417 days had passed since I last got on a flight (or stamped by passport), the uncomfortable leg space, the distorted passenger announcements, and the ear-popping take-offs, I missed it all. It was the beginning of 2021 that the streak finally ended on an Emirates Airlines flight to Munich. But this flight was no ordinary flight for two major reasons, first being that I was moving to Germany with a one-way ticket and second, it was my first Emirates First Class Suite Experience.
Just like it did for many others, the unusual 2020 put my travels to a long halt as well, but on the other hand, it gave me the opportunity to stack up a bunch of miles through everyday purchases by leveraging credit card loyalty programs and ultimately reaching my goal of experiencing the Emirates First Class Suite. So no, I did not win the lottery, nor did I earn a fortune, I just made smart purchases during the pandemic.
Table of Contents
How did it feel traveling during Covid-19?
Honestly speaking, I was afraid. My last flight was the return flight from Finland (read about that trip here), since then wearing Masks, sanitizing hands and keeping the social distance had become a habit for me, so taking a flight and knowing the risks that came along with it took some mental preparation. However, Emirates Airlines did a pretty good job making sure that I felt safe. All rules were strictly followed, and the hygiene kit they provided was a nice add-on.
Note: Face Masks were required at all times at the airport and throughout the flight, and could only be removed for eating and drinking, which is also when I clicked all the photos for this post.
How was my Pre-flight Experience?
The pampering started with a pickup from my home in a chauffeur-driven BMW and a drop-off at the premium check-in area of Terminal 3 in Dubai, a section of the airport I had never seen before.
After a smooth and quick check-in and my ritual of fragrance-window-shopping at the duty free, I was ready to spoil myself with a breakfast feast at the premium lounge. Unfortunately, the First-Class lounge was not operating due to reduced operations so after rolling my eyes at the closure sign and pretending to be annoyed, I was escorted to the Business Class Lounge by yet another perfectly dressed Emirates Airlines ground staff member with their signature red hat.
The Business class lounge was nothing less than a fine-dining restaurant. Spotless white tables, ones that you pray not to spill anything on, shiny cutlery which you donβt want to ruin by using it, a big menu with just a handful of specialities printed in a cursive font and a well-dressed man holding your chair before you reach the table. Trying to hide my excitement, I put on my most authentic impression of a regular-premium-flyer (or at least I thought I did), and placed my order whilst wondering, what more could possibly be offered at the First-Class Lounge.
How was my Boarding Experience?
It definitely felt awkward being allowed to board before families with small children, but I held my head high like I do this all the time and focused on the next couple of hours. It was finally time to be on the unseen side of the curtain, the Emirates First Class Suite.
You know the feeling of feeling like a million bucks? Itβs usually when you wear an expensive outfit (a tailored suit does that job for me), Emirates First Class Suite topped that. The second I was greeted by the elite first class crew by my name and was handed a welcome drink of Dom Perignon, I completely forgot the fact that my rugged jeans and a year-old t-shirt was worth far less than the glass in my hand. But I still felt like a million bucks.
The suite was like a small luxurious hotel room, elegantly decorated with golden and wooden interiors, seat covered in leather that I just wanted to rub my face on, a well-stocked fridge under the armrest, a basket of fine snacks, Bulgari toiletries, exclusive Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphones, and a pair of hydra-active pyjamas (a technology that keeps your skin from getting dehydrated, didnβt know that at the time).
How were the Meals?
It was a morning flight and I was already stuffed from the breakfast feast at the lounge, so I just had a coffee instead of the light breakfast. But no way I was going to skip lunch.
Even watching my suite being prepared for a meal was a mesmerizing show, every piece of cutlery and condiment placed in the perfect order, an even finer dining experience. My lunch had a 3-course meal, I opted for the Caviar for the appetizer (just because), the Pan-fried Veal Chop for the mains and a yogurt based dessert that I canβt recall the name of. For once I didnβt have to worry about them running out of non-vegetarian options, the only thing I had to worry about was which movie goes along with lunch, it was Tenet.
The On-demand dining experience was just magnificent. I felt really spoilt, the food was great, the portions were perfect, and the service was first class *pun intended*. The in-flight lounge wraps were also quite delicious, and nothing felt like the usual flight food. Even though at no point in the 7-hour flight I got hungry, I just couldnβt stop munching the fine goodies.
My Overall Experience of Emirates First Class
It was the most luxurious experiences of my life, even above my stay at the fountain view suite of Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, Dubai. I appreciated and enjoyed every single minute of the flight, and I just didnβt want it to end. Made me wonder if money can actually buy happinessβ¦not really, but it can make you feel like a king (or queen) for a couple of hours.
Would I recommend the Emirates First Class Suite?
Absolutely. For this flight I bought a Business Class ticket, upgraded it to First Class using miles and it was totally worth it. Would I do that again? Without a doubt. The experience is like no other and I will probably be talking about it forever. However, keep in mind that your Emirates First Class Experience might differ depending on what aircraft you are on, I was on a new Boeing 777. With that said, I personally do feel that the full-price tag of first class is just way too high for a single flight, but thatβs just the non-materialistic and minimalistic me.
Have you ever experienced flying with Emirates First Class? What are your thoughts on it? I would love to hear your views in the comment section below.
Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored in any way whatsoever, itβs a documentation of my honest experience of the First Class Suite of Emirates Airlines. All pictures are taken by me.
