Let’s face it—flights are usually the necessary evil that gets us to the good stuff. The hours spent cramped in economy, battling for the armrest, and dreaming of the moment you finally land can feel endless. But what if your flight was the good stuff? What if it was part of the experience, not just a means to an end?
That’s exactly what happens when you step into Emirates Business Class. The moment you board, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re not just “surviving” your flight; you’re enjoying it. From a private chauffeur to a bed that’s almost as comfy as your own, Emirates turns the dreaded long-haul into a luxury experience. So, is it worth the splurge? Let’s take off and find out.
On The Ground
It’s one thing to know that you’ll be able to sleep on your flight because of a reclining chair that turns into a flat bed, but adding a private chauffeur to the mix adds to the value and appeal of booking a business class ticket.
The good news is the private chauffeur also collects you on your way back home from your hotel to the airport, so worrying about an Uber (or Careem in Dubai’s case) isn’t necessary. Sure, you’re technically paying for the chauffeur given the price tag of a business class flight, but it does add a special touch that a lot of airlines don’t offer.
As my driver pulled up at the terminal drop-off point, I noticed I wasn’t full of dread like I normally would be when a long-haul flight is ahead of me. It’s too early to come to a conclusion yet though—is business class with Emirates all it’s cracked up to be?
Check-in
Patience is not my strong point. Throw me in a queue or a traffic jam, and like many, keeping my cool is a challenge. So, when I see a monstrous queue for check-in that I get to skip at the airport, I’m happy.
With half of my luggage now checked in (and placed as priority, meaning when I land, my bag will be one of the first on the belt), I was free to roam, so I set foot toward the business class section of customs, reserved for silver, gold, business, and first class passengers, allowing me to skip the crowds once more.
What I really liked about living in the fast lane (quite literally), however, was the journey back from Dubai-Sydney because of its direct boarding from the Emirates Business Class lounge – you literally get a lift from the lounge straight to the aerobridge – no milling around required.
Lounge
Entering the Emirates Business Lounge at DXB, the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer scale. This lounge is absolutely massive and is one of the largest in the world.
I proceeded to be a sticky beak to see what type of culinary offerings were being served. Is it just me, or are buffets the perfect opportunity to ignore every ounce of restraint when it comes to portion control? A few dishes caught my eye, namely the beef bolognese rigatoni and sesame honey soy chicken. They were tasty as expected, but it would be nice to see more gluten and dairy-free options.
The dessert menu consisted of freshly cut fruits like watermelon, orange, honeydew, and rockmelon, as well as an assortment of bite-sized cakes and a chocolate tart that screamed my name.
If you enjoy savoury desserts, there were five varieties of cheese, some of which included Ashgrove smoked cheddar, Tarago River triple cream brie, and Heidi Tisit—a rich, dense cheese perfect for a bit of bite. I did, however, wish there were a few more dairy-free dessert options outside of fruit because I don’t know about you, but too much lactose is not my friend.
Although I decided to opt out of having a drink, I could see that other travelers were enjoying the free-flowing alcoholic options available, and I don’t blame them. Why wait until you arrive at your destination when your ticket includes complimentary booze, both in the lounge and on the flight? Speaking of my flight, it’s time to board.
Up in the Air
As I walked into the A380 cabin, I placed my belongings under the footrest and made myself at home. The seat is relatively comfortable and a stark contrast to the size of an economy seat. Luckily for me, I’m on the shorter side, so the length is not a problem, but I do question how taller individuals fare in this seat.
I enjoyed the Citrus Twist, which consisted of green apple, lemongrass, lime, and honey, but I also enjoyed their Rose Iced Tea, particularly because the scent of rose and the flower itself has cultural significance in the Middle East, so it was a nice way to immerse myself into the culture while on board.
Entertainment and Wifi
As I get comfortable, I can see a set of noise-cancelling headphones to enjoy the entertainment on board, which had a decent variety. What I liked the most, however, was the meditation audio and the snippets of what you can see and do in Dubai. I decided I wanted to do some work on the way home and was pleased with the fair amount of workspace to get this done. Like all international flights, Wi-Fi goes in and out, so I tend not to use it apart from the odd WhatsApp update from family and friends.
Amenities
On your seat, you’ll find a taupe-coloured plush blanket, a set of silky Emirates soft grey/blue pajamas, and matching slippers. Given this was an overnight flight, I was stoked that I would wake up refreshed once I arrived in Dubai. I must admit, this is not the case when I’ve flown economy.
I was also gifted a BLVGARI toiletries bag, complete with a toothbrush, toothpaste, pocket mirror, comb, Rexona deodorant, and BLVGARI Omnia Coral scented products, including a cleanser, perfume, lip balm, and body lotion.
Food and Drink
As time passed, I was given the culinary menu and wine list, and a member of the cabin crew prepared my seat with a mattress and pillow. Before I drifted off, however, I needed to check out the Onboard Lounge and attempt to squeeze in more food. I wanted to enjoy the restaurant-quality dishes that Emirates is known for.
I was undecided about what dish to choose from the late-night dining menu because three options stood out: the seared beef fillet with green peppercorn sauce, the prawn tahta (which sounded like the authentic choice with its Emirati spices and butter rice), and roasted chicken with ginger lemon sauce, egg fried rice, and blanched baby corn.
I opted for the prawn tahta, which was accompanied by a bread roll and artisan butter. (Is it just me, or are all kinds of butter not created equal?)
Service and Overall Experience
When I arrived at the famed Emirates A380 Bar, I was greeted by Francisco, a barman from Portugal who was busy shaking up cocktails for a few eager guests. After a chat, I couldn’t resist asking if he’d ever had any guests who got too excited about the all-inclusive drinks. He laughed and replied, “Of course! But we know just how to keep them happy… and in line.”
Francisco, like the rest of the cabin crew on this flight, made me feel like nothing was ever an inconvenience. I ordered a classic whiskey Old Fashioned, knowing it would help me drift off to sleep in no time.
Eight hours later, I woke up and pressed the button to adjust my chair into an upright position. I immediately reached for the bottled water next to my seat and eagerly awaited breakfast.
Minutes later, a member of the cabin crew set up my dining table with a crisp white cloth. After browsing the menu, I considered a few savoury options, like the Gruyère Omelette with veal sausages, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted tomatoes. However, my morning sweet tooth got the better of me, and I opted for something lighter:
- Overnight Almond Milk Oats, with shaved almonds, blueberries, raspberries, and a side of honey
- Fresh fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and rockmelon
- A side of yogurt (though sadly, no dairy-free option) and a warm croissant for good measure.
Of course, I couldn’t skip my daily coffee ritual, so I requested a double shot oat milk flat white—three-quarters full. I admit, I’m a bit of a coffee snob, and it wasn’t the best coffee of my life, but it did the job.
As we neared our destination, I quickly freshened up with the toiletries provided (a nice touch—especially the deodorant, toothbrush, lip balm, and comb). The cabin crew prepared us for landing, and moments later, we touched down in Sydney.
I gathered my things and took a moment to appreciate the little luxuries I’d experienced during the past 13 hours: peaceful sleep, delicious food, and impeccable service from the Emirates staff.
Verdict: Is a Business Class Ticket Really Worth It?
In short, yes. Flying in comfort makes a huge difference to your mood and overall flying experience, particularly on long-haul flights of 13-24 hours.
If you live in Australia, you know international travel means spending a lot of time in the air. Sure, it’s pricey, but the added cost is worth it if you don’t travel often, or if you’re smart with your points – it’s a great redemption option.
The author travelled as a guest of Emirates.
