TominScotland flew Emirates First class, on a B777-200 (three-class) (17/12/2012 09:28)

This review actually relates to two connecting flights, EK511 (in the 777-200) and EK025 (in a A340-300) which are combined here because of the chalk and cheese service I received, which, according to many who write in this Forum, appears to typify Emirates.

I checked in early for my initial flight from Delhi to Dubai. Booked in Economy by my Indian counterparts, I was up-graded at check-in which was a nice bonus. I had looked to up-grade on miles earlier (as I had done for other legs on this trip) but there was no availabilty at the time so this was a bonus.

Immigration and security were quite quick. I browsed the shops and went to the pharmacy as I had developed a nasty check cold while in India. After this, I headed to the Lounge which is spacious, comfortable and offers excellent food options.

The flight was called in the Lounge and I made my way to the Gate. Five checks of my boarding pass later, I was aboard the aircraft. The 777-200 seats seem to be similar to the 380 but without the elaborate surround. I settled in and watched a service comedy unfold!!

The whole 3'40" flight seemed to be a cabin crew training session. Service was incredibly slow, crew members seemed to tripping over eachother. Questions about drinks, menu choices etc were asked multiple times, orders were misdelivered and so on and on and on.

The biggest problem was one of language. A large number of cabin crew seemed to have woeful English and could not understand requests beyond the very basic and standard.

Crew seemed to have a real problem with European names - this is a simple training point and one that is readily undertaken in reverse for Europeans travelling in Asia so I cannot see why cabin crew should struggle with names if properly trained. Maybe this reflects the rapid and continuing growth of the Emirates fleet combined with a wish to maintain lowest possible labour costs?

There did not seem to be any sense of cabin management or control in place and, remember, this was a premium cabin and, admittedly, a full flight. As a Gold Card holder, I did not receive any particular recognition from the CSD or crew.

The flight was slow because of strong head winds and we landed a few minutes late in Dubai. I progressed through transfer security which is a breeze at lunchtime (compared to my normal nocturnal experiences) and made a brief visit to the Lounge. It was then time to head back out to my next flight to Glasgow.

I arrived at the Gate in good time to walk straight onto the aircraft and the change from the previous flight was striking. The crew were calm and helpful throughout, professional and engaging with passengers. The CSD came and talked to all Gold card holders.

I was feeling fairly rough by that time and one of the crew, Majed, offered me a non-alcoholic elixia, tea, lemon and honey and plied me with this thoughout the flight. The team overall in th Business cabin were competent, confident and engaged - such a contrast to my earlier flight.

Seats on the A340 are not comparable to the B777 but, for a daytime flight, perfectly acceptable. Meal service was effecient and flexible - a fellow passenger looked for his food late, having slept early in the flight and they happily complied.

We landed about 15 minutes early and were soon off the aircraft. Emirates like to deplane by class but the one airbridge facility in Glasgow means that this is not possible with the A340 so the one or two passengers in First had to muck in with the rest of us. With no checked luggage, I was quickly out and into my complementary limo transfer home.

Emirates should be concerned at the massive gap in service standards I encountered on these two flights - one a deal breaker and the oher a real deal maker, if you like!!

GermanaBergomi flew Emirates First class (13/12/2012 13:35)

amazing flight!!!Taking shower just before landing ???? unforgettable!

AllOverTheGaff flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300ER (three-class) (28/09/2012 16:27)

Flew with Emirates from GLA - DXB then DXB - SIN and the same on the return leg, flew all legs in the 1st class suites.

One of the perks with Emirates is that in both business and 1st they have a chauffeur drive service, was duly collected by the driver (who incidentally recognised me from previous flights) and was driven from my home city to Glasgow airport - some 75 miles away. Upon arrival at Glasgow there was zero line at 1st class check in, however, the check-in-clerk was a little miserable. Annoyingly, Emirates do not offer a fast-track card for security which on a £5K + flight I expected.

