Emirates First Class Review: The Curb-to-Curb Verdict
Is the most Instagrammed first class product actually worth it?
Emirates First Class is the Lamborghini of aviation. It's loud. It's excessive. It has a shower at 40,000 feet. And like a Lamborghini, it exists partly so you can tell people about it.
But is it actually good? We flew Emirates First on the A380 from Dubai to New York to find out.
Overall Score: 9.1/10
The Ground Game (9/10)
Chauffeur Service
Emirates offers complimentary chauffeur service for First Class passengers in most major cities. The range limits vary by city (typically 60-100km from the airport), but in most cases, you're covered from your hotel or home.
Our experience: A white BMW 7-Series arrived 10 minutes early. Bottled water in the back. No small talk unless you want it. This is how you should arrive at every airport.
Pro tip: Book your chauffeur at least 24 hours in advance through the Emirates website or app. Day-of requests sometimes fail.
Check-In
Dedicated First Class check-in at most major airports. Dubai takes this to another level with a private check-in lounge. Your bags are tagged, your documents are handled, and you're guided directly to the lounge.
Time from curb to lounge: 8 minutes. Zero lines.
The Lounge (9/10)
Dubai (DXB) — The Emirates First Class Lounge
This is less a lounge and more a small luxury hotel:
- Restaurants: Multiple dining options including full sit-down service
- Bar: Moët & Chandon champagne bar, plus a full cocktail menu
- Spa: Complimentary treatments (book immediately on arrival)
- Cigar lounge: For those so inclined
- Shower suites: Essential before a long flight
- Business center, quiet rooms, prayer rooms
The champagne selection alone is worth arriving early. We had 3 hours and it wasn't enough.
The minor deduction: It can get crowded during peak hours. Emirates sells a lot of First Class seats, and the lounge capacity hasn't quite kept up.
Other Airports
Emirates lounges at JFK, LAX, LHR are excellent but not Dubai-tier. Expect Priority Pass-level food with better drinks and more space.
Boarding (9/10)
First Class boards first, obviously. But Emirates does it with style.
At DXB, you can take a private elevator directly to the A380 upper deck. A flight attendant greets you by name. Your suite is already configured to your preferences (yes, they know if you prefer Champagne to orange juice).
The greeting ritual includes:
- Welcome drink (Champagne, juice, or Arabic coffee)
- Amenity kit presentation
- Pajama sizing
- Meal pre-order review
You feel like a guest, not a passenger.
The Flight (9/10)
Hard Product: The Suite
The Emirates A380 First Class Suite is iconic:
- Fully enclosed suite with floor-to-ceiling doors
- Lie-flat bed that's actually flat, with proper bedding
- Personal minibar stocked with your preferences
- 23-inch TV with excellent entertainment selection
- In-seat power, USB, and connectivity
The virtual windows (if you're in a middle suite) are a clever touch — cameras on the fuselage project the outside view. It's not the same as a real window, but it's better than a wall.
The shower spa: Yes, there's a shower. At 40,000 feet. You get 5 minutes of water (more than enough). There's a floor attendant who prepares it for you, lays out towels, and offers a post-shower champagne. This is absurd in the best way.
Soft Product: Food & Wine
Dining: Emirates offers a full restaurant-style experience. The menu includes:
- Multiple appetizers
- Soup course
- Main courses (often including Arabic specialties, Western options, and lighter fare)
- Cheese course
- Dessert
- "Snacks" available anytime
Quality is legitimately good. Not "good for airplane food" — actually good. The Arabic mezze are standouts. The beef tenderloin was properly cooked. The caviar service (available on select routes) is generous.
Wine & Champagne:
- Dom Pérignon is the default champagne
- Krug available on request (ask — they don't always offer)
- Solid Bordeaux and Burgundy selection
- Full cocktail menu from a trained bartender
Service
Emirates cabin crew are exceptionally well-trained. Attentive without being intrusive. They remember your name and preferences. The international crew brings genuine warmth.
Minor deduction: Service can be slightly formulaic. It's excellent, but not as personalized as Singapore or Cathay's best.
Arrival (8/10)
Chauffeur on Arrival
Complimentary chauffeur service continues on arrival in most cities. The car meets you at arrivals, and you're in Manhattan (or wherever) without thinking about taxis.
No Dedicated Arrival Lounge
This is where Emirates loses a point. There's no arrival lounge in most destinations. After 14 hours of luxury, you're dumped into regular immigration. Fast-track immigration exists at some airports, but it's not consistent.
Compare to: Singapore, which has immigration counters inside The Private Room. Or Cathay's arrivals lounge in HKG.
Value (8/10)
Cash Price
Emirates First Class is expensive. Dubai to New York can run $15,000-25,000 one-way.
Is it worth that? Honestly... probably not. The experience is incredible, but you could fly Singapore Suites for similar prices, or Cathay First for less.
Points Redemption
This is where Emirates shines:
- Emirates Skywards: ~85,000-150,000 miles one-way depending on route
- Alaska Mileage Plan: Partner award at solid rates
- JAL Mileage Bank: Can book Emirates at good values
If you're using miles, Emirates First is excellent value. The cash price is for people who expense things.
The Bottom Line
Emirates First Class is the maximalist choice. It's not subtle. It's not refined in the Cathay sense. But it's spectacular in a way that makes you feel like you got your money's worth.
Book Emirates First if you want:
- The full spectacle
- A shower at 40,000 feet
- Maximum Instagram content
- An experience that feels like an event
Skip it if you prefer:
- Understated elegance (book Cathay)
- Absolute best service (book Singapore)
- Value maximization (book almost anything else in cash)
Our rating: 9.1/10 — A bucket list experience. Not the best in class, but the most memorable.