I recently shared my experience flying Emirates’ Airbus A380 business class. Emirates is known for its Airbus A380s, and the airline has a massive fleet of these, comprised of over 100 jets.
Given just how many people fly Emirates’ A380 in business class, plus the variance in quality between seats, I figured I’d share my take on the best seats in the cabin, and what you should consider.
In this post:
Basics of Emirates A380 business class layout
Emirates’ Airbus A380 business class is located on the upper deck of the world’s largest commercial jet. There are two general Emirates A380 configurations.
The most common configuration has a total of 76 business class seats, which take up most of the upper deck, and are located behind the 14-seat first class cabin. In this configuration:
- There’s one huge business class cabin, with a total of 58 seats, spread across 15 rows
- Then there’s also a rear business class cabin, with a total of 18 seats, spread across five rows
- The two cabins are separated by the emergency exits, and the rear cabin is located right in front of the business class bar
Emirates also has a small subfleet of A380s that don’t feature a first class cabin. These planes have a total of 56 business class seats, which take up roughly the back half of the upper deck (with economy being at the front of the cabin, interestingly). In this configuration:
- There’s one bigger business class cabin, with a total of 40 seats, spread across 10 rows
- Then there’s also a rear business class cabin, with a total of 18 seats, spread across five rows
- The two cabins are separated by the emergency exits, and the rear cabin is located right in front of the business class bar
Let me emphasize that there’s also a slight variation in terms of the cabin finishes, with some A380s having seats that have Emirates’ updated color scheme, and others having the more retro colors. There are also differences in the resolution of the monitors, the personal tablets, etc. But that doesn’t impact the layout of the aircraft, and therefore doesn’t impact my recommendation of which seat is best.
How to pick the best Emirates A380 business class seats
Since Emirates’ A380 business class consists of staggered seats, there’s quite a bit of variance in terms of the quality of seats. So let me share some general considerations for picking seats.
“A” and “K” seats are the best for solo travelers
In a staggered configuration, some seats are closer to the windows, while others are closer to the aisle.
Typically the “true” window seats in this configuration are preferred, since you have more separation from the aisle, and also have a better view out the window. The real window seats are those with the letters “A” and “K.”
The “B” and “J” seats are also technically window seats, though they’re much closer to the aisle, and therefore aren’t nearly as private (and for that matter, people in the aisle can even bump into you). It’s also tougher to reach the storage lockers from these seats. So they’d only be my second choice if traveling solo, after the “A” and “K” seats.
“E” and “F” seats are great for couples
If you’re traveling as a couple and want to be able to enjoy the flight together, be sure to pick seats with the letters “E” and “F.” These are often referred to as “honeymoon” seats, since they’re so close together. They also have separation from the aisle, which is preferred in terms of having some privacy.
In every other row, the seats in the center section are the “D” and “G” seats, and those are closer to the aisle. If you’re traveling with someone, you might as well not bother with picking these seats, since they’re so far apart. The “E” and “F” seats would be my absolute last choice when selecting seats.
There are advantages to the front of the cabin
In Emirates’ A380 business class, there’s a lot of foot traffic to the back of the plane. All four business class lavatories are at the back of the cabin, as is the bar. Not only that, but the galley is also in the rear of the aircraft, so most of the service happens from there.
The further forward you sit, the less foot traffic you’ll deal with. If you’re in the first several rows, you’ll have the fewest interruptions.
Now, conversely, if you’re seated in the front of the cabin, you’ll also see the fewest flight attendants passing your seat, so it can be harder to flag someone down. Then again, Emirates flight attendants are pretty responsive to the call bell.
Avoid(ish) the rear business class cabin
Usually I have unusual seat preferences, as I prefer to sit in the very back of a business class cabin. However, the rear cabin has a ton of foot traffic, and also has a lot of noise from the bar and galley area. Now, I’d say the first row or two in the rear cabin aren’t necessarily bad, but if you’re in the last three rows, the noise is definitely noticeable.
