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.
In addition to an awesome first class product and comfortable business class cabin, the plane has some particularly well known amenities. For first class passengers, there’s the A380 shower spa, which is probably the most jaw-dropping amenity in commercial aviation. Meanwhile for both first and business class, there’s a bar and lounge at the back of the upper deck.
Just as I’ve written a guide to the Emirates A380 shower spa, in this post I’d like to write a guide to the Emirates A380 bar and lounge, given the amount of intrigue surrounding this amenity. While Emirates isn’t the only airline in the world to have an onboard bar and lounge, I do think the airline is in a league of its own when it comes to how well it’s executed, and certainly in terms of how many planes are flying with this product.
In this post:
The history of the Emirates A380 onboard bar & lounge
To start, I think it’s interesting to discuss the backstory of the Emirates bar and lounge. Emirates began flying the Airbus A380 in 2008, and it’s (by far) the world’s largest operator of the A380. When you think of the A380, you probably think of Emirates, and when you think of Emirates, you probably think of the A380.
When Emirates decided to go all-in on the A380, the airline wanted to make the plane something special. While the first class shower suites are located in an area where there couldn’t otherwise be seats (since it’s to the side of the staircase, without windows), the bar is in a location where there could be seats, and there’s a direct opportunity cost.
Emirates President Tim Clark had the idea for the bar, but at the time, he wasn’t sure it would prove a hit. So at first, Emirates installed overhead bins in the area of the bar, in case the airline decided to change its mind, and rip out the bar. As Clark explained at the time, “I designed the bar at the back of the aircraft on the upper deck, on the understanding that if it didn’t work, we could remove it in 96 hours and put eight more business class seats in.”
Suffice it to say that this proved to be a massive success, and the airline never looked back.
Guide to the Emirates A380 onboard bar & lounge
With the above out of the way, let’s talk about all the details of the Emirates Airbus A380 bar and lounge. Where is it located, who has access to it, what food and drinks are available there, how busy does it get, etc.?
Who can use the onboard bar & lounge?
The Emirates onboard bar and lounge is available exclusively to first and business class passengers. It’s located at the very back of the upper deck of the Airbus A380, and it’s available on all A380s (including those without a first class cabin).
As you might have guessed, this is exclusively available on the A380, and not on Emirates’ other aircraft, like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777 (which might have a small walk-up bar where you can grab a snack, but nothing more).
So to get to the bar, just walk through both of the business class cabins (the A380 has a large cabin, and then a small cabin), and then you’ll see it in the very back. All of the business class lavatories, as well as the business class galleys, are also located at the back of the upper deck, so there’s a ton of foot traffic there, from both the crew and passengers.
What is the bar layout & design like?
Emirates has progressively been updating and modernizing its Airbus A380 cabins over the years, so you’ll notice subtle differences between the various bars and lounges. As pictured above, all the onboard lounges have a “U” shaped bar, which is where the bartender stands.
The bar also always has a huge TV against the rear bulkhead, which is typically showing the map feature, though sometimes also has other programming on.
What differs is what the seating is like. The older style lounge concept has a curved bench on each side, with each bench being able to accommodate roughly three guests. You’ll notice slightly different upholstery, depending on which “generation” of interiors are featured.
In terms of comfort and functionality, I far prefer the new style lounge seating, as I find it’s much more practical. With this, you’ll find that one side of the lounge has two booths facing one another, with a table in the middle. That seating arrangement can accommodate four people.
Meanwhile the other side of the lounge has a booth plus another seat, also with a table. The new style bar is definitely more conducive to conversation, and also more practical, since there’s actually somewhere you can place drinks.
For what it’s worth, while the seating capacity is for six to seven guests, the bar can accommodate up to 26 passengers total, including standing. That limit is based on the need for there to be sufficient oxygen masks for everyone, in the event of an emergency.
Also keep in mind that you don’t actually have to hang out at the bar. You can also just come back to order a drink or to stretch your legs, rather than hanging out there for a long time.
Does the bar & lounge have a bartender?
