Review of Emirates First Class

In a world where many carriers are scaling back on First Class, Emirates continues to redefine the pinnacle of premium travel, investing heavily in its First Class product. With its signature blend of Arabian luxury and innovation, Emirates First Class stands as a benchmark for opulence in commercial aviation. On select Airbus A380 flights, travelers can even enjoy a rejuvenating shower at cruising altitude, followed by a visit to the exclusive onboard lounge for a glass of rare vintage Champagne.

Emirates remains the Middle East’s largest airline, with a fleet exceeding 260 wide-body aircraft and service to over 150 global destinations across six continents. As the world’s largest operator of both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, Emirates continues to champion the superjumbo even as other airlines retire it, actively encouraging manufacturers to imagine even grander aircraft for the future.

Distinct from other major global airlines, Emirates chooses not to join any of the three major airline alliances, maintaining its independence and agility in the marketplace. The airline boasts over 20 codeshare partnerships, including agreements with flydubai, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, South African Airways, Malaysia Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and most recently, United Airlines, enhancing connectivity to the USA and beyond.

The Emirates Skywards loyalty program is renowned for its flexibility, offering members both Skywards Miles (redeemable for flights and upgrades) and Tier Miles (which determine status). The four-tiered program—Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—rewards frequent flyers with exclusive benefits and recognition.

Emirates’ home base is the ultra-modern Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international travelers and home to the globe’s largest duty-free shopping complex.

Dubai International features three terminals: Terminals 1 and 3 serve international routes, while Terminal 2 caters to regional and budget airlines. Terminals 1 and 3 share a connected transit area, while Terminal 2 is accessible via a 20–30 minute shuttle depending on your location within the airport.

Originally designed exclusively for Emirates, Terminal 3 now also accommodates flydubai and handles up to 65 million passengers annually. Upon completion, it was the world’s largest building by floor space, and it continues to set industry standards for efficiency and luxury.

Emirates offers three dedicated First Class lounges at DXB, with the flagship Concourse A lounge spanning an astonishing 100,000 square feet. This space, among the largest of its kind, allows direct boarding from the lounge to many gates, streamlining the premium travel experience. The First Class Lounge is open 24/7 and features gourmet à la carte dining, expansive buffets, and a curated beverage selection highlighting both Western and regional delicacies, with options for vegetarians and vegans.

Skilled mixologists craft signature cocktails at the lounge bar, complemented by rare spirits and limited-edition pours. Guests can also indulge in a Moët & Chandon tasting flight, expertly paired with canapés, or sample premium teas from Dilmah.

The lounge also features a dedicated duty-free corridor, including Le Clos Wine Cellar, which offers an array of rare vintages and collectible spirits. For cigar enthusiasts, the Cigar Bar provides a refined setting with drinks, business amenities, and daybeds for relaxation. The Timeless Spa offers complimentary 15-minute treatments, from rejuvenating facials to invigorating Thai stretches, using plush towels and high-end toiletries.

Globally, Emirates First Class passengers enjoy access to over 30 exclusive Emirates lounges worldwide.  

Additionally, eligible First Class travelers benefit from complimentary chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz S-Class transfers in numerous cities (some exclusions may apply; check specific locations for details).

Emirates’ First Class is featured on the majority of its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The design is unapologetically lavish, with abundant gold accents, rich leather, plush carpets, and polished woodgrain creating an unmistakably regal atmosphere.

In 2025, Emirates nears completion of a fleet-wide upgrade, encompassing 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, resulting in over 700 First Class Suites receiving a full refresh. The latest A380 First Class cabins now showcase private suites with zero-gravity seats upholstered in champagne leather, set against tranquil cream and bronze finishes. Each suite offers a pop-up minibar, customizable mood lighting, individual climate controls, and premium skincare amenities. Sliding doors ensure total seclusion.

The renowned A380 Shower Spa has been reimagined, blending elegant woodgrain and hand-stenciled ghaf tree motifs with calming lighting. The revitalized Onboard Lounge features contemporary bronze and woodgrain décor and soft ambient lighting. Long-haul A380s offer 14 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck.

Every Emirates First Class suite includes a fully closing door, spacious seat that transforms into a plush bed, a large dining table, closet, generous entertainment screen, vanity mirror, and thoughtful vintage-inspired touches like a stationery drawer. Power outlets and a personal tablet allow effortless control of all suite functions, from seat adjustments to lighting, privacy, and even ordering in-suite dining.

