottom line
Prior to them introducing their new first class, Emirates already had one of the most extra first class products out there. Well, they just changed the goalpost on that front yet again. I found myself laughing out loud several times during the flight at just how ridiculous some of the features are.
Stay tuned, next I’ll cover my thoughts on the cabin as such, and whether I think this is the world’s best first class product.
Hey lucky, I'm not sure but I think the curtains(for the true window seats at least) are there so that you can leave the blinds open but close the curtains so you are woken by a soft glow of sunlight when the sun rises or bathe your suit in the warm glow of the sun of you wanna enjoy the sun but not its harshness. But I'm not sure
@ Sibusiso Simamane -- It's possible, though the blinds themselves have curtains as well, so you can close the windowshade curtains without dimming them completely.
@MaPole
You sound like a prick, mate.
i love all your defensive responses. Please keep them coming.
@Matthew Polenzani
I love this blog and have been a follower from the start since I am an AvGeek. I travel the world in first, where available, since I am financially secure and retired. I am not fat although I am old at 51. I have also never come across an individual with comments as obnoxious as yours. For the record, there are 3 others who have commented on this article who are good mates...
@Matthew Polenzani
I love this blog and have been a follower from the start since I am an AvGeek. I travel the world in first, where available, since I am financially secure and retired. I am not fat although I am old at 51. I have also never come across an individual with comments as obnoxious as yours. For the record, there are 3 others who have commented on this article who are good mates of mine and can also afford to fly F frequently. Hate to break it to you buddy, but you are gonna be in our shoes one day on the other side. I hope age is kinder to you than to some of us.
@Julia, thank you for not questioning my assumption that they are old and too fat to fit in a first class seat.
I'm just curious about the assumption that people criticizing Lucky and/or Emirates will never be able to set foot on these premium cabins. The two things are not necessarily mutually exclusive. I'd imagine *some* of the people complaining can and do fly premium cabins.
@Matthew Polenzani
I know a few, and I'm sure there are more, in this comments section who predominantly fly in first class. I have flown with a few of them. We're all aviation fans. I for one, have tried this product. I don't think it's bad. I just don't think it's in the same league as other products, especially the rightfully hyped SQ suites. I'm spoilt, I love luxury and I love exclusivity. However, I...
@Matthew Polenzani
I know a few, and I'm sure there are more, in this comments section who predominantly fly in first class. I have flown with a few of them. We're all aviation fans. I for one, have tried this product. I don't think it's bad. I just don't think it's in the same league as other products, especially the rightfully hyped SQ suites. I'm spoilt, I love luxury and I love exclusivity. However, I also have subtle taste and appreciate cabins which allow me to relax and unwind rather than test my patience with shoddy electronics (yes, the touch screen would not cooperate when I flew) and gaudy decor. opinions are great, but malice is uncalled for.
Thank you @Juno for finding the spelling mistake. I will be more careful in the future. I can not stand Trump so I am not his ghost writer. I am a libtard snowflake who is a proud member of the #resistance.
@Jared, I am aware that mostly old farts are flying in these first class cabins but those who fly are not coming here and bitching about everything that Emirates does or Lucky writes....
Thank you @Juno for finding the spelling mistake. I will be more careful in the future. I can not stand Trump so I am not his ghost writer. I am a libtard snowflake who is a proud member of the #resistance.
@Jared, I am aware that mostly old farts are flying in these first class cabins but those who fly are not coming here and bitching about everything that Emirates does or Lucky writes. My comments are directed to those losers (how do you like my fast learning curve @juno?) who will never be able to set foot on these premium cabins.
@Matthew Polenzani
You do understand that such products exist for mainly revenue paying old farts, right? I guess I'm an old fart too since this product does not attract me.
3 thumbs up @Emily.
"Rather than having to open your suite door, there’s an opening closer to the front of the suite through which the crew can serve you a drink, etc."
From other reviews I've read of this product, some people find it awkward, since the most they can serve you via that hatch is a drink on the counter. Serving you a meal via the hatch? Not so much, since they can't really reach your tray table...
"Rather than having to open your suite door, there’s an opening closer to the front of the suite through which the crew can serve you a drink, etc."
From other reviews I've read of this product, some people find it awkward, since the most they can serve you via that hatch is a drink on the counter. Serving you a meal via the hatch? Not so much, since they can't really reach your tray table very well.
"if you know a little bit about their culture and what they spend money on you’d understand why this cabin is so extra."
What does this have to do with Arab culture?
@Matthew Polenzani
Are you one of Trump's ghost Twitter writers? Also, it's losers, not loosers.
Also, some of the critics can and do fly Emirates First Class, and other premium products.
My biggest issue with this seat is you can't dine with another person, whether it be someone sitting to the side of you or across the tray table.
