Emirates business vs first class comparison: which one should you choose?

Emirates business class and first class are some of the best in the world. If you’re looking to board an Emirates flight from the UK, read on. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the differences between travelling business vs first class on the famous double-decker Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 airplanes.

What are the differences between business class and first class on Emirates?

In general, you will have a luxurious travel experience in either class.

The biggest differences between business and first class might be the amount of privacy you get, on-demand service, and access to the showers on the 380.

As we go into more detail, keep in mind that the Emirates fleet is made up of earlier and later models of the A380 and 777 aircrafts. This means the products, services, and features may vary. You will be able to see most details when you book your flight, but if you have any additional questions, you can always contact Emirates customer service directly.

Have you ever wondered if you need to dress up for business or first class, especially considering Emirates is one of the world’s high-end airlines? You might be relieved to hear there’s no dress code to worry about. Emirates prioritises its customer's comfort, so either wear your most comfortable travel clothes or use the pyjamas or loungewear that Emirates provides you for longer flights. More on that later.

Amenities and services

The Emirates experience begins before you even arrive at the airport. That’s because both business and first class travellers get free access to the Chauffeur service. You can arrange for pick-up and drop-off with Emirates in over 70 cities all over the world, making for a comfortable door-to-door experience.¹

In the airport, you can access special Emirates lounges or relax in partner lounges. Emirates is one of the airlines that flies from Heathrow and you’ll find a dedicated Emirates lounge there and in the Gatwick airport. In Stansted, you can visit the Escape Lounge.

Most Emirates lounges allow for direct boarding from the lounge itself once you’re done enjoying the exquisite food and drinks and it’s time to take your flight.

If you’re flying from Dubai International Airport, you can take advantage of the most luxurious of the Emirates lounges. Here you can enjoy a spa treatment (complimentary for first class) and the exclusive Moët & Chandon tasting experience with canapés created by Michelin-star chefs.

First-class travellers can also enjoy the cigar bar or fine wines and luxury spirits at Le Clos.² ³

When it comes to baggage allowance, Emirates is quite generous. For most routes, the check-in baggage allowance is decided by weight.

Business Class passengers can check in a total of 40kg worth of luggage and first class has a limit of 50kg.

Some routes (flights to and from Africa and some flights to the Americas) use a different set of rules. And, if a part of your flight is with a different airline, you may have a different baggage allowance with them.

Emirates Skyward members can bring an additional piece of luggage depending on the travel class and membership status.⁴

Both business and first class can take one carry-on bag of 7kg and another briefcase or garment bag of 7kg onboard.⁵

The entertainment options are broad, to say the least. You can choose from 6,500 channels of films, TV shows, music, and games in 40+ languages. You can also follow up with the latest sports and news, check flight information, and view the world through the plane’s external cameras.

If you want to put together a playlist or a watchlist before your flight, you can browse the ‘ice’ inflight entertainment library in the Emirates app and sync your playlist once you’ve boarded.⁶ ⁷

Onboard Wi-Fi is available either for a fee or for free, if you’re a member of the Emirates Skywards Blue travelling in first class or an Emirates Skywards Gold or Silver member travelling in business class or first class. Platinum members can enjoy free Wi-Fi in any class. ⁸

Emirates paid Wi-Fi plans	Fee⁸
Text-only service for WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line or Viber	USD 2.99 ‑ USD 5.99 (about 2.40 - 4.80 pounds)
Wi‑Fi for the whole flight	USD 9.99 ‑ USD 19.99 depending on the length of the flight. (about 8 - 16 pounds)
Wi-Fi with unlimited data	USD 9.99 for 30 minutes (about 8 pounds)

On all of the A380 flights, the business class is located on the upper deck, right behind the first class.

The 777 flights have all customers seated on a single level, including economy passengers.

As a first class passenger, you’ll have direct access to the aisle no matter the plane you’re taking.

However, the same doesn’t apply to business class travellers. On the A380 the seats are laid out in the 1-2-1 configuration and everyone has direct access to the aisle, allowing for added privacy and comfort.

On the 777 the configurations will be either 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 (on the 777 two-class long range), meaning some people won’t have direct aisle access.⁹

Suite’s comfort, space, and privacy

In first class, you’ll get your own suite with floor-to-ceiling doors. There’s also a personal mini-bar, ambient lighting, temperature control, and a vanity table with a mirror.¹⁰ ¹¹

In the A380 business class, you’ll also have your own minibar. You won’t have exactly a suite, but all business class seats are designed to provide added privacy.

Business class seats on the A380 are 18.5 inches wide and are pitched up to 48 inches apart. Seats on the two-class are slightly smaller (17.5 inches). The 777 seats are 20.5 inches wide and pitched up to 60 inches apart.

First-class seats are 23 inches wide on the A380 and 20.5 - 23 inches on the 777. ¹²

If you’re looking for maximum sleeping comfort, both the business class and first class on the A380 have seats that can be turned into flat beds. It seems as though not all 777 models have the same seats available. Once you book your flight you should also see the seat information. ¹³ ¹⁴

The spacious A380 has spa showers available for first class passengers. The luxury doesn’t stop there, first class also gets an exclusive Bulgari amenity kit, Voya spa products, exclusive Byredo skincare collection, and superior Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones to use during the flight.