The main gripe with my Emirates experience is the lounge at Glasgow Airport. It is nothing short of awful, I've been in better Little Chef's. No bubbles, no food, zero service and a dreadful interior, if Emirates want this service to succeed, they should rent some space from GG airport and build their own lounge, it really is that bad.

Onto the plane with no fuss, there is a separate walkway to the first class cabin and I was greeted warmly by cabin crew. Shown to my seat (2K) and immediately offered a glass of vintage Veuve - the stewardess then explaining that it would be Dom upon take off.

I took my seat inside the suite, and having flown this cabin before was reminded immediately of why I chose Emirates. These suites are excellent, far superior to BA or Qantas. Large screen TV, mini-bar, HUGE leather seat, sliding doors which you can close during the flight, lots of lighting, USB ports for charging and an electrical outlet for the same. Have a look at the suite on Emirates.com, it is fantastic. Seating configuration is 1 2 1 and I had chosen a single seat as I was traveling along, of course, the two together don't benefit from a window.

Upon take off the stewardess was over to explain how everything worked, and also to inform me it is an a la carte experience meaning you eat when you want. So, the pressing of the button is encouraged not frowned upon as it is in most business class seats. I duly used the service and had a delicious lunch served with excellent wines, this was after a couple of 2003 Dom's. The food was excellent and the menu comprehensive.

The cabins have their "ICE" system standing for Information Communication Entertainment and you control this with a little hand-held remote control device which has it's own screen. Alas mines was not working properly but I just leaned forward and used the touch-screen TV itself. HUGE variety of on-demand movies/tv shows and a front/belly camera as well as the obligatory maps showing where in the sky you are.

Service was exemplary, whenever I needed anything they could not have been any quicker, however, the team are completely unobtrusive and don't bother you unless they see your glass running dry.

They make the bed up for you and I did this on the second leg of my journey once I'd used the 1st class lounge in Dubai (which is by any stretch First Class!) and had a great night's sleep in the suite which is private, comfortable and quiet.

Upon arrival at Singapore I was greeted by my driver who took me to the hotel - again in a Merc, all included in the price.

All in all, I would rate this experience as a 9/10 - on board scores a 10 could not ask for more, but the ground crew and the lounge need a little updating.

sewakonwar flew Emirates First class, on a B777-200 (three-class) (23/09/2012 04:50)

Emirates first class seat plan is excellent, travellers like me feels the value for money that I paid for the trip, u have complete privacy along with total peace. Services are excellent, selection of food menu & drinks are really exemplory. I would prefere to travel first class rather than travelling to business class.

TominScotland flew Emirates First class, on a A330-200 (three-class) (01/06/2012 09:05)

This flight from Dubai to Hong Kong was a continuation of my journey from the UK and, as such, I availed of the Business Class Lounge from where the boarding call was made some 40 minutes prior to scheduled departure at 03.20.

The choice of this flight involves an interesting compromise. It is a direct connection, something only recently available, and, as such, gives the opportunity for 7 hours+ rest. However, it is served by an aging A330 aircraft which patently does not offer the same level of comfort as its newer cousins. Indeed, the indirect service via Bangkok leaves just 15 minutes prior to this departure, with the comfort of an A380 but the downsides of a break in the journey and an arrival time almost 3 hours later.

The gate was a short 5 minute walk from the Lounge and, there, by Business Class boarding pass was exchanged for 2K in First - a good start. There was no queue for boarding and I was at my seat without any hassle.

Pre-flight drinks were served and a large amenity pack distributed - this is only seems to be available on night flights with Emirates. As a First seat, this offering on the A330 is a non-starter - it is way inferior to that in Business on the A380 and no on the same planet as Emirates Suites. The First cabin is a tight 2-2-2 with two rows. The seat itself is very comfortable but movement is restricted, especially when the beds are flat in front and next to me in my window seat. Indeed, exiting to the aisle when my neighbour was fully flat and asleep is a real challenge, especially if:

you don’t like to wake people
you have short legs
you are not a natural athlete
you are half asleep

Needless to say, I fulfill all these conditions and I wished that I had been Sergey Bubka for just those fleeting moments.