Thank you @schar. These old fart arm
chair critics who comment and who are too fat to fit in even first class seats are so exhausting. They have desperate lives and will never fly Emirates First Class. Sad loosers. Keep up the amazing work Lucky.
As ones does when ONE has guests.
@Lucky, the cabin is totally extra and I can't wait to fly it and I'm old enough, like @travelinWilly, to remember when the bars of soap were the standard. Although to be fair the idea was to put one out and use it and for the next passenger to use it too, not to toss it after one use. As a kid I used to love taking them home from the various airlines I flew. What can I say, kids are easy to entertain.
Looks like a nice hard product. I’m interested to read the full review. Thanks as always for the great post.
@schar
It's probably the exactly replica of a sheikh's tomb as well...definitely has that coffin feel
Lucky im a millennial (different from these old farts commenting here) and totally agree with this cabin being so EXTRA! Like, literally I cant even.
People seem to forget this was designed by Arabs...with arab money...if you know a little bit about their culture and what they spend money on you'd understand why this cabin is so extra.
I for one LOVE it. It's about the ultra luxurious experience and escape from our real...
Lucky im a millennial (different from these old farts commenting here) and totally agree with this cabin being so EXTRA! Like, literally I cant even.
People seem to forget this was designed by Arabs...with arab money...if you know a little bit about their culture and what they spend money on you'd understand why this cabin is so extra.
I for one LOVE it. It's about the ultra luxurious experience and escape from our real life. Why would I want a cabin that's minimalistic in first class? Might as well go all out and feel like a Sheikh for once!
Another problem with virtual windows, it probably does not work well if you want to take photos from the plane.
@Lucky As to the caviar, how often can you ask for caviar on a flight? Are there limits? I have gone for two. Can you get more?
90% of this just looks like excess for the sake of excess. I'm not sure what's more ridiculous, the video phone (because mere audio won't do?) or the little service window, because opening the door is just too common.
And no, this is not an acceptable use of the word "extra".
@Ben L: ROFLMAO!!!!
Your comment wins - best of the day.
I'm with the other commenter: your use of "extra" sounds like when my dad tries to say "fo shizzle" unironically. That said, which did you like better, this or the Residence?
What an awfully designed cabin. Wonder which 6 year old came up with all the Extra features. This is a great cabin for materialistic people attracted to shiny objects
Continually repeating the word "extra" just made the whole article sound ridiculous. Are you over excited after just discovering the word so now can't stop using it!?
I think this is the first time we've actually seen Lucky in one of his posts. All those pictures but none actually of him (apart from the one in the "About Lucky" section below, and of course, it's a travel blog so the pictures should be plane interiors etc.), so it's nice to see him.
That hatch is an awful idea, would it really be that bad for cabin crew to enter the suite to pour champagne?
With the curtains, you can close them, have the blinds up, and it lets in daylight, so if you want to wake with the sun, you can. I think it's a good idea that they have the option of both
Indeed I wonder why so much privacy is needed / warranted unless Lucky is in there cracking one off ...
Someone is bound to do that...at least in cabins that are less private you won't have shared it with some handjob fetishist.
Sorry, didn't read the article - just wanted to comment that you probably need to learn how to use the word extra properly...
How does all of this privacy intersect with onboard security? I would assume the attendants have the authority to enter the suite at any time to check that seatbelts are fastened when required, etc. What if I enter my suite, close the door, and request nothing for the duration of a long-haul flight -- are there any spot checks (even knocks on the door) to make sure there are no problems which could be medical...
How does all of this privacy intersect with onboard security? I would assume the attendants have the authority to enter the suite at any time to check that seatbelts are fastened when required, etc. What if I enter my suite, close the door, and request nothing for the duration of a long-haul flight -- are there any spot checks (even knocks on the door) to make sure there are no problems which could be medical as much as security-related. Do the attendants have the ability to activate the interactive video from the galley and randomly monitor a passenger? It's not difficult to imagine any number of interesting scenarios here, from serious risks to the mile high club -- single player version.
Wow, the amount of judgment, racism, sexism, and xenophobia on this post is astounding even for OMAAT. Yes, I think the first class is spectacularly tacky and in poor taste (and also so wasteful; one time use bars of soap? I can just imagine the piles of landfill). No need to criticize it by invoking teenage girls or Russians. Find a way to criticize something without using bad stereotypes.
You have to wonder if they invested so much technology in being able to video-call the cabin crew, have virtual windows and set the lighting 1000 different ways, why they didnt just have touchscreen f&b ordering. Norwegian already do this in Y on their 787s and I think Virgin America have been doing it for many years? Obviously the menu changes each time but surely they could invest in this? Id much rather order something...
You have to wonder if they invested so much technology in being able to video-call the cabin crew, have virtual windows and set the lighting 1000 different ways, why they didnt just have touchscreen f&b ordering. Norwegian already do this in Y on their 787s and I think Virgin America have been doing it for many years? Obviously the menu changes each time but surely they could invest in this? Id much rather order something at the touch of a button than have a stupid video call with someone to get a bottle of water.
