Flying with Emirates: Why you need to try this airline

This multi-award winning airline is famous for its passenger experience, and a trip with ’em comes with some major bragging rights. The comfort, entertainment and a luxury to be had when onboard really does put Emirates in a league of its own.

Basically, you know an airline is good when even flying in economy ain’t something to be sniffed at.

Emirates fly from all of the following UK airports:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Newcastle
• Glasgow

Let’s get straight in there with where Emirates actually fly to – in short, basically everywhere. We’re talking destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific. So whichever direction you’re heading, there’s probably an Emirates plane going the same way.

That being said, with Emirates’ hub being based in Dubai, its route map really shines when you’re heading east. Heading west, it’s a bit more on the slim side – just something to bear in mind.

• Dubai
• Bangkok
• Mauritius
• Singapore
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Johannesburg
• Maldives
• Phuket

• Dubai
• Bangkok
• Sydney
• Hong Kong
• Maldives
• Bali
• Mexico City
• New York

• Dubai
• Bangkok
• Mauritius
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Cape Town
• Seoul
• Tokyo

Economy with Emirates is still pretty swish. There’s no need to pack light ‘cos you’ve got a 25kg baggage allowance, the seats come with adjustable headrests and a lovely 33-inch pitch, and your dining – multicourse, even in Economy – will be inspired by the region you’re heading to. Then there’s the drinks service – it’s free throughout your flight, and runs the gamut from fruit juice to spirits.

“Believe me when I say I made full use of the free drinks when I flew back from Dubai with Emirates in Economy – those 7 hours went by in a flash.” – Vicky, our Brand & Campaign Manager

Each seat has its own 13 inch screen, and Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system, ICE, boasts 6,000 channels of movies, TV programmes, music and even live TV! Delve into nostalgic classics like Bonnie and Clyde or Jason and the Argonauts, or discover brand new blockbusters like Oppenheimer. Even channel surfers will have trouble working their way through that lot. Content is available in multiple languages. You’ll get complementary headsets too, so say goodbye to being bothered by noisy passengers.

Low phone battery? No problem – ample charging sockets are available for laptops and phones so whether you’re working or relaxing, a low battery will never be an issue. On longer flights, the amenities kit – yep, you get an amenities kit even in Economy – come with all the usual suspects: socks, eyemask, dental kit. Slightly more unusual is that you also get a bookmark too – handy for the book your picked up last minute before running for your gate.

Everything in Premium Economy is just a bit…fancier. And it’s extra fancy now ‘cos it’s just had a face lift on Emirates’ A380s. If you’re flying out of Dubai you’ll get your own check-in desk, and you’ll be able to pick your seat for free at any time until departure, as well as bring extra hand luggage. Once onboard, it’ll all about making full use of those wider, soft leather seats with proper footrests, a deeper recline, and adjustable headrests. You’ll be smug at the front of the aircraft too, meaning you can get off sharpish when you land.

You’ll eat from Royal Doulton china tableware using stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen. You get free drinks in Economy, but they save the fancier stuff for Premium, like a Chandon sparkling wine and extra vintages from the Business Class list (👀). You get one of the biggest screens in the sky to use that mega entertainment system too, and the kids’ll get packs of toys and activities. On longer flights you’ll nab those amenity kits, and you’ll have a blanket and larger pillow.

Okay, we’re in the big leagues now. This is fully lie-flat territory. The mythical realm at the top of the stairs. But wait, let’s rewind a sec, to your personal chauffeur-driven ride to the airport, super speedy check-in, and – the best bit – the Emirates Lounge. Your average canteen this is not. The food quality here is excellent, there’s a DIY cocktail section with premium spirits, and if you’re flying out of Dubai you 100% have to make use of the Moët & Chandon bar. Then there’s squeaky clean showers, sleeping areas, and spa facilities (although you’ll have to cough up extra to use these).

Back to onboard, though. If you’re flying on the A380 you’ll get that lie-flat bed and blanket, loads of storage and space to work (if you must – ZzZz). There’s an in-seat minibar, and touch-screen TV too. And if you need to stretch your legs, don’t bother doing a walk to the loo (they’re really nice, though) ‘cos you’ve got an onboard lounge to check out. The food is fancy, obvs, and you’ll be eating on that Royal Daulton china and using cutlery designed by Robert Welch exclusively for Emirates. Amenity kits are by Bulgari, of course.

“The service onboard is like no other – the experience is truly luxurious and very comfortable. The hosts are warm, welcoming and really attentive. The bar area is amazing on the A380 and offers a totally unique experience that no other airline can offer.” – Mandy, our Head of Marketing

If you’re flying on a 777, you’ll get all the same treats pre-flight, but once onboard things are a little different. Inspired by the interior of a luxury sports car, the seats are still fully lie flat, and you still have a mini bar and HD touchscreen TV, but there’s fewer storage options and a smaller work space if you need it. Other than that, you can expect a pretty similar experience to the A380.

If Business Class is the big leagues, then First Class is a launch into the stratosphere (or 40,000 feet up, anyway). They say this is the next best thing to flying private, and to be honest, it really is. Actually, we’d probs rate this higher, because you ain’t getting a full on shower – more on that in a sec – on a Gulfstream.

First Class on the A380

First Class on Emirates comes with all the fancy bits you get in Business Class pre-flight, but then things go up a notch when you get on board and slip into your private seat. Yep, if you’re travelling on the A380, you’ll get your own space with a door that actually shuts. Loads of storage, a lie-flat bed and HD touchscreen TV. That Bulgari amenity kit (and perfumes this time!) and PJs.

When it comes to dining expect stuff like Australian Angus beef and Yarra Valley cheese, Italian olive oil and produce from local farms in Japan. All delivered to your suite exactly when you want it. There’s all-you-can-eat caviar on the menu, just because. And you can even order from the special Movie Night menu – way better than your local Odeon. But the real icing on the cake when on the A380 is the onboard lounge and shower. Yes, you can have an actual shower 40,000 feet in the air.

First Class on the 777

If you’re travelling on the new, reconfigured 777, the core things on offer are the same as the A380, but the suites themselves are different. Fully enclosed with electronic doors and mega spacious, you can order room service by video call, and there’s even virtual windows if you’ve missed out on the real ones. There is a caveat, though. You’ll have to skip both the shower and the lounge, as they don’t have these on the smaller 777s.

Find Emirates flights with Netflights