Service on this flight is somewhat challenging for the airline. leaving Dubai at 03.20 and arriving in Hong Kong at 15.00 (both local times) means that the beautifully presented a la Carte menu is a mixture of breakfast and lunch items and the consequence is the oddity of enjoying your light continental breakfast while your neighbour tucks into stir fried lobster or chicken parmesan. Their smells over breakfast were challenging..... Service was full of smiles of somewhat haphazard.

The First cabin on the A330 has just the one toilet and this does create queues. I did try to make my way through the Business galley as an alternative, only to be sent back my the curtain guardian - “This area is for Business Class only”. I have always assumed that curtains were to stop the rabble invading premium class space and did not realise that it also was intended to shield us up front from the terrible scene in Business and economy!!

Arrival in Hong Kong was a couple of minutes ahead of schedule and First Class were deplaned first. I was at Immigration within 5 minutes of leaving the plane - a longish queue but disappeared rapidly. My luggage was on the belt within 5 minutes of getting there - only challenge was that our flight was doubled up with another and this created crowding in the fight for bags. In the car exactly 30 minutes after landing.

If I was paying for Emirates First having sampled the A380, I would be disappointed with the A330 offering. Its fine for a daytime, medium-haul journey but really not up to the mark for a nighttime journey.

blendLondon flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300ER (three-class) (09/03/2012 12:18)

Emirates are not what they were.

This flight was a suite, but the recent problems with the A380 wings have forced them to use some pretty ancient planes on the LHR/DXB route recently.

Twice recently first class suites did not materialise, and instead the very old configuration with the old ICE systems were used. That said, on this flight it is the only time I have ever seen the Cabin Service Director rolling up his sleeves and serving passengers in first.

The flight was uneventful but also unremarkable. Average food, average wines, and apart from the CSD very average service.

The London lounge has also had some changes recently, and hot food appears to have disappeared in favour of more tables to sit down and be unable to the missing hot food. I don't understand this as it is definitely a backward move. The Dubai T3 First lounge is good as is the service, but isn't a patch on the Concorde lounge in T5 for example.

I am going to give Emirates a rest for quite a while I think and see what happens to them - they seem to be going in the wrong direction at the moment, and I am not at all sure where they land (forgive the pun). Hey ho! back to BA.

blendLondon flew Emirates First class, on a B777-200 (three-class) (13/02/2012 09:07)

I have flown Emirates First Class more than 30 times, the most recent was 2 weeks ago.

The aircraft should have been an A380, but was changed at the last moment to a 777-300. I was told that the 777 had suites in first, however, when I boarded I found they had used an aircraft with their old (non suite) type first class - and very uncomfortable it was too!

Service was almost indifferent, has it has been in their first class on several occasions recently. Same old tired wines and style of food that they have had for the last 2 years at least.

The ICE system was the old type that had a tendency to drive you nuts having to move a cursor around the screen, rather than the newer touch screen ICE system which is better. The TV was smaller that recent types, and a lower resolution. I have to say that the popular new ICE systems are not all they are made out to be either. OK, you get the cameras, but after that it sort of falls apart.

The most irritating English radio DJ type voice is constantly in your ears every time you change between areas of the ICE system, and adverts, adverts, adverts. Why should I be forced to watch adverts in any class, least of all first!

The suites on the 777 and the 380 are brassy looking, although comfortable. Emirates don't provide amenity bags in first on the 380, as everything is in the very spacious shower room. I suppose it is novel having a shower at 38,000 feet, but when you have done it a few times, it does lose its appeal a little.

One thing that never fails to irritate me is the size of the loos in first class, especially on the Emirates 777 and on many other airlines I have flown, especially when you have been provided with a sleep suit and are expected to change in a space about the size of the average rat hole..

However the A380 could not be criticised for the size, the loo/shower room is absolutely huge. The price supplement which Emirates have been charging in First on their 380 flights is presumably due to the amount of water that needs to be carried for the showers. Do we want to pay several hundred £ extra on your ticket price just to have a shower on board - I don't.

