Emirates is a relatively young airline, but has spent the last few decades innovating in the premium cabin space. It was one of the first airlines to introduce a suites product into the first class cabin, with innovations like sliding doors, vanity mirrors, and minibars. Emirates is also noted for innovations like onboard showers on select aircraft, and bar spaces for first and business class passengers to socialize.
What to know about Emirates first class
Emirates first class is widely available on the company’s services from Dubai, even on some of the shortest segments within the Persian Gulf region. Here, we’ll primarily discuss long haul first class.
How much does it cost to fly Emirates first class
Roundtrip fares from New York to Dubai start around $21,600 roundtrip. Emirates will typically offer lower fares via Dubai in markets that are more competitive on an origin-and-destination basis (regardless of routing). Flights to Mumbai from New York start around $17,600 roundtrip. Fares from other US gateways are similar.
Best routes for Emirates first class
Emirates offers first class on most routes from North America, with the exception of Mexico City and Dallas/Ft. Worth. In addition to nonstop services to Dubai, there are also nonstops from New York JFK to Milan, and Newark to Athens, making Emirates a first class option to those Mediterranean destinations (both flights continue onward to Dubai).
Real deals Going has found on Emirates in first and business class
- NYC to Milan for $5,804 roundtrip in first class
- Chicago to the Maldives for $2,489 roundtrip in business class
- Fort Lauderdale to Bangkok for $3,538 roundtrip in business class
The Emirates first class experience at the airport
The Emirates first class lounge
In the US, Emirates operates its own lounges in New York (JFK), Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Contract lounges are used in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston InterContinental, Miami, Orlando, Seattle/Tacoma, and Washington Dulles.
First class passengers share lounge space with Business Class passengers at lounges outside of Dubai.
In Dubai, there’s a dedicated first class Lounge, which includes amenities like a cigar bar, quiet area, and wine cellar. Certain flights can also be boarded directly from the lounge instead of going back into the gate area. There are also shower suites, a full range of food and drink, and a dedicated duty free boutique inside the lounge.
Check-in for Emirates first class
Emirates maintains separate check-in counters for first class passengers at airports worldwide.
Chauffeur service
Virtually every city served by Emirates offers chauffeur service to first class passengers, although there are a few exceptions. first class passengers can call Emirates or provide address details by logging on to their reservation online up to 48 hours prior to departure to request chauffeur service to and from the airport. Mileage limits apply–longer distances are available for a per-mile charge. In the US, chauffeurs will pickup within a 50 mile radius of the airport.
Chauffeur services are not available on some shorter routes, like those between Bangkok and Hong Kong or between Australia and New Zealand.
Baggage allowance in Emirates first class
On itineraries originating in the United States, first class passengers can check-in two bags up to 32 kilos / 70 pounds each. This is the same allowance as for Business Class. Bags are priority tagged. The first class suites have been noted for lacking in stowage space (there are no overhead bins in first class) so it may be worthwhile to take advantage of the checked baggage allowance.
The Emirates first class experience in the air
Seats
- 777: On the 777, there are eight first class suites that are entirely enclosed, with floor-to-ceiling partitions allowing for complete privacy. The leather seats, which are lie-flat, also have a zero-gravity cradle setting which allows passengers to find an angle that is near to a feeling of weightlessness. The suites also have electronic doors with a “do not disturb” function, a mini bar, vanity mirror, large entertainment screen, and “room service” functionality–passengers can call or video chat with flight attendants to request on-demand meal service. There’s also a personal wardrobe, large dining and work table, and a number of power and USB outlets. Mid-cabin seats even have “virtual windows” with real-time projections of the view outside the cabin.
- A380: On the A380, there are 14 first class closed suites at the forward of the upper deck. The suites have electronic doors with a “do not disturb” function, a mini bar, vanity mirror, 32” entertainment screen, and “room service” functionality–passengers can call or video chat with flight attendants to request on-demand meal service. There’s also a personal wardrobe, large dining and work table, and a number of power and USB outlets. Window seats are single seating, middle seats have a privacy divider that can be lowered to create seat pairs.
Benefits of flying Emirates first class
The A380 offers shower suites and onboard bars that are not available on the 777. The Shower suites are located at the front of the first class cabin and are exclusively for first class guests. The bar is located at the back of the upper deck, and is for First and Business Class customers.
