A380 Emirates Business Class Review – Best Bar in the Sky?

On the tail end of my recent Africa trip, I got to explore the comfort and refinement of the A380 Emirates business class product. In this review, we’ll uncover the features of this exclusive flying adventure and how it compares to Emirates’ other business class services in their fleet.

Join me as we navigate through the A380 Emirates business class experience, from the well-known A380 Emirates Business Class bar to the carefully selected Emirates A380 Business Class food offerings. Along the way, we’ll reveal the key A380 Emirates routes that showcase the widespread allure of this exceptional travel class.

Buckle up, this is my A380 Emirates business class review.

A380 Emirates Business Class Review Key Takeaways:

• The Emirates A380 Business Class offers luxurious amenities and great service, however, the Emirates A380 business class bar is the clear highlight.
• Despite the seats being due for an upgrade, they are comfortable and private.
• The Emirates A380 Business Class provides a top-notch flight experience with excellent service, delicious food, and a wide selection of entertainment options, making it a preferred choice for long-haul flights.

Flight Details

A380 Emirates Routes and Duration

Emirates operates its iconic A380 aircraft on various key routes, constituting a significant part of its global network. The A380 Emirates routes encompass major destinations below:

For the most up-to-date information on A380 Emirates routes, please refer to the official Emirates website or contact the airline directly.

Booking

I booked the Emirates A380 business class flight as part of my Aeroplan return itinerary from Cape Town to Vancouver. The entire trip, including business class flights with Ethiopian Airlines and Air Canada and a leg on Emirates 777-200LR, cost a little over 200,000 Aeroplan points. This post on my Emirates Aeroplan booking details the process.

DXB Ground Experience

Emirates is fortunate to have Dubai international (DXB) as it’s hub as the airport consistently ranks among the world’s best. According to the Skytrax World Airport Awards, Dubai Airport has earned recognition for its exceptional facilities, efficient services, and overall passenger experience. The airport’s commitment to innovation and passenger satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Emirates’ dedication to providing world-class service.

Emirates Business Class Check-in

Upon arrival at the airport, Emirates A380 business class passengers are greeted with dedicated check-in counters, bypassing the regular queues for a hassle-free experience. They then proceed to the exclusive lounge, where they can relax in elegant surroundings and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a selection of reading materials, and refreshments.

On this A380 Emirates business class review, I was connecting from Addis Abbaba so bypassed the check-in counters at DXB.

The Emirates Lounge in Dubai

Our connection in Dubai was just over 14 hours, and originally, we were going to stay on the landside at the beautiful Le Meridien Dubai Hotel but opted to stay at the DXB International Transit hotel instead. This proved to be the perfect spot to crash as it allowed us time to check out both the Emirates Bussiness Class Lounge in terminal three and the lounge at the A380 gate.

After the hotel, Porter escorted us from the gate to the hotel room; we dropped off our bags and explored the Emirates lounge. You can read my full review here, but the highlights and takeaways are the champagne bar and the food pairings, along with the Asian food section of the food court and the games room with Mario Kart.

After a restful night’s sleep at the DXB International Hotel, we made our way to the gate, and we were surprised to find another Emirates lounge waiting for us. This is an awesome feature for international and A380 business class passengers flying out of Dubai.

This lounge is much smaller but features a well-stocked bar and breakfast spread. Clearly, we didn’t get enough champagne at the Emirates champagne bar, as we had a couple of mimosas before making the few steps to the gate. 

A380 Emirates Business Class Boarding

Thanks to the lounge being connected to the gate, the A380 Emirates business class boarding experience at DXB is one of the best I have experienced. We literally put our empty mimosa glasses down, walked around the corner for passport and ticket verification, then down an elevator and onto the plane.

Since the Emirate’s A380’s upper level is dedicated to business and first class, we had a dedicated walkway and entrance.

A380 Emirates Business Class Cabin and Seats

My first impression of the Emirates A380 business class seats is that they are not as nice as the reshreshed 777-200LR I had just flown on. These were a bit dated and starting to show their age. That said, the seats are plenty comfy, just a little more cramped than I would like.

While newer A380s have witnessed interior transformations, characterized by modern aesthetics I came to love in the 777-200LR refresh, there is no dening that this is an Emirates flight. The Decor is true to their theme of cream colours, dark wood accents, and beige highlights.