The Emirates Airbus A380 bar and lounge does indeed have a full-time bartender. Specifically, one of the business class flight attendants will be assigned the position of bartender, so they’ll be there even during the meal service (and of course on long haul flights with crew rests, there’s also a replacement person put in that role).
It tends to be a controversial role. Some flight attendants who are super social and love talking to people are happy when they get assigned this position, while others dread it, since it’s hard to escape into the galley, and you may get cornered by a very annoying passenger.
What food & drinks are available at the bar & lounge?
You should never go hungry in an Emirates premium cabin, given the amount of food served. That being said, if you’re feeling peckish or simply sleep through the meal service (Emirates doesn’t have dine on demand in business class), you can grab a snack at the bar.
Typically, you can expect to find a large, delicious cake there (you can just grab a slice), as well as sandwiches, packaged snacks, and more.
The selection will vary, but just as an example, below is the bar and lounge sandwich selection for current flights.
Of course most people come to bars for drinks and not food, so there’s good news there as well. You can be served all the same drinks at the bar that you could be served at your seat. Fortunately Emirates has one of the best and most expansive alcohol selections in the sky.
Not only does the airline have great wine, but the bartender can also prepare you just about any traditional cocktail imaginable (these can also be ordered to your seat, for the record). For example, below is the current cocktail and mocktail selection.
Even beyond the published menu, they’ll be happy to make you any cocktail within reason. For example, a dirty martini is not a problem!
Now, you’ll want to be careful with crew recommendations. I’m still recovering from that one time the bartender recommended her favorite cocktail to me, and proposed mixing Opus One and Coke… umm…
Do first class passengers get any special perks?
As mentioned above, the bar and lounge is a shared space between first and business class. The one thing worth mentioning is that first class passengers can enjoy the elevated first class drink selection at the bar as well. So whether you want to enjoy Emirates’ amazing first class wines or other great spirits, you can absolutely enjoy those at the bar.
More often than not, if you let the crew know that you’re going to the bar, they’ll automatically bring a bottle of your favorite drink back there, to enjoy. Otherwise, just outright ask them to do so, or ask the bartender for a drink from first class. It’s not an issue, and that’s how the service is supposed to work.
How busy does the bar & lounge get?
There’s massive variability in terms of how busy the Emirates A380 bar and lounge gets. As you’d expect, it depends mostly on the length of flight, the time of day, and the route.
An afternoon Emirates flight from Glasgow or Manchester to Dubai, with a late night arrival? The place is going to be more packed than a pub on a Friday night. An overnight New York to Milan flight, arriving in the morning? It’s likely to be pretty quiet, as everyone tries to sleep.
Simply put, crowding generally comes down to the time of day, and how much people at the origin or destination airport like to drink. By the way, I recommend being strategic when picking your Emirates A380 business class seat, and generally avoiding seats at the very back close to the bar, especially on some of the rowdier routes.
Here’s one other strategy I take. Personally, I love the bar, but I’m not necessarily a huge extrovert. Keep in mind that Emirates doesn’t have dine on demand in business class, so you’ll generally find that the bar is empty during the business class meal services.
When I’m traveling in first class (which does have dine on demand), my strategy is generally to visit the bar when the meal service is going on in business class, since it’s a way to enjoy the space without it being overcrowded.
Bottom line
Emirates’ Airbus A380 bar and lounge is one of the most talked about amenities in the sky. It was a big investment and gamble from Emirates when it was first introduced back in 2008, though in the meantime, it has made Emirates the globally recognized airline it is today.
Given Emirates’ huge fleet of 100+ Airbus A380s, this is the largest inflight “bar” network you’ll find on any airline. Between this and the shower spa, the Emirates A380 sure is a special plane.
If you’ve experienced the Emirates A380 bar & lounge, what did you make of it?
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.
Hell is other passengers. This particular bar scene is not for me.
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...
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
Ben you’re becoming a real journalist
One trip and 20 different angles to it
Good job
"six to seven guests"
You just had to do that, right? :D
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
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.
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.