The Emirates A380 is possibly the pride and joy of the airline, carrying three different classes onboard and notably comes with an upper deck. In simpler terms, it's a big plane that has a second floor exclusively reserved for First Class and Business Class fliers. I was lucky enough to fly on it just recently. Here's how my experience went.
The Dubai Business Class Louge
Definitely better than Manila's Marhaba Lounge since this is Emirates' homecourt. The whole Dubai Business Class Lounge is located on the second floor of the terminal giving you complete exclusivity from other fliers. Food and drinks here are free and unlimited for first and business-class passengers. There's also a shower available should you want to freshen up before your next flight. Since we only had a two-hour layover, I wasn't able to experience the lounge with ease, but what I can say is that it was a hotel-esque oasis than it was a lounge.
***Should you fly this route (Manila-Dubai-Heathrow), I highly recommend booking a flight with a longer (2 hours is not enough!) layover in Dubai. This 1. Let's you enjoy the Dubai lounge better since it's free anyway with your business class ticket; and 2. You can empty your stomach from the feast in Manila- Dubai and enter the Dubai-Heathrow flight with an empty stomach.
The A380 Seat Tour
The big difference of the Dubai-Manila Business Class seat is that the A380 has an upper deck, a literal second floor exclusively for first and business class passengers. Talk about bougie! Business Class here has a 1-2-1 configuration giving you more privacy, especially if you're flying solo. My partner and I sat in the honeymoon seat since we were flying together, but I recommend booking a window seat should you fly with the A380. The seats feel more like suites than fancy chairs. Check out my Reel for a complete seat review!
The FOOD.
I have never met anyone who has talked ill about Emirates' food in economy which gave me a higher standard for business class. They did deliver flying from Manila to Dubai and the same gold standard was passed in the Dubai to Heathrow flight. We were served with a three-course meal and a tea-time merienda menu. Just like the previous flight, all drinks are unlimited and there are unlimited snacks in the lounge. Here are some clips of the food I got served.
THE BAR LOUNGE SPEAKEASY
How can one talk about the Emirates A380 without talking about the bar lounge on board? It's just as magical as it seems, a whole bar on the tail-end of this majestic plane is the cherry on top! Drinks and snacks are free and unlimited here but I should warn you now that just the food served will fill you up so snack wisely. Since I was super tired from the initial flight + packing up my entire life in Manila for this flight (lol), I didn't hang out in the lounge as much but I had my fair fill of it.
PERKS of A380 Business Class with Emirates that I personally appreciated.
EXCLUSIVE GATE AND BOARDING BRIDGE - It doesn't get more bougie than this. You have your own access from the lounge directly into the upper deck.
Dubai Lounge - Unlimited and Free food, with showers and sleeping nooks!
THE IN-FLIGHT LOUNGE. Need I say more???
More luggage space (40KG of free luggage)
The most comfortable seats ever - greatly appreciated and super comfy!
Buffet in the sky treatment - I will never forget it! Just such a wonderful experience!
Would I recommend flying Business Class to a friend? Definitely, especially to travelers with discerning tastes. Also, I'd only recommend it for long-haul flights and if you can purchase it with points/miles on your card. The price difference is heavy and it's easy to consider just spending that money on your destination. However, I would recommend at least trying it at least once in your life!
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