Emirates business class is one of the best in the business. Seats are comfortable, service is attentive, dining and beverage options are fantastic, and seats on the A380 even include a private bar. Emirates is a great airline, so we wouldn’t expect anything less. One downside is that flights are expensive and upgrades are difficult.
What to know about Emirates business class
Emirates business class is available on most international routes on 777 and A380 aircraft. Lounges or lounge partners are also available in many major international airports, and the chauffeur service is a nice and convenient touch. On board, the experience is luxurious and the service is excellent. If complete privacy is what you seek, first class offers spacious seats with closing doors, while business seats on the 777 are next to other passengers, and on the A380 are staggered in one cabin.
Best routes for Emirates business class
Emirates business class is available on most routes, but is best enjoyed on long-haul flights to fully take advantage of the experience and amenities. Business class seats on Emirates’ 777 aircraft are slightly larger than seats on the A380, but the A380 features an in-flight bar and has more aisle access due to the way seats are laid out. Flights from Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC to Dubai fly in the A380, while all other routes from the US use the 777.
Examples of deals we’ve found on Emirates for Elite members of Going
- $2,561 roundtrip nonstop to Milan in business class
- $2,397 roundtrip to the Maldives in business class
- $2,992 roundtrip to Bangkok in business class
The Emirates business class experience at the airport
Emirates business class lounge access
Customers flying business class with Emirates have complimentary access to chauffeur pick-up and drop-off to and from their home or hotel to the airport. In Dubai, you’ll be picked up in a BMW 5 Series Touring car. The service is available in 70 cities and can be scheduled when you book your flight, or later through Manage Your Booking. When you land, stop at the Chauffeur-Drive desk to check-in. (Note that chauffeur service is only available to customers who book a business class ticket, not to those who book an economy ticket and upgrade to business.)
Emirates Lounges are available to customers flying in first or business class, and are open 24 hours a day. In Dubai, you can visit the Moët and Chandon Champagne Lounge, which serves four of the brand’s champagnes and canapés created by Michelin-starred chefs. In Dubai’s other Business Class Lounge in Concourses A, B and C, there are lounge areas; a dining room; bar areas with complimentary wines, beer, and premium spirits; a Health Hub with options like salads and smoothies; dedicated quiet areas and free WiFi. If your flight departs from Concourse A, you can board directly from the lounge.
Emirates also operates lounges or partners with lounges in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. In Europe, it has lounges in Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Milan, Rome, Paris, and Zurich. In the US, Emirates has business class lounges in Los Angeles International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, New York JFK, and San Francisco. There are also lounges in Auckland, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney Australia; Cairo, Egypt; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Bangkok, Thailand; Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; New Delhi, India; Hong Kong; Tokyo; Shanghai, China and Singapore. Not all lounges are currently open due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Emirates business class check-in
If an Emirates flight has a business class option, there will be a separate check-in desk for business customers. Bags are checked with priority tags at check-in, which means they’ll be the first off the baggage carousel on arrival. You’ll also get a fast track pass (Pre-check in the US), and a fast-track pass for immigration if you’re entering the UAE.
Baggageallowance
Business class tickets include two checked pieces of baggage up to 70 pounds each.
The Emirates business class experience in the air
Seats in Emirates business class
- 777: Seats are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration, so not everyone gets direct aisle access. They are plush cream leather with wood paneling and are 20.5 inches wide with a 60 inch pitch. Seats recline nearly flat, but not completely, and have a comfortable leg rest, optional mattress and plush bedding. TVs are large,but storage space is minimal. All seats have an outlet, USB outlet, and headphone socket. Amenity kits feature comfortable slippers; Bvlgari lotion, lip balm, cologne, shaving cream and razor; a full-size deodorant; and over ear headphones in a zip-up amenity bag.
- A380: Business class seats on the A380 are definitely superior to the 777. Seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 formation, so everyone has aisle access and more privacy. They are the same cream leather with wood paneling as the 777 but are slightly smaller at 18.5 inches with a 48 inch pitch. The seats lie completely flat, and each has a large ottoman and private drinks cabinet. Amenity kits are the same across both aircraft.