Upon settling into my seat, the entertainment screen and well-designed footrest immediately caught my attention. There is plenty of space to spread out and store all my favourite carry on accessories. There’s a convenient literature pocket, with additional storage space cleverly integrated below. In the corner, ample surface area housed a tablet doubling as a secondary entertainment screen (more on that below).

Next to that is a non-refrigierated minibar stocked with still and sparkling water and, later, beverages of my choice. Though the minibar might be considered unnecessary given the crew’s ready assistance, it remains a signature feature in Emirates’ premium cabins, elevating the overall luxury. There’s a small storage shelf just above the bar which provided a convenient spot for loose items while I worked.

The seat panel catered to connectivity needs with a headphone jack, HDMI port, and universal power outlet. Additionally, a personal air nozzle, a retractable entertainment controller, and easily accessible seat controls with four options were thoughtfully arranged on the console’s surface.

Finally, a swiveling table tray along the console was easy to use for meal service.

A380 Emirates Business Class Seat Map

The Airbus A380, known as the largest commercial airliner globally, offers a distinct two-level configuration for passengers. Emirates designates the lower deck for economy class while the upper deck is exclusively dedicated to business class and First Class travelers.

In the business class cabin, you’ll find a spacious layout with a 1-2-1 configuration, providing all passengers with direct aisle access. The cabin is strategically positioned towards the back of the upper deck, following the First Class section, and is further divided into a larger main cabin and a more intimate mini-cabin.

Note: there is no row 13.

Emirates A380 Business Class – Best Seats for Couples

The business class cabin on the upper deck is thoughtfully arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring that every passenger enjoys direct aisle access. For couples traveling together, the paired seats in the middle section, sepecically the odd rows up to 11 and the even rows afer that are closer to each other. This provides an intimate setting, allowing them to share the journey in close proximity.

I was travelling with my partner so I selected seats 14E and 14F for our flight.

Emirates A380 Business Class – Best Seats for Solo Travel

Solo travelers can revel in the exclusivity of their space, thanks to the individual seating arrangement along the windows. Optimal choices for those flying solo include the single seats in the odd rows up to 11 and even rows after that as they are more private and closer to the windows.

Emirates A380 Business Class – Best Seats for Families

Families embarking on a luxurious journey with Emirates can find comfort in the business class mini-cabin, offering a more secluded space for a cohesive travel experience. The arrangement allows families to enjoy proximity while relishing the premium amenities that business class affords.

Emirates A380 Business Class In-Flight Entertainment

Emirates A380 business class passengers are treated to a diverse and captivating range of in-flight entertainment options, enhancing the overall journey with immersive experiences.

From the latest blockbusters to critically acclaimed international films, the entertainment library on Emirates A380 offers an extensive selection of movies for every taste.

Passengers can also indulge in binge-worthy TV shows or lose themselves in a world of music with an impressive array of albums and playlists, all through the massive inseat screen. My personal highlight of Emirates inflight entertainment is the tablet. It not only doubles as a controller but also a second screen.

The tablet is also great for playing games, browsing the menu, and even watching live TV.

Even though my flight was over 16 hours long, I only watched one movie during dinner service. The rest of the time I was in the Emirates a380 business class bar or sleeping. Have I mentioned I loved the bar?

Oboard WiFi

The OnAir WiFi system ensures a seamless connection for passengers, allowing them to stay connected throughout the flight. Although a nominal fee of US$17 is required for full access during the journey, passengers can also enjoy complimentary basic WiFi for instant messaging by signing up for the Emirates Skywards loyalty scheme.

Since May 2023, all Emirates passengers, regardless of their travel class, have the opportunity to access free basic WiFi once enrolled in the loyalty program. This initiative extends to First Class passengers with unlimited full-service complimentary WiFi if they are Skywards members. Business class travelers who are Silver, Gold, or Platinum Skywards members also benefit from free WiFi, with Platinum members enjoying complimentary internet access across all classes. Stay connected at 30,000 feet with Emirates’ WiFi offerings tailored to meet the diverse needs of its passengers.

On my flight, I was able to connect and work away at online documents without issue from the comfor of the lounge area.

