United Airlines Is The Largest Carrier Flying To This Tiny Island Nation
For many avgeeks, and even those less au fait with the ins and outs of the modern commercial aviation sector, Emirates is a name that goes hand in hand with opulent luxury. The Dubai-based UAE flag carrier is revered the world over for its lavishly outfitted premium cabins, with the airline's first class offering representing the peak of its passenger experience. Now, it has taken this offering to the next level.
Emirates IATA/ICAO Code EK/UAE Year Founded 1985 CEO Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Loyalty Program Emirates Skywards
Indeed, earlier today, Emirates announced that it would be making a range of enhancements to its first class offering in order to add an extra degree of finesse to the passenger experience, both in the air and on the ground. Among the improvements featured as part of this package are "luxurious lounge-inspired check-in areas in Dubai [and] the memorable ritual of unlimited caviar onboard."
Starting The Journey In Style Close
For passengers flying in first class on any airline, the flight itself represents the main part of the fun, but certainly not all of it. This is something that Emirates has opted to lean into with its first class upgrade program, as the carrier has added an extra level of luxury to the start of a passenger's first class journey, at check-in. Soon, the first class check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB) will reopen.
When this happens, the refurbished facility will offer Emirates' first class passengers a better check-in experience than ever before. As pictured above, the zone has been redesigned to "provide an exclusive atmosphere, featuring dedicated, personalised check-in services," with its aesthetic being more akin to that of a luxurious airport lounge than a standard check-in area. This underlines Emirates' desire to make first class journeys memorable from end to end, with the airline stating that:
"Across the world, the journey for Emirates' first class customers is curated from start to finish, with complimentary access to 43 world-class, luxury lounges across the globe, and complimentary chauffeur drive for seamless door-to-door transfers across most destinations."
Unlimited Caviar For Emirates' Most Valuable Customers Close
Once onboard after the aforementioned luxurious check-in experience, Emirates' passengers will also find that the catering offering has been taken up a notch. Most notably, as pictured above, the carrier is now offering unlimited caviar (with seven accompaniments) to its first class guests, served in "elegant new Emirates engraved bowls designed by Robert Welch to complement Emirates' existing range."
The Middle Eastern airline has also revamped its cheese board, which is "presented on a rustic slate with accompanying bowls and a wooden honey dipper." Featuring a wide range of artisan cheeses and chutneys, this is one of many different gourmet options provided to first class passengers as part of Emirates' gloved service, with others including sweet and savory snacks such as the likes of "wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, (...) luxury chocolates, pralines, dates, and sweets."
First Class Cabins On Emirates' Aircraft (per aeroLOPA)
Aircraft
First Class Seats
Airbus A350-900
Boeing 777-200LR
Boeing 777-300ER
0, 6 or 8
Airbus A380-800
0 or 14
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Posts 20 Amenity Kits & Other Delights Close
Away from the food and drink side of things, Emirates also looks after its first class passengers by providing them with luxurious Bulgari amenity kits. As pictured above, the latest range "includes essential items such as a sustainable hairbrush, hair tie, mirror and toothbrush, shaving kit and dental kit, alongside signature Bulgari Le Gemme fragrances and lotions." In order to further tailor the first class experience, there are separate fragrances available for male and female passengers.
To take their onboard pampering experience one step further, Emirates' first class passengers can even make use of the onboard shower spa when flying onboard the Airbus A380. While this is not a new feature, it remains one of the most creative uses of the abundance of onboard space offered by the double-decker quadjet, rivaled only, perhaps, by fellow UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways' 'Residence.' Either way, there can be few better ways to travel than in Emirates' first class cabins!