Benefits of flying Emirates business class
All business class passengers are offered a warm towel, welcome drink, and bowl of nuts on arrival. Before bed, a “turndown” service is offered, where you’ll get chocolates, a mattress, and a full-size pillow. Bathrooms are spacious and feature designer products. All passengers on Emirates have access to more than 2,000 movies.
The A380 features a round bar with leather seating and tables for business class passengers. A bartender is always staffed, and you can help yourself to snacks such as sandwiches, fruit and cake. There are also newspapers and travel magazines you can take back to your seat.
Emirates business class meals
All Emirates business class meals (no matter the flight length) are served on Royal Doulton fine bone china with custom-made Robert Welch cutlery, with a linen tablecloth and napkins. Long-haul flights feature breakfast, a snack (often a tofu poke bowl or lamb pie), and a three-course lunch or dinner showcasing Middle Eastern, Indian, European, and Asian flavors. Short and medium-haul flights include one meal. All come with a juice option (orange, watermelon, apple, mango, tomato), soft drinks, hot tea or coffee.
Emirates business class alcohol
Champagne, wine, beer, and a wide array of spirits (Aperol, Campari, Cointreau, Drambuie, Amarula Cream, Tia Maria, Chivas Regal 18 year, Glenfiddich 15 year, Jura Superstition, Jameson, Woodford Reserve, Hennessy X.O. Bacardi Superior rum, Belvedere vodka, Sipsmith gin) are available free of charge.
Emirates business class vs first class
Emirates describes its first class experience as “as close as it comes to your own private jet.” The biggest difference between business class and first class is privacy. In first class, you get a private suite with closing doors, a flat-screen TV, a bed and chair, a shower spa, and access to the first-class lounges.
In business class your seats are next to other passengers, so you don’t get the same privacy. You also don’t have a bed and separate chair, but a chair that turns into a bed. Meal options are similar and served on the same dishware in both classes.
>>Read more about business class vs first class across airlines
How to book Emirates business class
How much does it cost for a business class ticket on Emirates?
Ticket costs vary depending on route and time of year/week, tickets between US cities and the UAE or the US to Europe are generally between $3,500 and $5,000. Going frequently finds cheap flights around $2,500 roundtrip.
How to upgrade to business class on Emirates for free
It is very difficult to upgrade on Emirates for free. Every so often, Skywards members with lots of points will be upgraded randomly, something that happens more often if a flight is overbooked.
How much does it cost to upgrade to business class on Emirates?
The upgrade price depends on the flight time and route, and can range from around $300 to around $1,500.
How many miles to upgrade to Emirates business class?
Upgrades depend on your original economy ticket (saver, flex or flex plus). Upgrading a round trip ticket from New York to Dubai, for example, costs 190,000 miles if you have a saver ticket, 140,400 if you have a flex ticket, and 108,000 if you have a flex plus ticket.
Summary
Emirates business class is one of the most luxurious, from the chauffeur pick-up, to the lounge, very comfortable seats, excellent service, and dining options. It is also one of the more expensive, and hard to upgrade.
More business class and Emirates resources
- Lufthansa business class
- Delta One
- Air France business class
- Polaris business class
- Emirates premium economy
FAQs
Everything to Know About Flying Emirates Business Class? ›
What does Emirates business class include? Emirates business class includes chauffeur service, prioritized check-in and boarding, access to business lounges, unlimited premium alcohol and dining, luxury amenity kits, and on A380 flights access to the bar.
What do you need to know about Emirates business class? ›What does Emirates business class include? Emirates business class includes chauffeur service, prioritized check-in and boarding, access to business lounges, unlimited premium alcohol and dining, luxury amenity kits, and on A380 flights access to the bar.
Is there a dress code for Emirates business class? ›What to wear in Business Class. The general rule of thumb when it comes to the business class dress code for most is smart casual, so you can still get away with your comfy flying pants however thongs (flip-flops), beachwear or clothing with offensive images or slogans are not permitted.
