Emirates A380 Business Class: Is it Worth the Price?

To me, Emirates is the epitome of flying. Even their economy class cabin is nice enough for a long haul flight. This begs the question if a business class seat is worth the additional expense? This expense is usually about 5 times the cost of a regular economy class ticket. Previously, I reviewed the business class seat aboard a Boeing 777, this Emirates business class review is aboard an Airbus A380.

If you are not familiar, the Airbus A380 is a massive plane that has 2 floors and 4 giant engines. It makes the 777 look like a toy. The business class seats are upstairs and because of the extra space, the seats offer more privacy than on the 777. Each seat is basically the size of two seats and the configuration is 1 seat on each side and then 2 seats in the middle. Every row alternates with the seats together if you are travelling with someone or apart with a partition in the middle.

What does Emirates Business Class Ticket on an A380 Include?

While your business class tickets will run you about 5x the usual ticket price, there are several perks included. Of course you get your larger seat. They will make your seat into a bed for you complete with a mattress if you choose to sleep. The seat is equipped with some water and a few snacks. There is a widescreen TV with a noise cancelling headphones, remote, and tablet with over 6,500 options for entertainment.

Along with your comfy seat, you will have a gourmet dining experience with a 3 course meal. There are also plenty of cocktails and fancy wines to choose from.

In addition to the dining, there is a lounge at the back of the plane with snacks readily available, a bar to order extra drinks, and some more seating if you need a break for your seat. The other thing I thought was interested was the lavatory situation. There were two large bathrooms, each with a window.

Before You Board:

With your Emirates business class ticket there are also amenities before you board, including access to the Business Class Lounge and priority boarding on your flight. If you are taking off from Dubai, you will also have a chauffeur ride to the airport and your very own entrance and security to avoid any queues.

Emirates A380 Business Class – Is it Worth It?

Of course it’s worth it if money is no object or if you have points coming out the yazoo! But for the rest of us regular people, it’s probably reserved for a very special occassion. Sure, it’s nice and it’s a cool experience, but Emirates economy class is nice too. So I think the real question becomes, how do I score this business class experience at a lower price point?

Emirates A380 Business Class: The Cheap Way

If you don’t have endless cash or points, there is another way, but it does take a little luck! In other words, be prepared to fly economy when you book your ticket. While Emirates does not give free upgrades even to frequent flyers, they still want to fill those empty seats. So, sign up for email offers for upgrades. If there are seats available a few days before a flight, you will get an email notification of a special offer to upgrade at a discounted rate. While this discount does not include the chauffeur or the lounge access, you get all the other perks at a discounted rate and I think it is so worth it.

While this does not happen on every flight, when it does, go for it! I was able to upgrade a flight from Dubai to Rome for only $650 one way which is a great deal. To do this, you will need to sign up for the Skywards frequent flyer program and get the ap. If there is availability to upgrade on your booking, you can sign up for notifications 90 days to 72 hours prior to your flight. You will then get offers directly into your inbox if there are any available seats for you and your party. It’s not foolproof, but it can work!

In Conclusion

While flying business class is of course a luxurious and a wonderful experience, I really do not think it warrants the full price when booking your ticket. I love a good deal and when those upgrade special offers make their way into my inbox, I jump at the opportunity to take advantage of sale! What’s better than flying business class at a discount? Stay tuned for more travel and kitchen hacks!