What it’s really like to fly on Emirates first class
IT’S a secret world for the super-rich. Our travel editor was invited inside first class and found quite a few surprises.
IT’S 5.30am, tiny flecks of light have barely started filtering through the blinds into my room and my eyes are still struggling to open when there’s a knock at the door.
I step outside and the driver opens the door of the car and whisks me away. I slump down inside for a smooth trip, grateful not to have to worry about navigating the train network this morning.
Then, I’m handed the magic express card that allows me to speed through the airport terminal, skipping the queues of weary economy passengers. Before I know it, I’m in the airport lounge having breakfast: Fruit salad, pancakes with pear slices and honey, and coffee. This, apparently, is how the lucky few travel.
But the best is yet to come.
Once the plane roars off and has climbed to a reasonable altitude, I decide it’s time to find the plane lavatory. I open the bathroom door, bracing for the usual nightmarish sight, but then I do a double take when I see what lies inside. It’s like nothing I’ve laid eyes on before.
You see, this isn’t your average plane cabin. I’m lucky enough to have landed a spot on-board Emirates first class. You know the one, you may have seen their recent ad featuring Jennifer Aniston and sighed with envy.
Yep, there's no denying it, it’s a pretty impressive experience.
Here are some things that stood out about Emirates first class:
• The shower!
The Shower Spa (a room otherwise known as the loo to economy passengers), is an incredible room which is probably bigger than your own bathroom at home.
There are two fulltime shower attendants on board, and you book your shower time in — it’s a max of 30 minutes in the room per passenger. You get five minutes worth of water (and you can hit pause if you like) and there’s every product imaginable, from loofahs to body scrubs.
It’s totally mind-boggling that this is possible. Yep, I’m washing my hair as we speed along thousands of kilometres in the sky. Isn’t technology amazing.
And never fear, if the plane hits a spot of turbulence, there’s a bench you can sit on inside the shower stall.
And what’s more, the floor in the entire room is HEATED people. Stay calm.
Apart from Etihad, which Emirates insist copied them, they are the only airline that offers an in-flight shower.
• It may take you a moment to discover where the toilet is
It’s cleverly hidden away, so not to tarnish the luxuriousness of the spa suites. I was so distracted by the other things in that room that it took me a moment to realise it was under that cushion! It just looked like a bench to me, from my first glance around.
• You have your own minibar at your seat
There are options such as mango juice, soft drink and sparkling water. And more snacks than you could possibly get through.
• There’s an actual, proper bar on-board
If you’re after something a bit stronger, there’s an impressively stocked bar available for business and first class travellers. Dom Perignon, anyone?
Unsurprisingly, many a flyer could be seen jumping up from their seats as soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, only to spend the whole flight here.
• Amenities galore
When you get to your seat, you’re greeted with a vanity kit and light-adorned mirror. And then, there’s even more when it’s your turn to shower. Think Bulgari and Timeless Spa.
• And of course, there’s a lie-flat bed.
• Almost everything is gold-plated, making the cabin look even more special.
• The privacy
If you feel like escaping into your own world for a while, just press a button on your dedicated seat iPad and watch the doors slide closed. And the window shades.
You can pretty much do anything via the iPad, including adjusting your seat.
And there’s a proper “do not disturb” button.
• There’s Wi-Fi
But don’t get excited, it’s free for a teeny 10MB, but you have to pay pretty quickly. Yep, even in business or first. But it’s pretty cheap — just $$US1 ($1.40) for 500MB.
• High ceilings
There’s so much room, you’ll never have to worry about hitting your head on the over head bins again. They are really small and sit high up.
• The service is other level
The Emirates crew took service with a smile to another level. And as the cabin was mostly empty, I got a lot of attention.
And how do they look so glam all of the time?
• It’s not as expensive as you may expect
While a round trip between Sydney and Dubai costs around $16,000 (we looked at dates in February 2016), if you want to experience the high flying lifestyle, why not splash out for a short trip? For February 2016, it’s around $1300 from Sydney to Auckland.
• Food
Sure, the food was nice. However, as with many plane meals, I feel it could have been better. I ordered a vegetarian meal and the noodle dish was quite oily, though delicious.
The Arabic coffee served with dates was a nice touch. And the canapés were quite refreshing.
• The TV is huge
• Blooming great
Attention to detail is crucial here. There are surprises all around the plane, including bunches of vibrant flowers in the corners.
• Also, no need to fear, if you forget your pen (as I had!) there’s a writing kit waiting for you.
The writer travelled as a guest of Emirates. Emirates offers three daily flights to Auckland on A380s (one each from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) as well as one daily flight from Sydney to Christchurch (on a 777-300ER).
* The chauffeur service is only available on long haul flights, it’s not available on Trans Tasman routes.
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