Emirates A380 Business Class - London to Dubai

The days before the flight were almost as exciting as before that first time you ever fly and the interest from friends and colleagues in the forthcoming experience can only be likened to that experienced by expectant fathers.

A business class journey on an A380 isn't as life changing as fatherhood, but it is a very refreshing change for the world weary business traveller.

Boarding the top deck somehow just makes you feel a little bit more confident and important than on a normal plane and the very smart special A380 crew uniforms (a welcome change from the now very outdated sand colour scheme of most Emirates crew) reiterate that this experience is going to be just a little bit different.

The business class set up is in a 1-2-1 with partial partitions which creates the most private business class experience that AME Info has experienced.

There are around 30 rows on the top deck, split between business and first class. Each seat comes with its own selection of soft drinks in the mini bar and a very large tv screen and Emirates ICE inflight entertainment system.

The flat bed is also without doubt a step forward from what can be found in most of the rest of the fleet in terms of quality and space. Perhaps the only disappointment was that the food menu appeared to be standard fare with the tried and trusted Arabic mezze followed by Moroccan chicken.

Silent flight

One of the A380's selling points is its quietness. AME Info had viewed this point with a healthy level of cynicism, but it is absolutely true. The background noise hum that is usually taken for granted isn't there and at times the flight almost felt peaceful.

The downside to this is that it is far easier to hear bangs and crashes or discussions and snoring from other passengers which would be drowned out on a lesser machine.

On this particular flight, a pleasant relief was that the announcements and meal service seemed to be shorter and carried out more efficiently than usual. This enabled more time to relax, enjoy a film and, most importantly, sleep. It is unclear whether this is policy on the A380 or this flight was blessed with a particularly efficient crew.

There are only two small issues with the A380 service. For the larger traveller (either height or weight) it is a little difficult to enter or exit your mini capsule and keep your dignity intact.

Also, as the plane disembarks simultaneously from both decks there is a bit more of a bottleneck as business and economy passengers begin the rush for immigration.

Travelling business class on an Emirates A380 is a quantum step forward for business travellers and is one of the more enjoyable and exciting travel experiences that AME Info has undertaken.

The only group that perhaps shouldn't consider trying the Emirates A380 is a Skywards Gold Card holder flying in Economy. The unfortunate gentleman in front of AME Info was able to experience the uplifting entry and could see the excellent set up of Business Class. He then had to walk through the even more impressive First Class and down the stairs to Economy.

The A380 is so quiet that AME Info is sure that we could still hear him sobbing as we passed over Cyprus.

See also:
Review: Business Class lounge, Royal Jordanian
Middle East carriers drop fares to lure passengers