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Booking
Despite the behemoth Emirates has become, I had somehow never stepped foot on one of their jets. I had never deliberately avoided flying them, but the BA Exec Club handcuffs saw me seeking out flights on rival Qatar, and if Qatar was too expensive, Etihad was generally more keenly priced than neighbour and nemesis Emirates. However, I was bemused by the number one Gulf carrier’s onboard showers and unlimited caviar in First Class, so when the opportunity arose, I took the plunge.
This flight was booked as a redemption using 180,000 Skywards miles, supplemented by approximately £320 in taxes and fees. While this is a substantial mileage outlay, it reflects the premium nature of the product and includes access to all First Class services and amenities.
The booking process was fully managed through the Emirates mobile app, which proved intuitive and comprehensive. Seat selection was available at no additional cost, standard across all fare types, and the app also provided access to the full onboard menu and drinks list well ahead of departure. Having this level of visibility before the flight added to the sense of control and anticipation and made it easy to plan the onboard experience in advance.
Check-in
Check-in took place in the airport’s dedicated premium wing, which houses separate desks for First and Business Class passengers. First Class check-in is further segmented into its own enclosed area within the premium facility, designed to resemble a high-end hotel reception rather than a traditional airport check-in hall.
Upon entering, I was immediately invited to take a seat and offered Arabic coffee while the formalities were handled. The check-in process itself was conducted on an iPad, with the agent completing everything efficiently from a seated position, reinforcing the concierge-style feel of the space. Staffing levels were notably high, with team members present throughout the area, which created a calm and attentive atmosphere, though it also made discreet photography difficult without making staff uncomfortable.
Following check-in, passengers proceed through a shared premium security screening area used by all eligible departures. While the process was well managed, the security setup felt somewhat dated, relying on traditional X-ray machines that require laptops and liquids to be removed. Passport control was handled swiftly via automated e-gates, after which I made my way airside towards the airline’s lounge in Concourse A.
Lounge
Emirates operates three dedicated First Class lounges at its hub airport, with one located in each concourse (A, B, and C). Concourse A is widely regarded as the flagship, and it is immediately clear why. The lounge occupies the entire upper level of the concourse and is vast to the point of feeling almost surreal.
Despite its size, the space felt remarkably quiet during my visit, with noticeably more staff than passengers at any given time. The lounge is divided into multiple zones, each offering a distinct dining or relaxation concept rather than a single, central buffet area.
Options range from a café-style space serving coffee and juices, to an à la carte restaurant, and a separate sushi offering on the opposite side of the lounge.
I chose to sit in the à la carte restaurant. While the buffet selection looked genuinely impressive, both in presentation and range, I opted for a lighter order of poached eggs from the menu, accompanied by a pea-protein matcha smoothie.
Food quality was excellent, though the coffee proved to be a rare weak point. Despite being served by lounge staff, it was dispensed from a standard self-service machine, which felt at odds with the otherwise premium experience and delivered an underwhelming result.
After dining, I made use of the lounge’s nap area. While comfortable, this is a shared quiet space rather than individual nap rooms, which limits privacy.
Later, I explored the far side of the lounge, where even more dining concepts are located, including a dedicated sweets and pastries area. I sampled some sushi and a seafood salad here, at which point I was the only passenger in that entire section of the lounge, further underlining just how expansive the facility is.
A notable advantage of the Concourse A First Class lounge is direct boarding from the lounge onto the aircraft, a feature that significantly enhances the seamlessness of the experience for departing passengers.
Before my flight, I also visited the First Class lounge in Concourse B via the inter-concourse transit. This lounge has a noticeably different aesthetic and atmosphere, more compact and slightly busier. It is home to the airport’s only barista-style coffee station, though this is branded by Costa.
While the coffee itself was better than in Concourse A, the branding felt like an unusual and somewhat un-premium partnership in a flagship First Class environment.
One disappointing aspect of the Concourse B lounge was the smoking area, which was poorly segregated from the main lounge space, allowing smoke odour to drift into surrounding areas. This detracted from the overall comfort of the environment.
For lunch, I had a selection of mezze and sashimi before leaving the lounge to board my flight.
It is worth mentioning that the airline’s DXB hub is the only one on their network that features First Class lounges. At all other airports, all premium passengers share the same lounge.
Boarding & Pre-Departure
My flight departed from Gate B21. While Concourse B does not offer direct lounge-to-aircraft boarding, all passengers travelling on the upper deck of the A380 benefit from dedicated boarding from the upper level of the concourse, which helps preserve a sense of separation from the main terminal flow.