On select Boeing 777-300ERs, Emirates offers the acclaimed "gamechanger" First Class Suite, widely considered the world’s most advanced. With only six suites per cabin in a 1-1-1 layout, these fully enclosed private spaces offer floor-to-ceiling walls, complete temperature control, and even video call functionality for service requests, all inspired by Mercedes-Benz automotive design.

Surprisingly, the center suite is often the most sought-after, thanks to the innovative "virtual windows"—ultra-high-definition displays streaming real-time exterior views from the aircraft’s cameras, providing a window-like experience in the heart of the cabin. This technological flourish is unique to Emirates and elevates the sense of exclusivity onboard.

The “gamechanger” suites debuted on new Boeing 777-300ER deliveries and remain limited to nine aircraft, with the next generation expected on Emirates’ forthcoming Boeing 777X jets, set to join the fleet from 2025. Emirates has pledged to further upgrade its 777s with eight redesigned First Class suites per aircraft.

For those comparing luxury cabins, the Businessclass flight search showcases images, seat maps, and detailed specifications—helping you visualize your suite before booking.

"Endless caviar and Champagne"—the phrase itself encapsulates the Emirates First Class culinary promise. While unlimited caviar is a signature, the menu also features a tempting range of starters, including gourmet soups, antipasti, and traditional Arabic mezze. Main courses highlight international favorites—think expertly prepared chicken, beef, fish, or a thoughtfully crafted vegetarian option. Emirates manages its own massive catering operation, ensuring consistency and freshness without celebrity chef branding. Every meal is tailored for the sky and consistently impresses with restaurant-level quality.

All dishes are presented in-suite on elegant white porcelain and fine cutlery, elevating the private dining ambiance. 

Desserts are refined and memorable—seasonal fruit, delicate pastries, and a generous cheese selection. For lighter cravings, passengers can request healthy snacks such as stir-fried greens or a tofu poke bowl. 

Emirates also offers a unique "Movie Menu" in First Class, with treats like popcorn, prawn cocktail, or gourmet sliders to accompany your in-flight entertainment—an indulgent touch we thoroughly enjoyed.

Discover more about Emirates' caviar and Champagne experience

Emirates is celebrated for its extraordinary beverage program, regularly updating its extensive cellar to offer passengers a rotating selection of world-class wines and spirits. Dom Pérignon remains the house Champagne, typically serving the 2013 vintage, with special releases like the Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2004 available during select periods, offering sophisticated notes of citrus, cocoa, and brioche.

Throughout 2025, Emirates continues to feature Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 and, during festive months, the exquisite Dom Pérignon Rosé 2008 and Plénitude 2 2004, delivering a truly exclusive tasting experience at altitude.

See our latest update on Emirates' Champagne selection.

The wine list is equally impressive, with highlights such as Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2006 and rare finds from the Emirates Vintage Collection—wines matured for over a decade in Emirates’ own cellars. Spirits include Dalmore Alexander III single malt, Hennessy X.O cognac, Sipsmith gin, alongside a variety of global beers, specialty teas, fresh juices, and traditional Arabic coffee served with plump dates. The A380’s Onboard Lounge, shared with Business Class, is a social haven for those wishing to sample cocktails at 40,000 feet.

For wine connoisseurs, the Businessclass flight search details Champagne and wine offerings by airline and class, and we welcome your feedback on any new additions or changes.

Emirates is celebrated for its cosmopolitan cabin crew, representing over 160 nationalities and ensuring seamless communication with guests from around the world. 

Our recent journeys confirmed that Emirates delivers consistently attentive and polished service in First Class. Crew members are meticulously trained, discreet, and anticipate guests’ needs without ever being intrusive.

Upon boarding, passengers are addressed as they prefer, setting a personalized tone for the journey. Service is neither excessive nor distant—staff are available within moments whenever needed.

For a more spacious suite environment, overhead bins have been removed in First Class. Luggage, coats, and duty-free purchases are carefully stored by the crew and returned before landing.

Uniforms remain iconic: female crew don tailored beige and red ensembles with the signature pillbox hat and white scarf, while male staff wear chocolate brown suits with cream shirts and caramel-accented ties. The classic look has stood the test of time, with only subtle updates over the years, reinforcing Emirates’ strong brand identity.

Emirates was a pioneer in seat-back entertainment and continues to lead with its ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system. Passengers can choose from up to 5,000 channels of movies, TV, music, and games on a crystal-clear 32-inch screen. In our experience, the sheer volume and quality of content rivals any luxury hotel.