Emirates always seem to score highly in passenger surveys. I don't know why this should be so particularly, they are OK, but frankly not that spectacular in terms of service and what is offered on board. In the last couple of years they have been expanding rapidly, and it seems to me that they are "stretching at the seams", and this is becoming all too apparent in their service delivery.

I am moving back to British Airways, and trying Etihad for the first time in March. Lets see how they fare.

DisgustedofSwieqi flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300ER (three-class with suites) (02/02/2012 23:23)

I was transferred to this flight from Austrian Airlines and check in at the gate, so cannot comment on the normal experience. The flight was from Vienna to Dubai.

Once in the gate, EK staff had cordoned off a section next to the gate with moveable barriers, which made waiting a little more comfortable, as it prevented the normal 'jockeying for position' that one sometimes encounters.

Boarding was on time and I was shown to my seat 6F) by a courteous flight attendant. This configuration has the fully flat business beds, which are comfortable and appreciated, even on a short 5 hour flight. My seat was on the right aisle side of a middle block of three and the sides of the seat shell are quite high, with a divider available via the push of a button, which neither my neighbour nor I felt the need to use.

We were offered a choice of fruit juice or champagne (Bollinger NV) before pushback, which was on schedule, followed by a mid length taxi and departure.

The aircraft was fitted out beautifully, with clean carpets and plenty of faux walnut, even around the window frames, which gave the aircraft the ambience of an executive jet.

Service was outstanding, efficient and friendly, delivered by an FA who (I guess) was Indian and both charming and attentive (knowing when to offer service and when to leave me alone with the in flight entertainment.)

Post take off drinks arrived very quickly after the captain released the crew and we were handed a wine list to complement the menu cards left in the pocket holding the safety card - also I found a 500ml bottle of water in the same place, a nice touch to quench the thirst before the drinks service.

There was a menu choice of starters and mains and I received my preference, even though I have no status with EK. Some other airlines would do well to understand how much this is appreciated when one has paid a premium for a ticket.

The starter I chose was mezze and it was a good selection of cold bites, with warm bread of different types, quite delicious. The main was pike-perch and was lovely. I would have been happy to have this meal in a restaurant, especially as it was lubricated with another glass of 'bolly', which was a difficult choice given the main wine list and the temptation to try that.

After dinner, it was time to have some entertainment and there is little to add to previous reports of Emirates ICE system (information, communication, entertainment.) It is very comprehensive and the screen was huge.

Before running a newly released movie, I did quickly call my wife using the facility to make mobile calls for 4 euros per minute; As I was going to arrive later than scheduled, I wanted to let her know in advance and this is a perfect use for the system, worth it despite a tariff nearly nine times more expensive than my normal roaming rate.

One movie and one documentary later and we were descending into Dubai, from the west. Arrival was at a remote stand and the usual separate bussing of premium pax was the order of the day. Although handed a fast track immigration card, this was not really required at circa 2230 and the arrivals hall was quiet.

Nonetheless, baggage delivery took over 30 minutes and this was a little disappointing, although my case arrived amongst the other premium baggage, which was a relief considering the late switch of flights.

Once painlessly through customs, the Emirates chauffeur drive desk quickly found a large Chevy Caprice with my name on it and the transfer to Jumeirah was fast and painless.

In summary, the flight was exemplary and a demonstration of how the pain can be removed from mid haul flying.

I have been critical of EK in the past for highly variable product and still feel this way, but on the basis of this flight, give the company top marks.

SBingham flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 2) (01/12/2011 12:41)

Hong Kong to Bangkok first class A380 28 November.

What a poor show for Emirates. Food was poor, service terrible and I think the A380 is over rated, will never fly with this airline again.

