Have you ever wondered what it’s like to turn left when you step on the aircraft instead of turning right? Worry no more, I took it upon myself to find out whether it’s all that it is cracked up to be. The test subject was Emirates’ A380 Business Class service to and from Dubai.
The experience starts before you even arrive at the airport. Emirates offers customers the ability to book a complimentary chauffeur hire car service from home to the airport return and also during each stop leg (i.e. if you decide to split the trip with a stopover in between). They call this the Emirates Experience.
My driver arrived early and arrived in a Holden Caprice — in the past I have had a Chrysler 300 and Audi A8. The driver helped with the luggage and we were off to the airport.
Once at the airport, a dedicated line for Business Class passengers allows quick and easy transit through the check in area. You can also check in using the Emirates mobile application, which makes life even easier.
After passing through customs, it’s direct to the Emirates First/Business Class lounge. As far as lounges go, it’s pretty impressive. It’s a big, open space with a restaurant area, drinks station and business lounge — along with showers and toilets with private cubicles.
The best part is that the lounge backs on to a dedicated boarding area for First/Business Class passengers, effectively bypassing the line of Economy Class passengers boarding the plane.
Emirates currently operate two versions of the A380 — one with the older cabin setup and one with the newer version. You’re unlikely to know whether you are flying a newer or older plane, and to be honest it’s not going to make a difference to your experience anyway.
Subtle differences include different tray tables, electronic blinds and a larger entertainment screen.
Unlike some airlines, Emirates really focuses on luxury and making the passenger feel like they are sitting in an opulent environment. Each business class suite sits within its own culvert.
Within your suite is a small bar that comes pre-filled with drinks (including a miniature VOSS water, which is cool), snacks and toiletries. There’s also a small table just ahead of the drinks that is useful for storing things like your passport and arrival documents.
The large fold out tray is also wood grain and an adequate size to hold a laptop and the multiples of food that come through the cabin. My favourite aspect of the experience is actually proper espresso coffee At the push of the attendant button, you can have a latte, cappuccino or espresso coffee delivered to your suite.
Sitting in the large business class seat is comfortable, but can be a little firm at times. This is fixed shortly after an additional mattress is delivered by the flight staff. This acts as a mattress for sleeping, but also as padding for extra comfort.
Speaking of comfort — the seat can be adjusted a number of ways and has an inbuilt massage function. The seat can be reclined, the bottom can be extended as a footrest and the seat can then be fully reclined into a totally flat bed.
Just ahead of the seat is a cubby for tucking your feet into when the seat is reclined and a storage area for shoes during the flight. On the A380, there are also bins adjacent to the seat where odds and ends can be stored.
Emirates uses a very comprehensive inflight entertainment system called ICE. Your whopping 20-inch wide screen is one of the largest in the industry (only beaten by the 32 inch screen fitted to Emirates First Class suites). The entertainment system can be controlled either by touch or by an iPad-esque remote controller next to your seat.
What about the staff? Based on the flights I have taken so far, the staff in Business Class have been absolutely fantastic. They are very attentive and ensure you feel like you are getting your money’s worth. The staff deliver a small toilet bag at the start of the flight that contains brand named lotions, deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
At the rear of the Business Class cabin there is a full service bar with seating. It’s actually a pretty cool place to hang out and meet new people if you are on a day flight. Popularity can be a bit hit and miss at times. I have been there at times when it has been empty, while at other times it has been crammed full of people sharing a laugh over a drink.
To cap things off, when your flight reaches its destination you will be the first — well, second after First Class — to leave the plane and your bags will also come out first on the conveyor. There is also an express pass that is handed out soon before arrival to make sure you don’t get held up at customs.
To read more, head to youtravel.com.au
Sitting in the large business class seat is comfortable, but can be a little firm at times. This is fixed shortly after an additional mattress is delivered by the flight staff. This acts as a mattress for sleeping, but also as padding for extra comfort.
Speaking of comfort — the seat can be adjusted a number of ways and has an inbuilt massage function. The seat can be reclined, the bottom can be extended as a footrest and the seat can then be fully reclined into a totally flat bed.
Just ahead of the seat is a cubby for tucking your feet into when the seat is reclined and a storage area for shoes during the flight. On the A380, there are also bins adjacent to the seat where odds and ends can be stored.
Emirates uses a very comprehensive inflight entertainment system called ICE. Your whopping 20-inch wide screen is one of the largest in the industry (only beaten by the 32 inch screen fitted to Emirates First Class suites). The entertainment system can be controlled either by touch or by an iPad-esque remote controller next to your seat.
What about the staff? Based on the flights I have taken so far, the staff in Business Class have been absolutely fantastic. They are very attentive and ensure you feel like you are getting your money’s worth. The staff deliver a small toilet bag at the start of the flight that contains brand named lotions, deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
At the rear of the Business Class cabin there is a full service bar with seating. It’s actually a pretty cool place to hang out and meet new people if you are on a day flight. Popularity can be a bit hit and miss at times. I have been there at times when it has been empty, while at other times it has been crammed full of people sharing a laugh over a drink.
To cap things off, when your flight reaches its destination you will be the first — well, second after First Class — to leave the plane and your bags will also come out first on the conveyor. There is also an express pass that is handed out soon before arrival to make sure you don’t get held up at customs.
To read more, head to youtravel.com.au
By Paul Maric
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