Business class passengers get a luxury Bulgari kit. ¹⁵ ¹⁶

If you want to get your hands on the famous Emirates pyjamas, you’ll have to take a long-haul flight in first class. Starting from the 31st of January of 2024 Emirates also provides complimentary inflight loungewear for business class customers for flights lasting over 9 hours. ¹⁷

Menu: food and drinks

Drinks on Emirates business and first class flights are complementary, as is the food. In addition to pre-ordering your meals or ordering food from your seat, you can also head to the lounge on the A380 to enjoy some snacks or drinks.

Both business class and first class meals are served on Royal Doulton fine chinaware with exclusive Robert Welch cutlery designed for the Emirates.

If you’re travelling first class, you’ll be first served with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a premium drink of your choice. Business class travellers are greeted with a glass of champagne.

First-class passengers can enjoy delicacies like Angus beef and caviar. And for both classes, there are delicious vegetarian menu items available.

When it comes to drinks, first class can enjoy limited edition vintage champagne, cocktails, an Emirates exclusive single malt – The Dalmore King Alexander III, and all the usual soft drinks, juices, etc. Tea and coffee lovers will appreciate Dilmah luxury tea blends and authentic Arabic coffee served with dates.

Business class travellers can order complimentary champagne, fine wine, spirits, beer, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.¹⁸ ¹⁹

Customer service and personalisation

The Emirates customer service is available by phone (+443448002777) for general queries and live chat support is available through the Emirates website.

If you have any special requests or need assistance with accessibility, Emirates will do its best to accommodate and assist you – all you need to do is reach out to them with your request.²⁰ ²¹

Emirates business vs first class price comparison

While flying in first class might be a bit expensive, on the bright side it’s probably cheaper than hiring a private jet. At the time of our research, a round trip (June 8 - June 20) from London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport would cost about 2,885 pounds in business class and 7,367 pounds in first class.

On the same dates, a round trip to Brisbane would cost about 6,654 pounds in business class and 10,161 pounds in first class.²²

And while you’re travelling abroad, consider checking out the Wise account to save money on spending in foreign currency. Wise lets you send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies with low fees and mid-market exchange rates.

You can also get a Wise card which automatically converts your pounds into local currency in over 150+ countries using the same mid-market exchange rate, only adding a small, transparent currency conversion fee. Or, if you already have the local foreign currency on your account, it’s free.

You can also securely send large transfers with Wise for low fees and great exchange rates - making it ideal if you’re making an international transfer.

How to get upgraded to Emirates business and first class?

To get an upgrade you need to either pay in cash or use Emirates Skywards Miles.²³ Sometimes you may also find cheaper upgrades or seats close to the flight date, when the airline hasn’t managed to sell all the business or first class seats.

Emirates loyalty and frequent flyers programs

Emirates Skywards membership lets you earn miles by flying with Emirates or its partners across the world.

Once you have enough points you can spend them on a free upgrade on your next flight, a luxury hotel stay, or many other gifts and experiences.

Conclusion: Is it worth upgrading to business or first class on Emirates?

Ultimately, it all comes down to your own very personal preferences.

Business class is a big step up from travelling in economy, but it will also impact your wallet.

Flying first class is the ultimate luxury experience, but comes with an even bigger price tag. Then again, if comfort and privacy are a priority and money is not an objection – why not go for it?

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Sources used:

1. Emirates United Kingdom – Chauffeur-drive
2. Emirates United Kingdom – First Class lounge
3. Emirates United Kingdom – Business Class lounge
4. Emirates United Kingdom – Checked Baggage
5. Emirates – Cabin Baggage Rules
6. Emirates United Kingdom – Inflight Entertainment
7. Emirates United Kingdom – How to create your ice playlist
8. The Emirates Experience – Onboard WiFi
9. Emirates – Seating charts
10. Emirates United Kingdom – The Emirates A380 fleet
11. Emirates United Kingdom – Emirates Boeing 777 First Class cabin features
12. SeatGuru – Emirates Planes, Fleet and Seat Maps
13. Emirates – Emirates A380 First Class cabin features
14. Emirates United Kingdom – Emirates A380 Business Class cabin features
15. Emirates United Kingdom – Onboard comfort | Cabin Features
16. Emirates – Emirates First Class cabin features
17. Emirates – From aircraft to arrivals in style: Emirates launches luxurious Business Class Loungewear
18. Emirates United Kingdom – First Class dining
19. Emirates United Kingdom – Business Class dining
20. Emirates United Kingdom – Special assistance and requests
21. Emirates United Kingdom – Help
22. Emirates – Book a flight
23. Emirates United Kingdom – How to upgrade your flight class
24. Emirates United Kingdom – Emirates Skywards

Sources last checked on date: 18-Apr-2024