Do you get pajamas on Emirates business class? ›Emirates Business Class A380 – dinner. At this point, I decided to skip dessert and went to the bathrooms to get changed into my sleepwear (kept from my prior First Class flight, since Emirates don't offer sleepwear in Business Class).
Is everything free in Emirates business class Lounge? ›Relax in our Emirates lounges
Lounge access is complimentary or discounted for you and your guest depending on your class of travel and your Emirates Skywards membership. You can also enjoy paid access to our lounges in Dubai and selected lounges worldwide.
Emirates Lounge access is exclusive to customers flying in First Class or Business Class. If you're an Emirates Skywards Gold member traveling in Economy Class, you can enjoy access to our Business Class Lounges around the globe; Silver members can enter our Business Class Lounges in Dubai.
Is alcohol free on Emirates business class? ›Do Emirates Serve alcohol? Great news for those who love a little tipple on board, yes! Emirates is a full-service premium airline, and alcoholic drinks are served for free in all cabins of the aircraft.
Does Emirates business class have showers? ›Emirates exclusively has showers onboard its Airbus A380s that feature first class (Emirates also has some A380s without first class, so those planes don't have shower suites).
How long is the bed in Emirates business class? ›Sleep. The biggest perk of business class is the lie-flat bed available for sleeping. Here is where the 777 clearly falls behind the A380 in terms of comfort. On the superjumbo, the seat slides down to create a 70-78" bed (5'8" to 6'5" depending on your seat pick) for great sleep.
Can you wear sneakers in business class? ›Close-toed shoes are ideal footwear option for business class travel. You can either pick up flats, boots, ankle boots, even leather sneakers if you want to add an urban vibe to your business class outfit. You can also choose pumps, if you like them and think you will feel fine wearing them for long hours.
Do you get an amenity kit on Emirates business class? ›
5 Amenity kits for every class
A treat usually reserved for business, first class, and sometimes premium economy (a class that Emirates launched in 2021), the complimentary amenity kits that keep passengers refreshed after long flights are a passenger favorite.
Re: Emirates Business Class headphones?! Yes, they do, noise cancelling ones and I generally find them pretty good.
Do you keep the Emirates pajamas? ›As airlines cannot reuse these pajamas, these pajamas are yours to keep after the flight, according to David Adler, founder and CEO of The Travel Secret.
How long can you stay in Emirates Business Class Lounge? ›Dine, unwind or catch up on business at Emirates Business Class lounges and Emirates First Class lounges for up to four hours before your flight. Lounge access is complimentary or discounted for you and your guest depending on your class of travel and your Emirates Skywards membership.
How can I get Dubai airport lounge for free? ›- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card.
- ADIB Dana Mastercard.
- HSBC Advance Credit Card.
- HSBC Black Credit Card.
- Emirates NBD Dnata Platinum Credit Card.
- Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card.
- Rakbank Air Arabia Platinum Credit Card.
Introducing our redesigned 777 Business Class seat. Lie completely flat on the soft leather fabric and enjoy gourmet meals as you watch your favourite box set on the 23-inch HD TV.
Why is Emirates Business Class so expensive? ›In addition to the large fleet, it invests in further business expansion. Due to such business investments, Emirates also charges more money for the flight tickets. Emirates has the world's largest Boeing 777 fleet of aircrafts in the world.
Are all Emirates business class seats the same? ›Emirates has several different business class seats ranging from angled-flat beds in a seven-across layout to fully-flat seats with universal direct aisle access, so you won't necessarily have the same business class seat on every Emirates business class flight.
Can you sleep in Emirates Business Class Lounge Dubai? ›The Emirates business class Lounge in terminal 3 in Dubai occupies the entire level and is impressive. There is an excellent selection of food and drinks, there are prayer rooms, study workstation areas, several rest areas where you can lie down on a contour banana lounge-style couch with a blanket and have a sleep.
What to do in Dubai airport for 12 hours? ›- Eat. With dozens of dining options, you'll undoubtedly find something yummy to eat. ...