Emirates A380 Business Business Class Service and Amenities

Upon settling into the comfortable seat, Monet champagne was offered which is so very on brand for Emirates. A friendly crew member then warmly introduced herself and offered to give a tour of the seat, a thoughtful touch for those unfamiliar with the product.

Hot towels, along with the menu and wine list, followed, setting the tone for a delightful journey. The efficiency of service was exemplified by the attenative crew. I used the call button twice throughout the flight and was promptly met with a smile.

Also interesting, the remarkably diverse crew on this flight hailed from several different countries and conversed fluently in a varity of languages, fostering a welcoming environment. The crew’s warmth and approachability added an extra layer of comfort to the experience, making the flight truly memorable.

What is in the Emirates Business Class Amenity Kit?

Emirates elevates the travel experience for its premium passengers with a sophisticated amenities kit crafted in collaboration with the renowned luxury brand BVLGARI. This exclusive kit offers a curated selection of pampering essentials, including moisturizing creams, perfumes, and grooming products, some of which are exclusive to Emirates.

The thoughtful inclusion of dental kits, hair combs, perfumes, and creams ensures that travelers have everything they need for a refreshed journey. Notably, these amenities are not only confined to the kits; they can also be found separately in the lavatory on all flights, enhancing accessibility for passengers. As an extra touch of comfort, all passengers receive an additional kit featuring exceptionally comfortable woolen socks and eyeshades, adding a touch of luxury to the in-flight experience.

Emirates A380 Business Business Class Lavatory

The lavatories oboard my A380 Emirates business class review flight were kept tidy throughtout the trip. There was never a wait to use one although my flight was not particularly busy.

The window makes the space bright and there is a selection of products from BVLGARI, similar to what is in the amenites kit, for use.

Emirates A380 Business Class Food and Drink

The culinary offerings in Emirates A380 business class elevate the journey with a delightful selection of dishes and beverages. Passengers can savor refined experiences, such as San Pellegrino beverages, Moet Champage, and middleeast mezzies adding a unique touch of luxury to the dining experience.

On my A380 Emirates business class review flight, we were offered a brunch and dinner service along with a slection of light snacks throughout.

For brunch I enjoyed an excellent smoked salmon appatizer follwed by a chia pudding. My main was the cheese and chive omelet which was just OK. This was followed by a fantastic selection of baked goods. I went with a crosient and bluberry muffin.

Even though the dinner service was several hours later, I was not hungry at all. As such I split the prawn machbous and the passion fruit tart with my partner. Both were good but would order differntly next time as they were nothing special.

The beverage selection in Emirates business class shines and features an extensive range of premium wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. I enjoyed a great win pairing with my dinner and smapled the port afterwards.

Emirates A380 Business Class Bar

The main reason I ate and drank so little during meal service was the fact that I was kept well lubricated and fed in the bar. This is by far the best feature of the Emirates A380 business class experince and why I wanted to fly it in the first place. In short, it did not disappoint.

The space includes a belly bar around the bartender and two tables on either side.

Out of the 16 hours in the air, I spent probably half in the Emirates A380 business class lounge. Thorughout the flight we were able to spread out and enjoy a completly differnt experince, one that made it feel like a train trip rather than a flight. I spent several hours working away at the table and severla more socialing, playing cards, and chatting with the bar staff. At one point we even got behind the bar for some photos.

In between, staff offered a varity of snacks including a cheese board and a selection of Turkish delights which was a nice touch. All in all, a fantasitc experince and would not hesitate to fly Emirates A380 business class again for the sole purpose of spending more time in this fantastic space.

That all said, the lounge is, understandably, not huge. Make sure you are courteous to other passengers looking for a seat on your Emirates A380 business experience.

Final Thoughts on This A380 Emirates Business Class Review

Despite the dated seats, the Emirates A380 business class experience is one of my personal favorites simply because of the lounge. The ability to move around and sit at a bar reminds me of train and travel and makes for a wonderful flight.

Pair that with excellent Emirates A380 business class food, friendly service, and a lounge essentially connected to the plane, and you’ve got one of the best ways to travel from gate to the gate. With the upcoming reshreshed interior, the Emirates A380 experince will be next to perfect.

Emirates A380 Business Business FAQs

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