You’ve gotta hand it to Emirates for constantly one-upping itself when it comes to the little details of inflight service in first class…
In this post:
Emirates first class flight attendants get white gloves
You’ll often hear the term “white glove service” to refer to service that shows a high level of care. But Emirates has literally just introduced white glove service in first class. This is of course totally minor, but as someone who loves to keep track of the little touches of inflight service, I think it’s worth pointing out.
The way it works, first class flight attendants have been given white gloves as part of their service procedure, which are supposed to be put on when serving wine, placing down silverware, etc. Just to give an example, if you order a glass of wine, the flight attendant will bring you the glass while wearing white gloves, will then return to the galley to take them off, and will then return with the bottle, and a linen over their arm.
The only time I’ve ever had white glove service on an airline was when I flew Etihad’s The Residence on the A380, back when the airline still had butler service for this product.
This is only one of several service changes in Emirates first class in recent days and weeks. Emirates has also updated its caviar presentation, as it now comes presented in a silver container (don’t worry, caviar is still unlimited!).
The airline has also introduced a new menu presentation in first class (like, the physical menu, not what’s being served… though that’s always updated as well). It’s more like a magazine or pamphlet, and goes into much greater detail on all the service offerings, the wine available, etc.

Emirates has an obsessive attention to detail
Typically when airlines tweak their inflight product, it’s because there’s an opportunity to cut costs, or streamline things. Sure, in premium cabins we sometimes see airlines make improvements, but they’re not exactly common.
Emirates deserve huge credit for how it constantly evolves its first class soft product. Yes, Emirates has the world’s best first class wine (by far), but beyond that, Emirates first class has changes just about every time I fly with the airline.
The changes are all minor individually, but they really add up, and clearly reflect that there’s a whole team of people always thinking about how they could improve the product. We’re talking everything from introducing movie snack menus, to having carafes for wine, so that it gets more oxygen.
It’s funny, because I’d describe Emirates’ first class attention to detail inflight as being obsessive, while the same can’t be said on the ground. For example, the airline doesn’t even offer priority boarding for first class passengers, so boarding is quite chaotic on an A380, when 100+ people potentially try to board at once (factoring in first class, business class, and elite members).

Bottom line
Emirates has introduced white glove service in first class. The way this works, flight attendants now put on white gloves when presenting wine glasses and the like, before taking them off and returning with the bottle. I know this is super minor, but I do love to keep up with inflight service changes, and Emirates’ constant updates, no matter how “extra” they may be.
What do you make of these Emirates first class service changes?
My wife and teenage son were with me on the MXP-JFK flight on Saturday, April 5th. They had the white glove service and updated menus available on that flight. The crew was outstanding and service was the best we have ever experienced in the air. We were given heaping servings of caviar and told that there was enough for us to have "literally as much as we wanted." The Dom P was never ending, as...
My wife and teenage son were with me on the MXP-JFK flight on Saturday, April 5th. They had the white glove service and updated menus available on that flight. The crew was outstanding and service was the best we have ever experienced in the air. We were given heaping servings of caviar and told that there was enough for us to have "literally as much as we wanted." The Dom P was never ending, as well as the JW Blue and Chivas 21. Bar area was lively and the Pursar gave us a guided tour of the aircraft. Shower at 35,000 feet was everything you would think it would be and more. Can't say enough about the entire experience. We booked business awards about 3 months in advance and were able to upgrade with 39,000 miles transferred from AMEX at check-in. I followed Ben's and others advice and kept an eye on availability through expert flyer. Arrived at Emirates check-in area at MXP about 4 hours before the flight. Confirmed availability with the agent, transferred the AMEX points, got our boarding passes and away we went. Got a chance to allow my wife a casual stroll through duty free and the other shops on our way to the lounge. Plenty of libations and decent food in lounge, but we knew not to get too full in the lounge as the meal on the flight was going to be a feast, and it surely was. Lounge attendants were hard working and courteous. Earlier flight going to Dubai was oversold in business so the lounge was very full until approximately 1400. Cleared out and was almost empty for about half an hour. Filled back up until boarding at 1535. Boarded directly through from the lounge and the rest is history.
