Emirates’ A380 is one of the best ways to travel to Europe. It offers a suite in First Class, an incredible lounge and bar, and is just as big as its sister aircraft, the Boeing 777.
Emirates has a fleet-wide refresh underway, subbing out the blinged-out (and outdated) look with more understated finishes: soft white leathers, tamed-down woodgrain and pops of gold.
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The Suite
When it comes to luxury, nothing beats a private suite. And Emirates has a pretty amazing one in their First Class A380.
Located on the upper deck, these gilded cabins are a must-see for any first class traveler. They feature champagne-colored leather covers and a premium wood finish effect.
But the biggest draw is that these seats come with a shower spa, something that’s only found in First Class on Emirates A380s.
In addition, they provide Bowers & Wilkins headphones for listening to your favorite tunes in comfort.
While these shower spas may seem like an expensive extra, they’re actually quite underrated in terms of how much value they add to a flight. It’s a real treat for those who have booked a First Class ticket, especially those who can justify spending the extra on a super long-haul flight.
The Seat
Emirates is the largest operator of A380 aircraft in the world, and they’re on a roll. Their updated cabin includes a new premium economy cabin as well as upgrades to first and business class.
Emirates’ first-class seats on the A380 are in a 1-2-1 layout that puts one window suite on either side of the two aisles, with the other two suites between them. There are 14 suites in total.
The seat itself is a very nice leather, measuring 22 inches between armrests, and is four inches wider than economy class. It’s a great space to sit and relax or sleep with plenty of privacy, especially if you’re traveling alone.
ICE inflight entertainment is excellent, with a touch screen controller next to the seat that makes it easy to access. There are also two USB chargers and a range of air vents you can control.
The Bathroom
There are 14 first class suites on the upper deck of Emirates Airbus A380, tucked away from economy and business class passengers. These large suites offer a number of amenities that aren’t found anywhere else on an Emirates flight, including two shower spas, wood laminate toilets and Bulgari products.
Each first class passenger can reserve a shower for 30 minutes. The lavatories are spacious and feature full-length mirrors, a hairdryer and an information screen.
In addition to a walk-in shower, each suite offers a vanity table and a private shelf for personal items. Guests also get a toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving kits, hand lotion and perfume.
The bathroom in Emirates First Class A380 is a definite treat, and one that will definitely make you feel like royalty. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth the cost if you’re a fan of luxury flights.
The Lounge
Emirates has a dedicated lounge in Dubai International’s A gates for business and first class passengers, and it’s a great place to relax before your flight. It’s open from 6:40 a.m to 10:40 a.m for Emirates’ first flights, and again from about 6 p.m until 11 p.m for its other flights, including the one I took to Milan.
Inside the lounge, you’ll find a bar exclusive to First and Business Class passengers. Drinks include premium spirits, champagne, cocktails, and beers.
There’s also a large social area where you can grab a snack or drink before the flight. There are a variety of fruits, sandwiches (beef, grilled vegetables and egg), a snacks basket (mixed dried fruits, Keogh’s crisps, original M&M’s and Hunter’s potato chips) and Perrier.
The Experience
Emirates First Class A380 has a lot to offer, both in terms of amenities and a great cabin experience. One of the most noteworthy parts of the trip was getting to use the new’shower spa’ on board the flight, something only the airline and gulf rival Etihad offer in their first class cabins.
The bathroom is big and includes heated floors and a dedicated crew member who sets up the shower suite every time it’s used. It’s also stocked with plenty of luxury toiletries including Byredo, Bulgari and Evian water.
As an added bonus, you’ll also receive a pair of noise cancelling headphones which are a great way to watch movies or listen to music during your journey. It’s a nice touch that will make your trip even more enjoyable.
