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Let’s not even talk about the rather unsightly, outdated finishes on much of the A380 fleet (some of the newer and refreshed jets have Emirates’ updated color scheme, which is much nicer).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).
That being said, there’s no denying that first class on the A380 is a way better experience than business class.
What’s your take on Emirates’ A380 business class, and where do you think it ranks?
I flew business class for the first time on Emirates on the A380 this summer to Dubai from Dulles and it was OK. The service was really hit or miss and they didn't even bring me my food for one meal on the return flight. I had to ask a supervisor for lunch while everyone else was served around me despite having my order taken. The same flight attendant just kept skipping me like I...
I flew business class for the first time on Emirates on the A380 this summer to Dubai from Dulles and it was OK. The service was really hit or miss and they didn't even bring me my food for one meal on the return flight. I had to ask a supervisor for lunch while everyone else was served around me despite having my order taken. The same flight attendant just kept skipping me like I had offended her somehow, but the supervisor was wonderful and tried to make up for it. I loved the bar and met some interesting people to chat with on a 13 hour flight. It was strange how different the service was between the two flights there and back on the same equipment and class. The service was way better on the 777 for our shorter flights to and from Nairobi.
Here's the key though.... If you're going to Italy this is the absolute best way to get there from the US. We've flown both First and Business to and from Milan from JFK, and there's no better alternative, period. The A380 is quiet and comfortable and boarding directly from the excellent lounges at JFK and at MXP is an added plus. We love Italy and Emirates makes it a pleasure getting there!
I have to agree with the article on both the good, and the bad.
One of the biggest advantages to the premium cabin on most flights is the feeling of a small group of clients and extra attentive staff. The massive business class on the 380 basically eliminated that personalized feeling. It was more like economy where everything is on their schedule (and on my Dubai to Sydney trip some off those services times...
I have to agree with the article on both the good, and the bad.
One of the biggest advantages to the premium cabin on most flights is the feeling of a small group of clients and extra attentive staff. The massive business class on the 380 basically eliminated that personalized feeling. It was more like economy where everything is on their schedule (and on my Dubai to Sydney trip some off those services times were somewhat odd). And you see a different crew member each time a service rolls around. I found it even stranger when I would make a request from a crew member who was nearby, only to be told that they weren't 'my' crew member and would pass on the request (and didn't). Meanwhile I never figured out who 'my' crew member even was.
But as noted, Emirates does good food, comfortable seats, and overall friendly service in an aircraft that is quiet and unique. The bar is a nice touch as well.
I will say though that I was in a bulkhead row for part of the flight before trading with a co-worker, and the foot box on the bulkhead row was definitely smaller than the other row, and at 6'2” it made sleep uncomfortable.
Overall though, I think for me the downsides outweighed the positives. I'm glad I got to fly the 380 while they're still around, but I think I prefer the smaller J cabin products where the crew seem much more attentive and flexible to your needs.
I've always enjoyed EK but I love drinking!
Lounge and onboard wine and spirit selections are a cut above the other airlines I have been able to fly at the pointy end on.
Ex Australia they are awfully expensive though, they seem to price match with QF inferior rubbish for the Aussie market. Looking at my next trip in May I can get SQ for about 3k less MEL-LHR. No matter how much booze I consume, I'm not drinking that value back.
Having only flown first class on the A380, I remember walking back to the bar and feeling like business looked crowded and like an assembly line ...
However I have to say that QSuites almost feels the same these days. I've flown Qsuites 5 times this year, and while the crew tries their best, the huge size of the business class cabin means constant motion and long waits for meals. Often times my first and...
Having only flown first class on the A380, I remember walking back to the bar and feeling like business looked crowded and like an assembly line ...
However I have to say that QSuites almost feels the same these days. I've flown Qsuites 5 times this year, and while the crew tries their best, the huge size of the business class cabin means constant motion and long waits for meals. Often times my first and second choice of meals is out (even sitting in the first few rows, as they swap which sides they take orders from first). They've more recently been telling people not to dine on demand due to long waits. And most recently I waited over an hour for my first meal (and the drink arrived only after I had finished that meal) ... in row 1.
The bottom line is that business class cabins are getting busier and catching up to Emirates' vast size. It's not necessarily a problem, but all expectations need to be tempered!
Emirate 380 .. It is so bad that seets are not fitted perfect. Some swiches are not respond. Screens are blinking. Service is moderate.