- Relax in an airport lounge. ...
- Shop. ...
- Go sightseeing. ...
- Freshen up with a shower. ...
- Unwind at the spa. ...
- Relax or work out at the Health Club. ...
- Stop by the indoor gardens.
Can I charge my phone on Emirates business class? ›
Placed in highly visible locations around the Lounges, the wireless charging trays can currently be used to charge mobile phone devices only, accommodating up to two phones at a time. The charging tray is compatible with Android, Blackberry, as well as iPhones using a cable.
What is a bland meal on Emirates? ›Bland Meal (BLML)
It contains low‑fat foods, is non‑spicy and is easily digestible. It can contain lean meat, fish, cooked vegetables, fruits, eggs and egg products, white bread, white rice and low‑fat dairy products.
Breakfast will offer two choices on medium-haul services; long haul services will include at least two main meal offerings plus a snack service, short-haul flights will offer just one meal service.
Does Emirates business class have a bar? ›The Emirates A380 bar is accessible to all Emirates first class and business class passengers. As expected, economy class passengers aren't granted a pass, and neither are those flying premium economy.
Can you sleep in business class lounge? ›Many of the best Priority Pass lounges in the world are open 24/7, which makes catching a cat nap (or more) very easy. Keep in mind that some lounges frown upon people sleeping there, and many also have time limits on how long you can stay, so factor this into consideration when planning out your night.
Is Emirates business class upstairs? ›Business and first are located on the top deck of the plane with the famous bar located at the back of the aircraft.
How many bags can I take in business class with Emirates? ›Online check‑in is available 48 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. It closes 90 minutes before scheduled departure for all passengers who have an eticket.
What is the dress code for Emirates airlines? ›Smart business attire with full length hosiery. If wearing a skirt, it should be one inch below the knee. Clean and manicured with nail varnish in clear, red or French manicure. No visible tattoos.
Why should you wear red to the airport? ›To be able to wear these kinds of things in a public place where you're going to be seen getting on and off a plane is a measure of extroversion." "The more unusual the color is, the more the person is looking for attention and to be noticed — especially red," Meyers said.
What should I wear to sleep in business class? ›
Wear comfortable clothes
Stay away from clothes that are too tight as you are going to wear them for a long time. Some airline companies offer pajamas on their business class flights. But you should be prepared in case your business class flight doesn't offer pajamas.
- Jacket. This outerwear piece is the quickest way to look chic and increase the chances of an airplane upgrade. ...
- Long cardigan or pullover. ...
- Scarf or pashmina. ...
- T-shirt or top. ...
- Sneakers or comfortable shoes. ...
- Jacket or blazer. ...
- Shirt. ...
- Scarf.
Business class offers perks like priority boarding, comfortable seats with extra legroom, gourmet food service, premium beverages, access to lounges and more, depending on the airline.
What benefits do you get flying business class? ›- Priority billing. ...
- Additional baggage allowance. ...
- Business class waiting room. ...
- Priority boarding. ...
- Bigger and better seat. ...
- Luxury dinner. ...
- Services and facilities. ...
- Be the first to leave the plane.
- FIRST CLASS LOUNGE AT DUBAI AIRPORT.
- MOISTURISING PYJAMAS.
- COMPLIMENTARY CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
- FULLY ENCLOSED FIRST CLASS SUITE (B777 AIRCRAFT ONLY)
- ONBOARD LOUNGE & BAR (A380 AIRCRAFT ONLY)
- EXCLUSIVE BULGARI AMENITY KITS.
- UNLIMITED DOM PERIGNON CHAMPAGNE AND WILD CAVIAR.
Our complimentary amenity kits are filled with essentials to help you arrive feeling fresh. Each reusable kit contains socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a bookmark, all made using recycled materials. Refresh with our kits on selected long-haul flights.
Do you get free Wi-Fi on Emirates business? ›Free Wi‑Fi internet for the whole flight
Enjoy free Wi‑Fi throughout your flight as an Emirates Skywards Blue member traveling in First Class or an Emirates Skywards Gold or Silver member traveling in Business Class or First Class.
