Seat: 8/10
The best feature of Emirates’ A380 business class is the seats, which seamlessly convert into full-flat beds. While it’s not quite as comfortable as a real bed, being able to stretch out and doze off with your head on a pillow makes for an overall more enjoyable flight. Additionally, every business seat allows easy access to the aisle, meaning no more awkward climbing over someone next to you to get to the bathroom. A side table provides ample space to place your belongings.
Service: 8/10
Both hot towels and drinks are offered by smiling crewmembers soon after takeoff, and the friendly service doesn’t end there. The flight attendants are quick to respond to requests, be it for an extra blanket or food, but they were surprisingly quieter than expected, speaking only when spoken to.
Extras: 9/10
The small amenities bag provided contains all the essentials needed for a long-haul flight, including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush and cologne, and a few unnecessary but welcome additions likes razorblades and shaving cream. The pre-flight pick-up in a luxury car also merits a mention – talk about arriving in style.
Entertainment: 8/10
As well as featuring a select number of recently released new films, Emirates’ ICE entertainment system showcases a wide variety of films, TV series, music albums and games that will appeal to all tastes. The screen is well sized and can be operated by touch, a standard controller, or a tablet device docked next to your seat.
Food: 8/10
The food on offer was both delicious and filling, with an impressive range of drinks available from orange juice to Jack Daniels whiskey. While a variety of cultural dishes are on offer, travellers with less-adventurous taste will be pleased to know that the breakfast and lunch menus offer familiar food such as scrambled eggs, croissants and chicken sandwiches.
Overall: 82%
My first time flying business class on Emirates was overall a pleasing experience, with the long-haul flight going quicker than expected once I had settled in and enjoyed ICE. By far the flat-bed seats are the high point of the business class experience, making sleep a very welcome option. While service fell short of flawless, the flight attendants were overall friendly and attentive.