Shower was only cool part, the on board bar is useless and not enjoyable as crew back and forth when I gave up waiting to be served asked for a drink and was told to wait a minute. Do not waste your money or sky miles unless you do not mind feeling part of a production line.

romeofoxtrotpapa flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 2) (05/11/2011 06:11)

What a sheer delight. A once-off experience! Taking a shower at 40,000 feet, Wow. This flight was absolute class. Whether it is business or first class travel, Emirates is so far ahead of the others and then throw in their limo service plus their competitive pricing & you do have excellent value for money.

romeofoxtrotpapa flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 2) (05/11/2011 06:05)

ghostwrita flew Emirates First class, on a A340-500 (12/08/2011 16:45)

Lujoleasing flew Emirates First class, on a B777-200 (three-class) (21/06/2011 07:27)

I must say this was a experience of a Life time, we book via orbitz 2 SCL to DUB , And we seré schedule to start trip on AA via Miami then London to Dubai , Volcanologa erupts on April 2010, and for some odd reason we where reschedule VIA SCL /JFK AND JFK O DUBAI ON EMIRATES ....ON FIRST CLASS..This is where ive 2 stuartes to your own and may Enjoy dining at sur conviniences , pijamas where handed and the bed made.....truly the best Of all was getting to DUBAI ..on EMIRATES , how ever when I got to the ship , there was something missing from my suitcase, I Put the complaint and no resolving...may be TSA IN JFK ...

AlpineCY flew Emirates First class, on a A330-200 (three-class) (09/06/2011 17:18)

I traveled with the A330 first class from Larnaca to Dubai and back. The seats don't recline as much as on the B777 or A380 but it's totally ok for medium haul flights. The cabin was pretty much empty so the service was great with nice food and so many hot towels that I started to feel like in a spa. The lounge in Larnaca is beyond 'average'. I expected somewhat to have an exclusive flair but it looked pretty much like a modern version of Starbucks with a very small selection of snacks. The one in Dubai was great and there is nothing bad I could say about it. The only downside in Dubai was that they park these less important flights in the middle of nowhere and it took 15 minutes by bus to reach the gate. So in total, definitely a nice plane/cabin for shorter trips (less than 5 hours).

AlpineCY flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300ER (three-class) (09/06/2011 17:12)

I was traveling first class on the B777 from Sydney to Bangkok and I have to say that I much prefer it to the A380. Even though there is no shower and no bar at the back, the cabin has only two rows and you get a much more customized service. Also, the plane, even though they are older, seems to be in better shape. The suits are very comfortable and the food was excellent. The lounge in Sydney was overcrowded and the food selection was mediocre which was not the best experience but as I didn't mind as I only had 45 minutes before boarding anyway. I think, even though many people like the A380 better, I would try to get on a B777 the next time.

AlpineCY flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 2) (09/06/2011 17:07)

I traveled first class on the A380 from Dubai to Sydney and then back from Bangkok to Dubai. In general, it was a great experience. The staff is very friendly, the food selection was good and the little cabin adds a lot of comfort (especially when flying for 15 hours). The check at the airports was quick and pleasant as well as the express customs lanes which speed up the entire process a lot. Also the lounges are a great bonus if you have some time to kill as you can indulge yourself a little.

The few downsides were that the A380 has an outside hull which is extremely thick and the window is rather like a peep hole. Also, the service on board (as friendly as the staff may be) was very inconsistent. One time I got a sleeping suit, the next time I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t need one but it would be nice to either give one every time or none at all so you know if you should bring something comfortable with you or not. My mini bar was half empty on the return trip etc., the toiletry bag was always a little surprise moment as its content always changed. In general the plane looks a little worn out with things were broken such as the air vents, the shower (on the return flight), the privacy doors, etc. I would say that the money I paid for Sydney was very OK for what I got but I had a look at prices for Dubai-US and I would not in life pay that much for this. I believe Business Class is very sufficient as you get pretty much the same comfort just without the extra luxury touches.

glenlivet flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 1) (25/12/2010 11:09)

I have flown during the last 18 month 11 times with the A-380 of EK. There is nothing you can fault EK on those flights. Food and beverage: excellent. Suites: best in industry with Swiss new F seat. On board lounge and shower: what a treat.

scorpio72 flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300 (three-class) (26/04/2010 04:35)

flyebos flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300ER (three-class) (20/03/2010 20:02)