I was so sorry that i pay for it
Flew round trip from JFK to Milan and back last week. I would agree that the food and wine offerings were solid. However, the cocktails were a bit of a hit of miss. Both times I ordered on at the bar, the current flight attendant at the bar did not know how to make the drink and had to ask another FA to help out. Service overall was good and attentive. One area I would...
Flew round trip from JFK to Milan and back last week. I would agree that the food and wine offerings were solid. However, the cocktails were a bit of a hit of miss. Both times I ordered on at the bar, the current flight attendant at the bar did not know how to make the drink and had to ask another FA to help out. Service overall was good and attentive. One area I would disagree is the comfort of the bed. While it is fairly wide with a good sized footwell, it was not comfortable and both my wife and I struggled to get a good amount sleep even though we were both quite tired.
The quality of their liquor is hard to beat. Chivas 18 where jw black is common in 1st class for other carriers.
Indeed, as is the wine selection on board and in lounges.
Emirates is rubbish. Worst flight I have ever had, and terrible business class. I have had very many long-hall flights and once business with Emirates was enough. Never again.
Looks mid.
How often does EK tail swap so that you get one of those awful 2-3-2 seats, and do you have any recourse if this happens?
Just flew this route on Sept 30. A few comments. First time on anA380. (
+1: Very happy that the FA insisted on taking my carryon up the stairs.
I had just somehow developed problems with my hip (just diagnosed as osteoarthritis) and climbing up stairs is a bit uncomfortable so who was I to resist? TY.
+2: liked the well stocked amenity kit. Mine was a rectangular pink one.
+3: food...
Just flew this route on Sept 30. A few comments. First time on anA380. (
+1: Very happy that the FA insisted on taking my carryon up the stairs.
I had just somehow developed problems with my hip (just diagnosed as osteoarthritis) and climbing up stairs is a bit uncomfortable so who was I to resist? TY.
+2: liked the well stocked amenity kit. Mine was a rectangular pink one.
+3: food in the lounge was very good - had delicious lamb chops. And lounge was not crowded. Wanted to sleep on flight (10:20p departure delayed, arrival in Milan at 12:15 local time) so don't even remember what I ate onboard - not much and/or nothing memorable.
-1: they woke us way early for breakfast - seemed like a couple of hours or so before landing. I just had some yogurt, fruit and a pastry (croissant?). Meh, but I don't eat eggs, omlets, or big breakfasts (except pancakes). So not much sleep on this flight.
The bar was very crowded right after the light meal service. Empty when I woke up early.
The pajamas were some stretchy jersey kind of material. Not the greatest. Crew was very good, seat comfortable, schedule fit our needs. Overall a decent flight. But didn't live up to the hype. Chalking that up to the timing and route.
Flew Qsuites ICN-DOH-JFK in March. No comparision. Qsuites was the absolute best all the way around.
We have been flying Emirates business for over 12 years. While the A380 is a fantastic airplane, their business class product has deteriorated over the years. Don't get me wrong, it's still much better than Air Canada's 787 Dreamliner.
For one, they have crammed 76 business class seats on the upper deck and the cabin just doesn't feel spacious anymore. The purser who has been flying with Emirates for 20+ years readily admitted that...
We have been flying Emirates business for over 12 years. While the A380 is a fantastic airplane, their business class product has deteriorated over the years. Don't get me wrong, it's still much better than Air Canada's 787 Dreamliner.
For one, they have crammed 76 business class seats on the upper deck and the cabin just doesn't feel spacious anymore. The purser who has been flying with Emirates for 20+ years readily admitted that cost cutting was to blame.
We were on the YYZ-DXB sector where they ONLY utilize the vintage first Gen A380's.
The food too was not the best. For example, the lobster was very chewy. Their supposed lamb biriyani was lamb over yellow rice. Not biriyani at all.
They also don't have lactose free options.
Would we fly Emirates business again, hell YES even though the prices have shot up quite a bit.
It's a shame they do not offer Premium Economy on the YYZ-DX sector.
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.
I found the foot box on my bulkhead row to be very cramped, but then I swapped with a co-worker in a non-bulkhead row and the foot box was much better. In the bulkhead row it was uncomfortable for me at 6'2"
Based on TV background at the bar. I must ask if you found-out the outcome on your flight?
:(
Election would've been called by the time he stepped off the aircraft in Milan -- he flew the 05NOV24 EK206 trip, which gets him to MXP at 6:28 a.m. ET the day after the election. The Associated Press called the race at 5:34 a.m. ET for that clown
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.