Boarding itself was relatively slow, with multiple passport checks along the way, but once at the aircraft door, the experience shifted immediately into a different gear. I was warmly welcomed onboard and escorted directly to my seat, 4K, and the first impression was nothing short of breathtaking.
The sheer sense of space, combined with the refined aesthetic, high levels of privacy, and visible attention to detail, made an immediate and lasting impact. Slightly odd, but amenity kits are only available on request on day flights (of course, I requested one).
Rabia, the crew member primarily assigned to my suite, introduced herself by name and welcomed me personally. Within moments, a glass of Dom Pérignon was poured, and I was offered sleepwear, slippers, and a shoe bag.
The suite itself was already fully stocked: noise-cancelling headphones, a personal minibar with two bottles each of Perrier sparkling and Evian still water, a generously filled snack basket, and Emirates-branded stationery including a notepad and pen.
Arabic coffee was offered shortly after, followed by a top-up of champagne. When I jokingly declined and mentioned that I should probably pace myself, Rabia laughed and replied that they would be “very happy to arrange a wheelchair” for me on arrival into London, a line delivered with excellent timing and good humour, setting a relaxed and genuinely personable tone.
The Purser soon stopped by to introduce herself, ask about my ground experience in Dubai, and present the menu for the flight. She also pointed out the onboard lounge located at the rear of the upper deck, ensuring I was aware of all the available amenities.
A welcome announcement followed from the captain, delivered in a distinctly British accent. He introduced a crew of 25 representing 22 nationalities and speaking 18 languages, an impressive statistic that neatly captured the airline’s global identity. Interestingly, this “Britishness” seemed to run through several elements of the experience. The captain’s announcement, the safety demonstration narration, and even the inflight entertainment promotional video all featured unmistakably British-accented voiceovers, lending the experience a subtly familiar tone for UK-bound passengers.
The aircraft doors closed at 14:13, pushback followed promptly at 14:15, and during taxi, magazines and further champagne top-ups were offered. We became airborne at 14:35, marking the start of what was already shaping up to be an exceptional First Class journey with Emirates.
Cabin & Suite
The First Class cabin on the A380 comprises just 14 individual suites, arranged across the upper deck in a 1-2-1 configuration. On this refreshed aircraft, the suites feature noticeably higher walls than on earlier versions, delivering an exceptional sense of privacy, to the point where, once seated, I was almost completely cocooned from the rest of the cabin.
The updated interiors also bring a more restrained design language. Compared with older A380s, the aesthetic here feels calmer and more contemporary, with significantly less of the gold detailing and high-gloss wood panelling that once defined the cabin. The result is a space that feels more modern luxury than overt opulence.
Each suite is enclosed by electrically operated double doors, controlled via discreet buttons rather than manual latches. Inside, the sense of personal space is remarkable. A huge inflight entertainment screen dominates the forward wall, complemented by a flip-up vanity mirror and an unusually generous air-vent setup. Not just a single nozzle, but multiple adjustable vents allow for precise control of airflow.
A dedicated tablet serves as the control hub for the suite, managing seat positions, lighting, and the IFE system. The seat itself is deeply cushioned, plush, and immediately comfortable, offering excellent support whether upright or fully reclined.
Storage is thoughtfully handled. In keeping with Emirates’ First Class A380 layout, there are no traditional overhead lockers directly above the suites, preserving the open feel of the cabin. Instead, baggage is stored within the suite area itself. My cabin-sized wheeled case and backpack both fitted without issue, with space to spare. Power options are plentiful, with multiple USB-A ports alongside universal multi-plug power outlets, ensuring all devices can be kept charged throughout the flight.
Overall, the refreshed A380 First Class suite delivers a compelling balance of privacy, comfort, and intuitive design. It is an environment that feels purpose-built for long-haul indulgence rather than simply impressive at first glance.
The Flight
Shortly after take-off, Rabia came by to coordinate shower appointments, something I was particularly keen not to miss, as this would be my first-ever experience of showering onboard an aircraft. I booked a slot for around two hours before landing, which proved to be perfectly timed later in the flight.
As we passed over Doha, my initial drink order was taken, and I was gently reminded that dining in First Class is entirely on demand. I could eat anything, at any time, simply by letting the crew know. I began with a mojito, paired with the airline’s signature caviar service.
The mojito was excellent, and as we crossed over Jeddah, my table was elaborately set for the caviar course.
The ritual of the service was unmistakably First Class. White gloves were worn by the crew, a mother-of-pearl spoon was provided, and a generous full tin of caviar was accompanied by all the traditional garnishes. The caviar itself was outstanding, and once the service was cleared, an enormous box of chocolates was presented, a flourish that felt indulgent without being excessive.