Short answer- yes, you can use AirPods on a plane.
How many hand carry allowed in Emirates Business Class? ›First Class and Business Class: customers are allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag. The briefcase may not exceed 45 x 35 x 20cm; the handbag may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm; garment bags can be no more than 20cm thick when folded.
Do you still wear masks on Emirates? ›Common touchpoints like buckles, handles, buttons, switches, blinds and headrests are sanitised after every trip. Wearing a face mask at the airport is optional. Our check‑in desks are fitted with protective antimicrobial screens. You can also use our separate self check‑in and bag drop kiosks.
Do you still have to wear a mask on Emirates? ›
The wearing of masks is only mandatory in medical facilities and centres for people with disabilities. Wearing of masks is optional for all other open and closed facilities and spaces. Further information is available on the Emirates News Agency website.
Do you tip in the Emirates Lounge? ›Tipping is never expected in airport lounges. However, depending on where in the world you are, it's also not necessarily unusual to do so.
What do you get in Emirates Business lounge? ›Our Business Class Lounge offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a well-equipped Business Centre so you don't skip a beat at work. Meet new friends in our bar areas or taste your way around the world with our gourmet dining options and exclusive beverages.
Is there a dress code for Emirates Business Class? ›What to wear in Business Class. The general rule of thumb when it comes to the business class dress code for most is smart casual, so you can still get away with your comfy flying pants however thongs (flip-flops), beachwear or clothing with offensive images or slogans are not permitted.
Can I sleep in Emirates Business Class? ›Business Class in 3D
Experience Business Class reimagined. Take a drink from your minibar and watch endless entertainment on your widescreen. And glide your seat into a fully flat bed for a solid night's sleep.
Emirates airline meals are included in the price of your ticket, and all passengers will enjoy a range of complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. All meals onboard Emirates flights are Halal.
Does Emirates business class have lie flat beds? ›Experience Business Class reimagined. Take a drink from your minibar and watch endless entertainment on your widescreen. And glide your seat into a fully flat bed for a solid night's sleep.
Can you use shower in Emirates Business Class? ›Our lounges in Dubai have shower spas, so you can prepare for your next meeting or the journey ahead, and take advantage of our shoe shine service before you go.
Is there a time limit in Emirates Business Class Lounge? ›Your purchase is valid for the lounge, flight(s) and date(s) shown on the purchase receipt. Your purchase is valid for a total duration in the lounge of up to 4 hours in Dubai and 3 hours for all other airports.
Does Business Class luggage get priority? ›Both business- and first-class passengers will receive priority check-in, tagged luggage and boarding.
Does Emirates Business Class have a bar? ›
The Emirates A380 bar is accessible to all Emirates first class and business class passengers. As expected, economy class passengers aren't granted a pass, and neither are those flying premium economy.
Is alcohol free on Emirates Business Class? ›Do Emirates Serve alcohol? Great news for those who love a little tipple on board, yes! Emirates is a full-service premium airline, and alcoholic drinks are served for free in all cabins of the aircraft.
Can I pay to use Emirates Business Class Lounge? ›Relax in our Emirates lounges
Lounge access is complimentary or discounted for you and your guest depending on your class of travel and your Emirates Skywards membership. You can also enjoy paid access to our lounges in Dubai and selected lounges worldwide.
The best seats in Business Class
In Business Class, I'll always book a window seat (with the seat next to the window) at least one row away from the galley and lavatories. Bulkhead seats offer more room but I would only choose these if they're not near the galley/lavatories, or if they have doors.
As airlines cannot reuse these pajamas, these pajamas are yours to keep after the flight, according to David Adler, founder and CEO of The Travel Secret.
Do you get pajamas on Emirates? ›Pajamas are one of the best perks of flying first class on many airlines. However, Emirates takes it up a notch by offering moisturizing sleepwear that is designed to prevent skin dehydration on long-haul overnight flights.