Flying Emirates Lux Business Class Vs. Economy

• Secretary Tonya Russell traveled to the Maldives and tested the Emirates Business and Economy Department.
• Russell liked the food, the seats, and the open-air lounge in business, but he thought the economy mattered.
• “While economy is good, upgrading is worth it at least once,” she wrote.

I’ve been racking up the miles over the past couple of years, and decided to dive into Emirates Airlines’ amazing business class on a pre-wedding trip to the Maldives this spring. I figured a YOLO trip would require a YOLO flight experience, but unfortunately I could only afford a one-way upgrade (after all, I was flying weeks before my wedding).

However, flying business class one-way on a long-haul flight still has its merits, and there are distinct differences. They start as soon as you arrive at the airport.

How to upgrade to business on an Emirates flight

If you use the same airline family, you can transfer miles from another airline to your Emirates flight. Also, some credit cards let you redeem points for miles, which is an easy way for many to upgrade — or at least, buy lounge access.

You can also pay for upgrades. As check-in opens online, a limited number of business class seats will be offered at a significant discount ($500 from $4,500-plus).

In Emirates Business and First Class, you can skip the line when you check in – sort of

Some international flights do not allow you to check in early, especially in our post-Covid flying era. The main advantage of mobile registration is to skip the line, but sometimes you have to go in line when you need to download applications and forms.

In the business class, you have your own line. This meant that instead of being 20th in line, I was behind a couple, a family, and a single person.

There is also a first class line, but there were few people in it, and I was directed to that line to drop my bag. Business class customers get two free bags, as opposed to one bag for economy.

With that business-class perk and TSA Pre-Check, I was safely through security. Also, that only works via the US, Emirates business class passengers can have an expedited customs process upon arrival at their destination.

After security, you can roam freely or go to the lounge.

This trip was my third time at the salon, and the mall on the Dubai leg of my trip might take the wing.

There were plenty of shower and dining options including the Moet Lounge, a variety of different buffet stations with a variety of offerings and plenty of comfortable seating for lounging or lounging. I’ve actually had worse food at buffets I’ve paid for.

My travel companion did not have business class access, but was able to purchase a lounge pass, and felt the $150 was worth it for this long trip. After all, the price of holding ourselves back for six hours would be headaches and stomachaches. Dubai airport is amazing.

To take a step back, I had to go to Dubai first from JFK

The plane quickly goes into sleep mode, but entering the business class sets the mood. Finding my seat and settling in was like stepping into an old-school Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or limo, with drinks easily in the light room.

There were more buttons than I knew what to do with, along with a touch control for the TV or to ask questions. I was greeted with champagne or juice as soon as I took my seat. Of course I opted for juice as I don’t like to drink on the go.

I had 12 hours to go, and needed a few hours of sleep before I could enjoy the amenities provided on my flight. Knowing that I could call for my meal whenever I wanted, I chose to go to bed immediately.

Business class was full, but as other passengers filed in, it felt less chaotic than economy class.

It helped that it was set up as cubicles, so there was less disturbance from your neighbors. I sat in the middle, but there were only two seats in the middle, instead of a row of three or four in economy.

My seat had like car controls and instead of leaning back, my seat turned forward into the bed. My feet stopped under the giant TV screen. Unless you play basketball (in which case maybe consider freshman), I can imagine that one would be very accommodating.

My station included a folding tray that covered my lap, so I was able to do more work in business class.

I had a multi-course vegetarian meal in business class.

Airlines rarely have non-dairy milk, but a flight attendant brought me some of the staff’s oat milk for a cappuccino.

Before the meal I was treated to a Mediterranean platter with baba ganuj, hummus and fresh vegetables. At first I thought it was the food, but it was only the first course.

For dinner I got a vegetarian plate with Indian style vegetables and basmati rice. Following the main food cart, another flight attendant brought out hot hot rolls and downed not one, but three (I won’t say how many I ate).

I used the open air lounge to eat, stretch and relax.

Emirates has a second floor bar, unlike other airlines. Even in business or first class, most airplanes don’t offer the opportunity to sit or mingle away from your seat. I heard people making deals in the sky lounge while half the plane slept.

I was there because my appetite was up in the air. Forget about the fact that we’re not going home and we’re eating and drinking for hours, but I’m bored and eating on the plane.

You can be offered a lounge on Emirates Airline or you can help yourself to a snack. I took this opportunity to have a piece of apple pie after a meal when I probably should have slept. Even if you don’t want any snacks, stretching your legs or sitting at a regular table breaks up the monotony of flying.

For my next flight – in economy – I checked in at the counter

Again, I checked in at the counter. The line was long, and since business and first class went by so quickly, a few of us checked in at the business class counter.

I placed my oversized suitcase on the scale and held my breath, hoping I wasn’t overwhelmed. Economy allows one checked bag, and there was an excess bag fee.

After going through security I had about an hour before my flight so I wasn’t too upset about not having access to the lounge. I also had a short layover so I wandered around the shops while waiting for my flight. My bags were checked straight to my final destination, so I didn’t have to go through security again.

My economy seat was fine, but my meal time made me miss business class.

As I found my seat, I easily found room for my luggage bag, which contained random items that kept my luggage balanced. I had a lot of legroom (I’m 5-foot-6) and no seat. In my row, only two aisle seats were taken, and I was able to pick up my carry-on and feel like I was in a big place.

I requested a vegetarian meal in economy, which meant I got my meal before everyone else. I received some kind of lentils with basmati rice.

The same thing happened to me in business, but the difference was that instead of making it from scratch, it was like getting a version of Trader John. The meat option was a chicken TV dinner with rice, which was not as appetizing as the salmon served in business class.

The entertainment offerings were the same, but with a smaller screen. It was still enough to entertain myself without trying to sleep.

Emirates excels in every way imaginable in terms of accommodating people who have access to everything

Being able to get a piece of such an extravagant mode of transportation is definitely something to behold. While economy class is nice, if the upgrade is within your means, it’s worth it at least once.