Recent flight Dusseldorf-Dubai-Cape Town. The first leg we had the suites configuration (1-2-1) and the second leg was the "sky cruiser" seats (2-2-2)

Dusseldorf lounge:

The Emirates lounge in Dusseldorf only opened a couple of months ago and still has that new look. As we were pretty early, only a couple of people were using it, but it seems the lounge can easily seat at least 50 people. The food and drink bar was not that big but still has everything you need. No staff to wait you, all self service. There was a choice of cold and hot starters (the carpacio looked delicious), and for dinner there was a choice between meat, fish, vegetarian and Italian. We opted for the fish and although it was only lukewarm, flavours were alright. For desert there was a choice of creme brulee, chocolate cake and a fruit platter.

Boarding:

Twenty minutes prior departure a general call was made. One floor down and we were straight at our gate, through the first and business line, and welcomed aboard with a big smile.

Flight to Dubai

This was our first experience in First class, and we were lucky by having the private suites. I felt like a 5 year old in a huge toy shop! The suites are absolutely wonderfull! There are only 2 rows of suites, with 1-2-1 seating, and we were 4 couples on this flight, wich in practice means that each couple is seperated by an alley. This was not a big deal for us because I don't mind being seated 4 feet away from my husband but for one other couple it was huge problem, but nobody changed seats for them.

Flight attendants came along to help us with securing the hand luggage, and we were promptly served with a glass of Dom Perignon 2000 and the Arabian coffee. After takeoff the menus, amenity kit and pyjamas were handed out. Unfortunatly I'm not a caviar fan so I opted for the Arabian mezze wich was nicely spiced and tastefull. For dinner there was the classical choice between beef, fish, chicken or pasta. Having dinner was an experience on its own, the huge table, white napkins, little pepper and salt set, some hot garlic bread... The best part however was desert, a hot coconut and pinaple cake with ice cream.

The sleeping experience was wonderfull, no cramped economy stile sleep but a big comfy bed, with matras and duvet, all made up for you when you change into the pyjamas. (Unfortunatly the toilets are standard size, which makes it a bit cramped for changing clothes!). Once installed a press on the button turns your bed into a private bedroom with closed doors. Since I wasn't tired yet, I browsed through the inflight entertainment and watched a couple of Friends episodes with one more glass of champagne (my fourth by that time). Somehow I did manage to get some sleep and still wake up ontime for breakfast. As it was only 3am for my body I wasn't really hungry for eggs so I opted for the delicious muesli with yoghurt and a cup of green tea.

In contrast to Dusseldorf, we had a separate deboarding gate for First class, which adds to the special experience. However, what I did find annoying was the lack of a fast lane security, we ended up queing for more then 20 minutes (lots of flights arriving in Dubai at the same time). Most airports have them, so why not the Emirates terminal in Dubai??

Dubai Lounge:

I was expecting a lot here, and the experience was rather dissapointing. The lounge is huge, but right on top of all the shops and all the noise passes on into the lounge. It has been written before and I must agree that Emirates could have done so much better here! The food bar was nice and the waitresses helpfull. To my enjoy there was also a smokers section, not a glass box but open aired, and with drinks being served aswell.

Flight to Cape Town:

No private suites on this flight but the more classical seating in the sky cruiser seats. The "wow-effect" is not as big, but if your flying as a couple you are seated more closely together (2-2-2 seating). This time we were the only people flying first and we got a real threat by the staff, especially by a really nice purser. She spoiled us through the whole flight. As there was plenty of food, and choosing on the menu is sometimes hard, she prepared us a mix of starters and hot meals, so we could have a bit of each. The lack of suites was definatly made up by the quality of the staff! The sleeping experience was quite similiar to the suites. A big comfy 180 degree flat bed, with matras, duvet and pyjamas. We each installed ourselfs at one end of the cabin and this gives you a bit of a suite experience if you have the divider up. After a 6h sleep we were presented again by a lovely champagne breakfast, with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages.