I actually sort of can’t believe Emirates sells the last row of business class on this plane, as you might as well have a seat at the bar. I would hate to be seated in one of those seats if I were hoping to sleep.
Bulkhead seats have larger footwells
If you can snag a seat in one of the bulkhead business class rows, I think that’s a good idea. For one, it feels a bit more private, since you don’t have anyone in front of you. On top of that, the footwell is a bit bigger than in other seats, which is always great.
My Emirates A380 business class seat recommendations
With the above out of the way, which seats would I choose if flying Emirates’ A380 business class? If you’re flying on an A380 with the 76-seat business class cabin:
- My first picks would be 7A, 7K, 23A, and 23K, which are the bulkhead seats that are “true” windows, offering the most privacy and the largest footwells
- If traveling alone, I’d otherwise pick the seat furthest forward that’s an “A” or “K” seat, which would be in odd numbered rows
- If traveling with someone, I’d probably select the honeymoon seats, which would be in odd numbered rows
- I’d then select the “B” and “J” seats over the “D” and “G” seats
- I’d do everything possible to avoid row 25 or 26
If you’re flying on an A380 with the 56-seat business class cabin:
- My first picks would be 6A, 6K, 20A, and 20K, which are the bulkhead seats that are “true” windows
- If traveling alone, I’d otherwise pick the seat furthest forward that’s an “A” or “K” seat, which would be in even numbered rows
- If traveling with someone, I’d probably select the honeymoon seats, which would be in even numbered rows
- I’d then select the “B” and “J” seats over the “D” and “G” seats
- I’d do everything possible to avoid row 22 or 23
Bottom line
Emirates has a huge Airbus A380 fleet, and it can be hard to figure out which seats are the best choice. The nice thing about these staggered configurations is that they offer different seating options depending on your preferences. However, some seats are definitely better than others. Hopefully the above is a useful rundown of which seats you’re best off picking.
Do you have a favorite Emirates A380 business class seat?
As a mechanical engineer I am always intrigued at the amount of ‘floor flexing’ on the upper deck. Not so noticeable when sitting upright but a little like a mild trampoline ride when in ’zzz’ mode on overnight flights.
23A and 23K every time if available. I must admit on a day flight more foot traffic to the bar but fine on a night flight. Met a friend on one flight who was seated near the front and it was far less turbulent than where I was sitting but that happens on any flight when seated near the rear of an aircraft.
One of the greatest airlines in the world, I mean the service, the pricing, the amenities look at everything. Emirates does everything right.
I had a terrible plane first time in 76 years ive gone on 380 business class.and that put me off for life not that I have long to go.i wish the ow er of the 380 could refund me OR give me a first class seat
Wife and me have flow 23A,K 4x recently and these are always our first choice. Very private and noise has never been an issue
While I like sitting on a "mini cabin" in general that don't usually go the same whenever I fly an A380 in upper deck premium cabin to the countries where immigration takes a long time (like the US), I avoid selecting seats in the rear cabin (which is usually smaller). If you're seated there, there're very high chances that you'll end up with de-planing later than some of economy class passengers.
Although it's a...
While I like sitting on a "mini cabin" in general that don't usually go the same whenever I fly an A380 in upper deck premium cabin to the countries where immigration takes a long time (like the US), I avoid selecting seats in the rear cabin (which is usually smaller). If you're seated there, there're very high chances that you'll end up with de-planing later than some of economy class passengers.
Although it's a totally different story if I'm flying economy and there's a economy cabin on the upper deck. Way nicer there than the main deck in general.
Perhaps add that if you are a solo traveler, and if A/K and B/J are not available, then “E” and “F” seats are better than the honeymoon seats.
On my recent EK flight, only middle of the plane seats were available because I upgraded at check in.
"Bulkhead seats have larger footwells"
Just some constructive criticism, but might be good to show us pics of bulkhead and non-bulkhead footwells, just so people reading can see the difference and decide if that difference will affect their choice or not.
The best EK J seats are in First class.