For all the hype associated with this product, it truly exceeded to our expectations.
Seems like just another gimmick to me.
The worst part of Emirates is DXB. The new airport can't come fast enough.
Some of us can still remember the old airstrip down the road, it was called Sharjah …. definitely no white glove service there at the time.
The point of wearing gloves when serving is to avoid leaving finger prints on the silverware. So Emirates should also introduce sterling silver cutlery and sterling silver serving trays at the same time as the white gloves. Otherwise, what's the reasoning?
It would be very easy to claim that one is playing devils advocate here, but if one indulges oneself in the departure lounge before the flight, why on earth does one have to force more food down one’s gullet during the flight too …. gluttony perhaps?
Obviously, you haven’t been to EWR SAS lounge where EK sends his F customers
"Obviously, you haven’t been to EWR SAS lounge where EK sends his F customers"
Same in ORD. Vile.
Stan&TW …. quite right folks, that lounge is not at any of my chosen destinations.
Perhaps you could do us all a favour by enlightening the readers about the plus or minus attributes of the lounge?
@AeroB:
Same way I suppose why some people leave home without showering/taking a bath, get to the lounge with baths, but ignore those facilities then instead shower in a small, unhygienic, potentially hot and steamy cubicle on board.
Emirates has great PR, but the FIRST product on just a few planes gives them an undeserved Halo effect. The business class product on the 777s is from the nineties in terms of competitiveness. Even much maligned Virgin and Air NZ have a better business class than that found on the majority of Emirates fleet.
Frederik,
I don't know anyone that would think the business class on VA or NZ overall is "better than that found on the majority of Emirates fleet"
The coffin herringbone "coffin" type seats on the VA A330 and 787 as well as the NZ 787 are inferior to Emirates business seats, in my opinion. And those make up "a majority" of the business seats on those carriers.
Fun! As I wind down my flying, I'm glad I'm ticketed on DXB - HND- DXB - IAD for Birthday 2025. Two Game Changer Cabins then shower all with White Glove Service!!
Sounds nice, but is it on all flights they only give you the silverware in the rolled up napkin? Was really disappointed by that, especially since it doesn’t take too much effort. Fair in business, but in First I expect a fully set table.
But maybe it was just the short BKK-HKG route.
In its glamor days, PanAm made their male flight attendants wear white dinner jackets and a bow tie.
@Lucky. If I remember correctly, you and Tiffany both had experienced "white glove service" about 10 years ago on a different airline (whose name nowadays one is not allowed to even mention). I flew with them too, and that white glove service in their business class was amazing.
It seems to be catching on. My new mattress is being delivered with "White Glove Service."
Not the point of the post, but is that ketchup with sushi?
It could be chili sauce for kimbap, in which case it is forgiven.....
@ Neil -- Indeed, as noted by CPH-Flyer, it's kimbap with gochujang sauce. Realize it looks weird.
https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/emirates-first-class-airbus-a380/
A part of me wants to respond with how great this is and how happy I am that Emirates is continuing to invest in the guest experience. Then another party of me sighs and realizes that business class is probably the best I’m ever going to experience.
Don't give up. We are solidly middle class and I've pulled off Emirates First Class with points thanks primarily to a great wife that doesn't mind me using most of our points for a birthday indulgence every few years or so.
Thanks man. Appreciate the encouragement. Fr fr.
This is a really wholesome exchange and I'm here for it!
Black Monday,
See my recent post. I just upgraded a family of 3 from MXP-JFK from Business to first with 39K transferred amex points the day of travel
39K Amex points per person to go from business to first.
Let's ask the Thai influencer what she thinks.
And see what that flight attendant who criticize her thinks.