Up-front: First Class on Emirates - 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.

Sonder Business Bay: A Decent Option in Dubai

The property is well located in Business Bay, just on the outskirts of the main downtown loop (the Burj Khalifa complex is roughly a 15-20 minute or so walk away). The staff were quite friendly, efficient, and accommodating. Plus, I found the room and general accommodations to adequate and comfortable. I stayed in a studio apartment which was just sufficient for one and might be a little tighter for 2 - though overall spacious enough. It also had a decent sized balcony, which was nice.

There’s an outdoor pool present, plus fitness studio and adjoining spa. To note for general awareness that as these properties are more designed for longer stays, housekeeping isn’t included as a standard offering; it is upon request and carries and additional cost. 

For customized journeys to Dubai and indeed around the world, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Iberia Business Class: New York - JFK to Madrid Barajas - MAD

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.

Aeromexico: The Better Option to/from Mexico

Aeromexico Meal Service: MEX —> JFK, Economy.

Given the choice, and supposing schedules align w/ your preferences, I would suggest electing to fly Aeromexico to Mexico and vice versa (at least from and to NY) over Delta or for that matter, any major American carrier. Their jets tend to be in much better shape (read typically newer and much more pleasant—flew a #787 Dreamliner on the outbound leg, and returned on a #737 Max jet—fully appreciate of course the precarious nature of the latter), hot meals are served from nose to tail (as pictured), and service is personable and friendly (if a tab bit not as enthusiastic on the return leg).

From a US carrier perspective, I can never understand why these flights are treated as ‘domestic’ executions. On a ~5-hr duration it’s the standard snacks and uninspiring offerings for purchase in the back (even on codeshare flights). Typically a fan of Delta’s though this is an area improvements can be made.

For bespoke itineraries to Mexico, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our full feature on Oaxaca City in our On Location section.

Virgin Atlantic: Special Meal Service - LHR to JFK

Tasty and enjoyable plant-based meals from Virgin Atlantic — likely the best I’ve had in any cabin.

Pictured: The vegan veggie curry (the curry itself is nestled beneath the rice, in case you’re wondering ☺️), and prior to landing, the vegan afternoon tea which included a delicious chickpea wrap, an apple and elderflower bar, and a chocolate brownie; both gluten-free as well (just really thoughtful catering). And all served by some truly friendly flight attendants (makes quite the difference).
Plus, extra marks for having oat milk! onboard (again, a good example of keeping one’s finger on the pulse of changing attitudes). 🙌🏿

[Honorable mention to KLM who also had a decent offering on a flight I took last summer].

For bespoke itineraries to the UK, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our Brighton and Hove feature in the On Location Section.