Main conclusion of these flights: Flying first in Emirates is a wonderfull experience which everybody should enjoy at least once in his lifetime. Only things to improve are in Dubai, the lack of fast lane security and the chaotic, noisy lounge.

2old4coach flew Emirates First class (28/01/2010 18:25)

Emirates 4 September 2008 Mauritius to Dubai, UAE EK702 MRU-DXB 777-300 FIRST Class Seat 1A (SKYCRUISER SEAT) 2255-530.

Inconsistent service: There have been quite a few reviews about Emirates. The two reviews I am submitting September 2008 and 6 Sept 2008. In another review by this poster a flight from DXB-SIN was wonderful.

Lounge in Mauritius:

The lounge was a joint use lounge. The same lounge Air France, Air Mauritius and other airlines use. Small sandwiches coffee and a service bar are complimentary.

Boarding: I waited until most of the passengers were through the gate before I boarded. I found my own seat and was not offer any beverage even though there were only 3 passengers in first. This crew did not offer the Arab tea or dates that ALL EK flight usually offers. After the door was close I was served a warm glass of flat Champaign.

Seating:

This 777-300 had the “sky cruiser” first class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. This seat has a mini bar and a divider between the seats that can be raised or lowered. (A similar seat is used on the newer 777-300 in business class.) In this configuration the seat is lay flat seat. (180) I found the seat to be comfortable though somewhat narrow. The seat is rich leather and rich looking. Entertainment: Top of the line audio and video entertainment with a large screen. Even the most jaded audiophile videophile will be satisfied with the quality and selection of the audio and video programming.

Food and beverage: Emirates has a full selection of fine wines and beverages. This flight departed at 2255, therefore a small snack was served. The snack, the same warm flat Champaign and warm nuts were all served within 5 minutes of each other. I rang the service button and 10 minutes latter the flight attendant finally arrived. I requested she open a cold bottle and after 10 minutes more the Champaign arrived, this time cold. I watched a movie and my plates were still on my tray. Finally I got up brought my dish into the galley to find three flight attendants and the purser eating.

Arrival: The new terminal in DXB was to open the next month after this flight. We arrived at a bus gate and deplaned in the sweltering heat and were bussed to customs. (With the new terminal in DXB the arrival is much better.)

Conclusion: The Aircraft was beautiful. The service was a huge disappointment. I thought this flight was an anomaly but this year were traveled from JNB to DXB and had a similar experience. Review of that flight and 3 other excellent EK experiences to follow, including first class on an EK380!

RBrown9 flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 1) (23/01/2010 17:02)

Check-in was efficient and quick. The Koreanair Lounge used is modern and clean although I would say that in terms of seating "comfortable" has been replaced with "modern". Very limited range of food and drinks offered. Boarding was efficient.

I was the only passenger in First Class. The suite is very comfortable in most respects. However, the flight started off on a bad note for me when after going to the bathroom (First Class shower suite) prior to take-off, I was approached by the on-board manager and told that their was a smell of cigarette smoke in the suite. I was then given a lecture regarding smoking on-board and the consequences. It made me feel like I was being accused! I wanted to sleep so had a quick onboard shower after take-off (not just a novelty, very pleasant and relaxing!). Then a quick meal. Although the food was edible, it was not exceptional (like the food experienced on numerous other Emirates flights).

I played with the ICE system for a while and am sure it could keep me amused for hours. I then had my bed turned down and managed to get more than six hours sleep. My only two gripes with the first class suite are as follows: 1. A duvet would be much nicer than a blanket. 2. I definitely needed numerous pillows to fill the gaps and make myself comfortable. These were provided.

A pleasant flight but I still feel that Emirates should train their staff to handle "situations" more tactfully. I am not a smoker in the first place but the feeling that I was being "accused" of smoking did not rest well with me. I also felt that the staff could have been more attentive and done more to make the flight special.

A three hour connection in Dubai for my flight to Bahrain. Spacious and modern first class lounge and managed to get some more sleep on a sofa! It would be nice if a sleeping area was provided.

