Up-front: First Class on Emirates - New York to Dubai.
Experiencing some of the finest luxuries in the skies. My trip on Emirates, in its First Class cabin, from New York to Dubai.
Welcome aboard Emirates’ First Class offering on the upper deck of the carrier’s A380 aircraft.
In an era where most US (and indeed some other international) carriers have ditched a dedicated international First Class cabin in favor of expanded offerings in Business (to be fair, some of these are quite impressive and nearly mimic a true first class offering), having a proper First class cabin certainly stands out.
In the case of Emirates, these fully enclosed suites, 14 in total, are located on the forward upper deck of the enormous A380 (there are fewer on its 777s), while Business occupies the mid to rear section, with onboard lounge/bar rounding out the the very rear.
First passengers - not unexpectedly - are treated to some of the finest luxuries in the skies. In addition to your personal, fully enclosed, spacious suite, you’re welcomed onboard with Dom Perignon (the 2015 vintage) as a pre-departure beverage, and through your journey, comprehensive dine on demand course options (complete with caviar service), premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, premium snacks, lounge wear, designer amenity kit and cosmetics; and the kicker, the well appointed onboard shower spa (a personal bucket list item).
Admittedly, these aren’t the largest suites flying today. In fact its own so called ‘game changer’ suite on some refurbished 777s offer more room. Still, it’s more than generous, and the transformed bed quite comfortable. A wholly indulgent way to pass 14 hours.
As one would expect, these come with pretty impressive, eye popping, price tags. Strategic points/miles award redemptions are however possible with some schedule flexibility. At the time of booking: 163,000 Skywards miles + roughly $800 or so in fees (USD).
For customized travel itineraries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Iberia Business Class: New York - JFK to Madrid Barajas - MAD
On approach to Madrid on the hop across the Atlantic from JFK, with a look at the impressive flex of the A350 wingtip flex.
What’s it like to fly @iberia Business Class transatlantic? Overall, a decent option. No particular standouts and on the other hand not necessarily at the bottom of the pack either.
The hard product: This particular flight was operated with their flagship A350-900 aircraft (note, the other option would typically be the older A330), so it was a quieter and generally more comfortable ride, owing to nextgen technology on these aircraft series.
The soft product: While ironically I’ve had much better, more personable service on previous flights, in Economy, the crew on this flight seemed mostly disinterested—performing their duties adequately though somewhat remotely.
In the same vein, meal and beverage offerings were mostly fine though nothing terribly earth shattering. Once again, ironically, I’ve had just as good in the back of the plane.
Overall, a decent option especially if priced right. At times discounted upgrades are offered close to departure. It could be well worth it if for nothing else at least, the chance to have a sleeper suite.