About the only missed opportunity I thought QSuites had when I flew it was not being able to order things on the screen.
@anon -
No, I'm just cultured.
Am I the only one who thinks calling up a flight attendant to order food and drink is bizarre and unnecessary?! And then you have to speak louder for them to hear you, whereas if they talked to you at your seat you can talk at a 'normal' volume.
Would much rather they had a touchscreen menu like in many Japanese restaurants/izakayas. Just push a picture of a coffee to order a cappuccino or an extra glass of wine.
Not that I wouldn't like the idea of having binoculars in the suite - I think this was coming from the safari inspired design theme - but what do you actually need them for in the middle suite? :D Counting the pixels?
@FE - yeah smart hotel rooms... i have once made quite a fuss in a hotel becuase they did not make my room for three days. Then I was, quite politely explained that the lights remote control also has ‘Do not Disturb’ button, which I apparently pressed by accident.... but to even turn on the correct light was a challenge... so yes, I agree too much buttons is not luxury, space and simplicity is!
@william y. did you go out of your way to type that accent grave?
Every airline use to have personal bars of soap. I remember seeing them on Delta/ Northwest/ American/ etc etc etc up unti lthe 1990s or so.
I can't even begin to describe how tacky I find this product. La Première or SQ's Suites are aspirational to me.
This pimped-out tragedy? For Russians and Arabs only.
Double thumbs-up @ Emily..... I still don't know all features of my car and have no intention of finding out. Just like I don't want to spend any time figuring out seat or lighting controls for an airplane seat. And don't get me started on 'smart' hotel rooms....
That hatch makes it look like you're running a little shop. It's very odd. I don't like it at all.
@Dwondetmeant On Spirit you have to pay a supplement for a Big Front Seat, though. Emirates First is all inclusive and therefore saves you big money over flying Spirit with all its fees.
Extra? I don’t know how I’d like the experience of flying with the unwashed masses in Emirates First. I mean that literally, of course, since the 777 lacks a shower.
A whole cabin full of people that don’t bathe probably stinks like a stable or an abattoir. Or a brothel.
They probably added the fully enclosed suites just to keep down the stink.
Lucky, I’m not sure who your target audience for your blog is but the only people I ever heard using the term ‘extra’ are hysterical teenage girls and I wouldn’t have thought they would be the types maximising miles earning strategies to fly Emirates new F class
"there was something about the hatch that gave me jail vibes." Well, maybe the Ritz-Carlton "jail" where Saudi royals were (are?) holed up.
The single-use bars of soap used to be standard on all airlines in all cabins until the mid-80s is so.
Yes, I’m old.
@Emily LOL at "gear shift ferocity"
This looks like what would happen if Donald Trump got drunk and designed a cabin.
What about personal climate control?
I actually hate all this faff. It's like purchasing a car and then sitting there for hours reading the instruction manual to select the appropriate gear shift ferocity (my husband's stupid car). Irritating and unnecessary. Luxury is about space and simplicity.
@Quacky
Something definitely blows in there.....
Do they have warmer/cooler as well in there? Like if you feel hot,you turn it on to get some cold fresh air,or if you feel cold,it blows out warm air?
How wide do you think it is in bed mode ? It seems like a lot of wasted space that could otherwise goto a roomier bed.
@Steve - Presumably because there are other windows outside the suite. And probably also to create less differentiation between the seat types.
There is no need to talk about Emirates' extraordinary first class service/soft product. However, the interior decoration of the new first class is borderline tasteless. I'm really excited to see the new SIA first class suites. What is your opinion on the actual design of the new Emirates first class Lucky?
Spirit offers the same experience for a fraction of the price ;):)
For those that need to feel like a true queen or king
@Ben L - don’t worry; someone like you would never get the chance....
What about the moisturising pyjama's? :D
Why would they give out binoculars for the virtual window seats?
The next logical innovation in first class is a golden diaper and catheter so you can feel fancy while you sit motionless in your $20,000 cage and soil yourself
The virtual windows are nice, but I don't see how they can replace a real window fully. There's no way you can "angle" your vision to have a full peripheral view of what's happening outside. Better than nothing, but I wouldn't see myself selecting a middle seat voluntarily, and it probably isn't worth the money that Emirates spent just investing in those windows.
And I'd have thought that they'd have extra cool functions. Why not...
The virtual windows are nice, but I don't see how they can replace a real window fully. There's no way you can "angle" your vision to have a full peripheral view of what's happening outside. Better than nothing, but I wouldn't see myself selecting a middle seat voluntarily, and it probably isn't worth the money that Emirates spent just investing in those windows.
And I'd have thought that they'd have extra cool functions. Why not have settings that mimick that the plane's underwater, or in outer space?