A $7554 one-way flight that wants an extra US$10 for wifi?
The onboard lounge is the highlight of this business class flight, with cocktails, snacks, live sports and a convivial atmosphere. But I don’t like the nickel-and-dime approach they take for those who aren’t members of the airline’s frequent flyer program.
The onboard lounge is the highlight of this business class flight, with cocktails, snacks, live sports and a convivial atmosphere.
Take a seat
There are no bad seats in the 1-2-1 layout on this Emirates flight, but some are more private than others. I am tardy with my selection and so I miss out on window-side A or K options, with shelf and amenities on the aisle. B and J singles brush the aisle and are more open to passers-by. I’m accidentally knocked awake several times.
The doubles in the centre configurations also vary in layout, either together or apart, from row to row, so couples who want to be side-by-side should plan well in advance and book E and F.
All seats recline fully flat and are supplied with a light mattress, blanket and pillow. The seat-side console, automatically locked during takeoff and landing, contains USB sockets and plugs, a cabinet of slim (and warmish) cans of soft drinks, flat and sparkling water, glasses, and space to stash a book or magazine. There’s an adjustable reading light and ample storage under the seat in front (unless in an exit row), plus two deep side lockers to stow carry-on bags. It feels supremely snug in these beige leather cocoons, with everything close to hand.
Keep fresh
The pale yellow, zipper-topped, Bulgari amenities kit is a keeper. Lined in tangerine fabric, the roomy bag holds miniatures of body lotion, fragrance and face emulsion from the Italian brand’s Omnia Coral collection, Colgate toothpaste and brush, tissues, tiny makeup mirror, earplugs, plastic folding hairbrush and even a Rexona roll-on deodorant. I imagine the men’s version is similar, with razor, foam and aftershave lotion. No pyjamas are offered on this overnight flight, nor the return, but socks and eyeshades are provided.
On the menu
Dinner is a three-course affair so orders are swiftly taken at this late hour to allow passengers to sleep. I opt for Arabic mezze, casarecce pasta twists with red pepper puree, and dulce de leche tart. It’s all pretty tasty and though I don’t drink alcohol, there are French bubbles, NZ sauvignon blanc and McLaren Vale shiraz flowing freely.
Attendants Roxana and Marina are efficient and friendly, happy to chat. Before arrival into Dubai, I decline a full breakfast (my body clock is all over the place) but I spy gruyere omelette, eggwhite frittata and mango chia pudding doing the rounds. Good coffee (from an espresso machine in the lounge) and flaky pastries make for a continental-style substitute, and “Breakfast Martinis” made with marmalade are apparently a cheeky sky-high “thing”.
That’s entertainment
The comprehensive ICE (Information, Connect, Entertainment) system features time to destination rolling over on a corner of the seatback screen, and a plethora of angles on the Air Show link of external cameras, maps, flight position and progress.
New-release movies, including Oppenheimer, Barbie and the riveting Anatomy of a Fall, are abundant, plus TV series and documentaries (many from the excellent BBC Earth range), BAFTA successes, and plenty to amuse junior passengers.
As I’m headed on from Dubai to England, a BBC three-part series titled Killing Sherlock: On the Case of Conan Doyle, hosted by historian Lucy Worsley, turns out to be just the shot.
At your service
The A380 is a huge aircraft and cabin crew are plentiful and hands-on, quietly patrolling the aisles on overnight flights. Service is genuinely courteous and prompt.
In the bag
Allowance of 40kg for checked-in luggage in business class; maximum carry-on 7kg per piece plus 7kg garment bag or briefcase.
On the ground
Dubai airport is massive and almost unfathomable in its signage. There are various Emirates business class lounges, all with buffets, full bar, plus comfy seating and work zones, showers and sleeping nooks.
But it’s a feat to find the one closest to departure for my next leg to Heathrow, which apparently includes direct airbridge access to the plane. With many fellow passengers, I end up in the wrong one and catch a bus across the tarmac, shepherded by surly ground staff.
The bottom line
Flights start from $7554 one way, based on an airline website search departing two months from publication.There is a sale offer of $9979 return Sydney to Dubai for travel until July 6, 2025, must be booked by July 10, 2024.
The verdict
Despite the acreage of the cabin, it feels convivial. The lounge at the rear is a hangout zone to socialise with fellow passengers, watch live sport on a large-screen TV or order drinks and snacks. Its illuminated bar is worthy of a mini-disco. On my return to Sydney from London Heathrow via Dubai, I book window-side seats and have a much better sleep and feeling of privacy. Negatives? I don’t like the nickel-and-dime approach of paying $US10 per 30 minutes of wi-fi but it’s included for members of the airline’s Skywards frequent flyer program. I’m joining up.
Susan Kurosawa was a guest of Cunard.
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