As we approached Erbil, my suite was transformed into a fully made bed.
The mattress, bedding, and pillows combined to create an exceptionally comfortable sleeping environment, further enhanced by the multiple adjustable air vents. Being able to direct airflow precisely made a noticeable difference. I settled in for a nap and slept soundly, waking later as we passed over Bucharest feeling genuinely refreshed.
Almost immediately after waking, a macchiato was offered and served with a small selection of chocolates and biscuits. I placed my main meal order at this point, and Rabia thoughtfully asked whether I would prefer to dine before or after my scheduled shower. Shower first was an easy decision.
When the time came, Rabia personally escorted me to the shower spa and carefully explained how everything worked. Each passenger is allocated five minutes of hot water, more than sufficient in practice.
The experience itself was remarkable. A heated floor, a spacious shower area, a hairdryer, and a generous selection of VOYA toiletries all contributed to what felt like a genuinely spa-like experience rather than a novelty.
Afterwards, the dedicated shower attendant asked whether I had enjoyed the experience and offered a lemon and ginger tea along with a fresh fruit plate, a small but exquisitely timed gesture that perfectly captured the level of service throughout the flight.
I had always wondered why other airlines had not followed suit and fitted showers or ‘spas’ to their A380s (aside from Etihad), and on having now had the ultimate in-air experience, it is clear to see why. It would be impossible for the crew to keep on top of cleaning the shower suites in between use, as well as maintaining the high levels of service in the cabin. Of course, this is not an issue at super-rich Emirates, which carries dedicated attendants whose sole role is to look after the shower suites and lavatories onboard the huge A380s.
Back at my seat, my table was laid as we crossed over Vienna, with around an hour and a half remaining before landing. A breadbasket with a wide variety of options was presented, followed by a seafood antipasti starter and a lamb main course.
Both were well executed and satisfying, though by this point I was thoroughly full. Regretfully, I declined dessert and the cheese course, a shame, as the cheese selection had been something I had been particularly looking forward to.
There was just too much to pack into a seven hour flight, and although I had it in mind to do it all, caviar, try the $3,000 Hennessy Paradis cognac, have a shower, visit the bar and fit in a nap, in the end I had to give in and miss out on a couple of those.
Around 40 minutes prior to landing at Heathrow, the cabin was prepared for arrival, and we were on our gate six minutes late thanks to the usual holding pattern waiting to land at LHR.
Service
Service throughout the flight was excellent, professional, warm, and notably relaxed. The crew struck an impressive balance between polish and personality, delivering a level of attentiveness that felt genuinely guest-focused rather than procedural.
Attention to detail was consistently high. Crew members demonstrated strong familiarity with the menu and onboard offerings, answering questions confidently and making suggestions with ease. One small moment captured this perfectly. When a large box of chocolates was presented and I commented that I preferred dark chocolate, the crew member was immediately able to point out and offer the relevant selection without hesitation.
What stood out most was how natural the service felt. Interactions were friendly and conversational, yet always precise and well timed. It was clear that training plays a central role in shaping the onboard experience. Not in a way that felt scripted, but in one that enabled the crew to operate with confidence and flexibility.
This was particularly reassuring given the mixed accounts often reported about the airline’s service style, with some reviews describing it as overly formal or robotic. On this flight, the experience was anything but. Instead, it felt polished, personable, and quietly assured, exactly what one would hope for in a flagship First Class cabin.
Verdict
Overall, I loved the onboard experience. The First Class suite delivered exceptional privacy, superb food and beverage offerings, and genuinely wonderful service. Amenities such as the onboard shower elevate the experience beyond traditional First Class expectations, and the flight itself operated smoothly and on time, rounding out a highly polished inflight product.
Where the experience is slightly less compelling is on the ground. While the First Class lounge offerings in Dubai are extensive, with excellent food and drink, the sheer scale can make them feel somewhat impersonal and, at times, a little soulless. Additionally, it is worth noting that the full First Class ground experience is largely concentrated in Dubai. When travelling in First Class from outstations, passengers do not receive access to a true, airline-operated First Class lounge, which creates a noticeable imbalance between departure points.
Ground service overall was competent rather than exceptional, efficient, but not particularly memorable. That said, once onboard, the experience quickly moves into a different league.
Taken as a whole, Emirates First Class on the A380 remains a benchmark product. It is at its best in the air, where privacy, service, and indulgent touches come together to create a genuinely special long-haul experience, even if the ground offering does not always fully match what awaits onboard.
