My First Class Emirates Review
I’ve wanted to fly Emirates Airline First Class travel since I was a youngster, and last month, with the help of some air miles earned with the American Express Gold Card, I finally realized my goal. What’s even amazing is that this Emirates First Class flight was almost free. In this Emirates Airlines First Class review, I will not only present you with a comprehensive evaluation of the Emirates Airlines First Class experience, but also the tools you need to fly in your own private suite for less than the price of an economy ticket!
Booking – Emirates Airlines First Class
Let’s be honest: traveling First Class is almost always a costly experience, which bothers me as the owner of a site with the word “thrifty” in the title. So, how could I justify paying the entire Emirates First Class price? As frequent readers will know, I am an avid collector of all things points, particularly American Express Rewards points. These points can now be transferred to a variety of airline rewards programs, including Emirates Skywards. What’s even better is that I earned enough points in three months thanks to the joys of a credit card sign-up bonus now offered by American Express to redeem this travel for £167 and 30,000 reward points.
Now that I was in Cyprus for work, I was aware that Emirates flew a long-haul Boeing 777 to Malta every day. The opportunity to test out the Emirates First Class cabin was too good to pass up, so I booked an overnight return trip to Malta, flying out in Emirates First Class suites and returning in Business Class (reviewed here).
The total points necessary for this trip were 50,000, with 30,000 for Emirates First Class to Malta and the remainder for Business Class back home. If you have enough points, I strongly advise you to use the extra 10,000 for First! In addition, you’ll have to pay £167 in taxes each way.
Longer-haul flights
For longer-haul flights, the amount of points required grows significantly. For example, 85,000 points will get you from London to Dubai in first class. So, if you’re keen to experience Emirates First Class (like I was), I’d recommend taking a cheap flight to Cyprus and spending a few days there before making your way to Malta in luxury.
When buying your Emirates Airline First Class travel, you will be able to choose your suite. The cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 pattern, as shown in the picture below. While my other half was flying with me, we decided to each take a window seat. So she took seat 1A, and I sat just behind her (2A).
Check-in – Emirates Airlines First Class
I arrived at Larnaca Airport a few hours before my flight, primarily to study the lounge, and when I got at the Emirates First Class check-in station, I was met by the first of many very nice Emirates service members. Check-in was extremely calm, due in large part to my early arrival. If you’re flying out of Dubai and departing from Terminal 3, you’ll benefit from the First Class Emirates check-in room at Terminal 3 – which I plan to examine at some point in the future.
Larnaca Airport has express security, which, depending on the time of day, might save you a significant amount of time, especially during school holidays! You will also have access to the third-party Aspire Aphrodite Lounge. I am not a huge fan of Aspire Lounges, but this one is most likely in the top quartile. Again, if you’re traveling out of Dubai, your Emirates First Class lounge access is enhanced, with an entire level of the wing dedicated to First Class guests.
One thing I appreciate about the Larnaca Aspire Lounge is the outside area, which may be a lovely spot to relax before the flight (however if there are a lot of smokers, it’s not so pleasant!).
The drink selection is very basic, and a million miles away from the Dom Perignon you’ll be drinking on the flight. So, while a glass or two of the house sauvignon blanc is pleasant, I wouldn’t go overboard; instead, leave room for the exquisite array of drinks available at the Emirates First Class bar.
Boarding – Emirates First Class 777
My friend and I were the only First Class passengers on the journey, so we got our own suite and the entire cabin to ourselves. The drawback was that they boarded us alongside Business Class passengers, which caused a minor wait at the gate. We boarded the plane via our own First Class jet bridge and were greeted by not one but two very pleasant flight attendants. At that point, I knew this flight was going to be unlike any other I’d taken before!
When we arrived in our Emirates First Class rooms, we were handed a selection of refreshments. I chose not to go big too soon and opted for a green tea, while my friend drank a glass of the 2009 Dom Perignon, which costs almost £120 per bottle! Shortly after, we were served the distinctive Arabic coffee and dates.
First Class Suites Emirates
So, the key question you’ve all been waiting for: what is the Emirates airline First Class travel suite truly like? Let’s begin with some of the bespoke parts, but first, I’ve provided a couple of images:
There are no overhead lockers in First, but there is a huge storage compartment next to the aisle. Because the trip was so peaceful, the flight attendant recommended that I utilize the adjacent suite for my bags.
Because I was on a day flight, I did not utilize the suite as a bed, so I cannot comment on the linen or comfort, but I have heard positive things. The photographs may not show it, but there are sliding doors to the seat. While not fully private, as cabin crew can see over the top, this provides a somewhat private zone in which to rest, and I’m sure it would be useful during a night ride.
Charging options are restricted, with only one USB connection located some distance from the seat. This would be my biggest pet peeve!
What’s Included in the First Class Emirates Price?
Emirates is well-known for the magnitude of their in-flight entertainment system, which includes over 2,500 channels. As a result, it’s rather easy to locate something to watch – in this case, Colin Firth’s film The Mercy (particularly recommended if you enjoy sailing).
The plane I was on was slightly antiquated, so I got a 27-inch screen, which has been increased to 32 inches on newer planes. The new A380 also includes live television, so you’ll never miss a crucial sports game or Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing! One thing that took me off guard was that my phone instantly connected to the free Wi-Fi and with my carrier allowing Wi-Fi calling.
Amenities – First Class Emirates
Again, because this was a day flight, full Emirates Airlines First Class amenities were only accessible by request. Of course, the Byredo Wellness Kit is already in the suite, and it provides:
Products include a cleansing towel, facial toner, eye cream, chamomile roll-on sleep oil, and chamomile pillow mist.
The Conclusion
Was it worth spending 30,000 air miles per person to Emirates airline First Class travel? Totally and completely yes. Flying in an Emirates First Class suite was an unforgettable experience for a regular Joe like me. Hopefully, anybody reading this Emirates First Class review has gained an understanding of the fascinating world of upper-tier flying and realized that it is accessible to practically anyone!
I’ll conclude this evaluation with a few words of advice for anyone interested in booking an Emirates Airlines First Class journey. If you have only 30,000 Skywards points (Amex reward points) and wish to fly First Class, the Emirates trip between Larnaca and Malta is by far the cheapest alternative!
Those with 80,000 or more reward points and a want to experience the complete package should consider flying from Dubai to London on the A380. This flight includes the Dubai First Class floor and complete on-board caviar treatment.
Don’t forget to make the most of the Dom Perignon, which costs £120 per bottle!!
As always, I hope you enjoyed my Emirates First Class flight review. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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