A short and pleasant flight to Bahrain and arrived at 8.30 in the morning refreshed. The crew on this flight did make me feel "special".

CptTeirney flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 1) (15/07/2009 06:14)

I have flown First Class with Emirates before on their B777 First Class Service, but this is my first time on the A380 using the First Class Suite SYD to AKL Return. It is so different form the old Seats, everything is controlled by your Mode Controller. This easy to use touch screen handset includes controls to your seat position, in seat massage, suite lighting, in-flight entertainment with 1200 channels on a 23” screen, opening and closing your suite doors, and calling for 1 of the 6 crew members that are dedicated to the first class Cabin. Even though my flight was only for 3 and a half hours I still took a shower at 41,000ft… there are 2 bathroom attendants allocated to the 2 shower/toilet rooms at the front of the first class cabin the shower spa, features under floor heating, leather seats, a range of incredibly luxurious towels, large mirrors shower mats, an LCD monitor and hairdryer too. The food on the flight was great it would be something you would get at a 5 star Restaurant; you can eat what ever you like when ever you like. You also have your own personal mini bar. Your every need has been anticipated and every comfort lies at your fingertips. And as normal when you fly Emirates First or Business class there is your free chauffeur service to and from the airport & access to the lounge. I would recommend Emirates First Class Suite to anyone how wants privacy, comfort & luxury.

AGilchrist flew Emirates First class, on a A340-500 (15/02/2009 17:15)

Flew DXB-KIX on 01/02/09, this aircraft offers superb privacy and you arrive relaxed and refreshed. Service was excellent, another good performance.

Henryp1 flew Emirates First class, on a A340-500 (02/01/2009 11:55)

Superb 1st class cabin, very private and able to get ultimate sleep when travelling from SYD to DXB. But some of the planes now very shabby.

AGilchrist flew Emirates First class, on a B777-300 (three-class) (01/01/2009 08:21)

Travelled on this aircraft LGW-DXB-BKK and I find the seating extremely comfortable, the seats are very firm but supportive and the possible positions of the seat make sitting and sleeping very easy and very good. The ICE IFE system is extremely good and the size or the screens and programs are and excellent selection. The cabin feels spacious and the overhead bins are extremely accomodating for any size of bag.

The at seat mini bar is really useful when you just want a quick drink the only thing I would complain about is the menu which is given to you but does not fit into any of the pockets, so it is either forced into one or thrown on the floor.

AGilchrist flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 1) (01/01/2009 08:11)

Flew LHR-DXB on 20/12 and second time in A380, last time on Singapore Airlines. Whilst Emirates have tried, the feeling is that this is the product from the A340-500 with a few changes. Seat was reasonably comfotable for sitting but had to use the massage function as it became a pain. The Wi-Fi controller for the entertainments kept breaking down all the time and 11 resets later it was working, then failed again just before arrival. As seats and privacy goes this is good, it lacks the room compared to the singapore product and their excellent bed but it is comfortable. What is with this stupid seat belt around the bag to keep it in place, you have to go crawling around underneath to strap your hand baggage up. It does not feel like and improvement just the same old, thank goodness for the showers I suppose

AGilchrist flew Emirates First class, on a A330-200 (three-class) (01/01/2009 08:05)

For a long 8 hour flight this has to be one of the oldest seats in the fleet, and it shows, the lack of comfort is not really made any better by the old entertainment system. Why Emirates insist on operating these older configurations on longer routes I have no idea. I can say I am not looking forward to the 9.25hr return this evening from CAN-DXB

AGilchrist flew Emirates First class, on a A330-200 (three-class) (01/01/2009 08:04)

For a long 8 hour flight this has to be one of the oldest seats in the fleet, and it shows, the lack of comfort is not really made any better by the old entertainment system. Why Emirates insist on operating these older configurations on longer routes I have no idea. I can say I am not looking forward to the 9.25hr return this evening from CAN-DXB

abdullaali flew Emirates First class, on a A380 (Config. 1) (30/09/2008 09:02)

Good, but too much fake wood trim!