Review: Business Class on Emirates A380 – A Sky-High Experience

Flying in business class is always a treat, but flying upstairs on an Emirates A380? That's a whole new level of luxury. Join us as we review this exclusive and impressive business-class experience and answer your most burning questions: Is it worth upgrading to Business Class on Emirates? And which Emirates planes have the best business class (I think you already know our answer)?

Table of contents

Boarding

Seat

Amenities

Verdict

Boarding: A Unique First/Business Class Experience

The boarding experience for Emirates business and first-class passengers is nothing short of unique. If you've been dreaming of making a grand entrance via a staircase, you might be disappointed, especially when departing from Dubai. Instead, you'll want to arrive at the airport with ample time to indulge in the opulence of the Emirates lounges.

Located one above the other in the Dubai Airport, the business and first-class lounges are sprawling and well-appointed. From snack bars and coffee stations to multiple food buffets and even an occasional ice cream cart, these lounges are a haven for luxury travelers. During our visit, the bar stocked not just champagne but also sweet ice champagne, a delightful surprise that sent us back for multiple refills.

But the real magic happens when it's time to board. Forget about searching for your gate. Instead, stroll down the lounge's corridors to find your gate's dedicated elevator. Select the button for upper deck boarding, and voila! You're ushered directly into the top section of the A380. Talk about a seamless boarding process.

The Business Class Seat: Spacious and Feature-Packed

Once onboard, the business class seat is a sight to behold. What you get in business class on an A380 is a seat that is spacious and impressively equipped, offering amenities that you won't find in many other business-class products.

Features

• Personal Mini Bar: A selection of soft drinks, water, and juices at arm's reach.

• Two Large Storage Compartments: No need to wait for the seatbelt sign to access the overhead bin.

• Dual Screens: A main large-screen TV and a tablet for additional entertainment purposes. This means you can enjoy your in-flight movie on the big screen, while still displaying your flight info next to you.

• USB and Plug Ports: Stay connected throughout your flight.

• Comfort: A comfortable mattress pad and blanket for a restful journey.

Minor Drawback

While the window shades offer privacy, there were some limitations. During portions of the flight (takeoff and landing) you were not in control of your own window shades, as they were all automated to be either opened or closed. While this seems inconsequential, during landing one of our window seat shades remained shut, and as we did not have the power to open it on our own, one of us was denied the beautiful arrival views.

In-Flight Amenities: A Bar and Gourmet Dining

Why wait for the flight attendant to serve you when you can head straight to the bar? Located at the back of the plane, the bar is a lively spot, full of atmosphere and unique experiences. From drinks and bar snacks to a freshly baked and delicious cake displayed on a stand, the bar is a delightful place to spend some time during the flight. We spent a couple of lovely hours here indulging in the treats and chatting with the delightful flight crew, who even brought our dinners back to the bar so we could enjoy them there.

As for the meals, they were nothing short of delicious. Due to the timing of our flight, we were served light bite dinners and breakfast in the morning. Unlike traditional airline meal carts, each dish and drink is hand-delivered by a flight attendant, adding a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. However, we did notice a few instances of confusion and double deliveries. 

Final Thoughts on Emirates A380 Business Class

If you ever have the chance to upgrade to business class on an Emirates A380, don't hesitate—run! As an Emirates A380 captain aptly described it, "Business on the Emirates A380 is the same as first-class anywhere else." We couldn't agree more.

With its spacious cabin, unique amenities, and exceptional service, flying business class on the Emirates A380 is truly a sky-high experience that sets the bar high for luxury air travel. So, the next time you're planning a trip and the Emirates A380 is an option, treat yourself to the business class experience. Trust us; it's worth every penny.