First class passengers also receive skin care products by Byredo. Suites are outfitted with special compartments with a towelette, facial toner, eye cream, sleep oil, and pillow mist. Passengers also receive Bvlgari amenity kits with the company’s white tea fragrance.
Shower suites can be reserved in advance, for 20 minute slots. The time spent in the shower is 5 minutes, with time warnings visible during use. Shower suites are outfitted with Bvlgari products.
Passengers will also find a leather notebook and pen, Bowers & Wilkins headphones, and are presented with their own personal pair of Hydra Active moisturizing pajamas with matching eye mask and slippers.
Meals in Emirates first class
Dining in Emirates first class is on-demand (meals and snacks can be ordered at any time during the flight), and served on Royal Doulton china.
Passengers are offered a welcome of Arabic coffee and dates, and then a multicourse meal once in the air, with numerous entree choices.
A sample first class menu from the U.S. to Dubai included a breakfast service with a choice of five entrees, ranging from poached eggs to french toast to bircher muesli or Indian paneer bhurji, all served with freshly baked bread, toast, fruit, yogurt, and pastries.
Dinner begins with a choice of appetizers including caviar with traditional garnishes, two soups, traditional Arabic mezze, crab and avocado timbale, and fresh seasonal salad followed by a choice of five entrees including steak, salmon, Bangalore-style chicken, vegetable biryani or Arabic-style spiced lamb, served with fresh baked bread and sides of asparagus and roasted potatoes.
Desserts include fresh fruit, a cheese board, cheesecake, or sticky toffee pudding. Light bites like a selection of sandwiches, poke bowl, ravioli, chili con carne, and a selection of pastries are also on offer.
Alcohol in Emirates first class
Emirates is noted for several top shelf brands in first class. The current champagne on offer is Dom Perignon Vintage 2003.
Also noteworthy is Chivas Regal Royal Salute 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker Blue, and The Dalmore King Alexander III. Hennessy Paradis, an extremely rare blend of cognac, Ron Zacapa XO, Russian Standard Imperia Vodka, Star of Bombay and Sipsmith gins round out the liquors on offer.
It’s worth noting that some of the premium brands of liquor are exclusive to first class–as the bar and lounge are shared with Business Class, fans of some of the top shelf first class offerings will get more value out of imbibing in their suite.
Emirates first class vs business class
Business Class seats are less spacious and offer less privacy, but still offer surprising amenities like minibars.
Menus often have some of the same dishes as first class, but in smaller portions, and Business Class passengers typically have fewer entrees to select from. Many of the wines and spirits are also different in Business Class–still premium, but not the extraordinary top shelf liquors served in first class.
On the A380, shower suites are also exclusive to first class.
>> Read about Emirates business class and premium economy
How to book Emirates first class
How much does it cost for a first class ticket on Emirates?
Roundtrip fares from New York to Dubai start around $21,600 roundtrip. Emirates will typically offer lower fares via Dubai in markets that are more competitive on an origin-and-destination basis (regardless of routing). Flights to Mumbai from New York start around $17,600 roundtrip. Fares from other US gateways are similar.
How to upgrade to first class of Emirates for free
Emirates generally does not upgrade passengers for free unless there are operational needs such as overbooking. In that situation, elite members of the airline’s Skywards frequent flier program, and other identified VIPs will generally be given first consideration.
How much does it cost to upgrade to first class on Emirates?
Emirates offers first class upgrades for sale–but generally only to passengers already booked in Business Class. Upgrade fees can range up to around $2,000 depending on flight and route. Passengers can even upgrade once onboard, using Skywards miles or cash.
How many miles to upgrade to Emirates first class?
Bearing in mind that upgrades are only possible from Business Class, mileage upgrades generally start at about 39,000 Skywards miles, each way.
What’s the difference with Emirates first class Suites?
On 777 aircraft, the suites are of newer design and have fully enclosed, floor-to-ceiling partitions, allowing for complete privacy, while the older A380 suites are not fully enclosed.
Summary
Emirates first class is a comfortable way to jet around the world, and given the long travel times between North America and Dubai (and further travel time to onward destinations!) Emirates first class can be worth the extra fare. The airline’s vaunted first class product with its showy suites and premium amenities will be a boon to any social media travel humblebrag.