Noise-cancelling Bowers & Wilkins headphones, designed specifically for Emirates First Class, deliver immersive sound. The latest entertainment systems offer Bluetooth pairing, allowing guests to connect their own devices for a bespoke experience.

First Class guests can enjoy a dedicated "movie menu" with gourmet snacks, further enhancing the cinematic journey.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to all First Class passengers who are members of Emirates Skywards, ensuring seamless connectivity above the clouds.

For more details on inflight Wi-Fi and entertainment, the Businessclass flight search provides up-to-date information for each airline.

The signature highlight of Emirates First Class is found on its Airbus A380s: two private shower spas, bookable for 30-minute sessions per guest (with five minutes of water flow). Dedicated attendants maintain the facilities, prepare them with VOYA amenities, and coordinate bookings—be sure to reserve your preferred slot early, especially before landing. Each spa features heated floors, a hair dryer, and a flight map display for a uniquely memorable experience at altitude.

Men’s amenity kits include two collectible bags—either a classic toiletry or a sophisticated pouch—crafted in chestnut brown vegan leather with green and cream accents. Inside, guests find an exclusive 30ml bottle of BVLGARI LE GEMME KOBRAA Eau de Parfum, aftershave balm, body emulsion, cleansing towel, lip balm, and a Bulgari drawstring pouch, along with grooming essentials such as a Gillette razor, shaving foam, dental kit, deodorant, tissues, earplugs, and a folding hairbrush. 

For women, the kit comprises two collectible metallic champagne-bronze bags with turquoise accents, one shaped as a vanity case and the other a clutch. The set includes a 30ml bottle of BVLGARI LE GEMME OROM Eau de Parfum, a gold Bulgari mirror, face and body lotions, cleansing towel, lip balm, and a Bulgari pouch, plus a dental kit, deodorant, tissues, brush, and a new black elastic hair tie.

Emirates has collaborated with Irish luxury brand VOYA to create exclusive Eau de Toilette fragrances for First and Business Class, inspired by nature and available only on Emirates flights. The male scent features bergamot and white florals, while the female fragrance blends honeysuckle, neroli, and citrus.

First Class guests also enjoy BYREDO travel wellness kits, including a cleansing wipe, facial toner, chamomile sleep oil, eye cream, and pillow mist, accompanied by a notebook and pen.

On long-haul journeys, passengers are presented with Emirates’ Hydra Active moisturizing sleepwear, plush slippers, and eye shades for optimal rest.

While Emirates proactively distributes these amenities on long and overnight flights, those on shorter daytime sectors can request any item from the attentive crew.

For A380 travelers, a stylish tote bag is provided for transporting personal items to and from the shower spa, making it easy to keep track of the generous amenities throughout your journey. 

Emirates distinguishes itself by offering First Class on numerous short- and medium-haul routes—a rarity among global airlines. Since the fleet is exclusively wide-body, travelers enjoy the same suite experience regardless of flight length, though time constraints may limit the opportunity to fully indulge in the lie-flat bed. Meal service is adapted for shorter sectors, often served as a single tray rather than multiple courses, but the full beverage selection is available (except on routes to and from Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is not served).

Emirates is at the forefront of sustainable aviation, leveraging advanced technology to drive efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Operating one of the industry’s youngest fleets, Emirates maintains a lower average fuel consumption than most competitors. The airline’s ‘tailored arrivals’ program enables real-time coordination with air traffic control, optimizing approach profiles for continuous descent and reducing fuel burn.

Artificial intelligence now predicts catering needs, helping Emirates cut food waste by up to 40%. Economy Class blankets are crafted from 100% recycled PET bottles (28 bottles per blanket). Emirates Flight Catering’s vertical farm in Dubai uses 95% less water than traditional agriculture—vital in the arid UAE climate. The Engine Maintenance Centre is powered by solar energy, and aircraft are cleaned using water-saving ‘dry wash’ techniques, conserving thousands of liters per cleaning cycle.

The Businessclass flight search displays CO2 emissions for each flight, and our algorithms prioritize flights on the most eco-friendly aircraft.

• Global Access – Emirates is one of the few airlines offering First Class on the majority of its flights, enabling travelers to create seamless premium itineraries worldwide.
• Exceptional Wine Program – Emirates’ dedication to sourcing and cellaring rare vintages through its Emirates Vintage Collection gives First Class guests access to truly remarkable wines.
• Iconic Luxury – From ornate gold detailing and signature wood accents to A380 inflight showers and fully enclosed B777 suites with virtual windows, Emirates delivers a uniquely extravagant experience unmatched by any other carrier.